How does Revelation 16:21 connect with Old Testament plagues and judgments? Revelation 16:21—The Plague of Massive Hail “And great hailstones, about a hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on the people…” Literal, terrifying, inescapable—this verse describes the seventh bowl judgment, a hailstorm so severe that survivors curse God rather than repent. Links to Egypt’s Seventh Plague (Exodus 9:18–26) - Exodus 9:24: “There was hail, and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail…” - Parallels: • Both plagues involve supernatural hail falling at God’s command. • Each is called a “plague” (Exodus 9:14; Revelation 16:21). • Purpose: to display God’s unrivaled power and confront hardened hearts (Exodus 9:14; Revelation 16:9, 21). - Intensification: Egypt’s hail destroyed crops; Revelation’s hailstones weigh about 100 lbs—global, not regional. Echoes in Israel’s Conquests (Joshua 10:11) - Joshua 10:11: “The LORD hurled large hailstones from heaven… more died from the hail…” - Connection: God fights for His people by wielding creation itself. Revelation shows the final, climactic use of the same tactic. Prophetic Foreshadows (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Haggai) - Isaiah 28:17: “Hail will sweep away the refuge of lies…” - Ezekiel 38:22: “I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones, fire and sulfur…” - Haggai 2:17: “I struck you… with blight, mildew, and hail…” All three prophets preview a day when hail accompanies divine judgment on rebellion—fulfilled in full force during the bowls. Why Hail?—Consistent Themes • Divine warfare: Hailstones resemble artillery from heaven, underscoring that God alone controls nature. • Hard-heartedness exposed: Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 9:34); end-time rebels “cursed God” (Revelation 16:21). • Escalation toward finality: Plagues in Exodus aimed at release; bowl judgments aim at consummation. • Covenant faithfulness: God keeps promises—delivering His own and judging His foes (Deuteronomy 32:34-35; Revelation 15:1). Takeaways for Today • Scripture’s unity: From Exodus to Revelation, the same holy God acts consistently. • Literal certainty: Past hail fell exactly as foretold; future hail will likewise arrive. • Call to readiness: Since judgment is sure, the wise embrace the Lamb now (Revelation 7:14) before the storm breaks. |
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