Revelation 15-16

Revelation 15-16 Study Guide, to be discussed April 21
Day 1: Read Revelation 15:1-4, Exodus 15:1-6, Hymn #267
1. List what the celestial beings in Revelation 15:2 have overcome.



2. Read the song of Moses in Exodus 15:1-6. Why did Moses sing praises to the Lord?


3. Read hymn #267 in the LDS Hymnal, or find it online at lds.org (go to Menu, then “Music” under the heading “Study” and type “267” in the search box). What is the name of this hymn? List phrases from Revelation 15:3-4 included in the text of hymn #267.



Day 2: Read Revelation 15:5-8
4. What indications do we have that the seven angels described in Revelation 15:6 are emissaries from God?


5. With what were the seven vials (or bowls) filled? Who gave the vials to the angels?



6. With what was the temple filled in Revelation 15:8? What had to happen before men could enter the temple?



Day 3: Read Revelation 16:1-3 (with footnote 2a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Blood”
7. What mission was given to the seven angels with vials?


8. Who is affected by the plague poured out of the first vial? Look up “noisome” in a dictionary. What does it mean?


9. What are the results of the second plague? Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Blood.” What does blood represent?



Day 4: Read Revelation 16:4-9
10. What is the result of the third angel’s plague? How is it different from the second vial?



11. Why do the wicked deserve this punishment?



12. What is the result of the fourth angel’s plague?


Day 5: Read Revelation 16:10-13 (with footnote 10a), D&C 19:15-19
13. Where is the fifth vial poured out? Does footnote 10a add to your understanding of the type of people upon whom the fifth vial will be poured out?


14. What is the result of the sixth plague? From Revelation 16:12, what is prepared by this plague?


15. Out of whose mouths do the three unclean spirits come?


Day 6: Read Revelation 16:14-17, D&C 106:4-5, Bible Dictionary entry “Armageddon”
16. Read D&C 106:4-5. Why will the righteous NOT be caught off guard when the Lord comes again?

17. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Armageddon.” How will this battle be different from previous conflicts?*


18. Will there be time to repent after the seventh vial is poured out?


Day 7: Read Revelation 16:18-21, D&C 87:5-8
19. [Note: The “great city” probably refers to Jerusalem. A talent (v.21) weighs about 75 pounds (BD p. 789).] List the signs of the seventh plague.


20. Read D&C 87:5-8. Where can we go for refuge when the plagues are poured out?


21. Why do some people curse God instead of repent?


From the Institute Manual:
*(55-31) Revelation 16:16 . “A Place Called in the Hebrew Tongue Armageddon”
Lying about sixty miles north of Jerusalem is the site of Megiddo, a great mound or hill commanding the northern entrance to the broad plain called the valley of Esdraelon. The mountain or hill of Megiddo ( Har Meggido in Hebrew, of which Armageddon is the Greek transliteration) guarded the strategic pass that cuts through the mountain range separating the coastal plains from the inland plains and hill country of Galilee. Because of this fortress or Mount of Megiddo, the valley and surrounding areas have also come to be known as Armageddon. One of the most important highways of the ancient world—the main link between Egypt and Asia—ran through this valley and near the fortress of Megiddo. Because of that strategic location, Megiddo and the valley of Esdraelon have seen some of history’s bloodiest battles. Egyptian pharaohs, Roman legions, British troops, and Israeli tanks all have struggled in the valley of Megiddo. Prior to the second coming of Christ, all nations of the earth shall be gathered together to battle against Jerusalem. This tremendous war, one of the final great events prior to the Savior’s second coming, has been foreseen and described in detail by many of the Lord’s ancient prophets. (See, for example, Ezekiel 38 , 39 ; Joel 2 , 3 ; Isaiah 34 ; Jeremiah 25 ; Daniel 11 , 12 ; Zechariah 12–14 .) Jerusalem will be under siege and great suffering will be the lot of her inhabitants. Evidently, Armageddon, which is north of Jerusalem, will be the site of the great decisive battle of this war. “During this siege, when the nations are gathered and the Lord comes, there will be great destruction. The armies will become so confused they will fight among themselves. There will be great slaughter. Then the Lord comes to the Jews. He shows Himself. He calls upon them to come and examine His hands and His feet, and they say, ‘What are these wounds?’ And He answers them, ‘These are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am Jesus Christ.’
“Then they will accept Him as their Redeemer, which they have never been willing to do.” (Smith, Signs of the Times, p. 171.)