How does Revelation 11:6 connect to the broader theme of divine judgment? Revelation 11:6 in Focus “They have power to shut the heavens, so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy; and they have power over the waters to turn them to blood and to strike the earth with every plague as often as they wish.” (Revelation 11:6) Echoes of Moses and Elijah: Prophetic Authority and Judgment - Elijah (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17) literally withheld rain for three-and-a-half years—mirrored here in the witnesses’ drought. - Moses (Exodus 7:17-20) literally turned the Nile to blood and unleashed plagues on Egypt—paralleled by the witnesses’ authority over water and plagues. - These historical acts ground Revelation 11:6 in a real, literal pattern of divine judgment already demonstrated in Scripture. Restraining Rain: Drought as Judgment - Deuteronomy 28:23-24 warns that rebellion brings skies like bronze and earth like iron. - 1 Kings 18 shows drought ending only when idolatry is confronted. - Revelation 11:6 reprises this judgment, signaling that humanity’s persistent unbelief in the last days meets the same covenant penalty. Turning Waters to Blood: Echoes of Egypt - Exodus 7:17-21: water becomes blood, fish die, stench spreads—an unmistakable sign that God is confronting false gods. - Revelation 16:3-4: later bowl judgments extend the same plague globally. - The continuity underscores one unified message: when mercy is spurned, God’s holiness moves in visible, tangible judgment. Plagues at Will: Preview of Final Judgments - “Strike the earth with every plague” anticipates the trumpet (Revelation 8–9) and bowl series (Revelation 16). - The witnesses serve as advance heralds, demonstrating in miniature what will soon engulf the whole earth. - Their unrestricted frequency (“as often as they wish”) highlights the unhindered sovereignty of God in the last days. Link to God’s Consistent Pattern of Judgment - Romans 1:18: wrath revealed against unrighteousness—same moral cause behind past and future plagues. - Acts 17:31: a fixed day of judgment—Revelation 11:6 is part of that countdown. - Hebrews 10:30-31: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”—the verse visualizes that fear. Purpose of Judgment: Vindication and Warning - Vindication: the witnesses’ miracles authenticate their gospel testimony and expose the world’s guilt (John 3:19-20). - Warning: each plague is both punitive and merciful, pressing sinners toward repentance before the final, irrevocable wrath (Revelation 9:20-21; 16:9). Encouragement for Believers - God’s judgments vindicate His people’s suffering; justice will not be deferred forever (Revelation 6:10-11). - The same Lord who empowered Moses and Elijah empowers His servants today, assuring that His purposes cannot be thwarted. - Revelation 11:6 invites confident endurance: the Judge of all the earth will do right, and His righteous judgments will ultimately usher in His kingdom (Revelation 11:15). |
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