Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven:
This phrase introduces a new vision experienced by John, the author of Revelation. The term "another" indicates continuity with previous visions, particularly those involving signs in heaven, such as the woman and the dragon in Revelation 12. The "great and marvelous sign" suggests something of significant importance and divine origin, emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of what is to be revealed. In biblical context, signs in heaven often indicate divine intervention or the unfolding of God's plan, as seen in the Old Testament with the signs given to the prophets.

Seven angels with the seven final plagues:
The number seven is symbolic throughout the Bible, often representing completeness or perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation. The presence of seven angels signifies a divine mission, as angels are messengers of God. The "seven final plagues" echo the plagues of Egypt in Exodus, which were judgments against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. These plagues in Revelation are the culmination of God's judgment on a rebellious world, indicating a finality and completeness in God's plan for justice.

With which the wrath of God is completed:
This phrase underscores the purpose of the plagues: to fulfill God's righteous judgment. The "wrath of God" is a theme throughout Scripture, representing God's holy and just response to sin and rebellion. In the New Testament, the wrath of God is often contrasted with His mercy and grace, as seen in Romans 1:18 and Ephesians 2:3-5. The completion of God's wrath here signifies the end of His judgment upon the earth, paving the way for the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This completion aligns with prophetic themes in the Old Testament, such as in Daniel and Isaiah, where God's ultimate victory and justice are foretold.

And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire
This imagery of a "sea of glass" is reminiscent of the description in Revelation 4:6, where a similar sea is mentioned before the throne of God. The "sea of glass" symbolizes purity, holiness, and the transcendence of God's presence. The addition of "mixed with fire" suggests judgment and purification, reflecting God's righteous wrath against sin. Fire often represents God's holiness and judgment throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Hebrews 12:29, which describes God as a consuming fire.

beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name
This phrase refers to the faithful believers who have overcome the trials and temptations associated with the beast, as described in Revelation 13. The "beast" represents oppressive, anti-Christian powers and systems. The "image" and "number of its name" (666) symbolize allegiance to these powers, contrasting with the seal of God on the foreheads of the faithful (Revelation 7:3). These conquerors are those who have remained steadfast in their faith, resisting the pressure to conform to worldly systems opposed to God.

They were holding harps from God
Harps are often associated with worship and praise in the Bible, as seen in the Psalms and in Revelation 5:8, where the elders hold harps as they worship the Lamb. The fact that these harps are "from God" indicates divine approval and the heavenly origin of their worship. This imagery underscores the theme of victory and celebration, as these overcomers are now in the presence of God, participating in the eternal worship of the Almighty.

and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:
This phrase connects the Old Testament and New Testament, highlighting continuity in God's redemptive plan. The "song of Moses" refers to the song sung by Moses and the Israelites after their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15:1-18), symbolizing victory and deliverance. The "song of the Lamb" signifies the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29). This dual reference underscores the unity of God's salvation history, from the Exodus to the final redemption through Christ.

Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty!
This exclamation praises God's mighty acts throughout history. "Great and wonderful" reflects the awe-inspiring nature of God's deeds, reminiscent of the creation narrative and the miracles performed throughout the Bible. "Lord God Almighty" emphasizes God's omnipotence and sovereignty, a theme prevalent in Revelation, where God's power is displayed in the unfolding of end-time events (Revelation 1:8).

Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!
This phrase acknowledges God's righteousness and faithfulness. "Just and true" affirm that God's actions are always fair and reliable, aligning with His character as depicted throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 32:4). "King of the nations" highlights God's authority over all peoples, fulfilling prophecies of His dominion (Psalm 22:28). This title anticipates the ultimate recognition of God's rule by all nations, as foretold in the prophetic visions of Revelation.

Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
This phrase emphasizes the universal recognition of God's sovereignty and holiness. The rhetorical question implies that all creation should naturally fear and glorify God. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with wisdom and reverence (Proverbs 9:10). The glorification of God's name is a call to acknowledge His supreme authority and majesty, as seen in the Psalms (Psalm 86:9). This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship (Philippians 2:10-11).

For You alone are holy.
This statement underscores the unique holiness of God, setting Him apart from all creation. Holiness in the biblical sense refers to God's purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. The declaration that God alone is holy is a central tenet of biblical theology, seen in passages like Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim God's holiness. This holiness demands reverence and worship, as only God is worthy of such honor.

All nations will come and worship before You,
This prophecy points to a future time when all peoples and nations will recognize and worship God. It echoes the vision of a united worship found in Isaiah 2:2-4 and Micah 4:1-3, where nations stream to the mountain of the Lord. This universal worship is also seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), where the gospel is to be preached to all nations, leading to a global acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

for Your righteous acts have been revealed.
The righteous acts of God refer to His just and faithful dealings throughout history, culminating in His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. These acts are a testament to His character and serve as a basis for worship. The revelation of God's righteousness is a theme throughout the Bible, seen in His deliverance of Israel (Exodus 15:11) and ultimately in the salvation offered through Christ (Romans 3:21-26). This revelation calls for a response of worship and submission to God's will.

After this I looked
This phrase indicates a transition in John's vision, suggesting a new scene or revelation. It emphasizes the sequential nature of the visions in Revelation, where each vision builds upon the previous one. This phrase is a common literary device in apocalyptic literature, used to draw attention to the significance of what follows.

and the temple
The term "temple" here refers to the heavenly temple, which is a central theme in Revelation. The temple in heaven is seen as the true dwelling place of God, in contrast to the earthly temple. This reflects the Jewish understanding of the temple as the meeting place between God and humanity. The heavenly temple signifies God's presence and authority.

the tabernacle of the Testimony
The "tabernacle of the Testimony" refers to the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, containing the tablets of the Law. This connects to the Old Testament, where the tabernacle was the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. It symbolizes God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises.

was opened in heaven
The opening of the temple in heaven signifies the revelation of divine mysteries and the execution of God's judgment. This opening is a recurring theme in Revelation, indicating that God's plans are being unveiled. It also suggests accessibility to God's presence and the fulfillment of His purposes. The opening of the heavenly temple is a prelude to the outpouring of the seven last plagues, highlighting the seriousness and imminence of God's judgment.

And out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues
This phrase indicates a divine origin for the judgment about to be unleashed, as the temple is often seen as the dwelling place of God. The number seven is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing completeness or perfection. The seven angels are messengers of God's final and complete judgment, reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-11), which were also acts of divine judgment. The temple here is likely the heavenly temple, as earthly temples would not be the source of such divine actions. This imagery connects to the broader theme of Revelation, where God's ultimate justice is executed.

dressed in clean and bright linen
The attire of the angels signifies purity and righteousness. Linen was a fabric often associated with priestly garments (Exodus 28:39-42), indicating a holy service. The brightness of the linen suggests the glory and holiness of God, reflecting the divine nature of their mission. This attire contrasts with the corruption and impurity of the world that is about to be judged, emphasizing the righteousness of God's actions.

and girded with golden sashes around their chests
Golden sashes are a symbol of authority and royalty. In ancient times, a sash was often worn by those in positions of power or honor. Gold, being a precious metal, further emphasizes the value and authority of the angels' mission. This imagery is reminiscent of the description of Jesus in Revelation 1:13, where He is also described as wearing a golden sash, suggesting that the angels are acting under His authority and in His likeness. The chest, being the location of the sash, symbolizes the heart and the center of one's being, indicating that their mission is central to God's plan.

Then one of the four living creatures
The four living creatures are introduced in Revelation 4:6-8, where they are described as being around the throne of God. They are often understood as cherubim or seraphim, angelic beings that serve as guardians of God's holiness. Their presence here emphasizes the divine authority and heavenly origin of the actions that follow.

gave the seven angels
The seven angels are a recurring motif in Revelation, symbolizing completeness and divine order. They are tasked with executing God's judgment, highlighting their role as messengers and agents of divine will. The number seven often represents perfection or completion in biblical literature, underscoring the totality of God's plan.

seven golden bowls
The use of golden bowls signifies the sacred and precious nature of the judgments contained within. Gold is frequently associated with divinity and purity in the Bible, as seen in the construction of the tabernacle and temple. The bowls are reminiscent of the temple vessels used in worship, suggesting that these judgments are a form of divine service.

full of the wrath of God
The wrath of God is a central theme in Revelation, representing His righteous anger against sin and rebellion. This phrase indicates the completeness and intensity of God's judgment. The concept of divine wrath is consistent with Old Testament depictions, such as in Isaiah 51:17 and Jeremiah 25:15, where God's wrath is likened to a cup or bowl.

who lives forever and ever
This phrase emphasizes God's eternal nature and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are rooted in His eternal character and justice. The eternal nature of God is a recurring theme in Revelation, affirming His ultimate authority over creation and history, as seen in Revelation 1:8 and 4:9-10.

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power;
The imagery of the temple filled with smoke is reminiscent of the Old Testament, particularly in Exodus 40:34-35, where the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. This signifies God's presence and majesty. The smoke symbolizes the divine presence and holiness, indicating that God is about to execute judgment. In Isaiah 6:4, the temple fills with smoke during Isaiah's vision, representing God's holiness and the seriousness of His message. The smoke also signifies God's power and glory, emphasizing His sovereignty and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.

and no one could enter the temple
This phrase indicates a period of divine exclusivity, where God's presence is so overwhelming that no one can approach. It reflects the holiness and separateness of God, as seen in the Old Testament when only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year (Leviticus 16:2). This restriction underscores the seriousness of the moment and the impending judgment. It also highlights the separation between God and humanity due to sin, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
The seven plagues represent the final judgments of God upon the earth, as detailed in Revelation 16. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, indicating that these judgments are the full and final expression of God's wrath. The completion of these plagues signifies the end of God's patience and the fulfillment of His righteous judgment. This connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's justice and the ultimate triumph over evil, as prophesied in various scriptures, including Daniel 9:24-27 and Matthew 24:21-22. The plagues also serve as a type of the plagues in Egypt, where God's power was demonstrated, and His people were delivered.