In the preceding verses we saw angels preparing to 'harvest the earth' (Revelation 14:14-20), resulting in the trampling of the grape harvest in the 'winepress of God’s wrath' (

This scene in heaven looked like the tabernacle, the centre of worship and the reminder of God's covenant law. The way into the Holy of Holies was open: the curtain to exclude people from the most holy place was not there (Matthew 27:50-51).

Water is essential for life. In this third series of physical plagues that God will send on the earth at the end of time, the poisoning of the seas has already been seen killing all living creatures in the water (Revelation 16:3).

'The battle to end all battles'. That is how this Armageddon has been described. Much has been written about these verses which echo Old Testament passages and point forward to a confrontation between a confederation of earthly authorities under the leadership of the beast (Antichrist), guided by the other beast (false prophet) under the control of the devil and his demons. This sixth bowl of wrath is paradoxical: instead of God crushing those against Him, He removes all restraint from these mutually energised forces so that they have extra boldness to assault God's people.