Last Half of the Tribulation

Introduction

Old and New Testament prophecies say the Antichrist will make a peace treaty with Israel when the tribulation begins. In the middle of the tribulation, the Antichrist will break his convent with Israel and desecrate the temple.

The breaking of the treaty and desecration of the temple marks the halfway point in the tribulation and begins what Jesus called the Great Tribulation.

We begin by reading what the angel Gabriel said to Daniel in the ninth chapter about the last seven years on the Jewish calendar—the Antichrist is called “prince” in chapter nine.

“Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself, [God will insert the hidden Church] and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined. Then he [Anticrist] shall confirm a covenant with many for one week [seven years]; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate” (Dan. 9:26b-27, NKJV).

The Jews will also be deceived and believe that they have found their promised Messiah. As Daniel calls him, the prince will enter a covenant with Israel and promise them peace and security. Finally, Israel can rebuild the temple and restore the sacrifices.

But Daniel says that in the middle of the week (three and one-half years), the prince will break his covenant and turn against the Jews. Daniel called it the “abomination of desolations,” and Jeremiah called it “a time of Jacob’s troubles.” This period, also called the Great Tribulation, describes the horrific end times.

In Jesus’ Mount of Olive Discourse, as recorded in Matthew chapter twenty-four, Jesus said.

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place’ (whoever reads, let him understand), ‘then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath’” (Matt. 24:17-20) NKJV).

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matt. 24:21-22, NKJV).

“Abomination of desolation” should be translated as “the abomination that causes desolation.”

The Bible places the trumpet judgments before the next interlude chapters. We will follow the sequence in the Bible with the final seal judgments and the trumpet judgment.

However, the following interlude chapters appear to take place at the midpoint. They set the stage for the remaining judgments, which we will examine after the final seal and trumpet judgments.

Seal and Trumpet Judgments

We covered the first five seal judgments in the discussion of the first half of the tribulation. Now we will return to the sixth seal judgment.

Chapter Six – The Sixth Seal Judgment

As said before, some well-known scholars believe that the sixth seal judgment is the midpoint of the tribulation. God appears to be moving from using the Antichrist to pour His fury out on the earth. At this point, God begins to pour His fury out on the earth directly from heaven. There are great cosmic disturbances.

Let us read, “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when a mighty wind shakes it. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place” (Rev.6:12-14, NKJV).

The opening of this judgment shows that it will begin with major earthquakes—probably around the world. When an earthquake occurs at sea, there is also often a tsunami. Tsunamis result from the disturbance of the waters, resulting in huge waves. Tsunamis have killed many.

Earthquakes may release underground pressure, resulting in volcanos. We are familiar with the dust in the air after a volcanic eruption. The dust often dims the sun, moon, and stars.

The statement that “stars fell from heaven” sounds like meteors falling from the sky. Can you imagine God throwing huge burning rocks from the sky worldwide? Many believe that they could be rockets or nuclear weapons.

We can only speculate, as no one knows what they are. People are frightened and hid.

“And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand’” (Rev. 6:15-16, NKJV).

Many only harden their hearts toward God.

I assume this judgment occurs at the beginning of the tribulation’s second half. We do not know how long it continued—perhaps over many months.

Chapter Seven – the Seventh Seal Judgment

“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets” (Rev. 8:1-2, NKJV).

Perhaps the trumpets began at the midpoint and lasted for some time. They would overlap with the Antichrist terror. We can only speculate. However, the Book of Revelation places the trumpets before the interlude chapters on the Antichrist.

“Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake” (Rev. 8:3-5, NKJV).

Note: In the first four trumpet judgments, God’s angels will be firing heavy artillery from heaven at Satan’s kingdom on earth.

Note: The commentary for the trumpet judgment will be in summary form. For a deeper study of these judgments, obtain one of the better books about this subject on the market.

Chapter Eight – The First Trumpet Judgment

“The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up” (Rev. 8:7, NKJV).

This sounds like some of California’s large and widespread fires and fires in other areas worldwide. With warfare, lighting, and burning objects from the sky, fires will be everywhere.

In Revelation chapter seven, we read of four angels restraining the winds (see Rev. 7:1). Perhaps they have released the winds and spread the fires. Trees provide shade from the heat and oxygen for the air we breathe. They are very important in controlling our ecological system. The grass also is essential in maintaining our food supply and environmental system.

We will recall that during the days of Moses, God sent thunder, fire, and hail on Egypt as one of the plagues (See Exodus 9:22-26).

Chapter Eight – The Second Trumpet Judgment

“Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed” (Rev. 8:7, NKJV).

In this judgment, one-third of the seas and all the living sea creatures die, and one-third of the ships (including merchant ships) are destroyed. Not only was all the food on one-third of the earth destroyed by the first judgment, but now, seafood is also being destroyed.

We depend on merchant ships to move food through the supply lines. Many will remember empty food shelves during the COVID-19 epidemic. Now, millions will starve to death.

We will recall that during the days of Moses, God turned the Nile River into blood as one of the plagues (See Exodus 7:17-22).

We can only speculate about the great mountain. Many believe it is thermonuclear activity, while others believe it is a giant meteor falling into the sea. John had trouble identifying it.

Chapter Eight – Third Trumpet Judgment

“Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter” (Rev.8:10-11, NKJV).

This sounds like meteors (stars) falling from the sky. They will turn one-third of the freshwater into poisoned water. Anyone who drinks this bitter water will die. However, many will drink because of their thirst. We will die from thirst without water for more than three or four days.

How is the word “wormwood used in the Bible? Here is a quote: “A few times, wormwood refers to something being turned bitter (something that looks good turning out to be poisonous, people poisoning each other with sin), but the vast majority of the time, it has to do with punishment” (Google).

Objects falling from the sky have destroyed one-third of the vegetation, one-third of the sea life, and one-third of the freshwater. We are not told if the destruction will be in the same area.

Chapter Eight – Fourth Trumpet Judgment

“Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night” (Rev. 8:12).

This appears to be very heavy smog (intense air pollution) caused by all the fires and other destruction. Most of us have been in smog so dense that we could not drive. When volcanos erupt, they put so much pollution in the air that planes have to fly around them.

It appears that the smug is so thick that you can’t see the sun, moon, or stars. It may be so dense that you can’t see to move.

Again, the heavy smug effects only one-third of the earth.

Chapter Eight – Fifth Trumpet Judgment

Note: All the above trumpet judgments impacted the earth. The remaining trumpet judgments are called “woe” judgments, and they attack unbelievers individually.

“And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound” (Rev. 8:13, NKJV).

“Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them” (Rev 9:1-6, NKJV).

The star sent from heaven seems to be an angel.

It appears that the seal of God marks believers on their foreheads, whereas some unbelievers will have the number 666—the mark of the Antichrist. We recall in Egypt that the Hebrews were saved from the death of their firstborn by placing blood on their door frames. The blood was a seal of God.

We will recall that during the days of Moses, God sent locust swarms as one of the plagues to eat the crops of Egypt (See Exodus 10:12-15).

However, these creatures are not locusts but extraordinary creatures sent by God to torment the unbelievers for five months. They are a cross between a locust and a scorpion. Fallen angels may have indwelled them.

We must remember that there are two groups of fallen angels. One group was so evil that they were put in the bottomless pit (see Genesis 6:1-2; Job 1:6; 1 Peter 3:18-20; 2 Peter 2:4-7; and Jude 6-7). Many believe they are angels who cohabited with the women before the flood (Genesis 6:1-2, Jude 6-7). The other fallen angels remained free and became servants of Satan – they are called demons.

“The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer)” (Rev. 9:7-11, NKJV).

Chapter Eight – Sixth Trumpet Judgment

This judgment is also a wow judgment.

“Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’ So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind” (Rev. 9:13-15, NKJV).

Notice that these angels are bound, indicating that they are demons. The location of “River Euphrates” may be an actual place or symbolic. The actual Euphrates River is considered the cradle of civilization. Many believe it was near the Euphrates River where the Garden of Eden and the Tower of Babel were located. It also divides the West and East. It has been the site of much demonic activity.
They will kill one-third of the remaining mankind.

The above description and the lower description don’t seem to fit together. We have to assume that God or Satan created the creatures that look like horses. There will be two hundred million of these horse creatures.

These were not real horses, as they had a head that looked like a lion and a tail that looked like a snake. Out of their mouths will come fire, smoke, and brimstone. The tails were like serpents, and they would do much harm.

“Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm” (Rev. 9:16-19, NKJV).

Note: interlude chapters ten and eleven are part of the first half and are included in the “First Half Commentary.”
Note: the seventh trumpet contains the seven bowl judgments. We will look at them after we review the mid-point interlude chapters.

Your Mid-Point Interlude Chapters

Note: These chapters give us scenes and activities at the tribulation’s mid-point.

They may precede or overlap the trumpet judgments. I have placed them here because scripture places them after the trumpet judgments.

Chapter 12 – The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

Beginning with chapter twelve, several scenes and characters of the tribulation must be identified. Scripture supports that they occur at the beginning of the second half, called the Great Tribulation. At this point in the tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his treaty with Israel and defiles the temple. We will begin with a vision of Satan attacking a woman (Israel in heaven).

“Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth” (Rev. 12:1-2, NKJV).

The woman, a symbol of Israel, gave birth to Christ. Israel was a light bearer in the Old Testament, and from Israel, a remnant of 144,000 Jews will serve as light bearers during the tribulation.

“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days [three and one-half years]” (Rev. 12:3-6, NKJV).

The red dragon is Satan, and he is about to declare war in heaven. The male Child of the woman is Jesus, and Satan is at war with Him. We will recall that Satan tried to kill Jesus as soon as He was born. There is much symbolism in the above verses.

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev. 12:7-9, NKJV).

For reasons that we do not understand, Satan and his angels have had access to heaven (see Job 1:6-7). At this time, there will be a war in heaven between Satan and Michael, the Archangel, and Satan and his angels (demons) are cast out of heaven unto the earth.

“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time’” (Rev. 12:10-12, NKJV).

There was great rejoicing in heaven after Satan and his angels were removed from heaven. Now Satan is about to turn up the heat on Israel on earth. He will indwell the Antichrist and direct all his thoughts and activities.

“Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 12:13-17, NKJV).

The devil will indwell the Antichrist and turn him against Israel. Israel will then be under the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation and experience the worst persecution as a nation in its history. God will seal the 144,000 Jewish witnesses, and He will hide and protect them from Satan and the Antichrist. Some believe that God will seal all Jewish believers during this time.

Chapter 13 – The Antichrist and The False Prophet

We saw the introduction of the Antichrist when the first seal was opened. In the thirteenth chapter, we have more information about him. We are in the middle of the Tribulation period, and the Antichrist has become much more aggressive. Now that Satan has been denied access to heaven, he will take an even more active role on earth as he indwells the Antichrist. The following verses provide a more detailed description of the Antichrist.

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast” (Rev. 13:1-3, NKJV).

Note: for a more detailed commentary on the above verses, you should read a more in-depth study of the tribulation. These verses are somewhat controversial.

First, notice that the beast came up out of the sea. The sea represents the multitudes of people, and the Antichrist has come out of a New World order. He consolidated power and became a world dictator during the first three and one-half years.

He has seven heads and ten horns. The horns represent ten kings or divisions of his consolidated kingdom. They will be puppet kings with no real power. Scholars differ in opinion as to the meaning of the seven heads. Some believe that seven great kingdoms are in view: (1) Assyrian, (2) Egyptian, (3) Babylonian, (4) Medo-Persian, (5) Greek, (6) Old Roman Empire and (7) Revived Roman Empire. Others believe that the heads represent periods of Roman rulers, the last of which is the Antichrist. The beast’s description is very similar to that of the beast that Daniel saw with seven heads, and the seven heads represent the kingdoms (see Daniel chapter seven).

The beast may symbolize both the kingdoms and the head of the kingdom. We will note that the dragon, Satan, gave the beast power, a throne, and great authority, implying that the beast symbolizes a man. Also, we see that one of the heads was mortally wounded, but the wound was healed. This symbolizes that the Antichrist may have been killed and resurrected through the power of Satan.

Chapter seventeen provides more insight into the Antichrist.

“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is” (Rev. 17:8, NKJV).

The statement “was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit” implies death. Now, we see the beast ascending out of the bottomless pit, Satan’s dwelling place.

Now, let us return to chapter thirteen.

“So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’ And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.” (Rev.13:4-5, NKJV).

Note that forty-two months is three and one-half years.

When the Antichrist is resurrected, Satan will incarnate the body of the Antichrist. Satan, through the Antichrist, will control the kingdoms during the last forty-two months.

“Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Rev. 13:6-10, NKJV).

The Tribulation’s last three and a half years will be hell on earth. Never have God’s saints been more persecuted. It will be a time of great warfare between Satan and God.

Next, we see another creature come on the scene.

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed” (Rev. 13:11-12, NKJV).

We are now introduced to the infamous False Prophet who will elevate and assist the Antichrist during the last three and one-half years. He came out of the earth; some believe he will be Jewish. Almost every time the earth is mentioned, it refers to the nation Israel. Israel’s eternal home is on the new earth, which will be re-created.

Many believe that the False Prophet will resurrect the Antichrist through the power of Satan. He can perform many miracles, just as Christ did when He was on earth. With the arrival of the False Prophet on the scene, we have the satanic trinity—Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet—ruling on earth just as there is the divine trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in Heaven.

Many think that the False Prophet will be Jewish and of the tribe of Dan.

“He performs great signs so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Rev. 13:13-15, NKJV).

The primary role of the False Prophet will be to focus worship upon the Antichrist, who at that time will be indwelled by Satan. It has always been Satan’s desire to pre-empt the throne of God and to have the people worship him. The False Prophet will create an image of the Antichrist and place it in the Jewish temple, where he will declare the Antichrist to be the promised Messiah. The Jewish temple, which has been rebuilt, will now be defiled. Jesus quoted Daniel by calling it “the abomination of desolation.”

This is a period of time called “Jacob’s Troubles.”

“Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it” (Jer. 30:7, NKJV).

The Bible tells us that only one-third of the Jews will survive the tribulation.

“‘And it shall come to pass in all the land,’ says the LORD, ‘that two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it’” (Zech. 13:8 NKJV).

The image of the Antichrist, which the False Prophet created, appeared to come alive and speak; if the people will not worship the image, they will be killed.

The False Prophet required all the people to acquire the mark of the beast, a symbol of allegiance and devotion to the Antichrist.

“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (Rev. 13:16-18, NKJV).

Many have speculated about 666, but no one knows what it means. God will also mark his faithful people with His mark, and at that time, the people will be polarized. Those who take the mark of the beast will be destined for hell and eternal separation from God. Their hearts will become harder and harder as they support the Antichrist and worship Satan.

Note: This brings us to the end of the beginning interlude chapters. The remaining interludes appear close to the end of the tribulation.

Chapter Fourteen – Jesus and the 144000 Jewish Evangelist

Note: This is another interlude and may occur near the end of the tribulation. It appears to occur just before Babylon is destroyed. I am placing it here because scripture places it before the bowl judgments. We need to keep in mind that the interlude visions are not necessarily chronological.

Chapter fourteen opens with a word of encouragement for those who do not take the beast’s mark. We are unsure if this vision is literal or symbolic, but there are no reasons to believe it is metaphorical.

“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps” (Rev. 14:1-2, NKJV).

The scene shows Jesus protecting the 144,000 Jewish evangelists. Jesus may physically be on earth or there in a vision, as He first appeared to John at the beginning of the Revelation. The important thing is that the evangelists can stand on Mount Zion in Jerusalem and not be harmed by the Antichrist because they have the same protection as the two witnesses did when they were on earth – They have the mark of God on their foreheads.

After seeing the scene, there is rejoicing in heaven.

“They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. (Rev. 14:3-4a, NKJV).

“These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God” (Rev. 14:4b-5, NKJV).

Chapter Fourteen – The Last Gospel Message

Note: These visions appear to be events that will take place during the remaining duration of the tribulation. The first would immediately follow the order to take the 666 mark as a follower of the Antichrist.

The scene moves to an announcement of the final destruction of Satan’s kingdom by three angels. The first angel presents the gospel one last time.

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water'” (Rev. 14:6-7, NKJV).

The second angel announces Babylon’s destruction.

“Another angel follows, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication'” (Rev.14:8, NKJV).

Babylon symbolizes Satan’s evil empire. The city, which has been the capital of the Antichrist kingdom, will soon be destroyed. Many believe that this city is Rome. However, there is no reason to believe it is not Babylon’s restored city.

“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, 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. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name” (Rev. 14:9-11, NKJV).

These three announcements seem to be made before anyone actually receives the mark of the beast. They are a final warning preached around the world.

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus said the end would come when the gospel of the kingdom was preached around the world (see Matt. 24:14).

The final verses tell us of the harvest of evil that is soon to come.

“So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 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.’ 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. 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” (Rev. 14:16-20, NKJV).

The final harvest will come with the war of Armageddon. The word Armageddon means “Har Megiddo” (Mount of Megiddo). This mount sits at the edge of the Plain of Esdraelon, a major trade route and the world’s crossroads. It has been a major battleground throughout the history of the Holy Land and is the site of the last great battle before Jesus returns to reign.

The Bowl Judgments

The seven bowl or vial judgments are the final judgments of the tribulation period. They will be the most severe judgments the world has ever seen. I believe that they will be short in duration and occur close to the end of the tribulation.

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus said the end would come when the gospel of the kingdom was preached around the world (Matt. 24:14).

We know that many will emerge from the tribulation based on the judgment of the Gentile Nations in Matthew chapter twenty-five.

Chapter Fifteen – Introduction to the Bowl Judgements

This chapter announces the seven bowl judgments, containing the wrath of God.

“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete” (Rev. 15:1, NKJV).

“And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying” (Rev. 15:2-3a, NKJV.)

The song of Moses, “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested” (Rev. 15:3b-4, NKJV).

“After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed” (Rev. 15:5-8, NKJV).

No commentary is provided as these verses clearly state what will happen next.

Chapter Sixteen – Bowl Judgments

“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” (Rev. 16:1, NKJV).

Quote: “It’s finally time for the seven angels to bring God’s ultimate judgment on the earth, and these judgments humiliate the Antichrist” (Google)

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Chapter Sixteen – First Bowl Judgment: Loathsome Sores

“So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image” (Rev. 16:2, NKJV).

We will notice that only those who took the beast’s mark were affected. God is pouring out His wrath on Satan’s kingdom.

These sores could have been boils. We may remember that in the days of Moses, God sent the plague of boils on the Egyptians (see Exodus 9:8-11).

The Old Testament speaks about a man named Job, whom Satan tormented with sores and boils.

“So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes” (Job 1:7-8, NKJV).

Job suffered for many days with no medical relief. Those afflicted by sores in the first bowl judgment will be tormented day and night with no medical cure. They will probably not be able to sit and lie down without suffering. It may drive many into depression as they cannot endure the pain. We are not told how long they will endure the suffering.

Chapter Sixteen – Second Bowl Judgment – Seas Turn to Blood

“Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man, and every living creature in the sea died” (Rev. 16:3, NKJV).

We will recall that the second trumpet judgment turned one-third of the seas into blood. With the second bowl judgment, all seawater will be turned into blood, and all sea life will die. Many depend on seafood as a significant part of their daily food. Many will starve to death.

The sea’s wave action will wash the decaying sea life up on the beaches, leaving a foul-smelling odor. Winds will probably sweep this fetid odor worldwide. God controls the winds with four angels.

“After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree” (Rev. 7:1, NKJV).

They will restrain the winds, but they may be released. We are not told. We can imagine what life would be like if this happened.

Chapter Sixteen – Third Bowl Judgment – Fresh Water Turned to Blood

“Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying: “You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due” (Rev. 16:4-6, NKJV).

“And I heard another from the altar saying, ‘Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments” (Rev. 16:7, NKJV).

The duration of this judgment may be short as people die from thirst after about three days without water.

Chapter Sixteen – Fourth Bowl Judgment – Men Are Scorched

“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him” (Rev. 16:8-9, NKJV).

Quote: “The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F (56.7°C), measured on July 10, 1913, in Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California, USA” Google).

We would assume that the heat in this judgment would be higher and broader in scope.

Heat at these levels would dry all vegetation quickly and create fires around the earth. Last year, many lakes were at an all-time low level. California’s vast, wind-whipped fires show how fast these fires can spread. Many will die as a result of the heat, but scripture says that many refused to repent and cursed God.

Chapter Sixteen – Fifth Bowl Judgment – Darkness and Pain

The fifth judgment will mark a turning point as God focuses on the Antichrist. Notice that the fifth bowl was poured out on the Antichrist’s throne. As a result, the Antichrist’s kingdom was plunged into darkness. The people gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed God.

“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 their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done” (Rev.16:10-11, NKJV).

We are unsure that all the earth was under the curse of darkness. There may have been pockets of resistance that were not darkened – consider the Jews that God hid. We must also note that some people may still be suffering from sores from the first bowl judgment – perhaps all unbelievers of God’s grace. They will still follow the Antichrist and the False Prophet.

Chapter Sixteen – Sixth Bowl Judgment – Events on the River Euphrates

“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. 13 Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:12-14, NKJV).

The Euphrates River is mentioned more than 25 times in the Bible. It was one of four rivers that flowed from the Garden of Eden (see Gen. 2:10-14). The city of Bable was also located on the Euphrates.
Abraham’s descendants were promised the land from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates River (see Gen. 15:18-21).

The river also divided the eastern world and the western world.

The sixth judgment dried up the river, making it easy for large armies of the East to cross into the Jew’s promised land. We are about to see large armies from around the world invade Israel. Demonic spirits, which looked like frogs, would incite the nations to war against Israel.

We may remember that in the days of Moses, God sent a plague of frogs over Egypt (See Exodus 8:1-12).

The Hebrew word for “Babylon” is “Babel,” which means “to confuse or confuse. ” Babylon is a Biblical symbol for the reign of Satan and has a two-dimensional focus—a world system of pagan religions and a world system of government. Beginning in Babylon, Satan formalized a reign that is not concluded until “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth” is destroyed. The book of Revelation, chapters seventeen and eighteen, records that destruction. We will see this in the seventh bowl judgment.

“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. And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon” (Rev. 16:15-16 NKJV).

The apostle Paul said, “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2, NKJV).

The word Armageddon means “Har Megiddo” (Mount of Megiddo). This mountain (or hill) sits at the edge of the Plain of Esdraelon, a major trade route and the world’s crossroads. It has been a major battleground throughout the history of the Holy Land and is the site of the last great battle when Jesus returns to reign. At this time, it will become a staging area for the armies of all the nations that come against Israel. The battle will occur when Jesus comes back to earth with the armies of heaven with him.

Chapter Sixteen – Seventh Bowl Judgment – Destruction of the City of Babylon

“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! 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” (Rev. 16:17-18, NKJV).

“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” (Rev. 16:19, NKJV).

Many have debated the location of the great city, considered the world capital of the Antichrist’s kingdom. The first view is that the Antichrist reconstructed the old city of Babylon for his capital. It was here that Nimrod built his capital and became the world’s first dictator. He is considered to be a type of the Antichrist. The entire area was considered evil and satanic. God confused their tongues and scattered the people over the earth (see Genesis chapters ten and eleven).

Some believe that Babylon is another name for the city of Rome. This is based on Daniel’s prophecy and vision of a vicious beast (see Daniel 7:1-28). Daniel’s prophecy indicates that the Antichrist will emerge from a revived Roman empire. Many teach that he will come out of the European Common Market.

“Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent [ a hundred pounds]. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail since that plague was exceedingly great” (Rev. 16:20-21, NKJV).

This is worldwide. By this time, not much will remain of the earth’s original landscape. When He returns, Jesus will need to do major demolition and rebuilding.

We may recall that during the days of Moses, in the seventh plague, God rained hail on the land of Egypt (see Exodus 9:22-33).

Chapter Seventeen – The Great Harlot

Chapters seventeen and eighteen are interlude chapters. They are some of the most challenging verses in the Bible to understand. They are highly symbolic. They help to understand the word “Babylon.” The seventeenth chapter introduces us to Mystery Babylon, which has a double meaning. Mystery Babylon symbolizes both a city and a mother—a harlot.

The emphasis in chapter seventeen is upon a world religious system. It can be considered the same in type as the city of Babel in Genesis – both are Satan’s religious systems. At the tower of Babel, Nimrod built a tower to God. This was not God the creator but the creation – sun, moon, and stars.

It may also symbolize the worldwide religious system headquartered in Babylon (or Rome). We need to keep in mind that the Old Testament referred to the Israelites who practiced pagan worship as committing adultery against a Holy God (see the book of Hosea and Jer. 3:6-10).

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication’” (Rev. 17:1-2, NKJV).

“So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Rev 17:3-5, NKJV).

This woman was seen by John to be enthroned above the waters, and she was sitting on a red beast that had seven heads and ten horns. The waters symbolize the masses of people, and the beast is the Antichrist. Very early in the administration of the Antichrist, he united all the world religions except born-again Christians. The harlot will be active during the entire tribulation period. We are seeing the concept of the new age sweep the world today. They welcome all religions except right-wing Christianity, which declares that Jesus is our Savior and Lord.

“I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement” (Rev. 17:6, NKJV).

Verses seven through twelve restate the meaning of the seven heads and ten kings that we have already identified. Interestingly, many Bible teachers believe that the seven heads can also represent the Seven Hills of Rome. Many believe that the pope will lead the one-world religion, and the Vatican will be its temporary headquarters before being moved to the city of Babylon.

“Then he said to me, ‘The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth’” (Rev 17:15-18, NKJV).

The ten kings, who will reign under the Antichrist, will hate and try to destroy the world’s religious system and its leader. The state and Church have never worked well together because of the power struggle between its leaders. History has shown that the church leader has always tried to rule the nations. The marriage of politics and religion usually ends in a violent divorce. As we have already seen in the middle of the tribulation, the False Prophet will require all the people to worship the Antichrist.

Chapter Eighteen – Destruction of Babylon

The angel showed John the destruction of Mystery Babylon’s second identity – the city.

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury” (Rev 18:1-3, NKJV).

This is a picture of the merger of government and business. World leaders have dreamed of a one-world government with one financial system and one currency providing free world trade. History has shown that a centrally controlled leadership style becomes greedy, leading to a dictatorship. This has been demonstrated with communist leadership. That is also exactly what will happen with the Antichrist and his kingdom.

“And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her’” (Rev. 18:4-6, NKJV).

“In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day; death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her” (Rev 18:7-8, NKJV).

This godless city will be filled with pride and be against all the things God stands for. God is going to pour out His wrath on this wicked city and will destroy it with fire. The weeping of those who have participated in the world system of commerce is stated in verses nine through nineteen. They will see the power of God as destruction comes to the city in one hour.

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her! Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth” (Rev. 18:20-24, NKJV).

Chapter Nineteen – The Battle of Armageddon

There will be great rejoicing in heaven when Satan’s evil empire is finally destroyed. It had its roots in the sin of Adam and became a kingdom of nations under Nimrod. Nimrod is considered a type of the Antichrist”

“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her’” (Rev. 19:1-2, NKJV).

“Again they said, ‘Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever’ And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, ‘Amen! Alleluia!’ Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great’” (Rev. 19:3-5, NKJV)!

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready” (Rev. 19:6-7, NKJV).

We will look at the wedding in a separate module of this manuscript.

“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. 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. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in [fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 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. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11-16 NKJV).

The rider of the first white horse was the false Messiah, the Antichrist. Now, the true Messiah returns to earth to fight the final battle at the foot of the biblical hill of Megiddo (Armageddon) and establish His earthly kingdom.

The gentile nations will be gathered at the foot of the hill to do battle and destroy Israel. Jesus paid for the earth’s redemption on his cross. Therefore, his robe will be dipped in His shed blood.
In His mouth is a sharp sword, symbolizing that Jesus will destroy the nations with the word of His mouth.

The armies of heaven—the angels, the Old Testament Saints, the Church, and the Tribulation Saints—follow Him, wearing white robes.

The prophet Zechariah said, “Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with You” (Zech. 14:5b. NKJV).

Jesus said in the Olivet discourse, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:29-31 NKJV).

The destruction in the battle of Armageddon that the birds feasted on the flesh of the dead.

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, ‘Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great” (Rev 19:17-18, NKJV).

“And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword [His word] which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Rev. 19:19-21, NKJV).

The final phase of the battle was Satan’s capture, which we read about in the twentieth chapter of Revelation.

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while” (Rev: 20:1-3 NKJV).

The earthly kingdom of Jesus will last for one thousand years with Satan locked in the bottomless pit. After one thousand years, Satan will be released to deceive the people again. We assume that his demons are locked with him. See my commentary on the Millennial Kingdom in a separate module.

This concludes the tribulation period. Return to the last day’s menu to continue the book of Revelation.

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