Bible Commentaries
Revelation 15

Verses 1-8

Seven angels having seven plagues constitute that which "finished the wrath of God." First, the seer beheld the sea of glass and, standing by, the victorious host who had overcome the beast. They are seen, not as defeated and killed, but as triumphant and living. They sing the song of Moses, which is the song of law, and the song of the Lamb, which is the song of love. They have learned perfectly how law and love mingle and merge in the divine economy. The burden of song is praise to the Lord God Almighty. His words, His ways, His character, His acts are all referred to. Through all the terrible times of stress and strain these souls have walked by faith.

Now for them at last faith is lost in sight, and they chant the praise of God whom they served even at the cost of suffering and death.

Following this vision of the victorious hosts, John beheld the opening of a temple in heaven. It is "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony." From it come the seven angels having the seven final plagues. To these angels the bowls of wrath are given by one of the living ones. Behind these angels is seen in the temple the glory of God in such magnificence and majesty that none can know it until the judgment is ful6lled.