Revelation 16:1  “…voice from the temple saying to the seven angels…”
Again from the temple.  Direct commands, direct control.

1  “…the wrath of God on the earth”
Concluding acts of vengeance on the people of earth, at least those who are rebelling against Him.  It’s just a taste of what is in store if they end up in Hell.  They’re options are gone.  The hope is that they’ll recognize their predicament and repent.

2  “…foul and loathsome sore…”
First bowl judgment, terrible sores.  Makes just existing miserable.

2  “…upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image”
Important point.  Only on those who have decided to worship the beast.  Those are beyond hope.  It would be any still undecided who have a chance, those who aren’t Christ’s, but who still haven’t taken the mark or worshipped the beast and/or his image.

3  “…the sea, and it became blood…every living creature in the sea died”
Second bowl judgment, the salt water to blood.  Earlier plagues killed a third of the sea life.  Now all of it is dead.  No more food from the sea, and the stench would be horrific.

4  “…the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood…”
Third bowl judgment, fresh water to blood.  Nothing to drink.

6  “…they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink…”
Their earlier actions have come back upon them.

7  “…true and righteous are Your judgments”
God is totally justified and righteous in His pronouncement of judgment upon the people left.  No questions about whether the punishment is too harsh or too soft.  Perfect restitution for the crimes committed.

9  “…men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God…they did not repent and give Him glory”
Fourth bowl judgment, scorching heat.  But instead of repenting and begging for mercy, they cursed God for punishing them for their crimes.

10  “…on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness…”
Fifth bowl judgment, darkness within the kingdom of the Antichrist.  Some speculate this would be the earthly headquarters of the Antichrist, like a great city.  Possible as it says throne, perhaps pointing to the seat of his government.  Could also mean all the areas that he controls.  Considering other groups of people will soon be gathered together for a war, it gives the impression that the Antichrist’s domination of the entire world was never complete or perhaps doesn’t stay that way.  Chapter 13 says he is given authority over every tribe, tongue, and nation, and that all will worship him.  That doesn’t rule out rebellion among the peoples at some point.

12-14  “…poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared…to the kings of the earth…to gather them to the battle”
Sixth bowl judgment, the Euphrates is dried up.  Here is mention of kings or rulers of the earth, apparently other kingdoms or groups of people who at least aren’t completely under the control of the Antichrist.  They are influenced by demonic forces to come together for war.

15  “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
What Christ told the disciples in Matthew 24.  For the Jews who would still be here during the Tribulation and had chosen to follow Him.  When they see all this happen, they know His return is upon them.

16  “…the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon”
The mention of the plains of Megiddo where the battle will take place.  What the world hears when someone says Armageddon.  Won’t be the final one.  Last one will be after the Millennial reign.

17  “…the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air…It is done!”
Seventh bowl judgment, final one, completes everything.  Great earthquake, apparently world-wide.  Thunder and lightnings and other great noises.  The great city was split into three parts.  Not sure of the specific reference, probably the one referenced elsewhere as Babylon.  World cities collapsed.  Sounds like the islands and mountains were moved or shaken apart.  And huge hailstones fell on folks.  Men still blasphemed God for everything.  Their minds are completely given over to depravity and animosity toward God.  So sad.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.