Chapter 15
8 verses — switch translations with the toolbar below.
Scripture
KJV1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
5And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
6And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”
Overview
John sees another sign in heaven: seven angels bearing the seven last plagues, which complete the wrath of God. Before these plagues are poured out, the victorious saints stand on a sea of glass mingled with fire, singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. The heavenly temple is then opened, and the seven angels emerge with golden bowls full of God's wrath, while the temple fills with smoke from God's glory.
Key Themes
The Song of the Overcomers
Those who have overcome the beast sing a song praising God's righteous judgments, showing that the redeemed recognize God's justice even in His most severe acts.
The Completion of God's Wrath
These seven plagues are described as the last, signaling that God's judgment is purposeful and will reach its appointed conclusion — His wrath is not endless or arbitrary.
The Holiness of God's Temple
The temple filled with smoke from God's glory recalls the dedication of Solomon's temple and the tabernacle, reminding us that God's presence is both glorious and unapproachable in holiness.
Study Questions
Why do the overcomers sing both the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, and what does this connection between Old and New Testaments signify?
How does the phrase 'just and true are thy ways' shape our understanding of God's judgment even when it seems severe?
What is the significance of the sea of glass being mingled with fire in this vision?
Why is no one able to enter the temple until the seven plagues are complete, and what does this communicate about God's determination to deal with sin?
How does this brief chapter serve as both a warning and a comfort to believers?
Connection to Christ
The overcomers sing the song of the Lamb — their victory over the beast is possible only because of Christ's victory on the cross. The completion of God's wrath through these final plagues points to the day when Christ will put all enemies under His feet. The Lamb's sacrifice is both the basis of the saints' triumph and the standard by which all judgment is measured.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Revelation 15. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?