Topical Bible: Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Plagues

◄ Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Plagues ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "seven" holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing completeness or divine perfection. Among the various instances of "seven" in the Scriptures, the Seven Plagues stand out as a critical element in the apocalyptic literature of the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation.

The Seven Plagues in Revelation

The Seven Plagues are described in Revelation 15-16, where they are also referred to as the "seven last plagues." These plagues are part of the final series of divine judgments that God unleashes upon the earth, signifying the culmination of His wrath against sin and rebellion. The plagues are delivered by seven angels, each holding a bowl filled with God's wrath.

1. First Plague: Painful Sores
Revelation 16:2 states, "So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and loathsome and malignant sores broke out on those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image." This plague targets those who have aligned themselves with the Antichrist, marking a clear distinction between the faithful and the rebellious.

2. Second Plague: Sea Turns to Blood
The second angel pours out his bowl on the sea, turning it into blood, as described in Revelation 16:3 : "And the second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it turned to blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died." This plague echoes the first plague of Egypt, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment.

3. Third Plague: Rivers and Springs Become Blood
Revelation 16:4 continues, "Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood." This plague further intensifies the judgment, affecting all sources of fresh water, and is a direct response to the shedding of the blood of saints and prophets (Revelation 16:6).

4. Fourth Plague: Scorching Sun
The fourth angel's bowl causes the sun to scorch people with fire, as noted in Revelation 16:8-9 : "Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given power to scorch the people with fire. And the people were scorched by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues, yet they did not repent and give Him glory."

5. Fifth Plague: Darkness and Pain
Revelation 16:10-11 describes the fifth plague: "And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, yet they did not repent of their deeds." This plague brings darkness and suffering, reminiscent of the ninth plague in Egypt.

6. Sixth Plague: Euphrates Dried Up
The sixth angel's bowl dries up the Euphrates River, preparing the way for the kings of the east, as seen in Revelation 16:12 : "And the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the east." This event sets the stage for the final battle of Armageddon.

7. Seventh Plague: Earthquake and Hail
The seventh and final plague is marked by a great earthquake and hailstones, as described in Revelation 16:17-21 : "Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, 'It is done!'... And huge hailstones, about a hundred pounds each, rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous."

Theological Significance

The Seven Plagues serve as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority and justice. They highlight the seriousness of sin and the inevitable consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty. The plagues also underscore the theme of divine retribution and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings throughout Scripture. As part of the eschatological narrative, they point to the final victory of God over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

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Revelation 15:1
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
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