Revelation 15

John, in his vision, sees another sign in heaven (besides the two signs of the “woman” and the “male Child” he had seen in Rev. 12:1,3).  This sign is said to be seven angels having the seven last plagues, plagues that are symbolized by seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.  It is said to be great and marvelous and is accompanied by the singing of songs.  

You may wonder why there is singing in the context of angelic messengers of the wrath of God.  Some might think that the singing is because these are the last plagues and that there is joy because man’s agony is finally over.  But that is not the case.  The song(s) are not about man but about God.  The rejoicing is in the justice and truth of God and in the fact that all the nations will worship Him.  

Notice who it is that is singing: it is the victorious saints from the tribulation period.  These martyrs have suffered the worst that Satan could throw at them, and yet they are victorious over it all: the beast (military power), his image (religious power) and his mark (economic power).  They stand before God’s throne on the sea of glass (Rev. 4:6) now mingled with the fire of God’s justice.  

Notice their songs: the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.  The theme of these songs is in v3-4.  The song of Moses is a specific song given to Moses by God to teach the children of Israel just before they entered the land (Deut. 32).  The song was to remind Israel that, though they were going to be idolatrous and wicked and would be removed from the land and punished by God, God would remain faithful (Deut. 31:19-21).  The song predicted the evil that would befall Israel in the latter days (Deut. 31:29).  Compare how Moses’ song begins and ends with the words in our passage today:

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He (Deut. 32:4; cf. Rev. 15:3).

Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people (Deut. 32:43; cf. Rev. 15:4).

The call for Gentiles to sing with His people is being carried out by these victorious saints before the throne of God.  God is being exalted as righteous in everything He has done, including this final display of His wrath.  It is no wonder that the temple in heaven is filled with His glory.  The enemies of Christ will become His footstool; He will be exalted. 

This passage goes to the issue of how we accept God’s dealings with us.  We either fear God and give Him glory (Rev. 14:7) or we blaspheme the God of heaven (14:11).  God, in love, has pointed out our sin.  He has reminded us of the death penalty we deserve.  And He has graciously given us a Savior, one and only one means to eternal life.  God is righteous.  Fear God and give Him glory!