Author: Charlie Garrett

Saturday, 15 May 2021

Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Revelation 16:19

The previous verse referred to a great earthquake, one greater than has occurred in all of human history. The result of this is stated now, saying, “Now the great city was divided into three parts.” In the coming clause, it will speak of “great Babylon.” For this reason, many scholars conclude that this is the city being referred to in this clause as well. Further, the next two chapters will deal with Babylon. However, this is not completely certain.

It could be that this is first a reference to Jerusalem, and only after that is the fall of Babylon described. Jerusalem is called “the great city” in verse 11:8, and so it could be a reference to the cataclysm that is coming as described by Zechariah –

“Then the Lord will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.
⁴ And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.
⁵ Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,
For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.
Yes, you shall flee
As you fled from the earthquake
In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.
Thus the Lord my God will come,
And all the saints with You.” Zechariah 14:3-5

For the entire Mount of Olives, which is in the location of Jerusalem, to split in two would indicate a massive earthquake. Further, the same earthquake could also divide Jerusalem elsewhere, thus causing it to divide into three sections. Therefore, this could be speaking of Jerusalem.

However, it could also be referring to Babylon in advance of naming it. Babylon is called “the great city” in verses 14:8, 17:18, 18:18, 18:19, and 18:21. Therefore, this is a likely candidate as well. Either way, Babylon will see its entire destruction, something not necessarily implied in this clause now. John next says, “and the cities of the nations fell.”

It is another clue that the first clause is speaking of Jerusalem. The cities of the nations are distinguished from Jerusalem in this clause, and then they will be distinguished from Babylon in the next clause. Or it could be referring to the headship of Babylon. Just as Babylon fell, so will the cities that were under the authority of Babylon. This would then make the earthquake symbolic rather than literal, something not likely from the description of the earthquake.

Either way, whether literal or symbolic, and whether Jerusalem or Babylon, the events are future and so it is better to consider both options, knowing that the events will be known as fulfilled when they occur. With this in mind, John next says, “And great Babylon was remembered before God.”

This seems to put “the great city” in opposition to Jerusalem. Otherwise, it would not appear necessary to say the same thing again. However, it could be a literary device where the second thought names and further describes the first thought, placing the two in apposition. Either way, the final clause of the verse is directed to Babylon, regardless as to which city the first clause was referring to. God will remember great Babylon in order “to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.”

The cup has already been used as a descriptor of judgment and punishment in Revelation. In Chapter 14, it said –

“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9, 10

Those who worship the beast and his image, and who receive his mark, will drink of the cup of God’s wrath. Likewise, great Babylon will also drink of such a cup. For her, a complete end will come. When God is done with Babylon, it shall never rise again.

Life application: As the events of Revelation are future, and because symbols are used to represent other things at times, it’s hard to be dogmatic about whom “great Babylon” is.

There are various thoughts that have been pondered over the years. One is that it is actually Babylon of the past, and which is resurrected in modern times. It was destroyed long ago, and today it will be rebuilt into a center of power. This idea has especially developed in recent history when Saddam Hussein began rebuilding it during his time. The area has been the focus of much change in recent years. It could be that because of Islamic growth on the world stage, it will again be a center for rebellion of the world against the true God.

Another option is that this is speaking of Jerusalem. Revelation is highly focused on the Jewish people as they are readied for the return of the Messiah. In Zechariah 13:9, we read the purpose of the affliction of the trials coming upon Israel –

“I will bring the one–third through the fire,
Will refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested.
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them.
I will say, ‘This is My people’;
And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

As noted in the main commentary, in the next chapter of Zechariah, the Mount of Olives is said to split in two when the Lord returns. This would certainly be caused by a cataclysmic event. Therefore, Jerusalem is a possibility. However, what seems most likely is that “Babylon” is a code word for Rome.

The description of Babylon will continue through the next two chapters, and there we will see terminology which certainly seems to point to Rome. Further, Daniel 9 shows that the antichrist will be a Roman. As an additional justification for this being Rome, we can look to the words of Peter in his first epistle –

“She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.” 1 Peter 5:13

Peter, writing from Rome, identifies that city as “Babylon.” He was writing to the “pilgrims of the dispersion,” meaning Jewish people. The placement of the book of Peter within the Bible and the addressees in his epistle certainly point to a prophetic note that “Babylon” of the future is centered in Rome. Also, the descriptions to come seem to point to the workings of Rome throughout the church age, specifically in its treatment of the saints of God.

Wherever it ultimately proves to be, God will “remember” her. This doesn’t mean He ever forgot the deeds of this city, but that He is calling it to account for its harlotry and idolatry; it will now be judged, receiving its cup of judgment.

It is important to remember that Christ also took the cup of God’s wrath upon Himself. It was delivered to the Lord on the night of His crucifixion –

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’” Luke 22:41, 42

The wrath that each person rightly deserves was given to the Lord to drink, and He willingly accepted it. God’s wrath for our sins was poured out on Him during the torture before the cross and during His actual death upon the cross. Because our sin was judged in Him, it can never be judged again. We are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.

However, for those who have not accepted His offer of peace, there is only one choice left – to face God’s wrath apart from Christ Jesus. The cup which will be poured out on the world will be without mercy, and it will be exhaustive in its purging of evil from the world. Be wise and call out to God now. Receive the pardon that Christ purchased for you through the giving of Himself. Call today on JESUS.

Lord Jesus, You took the punishment that we rightly deserve upon Yourself. All of the Father’s wrath for the sins we have committed were judged in You. We accept the payment rendered and the pardon which is offered. We give to You our allegiance, our hearts, our souls, and our love. May You alone be praised for the restored relationship between God and each one of us! Thank You, Lord! Amen.

Friday, 14 May 2021

And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Revelation 16:18

As a note concerning manuscripts, the order of the three events is different depending on which manuscript is used –

And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; (NASB)
And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; (NKJV)

Whichever is correct, the idea remains the same in both regardless of the order. With that understood, John begins with, “And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings.”

Following the pattern of previous instances (Revelation 4:5 & 11:19), these accompany the spoken words of the previous voice which said, “It is done.” There is a difference, however, in that mentioning these events in Revelation 4 and 11 formed the close of the judgments. In this case, mentioning them serves to introduce the result of the last bowl judgment. That result begins with “and there was a great earthquake.”

This is a form of judgment all by itself, especially as it is noted within the prophecy. Earthquakes are a part of the normal events of the earth and cannot always be considered as some form of judgment. But this one, being prophesied in advance, and being connected with other events in the narrative, is to be taken as a direct judgment. Of this earthquake, John says it is “such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.”

This earthquake is not to be spiritualized into something like “turmoil within the church,” or some other such analysis. Rather, the description of it, and the effects resulting from it, are spoken of as literal events. It is a cataclysm that will shake the entire earth. The effects of it will be seen in the next verses.

Life application: In Revelation 6:12, during the opening of the 6th seal, there was an earthquake. Again, in Revelation 8:5, after the opening of the 7th seal and prior to the sounding of the 7 trumpets, there were “noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.” Next in Revelation 11:13 during the 2nd woe and prior to the sounding of the 7th trumpet, “a tenth of the city fell [and] in the earthquake seven thousand people were killed.” This was at the time of the resurrection of the two witnesses. Then a little later, after the sounding of the 7th trumpet (which would precede the 7 bowl judgments), it said –

“Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19

The time of tribulation will be a time of great upheaval on the earth and there will be much destruction from these events. However, the magnitude of the earthquake described in verse 16:18 will be far more immense.

News flash: For those who believe Revelation is concerning events that were fulfilled in the past, these cataclysms have never occurred before, and in particular this great earthquake cannot be identified as a fulfilled event. Therefore, again as has been pointed out many times, the book of Revelation is speaking about future events, most especially surrounding the unrepentant of the world and Israel, not the church.

Verses such as this one cannot be “spiritualized” without destroying the entire context of what is being relayed. The world is (future) coming under God’s judgment and when these events occur, they will be without precedent in their size and scope.

The very shape of the earth and its rotational speed and axis will likely be affected in an enormous way from the earthquake which is predicted in this verse. If this is so, it may explain other events that will come about during the millennium concerning the nature of the world, the longer lifespan of people at that time, and so on.

However, before that time of marvel and beauty arrives, the world must go through terrible times. The tribulation is not a time any sane person would voluntarily want to enter. And so, if the warning of the book of Revelation is understood, the reader should opt to avoid that time by calling out today for God’s provision in the giving of His Son. God will keep those who come to Him out of this time to come. So, call on Him today. Call out to JESUS!

Lord, we know that Your judgments are just and that in righteousness they are executed. Thank You that we have the complete assurance that nothing is done in an arbitrary manner, but Your judgments are a result of our own failures in Your presence. And so, thank You for the mercy You have provided through the giving of Your Son. Because of this, we stand and praise You forever. Amen.

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” Revelation 16:17

With the interlude referring to the great battle of Armageddon complete, John now returns to the seventh and final bowl judgment, saying, “Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air.”

What results from this pouring into the air is not actually stated, and it can only be guessed at what the result is. Some see it as the domain where the devil is. That would then be a reference to Ephesians 2 where he is called the prince of the power of the air. Others see it as supernatural events that appear to come from the air, such as tempests and storms and the like. Indeed, Zechariah 14 says the following –

“And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem:
Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet,
Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets,
And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.
¹³ It shall come to pass in that day
That a great panic from the Lord will be among them.
Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor,
And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand;
¹⁴ Judah also will fight at Jerusalem.
And the wealth of all the surrounding nations
Shall be gathered together:
Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance.
¹⁵ Such also shall be the plague
On the horse and the mule,
On the camel and the donkey,
And on all the cattle that will be in those camps.
So shall this plague be.” Zechariah 14:12-15

This plague of being dissolved there is probably linked to a modern neutron bomb or the like. Something ignites the atmosphere, and the plague comes from that. However, it is what precedes this plague that is recorded in Zechariah 14 that is also recorded in Revelation 19 –

“Then the Lord will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.
⁴ And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.” Zechariah 14:3, 4

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

Both end times passages refer to the return of the Lord to fight the battle for His people. Other similarities will be noted in the coming verses as well. The pouring out of the bowl into the air may simply be a way of saying that Christ, who is coming from heaven, will appear in order to bring final judgment upon the unrepentant people of the world. In this, there is a note of finality. As such, John continues with, “and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’”

There are various minor differences in these words. Some manuscripts leave out the words “of heaven.” One says “God” instead of “throne.” Either way, the intent is clear enough. A voice is issuing forth, and its proclamation is that of finality. It is not that everything has come to pass yet, but that everything that is necessary for the final accomplishment of the redemptive plan has been fulfilled. With the pouring out of the bowl, nothing further needs to occur for everything to come about.

Life application: The words “it is done,” or more literally, “it has come to pass,” are not to be confused with Jesus’ final words on the cross. An entirely different word is used for each pronouncement in the Greek. In the case here, it is signifying the completion of the outpouring of the wrath of God, not an accomplishment of fulfilling the law and atonement on behalf of God’s people – both of which were completed by Jesus on the cross.

This verse is also not the finality of the bowl judgment, only an indication that the time of the judgment has come. The next few verses will contain a limited description of the judgment which results from the outpouring of the bowl. Because of this, it is good to look back and remember now what was stated before the outpouring of the first bowl in verse 1, “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth’” (Revelation 16:1).

There has been no word from the throne since that time, but now that the seventh bowl is poured out, the Lord again speaks. There was, however, the brief interlude that was recorded after the sixth bowl in verse 15, saying, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

The Lord has given the warning that these great judgments are coming and that they will be executed with His authority. Therefore, He asks all to be ready for His coming so that these calamitous events can be avoided. When they come, the world will have no excuse for having rejected His offer of pardon. Now is the time of God’s favor; today is the day of salvation. God has extended His glorious offer. He has given us JESUS.

Heavenly Father, You have given us everything we need to know in order to be saved and to be kept from the hour of trial which is coming upon the world. You have also told us in advance what it will be like. Thank You for showing us these things. Give us the wisdom to call upon You now before these terrifying events come to pass. Thank You, O God! Amen.

Wednesday, 12 May 2021

And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Revelation 16:16

The thought now returns to the words of verses 13 & 14. Taken without the parenthetical insert, it would say –

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. ¹⁴ For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. … ¹⁶ And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”

The word “they” is referring to the unclean spirits. The word “them” is referring to “the kings of the earth and of the whole world.” These unclean spirits of demons, through the performing of their signs, have brought the world to a point where they are drawn into a conflict that will encompass these kings of the earth (meaning the armies under their control). In this, they have brought “them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”

The Hebrew name is transliterated into Greek as Harmagedón. Of John’s words, two things seem certain. The first is that there is a comparable word in the Hebrew because he specifically states that it is so. Secondly, that place is identifiable. Almost all scholars identify this name as resulting from two separate words. The first is har, the Hebrew word for “mountain.”

This does not necessarily mean a grand and exalted mountain, but it can refer to hill country, or a mountain in a figurative sense (such as in Exodus 15:17). The second word is from the Hebrew Megiddon, or Megiddo.  This word comes from the location known in the Bible as Megiddo. That, in turn, comes from the verb gadad, to penetrate or cut, or from the noun gedud, meaning a marauding band. Both find their origin in gud, to invade or attack.

As such, the NOBSE translates this as Place of Troops. Jones’s Dictionary of the Old Testament Proper Names calls it Place of Multitudes (an apparent confirmation of this would be Joel 3:14). On the other hand, Abarim includes the beginning letter mem (the m at the beginning) to indicate an ongoing action. Thus, they make it an active word, translating it as Invading or Intruding.

No matter which choice is made, the location fits the idea of what lies ahead there. Abarim, however, finds that the word Armageddon may not refer to this location at all. They go into a long and airy analysis of why this word should be taken in a different way. To read that, this link will take you there – https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Armageddon.html

Their analysis is weak in this regard, and it fails to take into consideration the biblical context, instead relying on ideas of their own fancy. The place known as Megiddo in the Old Testament Scriptures is referred to one time as Meggidon (in the Hebrew) (https://biblehub.com/text/zechariah/12-11.htm). That is found in Zechariah 14:11 –

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. ¹¹ In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.” Zechariah 14:10, 11

Because Hadad Rimmon is named, its definition should be explained. Hadad comes from a word signifying shouting or cheer. Rimmon signifies a pomegranate. That, in turn, comes from a word signifying “to be exalted.” The idea then is that of harvesting ripe fruit. From there, Jones’ Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names translates this as Bursting of The Pomegranate. In this, one gets the same idea as the book of Revelation when it describes grapes thrown into a winepress.

There is a harvest of that which is abundantly ripe, and there will be a massive flow that issues from it. Zechariah’s words appear to anticipate the same scenario as that of Revelation, and it does so in the same area and using the same form (in the Hebrew) of the name of Megiddo (Megiddon). It is a time of God’s judgment day. In other words, it seems that this is what John is thinking of when he uses the term “called in Hebrew.”

It is true that the term har, or mountain, is never used to describe Megiddo in the Old Testament. But to dismiss John’s words is an argument from silence. He says the place in Hebrew is (as transliterated into Greek) Harmagedón. Two identifiable words from the Hebrew Scriptures can be derived from this: har (a mountain) and the other one exactingly matching a known location (Hebrew Mgiddon).

If there is a plain of Megiddo, then there is something that identifies that plain, meaning Megiddo. If Megiddo is an elevated area in the plain, it can be assumed – without any damage to the context – that this mount is what identifies the plain. And this plain, or valley has already been described in Revelation –

“And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.” ¹⁹ So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. ²⁰ And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.” Revelation 14:18-20

That winepress, meaning the battle described there, is then reexplained in Revelation 19:11-21. The description of the location of the battle (a plain suitable for warfare), having it described as “outside the city” (a clear reference to Jerusalem in 14:20), and the idea of the plain being identified by the prominent mount on that plain (Megiddo), is suitable to justify that this is, in fact, the correct location.

Joshua identifies it as a place of great mourning, meaning that many Jews died there. That mourning will be comparable to the knowledge that they realize they have missed the One they pierced as their Messiah for so long. The fact that the center of Scripture during this battle is focused on Israel, seems to make it clear that this is exactly what John is referring to.

Life application: The term “Armageddon” has become synonymous with any worldwide calamity – whether it is a great battle, destruction by an asteroid, or some other major event. However, there is only one “Armageddon” that fulfills the plan of God’s workings in human history.

Megiddo is first noted in the Bible in Joshua 12:21. There it merely notes that this fortress was conquered, along with many other locations, by Joshua and the army of Israel during the conquest of Canaan. In Judges 1:27, it is noted that the people of Megiddo weren’t driven out despite being conquered, and thus they continued to dwell in the land.

Great battles are noted as having been fought there in the area during biblical times (2 Chronicles 35:22), and even into modern history the area has seen conflict. The valley by the mountain is large and spacious, and immense armies can join in battle there. Today if one goes to Israel, a person can stand on top of the mountain – where ancient ruins can still be explored – and they can look over the valley which peacefully lies below. It is filled with agriculture and is a delight to the eyes. A fun short video on some of the things to see at this mount can be found at this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55vwL1wDGbA

Looking over the beautiful expanse, it is hard to imagine the battles of the past. It is also hard to picture that the final great battle before Jesus returns will be held in this exact location. But this is the spot God has said it will occur, thus fulfilling not only this passage in Revelation, but numerous Old Testament passages as well. The word of God is sure, and it is sealed.

The day is coming, and it will come about exactly as stated. Until then, the world continues to make movies and write stories about this legendary name, not really realizing its true significance because they have failed to check the source of the use of the name, meaning Scripture. As they have ignored Scripture, they are also ignoring the One whom Scripture highlights. Without knowing Him, there will only be sadness, destruction, and condemnation. How terrible for the world that they will miss God’s offer of peace. They will have missed JESUS.

Lord, time is marching on and we are ever closer to the coming Day when the world will meet in the great valley of Armageddon. Until then, help each of us to hold fast to Your word and to tell others about what is coming so that they will be prepared for the rapture and escape the calamitous events which have been prophesied in Your word. Amen.

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

The words of this verse continue the interlude between the sixth and seventh bowls. The previous verse noted that the armies of the world are being drawn “to the battle of the great day of God Almighty.” Now, as a warning, John directly quotes the Lord Jesus in a parenthetical statement, saying, “Behold, I am coming as a thief.”

The idea of the Lord’s coming in this manner is seen numerous times, including Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 Peter 3:10; and Revelation 3:3.

The words “as a thief” are given as a direct and unambiguous note that those in the tribulation must be prepared for what is coming and not be lax in their faithfulness. They have been warned and, in failing, there will be judgment.

Using the term “thief” means at a completely unexpected time, and in a completely unexpected manner. When the thief comes, it could be at 9pm or 3am. He might come in through the roof, or he might burrow in from underground. The idea is, “When you least expect it, be sure to expect it.” With this in mind, Jesus next says, “Blessed is he who watches.”

These words of this verse of the 16^th chapter of Revelation match the 16^th letter of the Hebrew Aleph-bet. The letter is ayin, represented by the pictograph of an eye. It has the meaning of “see,” “watch,” “know,” and “shade.” Here, Jesus says there is a blessing for those who watch, thus forming the letter/chapter pattern.

Concerning this idea of keeping watch in the end times, Jesus says it explicitly in both parable and open discourse to Israel in Matthew 24:42, Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; and Luke 12:37-39 and Luke 21:36, such as –

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36

In this watching by the tribulation saints, Jesus continues with his admonition, saying, “and keeps his garments.”

The idea here is that of having one’s garment always at hand. When one lays down to sleep, he may set his garments off to the side. If the thief comes, the garments may be stolen along with whatever else is at hand, leaving the person naked. Of this, Alfred Edersheim gives a real-life example of what this means –

“During the night the captain of the Temple made his rounds. On his approach the guards had to rise and salute him in a particular manner. Any guard found asleep when on duty was beaten, or his garments were set on fire. The confession of one of the Rabbins is on record that, on a certain occasion, his own maternal uncle had actually undergone the punishment of having his clothes set on fire by the captain of the Temple.”

This soldier did not watch and keep his garments. He was unprepared for what would happen. Likewise, those of the tribulation needed to be ready – through life or death – for what would occur. As this warning of the Lord is set parenthetically between two verses that deal with the battle of Armageddon, it is certainly referring as much to death as anything else. The person in the end times is told to watch and keep his garments, “lest he walk naked.”

The thought here is the same as for the church. When addressing those at Laodicea, Jesus said –

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Revelation 3:18

To more fully understand the symbolism, the commentary there can be referred to. But this speaks of being naked and exposed in one’s sin. The only way to be covered from sin is by being covered in the righteousness of Christ. Without this, there is complete exposure of one’s sin before God. In this, the words of the verse finish with, “and they see his shame.”

The word translated as “shame” is found only here and in Romans 1:27. It signifies unseemliness, indecency, and so on. It is improper moral behavior. In these final words, Jesus uses the plural “they.” What this is referring to are those who are to bring in the righteous to the events after the battle. In other words, it is surely what Jesus is referring to in the parable of Matthew 22:1-14.

Jesus sends out his servants for the wedding feast, and only those who are properly clothed are invited in. As he says, however, at the end of the parable –

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. ¹² So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. ¹³ Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Mathew 22:11-13

The terminology and the symbolism here is directed to the tribulation period only. It is not a church-age warning. Thus, it is important to understand the distinction between what was addressed in the epistles, and also in the first three chapters of Revelation, from what is being referred to now.

Life application: The world is coming to the end of the bowl judgments and here, just before the 7th bowl is poured out, a stern warning is given about preparedness. There is a distinction being made between those who will see life and those who will be condemned, and it could occur at any moment. The distinction is Christ. There are only two states for man –

1) in Christ and covered by His righteousness, or
2) apart from Him which leaves one naked and exposed.

The Lord gives the warning for the tribulation world. But whether in the church age or during the tribulation, no one knows the hour he will die, or the hour that the Lord will return. Therefore, let us be found covered at all times. If we are, then we will be blessed.

Revelation 16:15 states the third of a series of seven blessings to an individual in the book of Revelation. The first two were in Revelation 1:3 and Revelation 14:13. Specific blessings to individuals are yet to be seen in verses 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14.

Take time to read those verses and to contemplate what they say. Some are directed to the church, some to those in the tribulation, and some to all. But all are based on a relationship with God through what He has done in sending His Son to accomplish all things for us. Let us remember this and let us always be ready. He is coming again. He is JESUS!

Lord, pour out Your blessing of salvation and cover us in Your righteousness. We know that in us is nothing good. But because of You we can stand in the presence of God and not be condemned. Lead us in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake – to the glory of God and to the salvation of our souls. Amen.