How does Revelation 15:6 connect with Old Testament depictions of divine judgment? Setting the Stage: Revelation 15:6 “And out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues, dressed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests.” Immediate Observations • Judgment emerges from God’s own sanctuary—His throne room is the launch point. • Seven angels—complete, perfected agents of His will. • Pure linen and golden sashes—priestly, holy attire emphasizing righteousness in executing judgment. Echoes of Exodus: Plagues Revisited • Exodus 7–12 recounts ten plagues on Egypt; here seven plagues fall on a rebellious world. • Purpose then and now: – Reveal God’s supremacy over false gods (Exodus 12:12). – Vindicate His covenant people (Exodus 9:4; Revelation 15:3, “the song of Moses”). • Both sets of plagues escalate until complete surrender or utter ruin. Priestly Garments: Holiness in Judgment • Exodus 28:4 describes priestly garments of fine linen and gold—symbols of purity and authority. • Ezekiel 9:2 likewise shows heavenly figures “clothed in linen” marking and judging Jerusalem. • In Revelation 15:6, angelic priests act on behalf of the Divine High Priest (Hebrews 8:1-2). Temple Origin: Judgment Begins with the House of God • 1 Peter 4:17: “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” • Ezekiel 9:6: executioners start “at My sanctuary.” • Revelation mirrors this order: judgment issues from the celestial temple outward to the world. Seven Bowls and the Old Testament “Cup” • Psalm 75:8: “In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine of wrath.” • Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15—nations forced to drink the cup. • Revelation converts the metaphorical cup into literal bowls poured out (Revelation 16). Cosmic Courtroom Imagery • Daniel 7:10: “The court convened, and the books were opened.” Fiery stream issues from God’s throne, parallel to angels exiting the temple with wrath. • Nahum 1:2: “The LORD is avenging and wrathful.” Divine character remains unchanged, guaranteeing the certainty of final judgment. Continuity of Covenant Justice • Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense.” Revelation 15 fulfills that promise. • Malachi 3:6: “I the LORD do not change.” The God who judged Egypt, Canaan, and Judah now judges the whole earth. Takeaways for Today • God’s judgments are never random; they proceed from His holy presence and perfect justice. • The same purity symbolized in priestly linen calls believers to personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Seeing the linkage from Exodus to Revelation assures us that God keeps every word He has spoken; history is moving precisely as Scripture records. |
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