Catholic Doctrine Bible Study Session 132: Revelation 14:14-16:21
14:18 -20 John again uses imagery (sickle, grapes, wine press)from the Old Testament prophets (Joel 4:13, Isaiah 63:3) to remind his readers that God never changes. Yes, he is Love and Forgiveness, but he is also Justice!
(These verses also form the basis for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”) His truth is marching on!
Chapter 16 The parallels of the “Seven Bowls of God’s fury are lifted from some of the plagues of Exodus. (“Sores”, water “turned to blood”, “darkness”, “hailstones.” .....John’s message, (once again!) is that God will deliver his people from their enemies in the future as in the past, in the sense of having Eternal Life for those who persevere in their relationship with God.
16:16 “Armageddon” ...a place of a number of historic battles between God’s people and her enemies. As in Judges 5:19, God will win again.