Revelation 16:10

And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish

Study Bible

And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast
This phrase refers to the fifth of the seven bowls of God's wrath described in Revelation. The "angel" signifies a divine messenger executing God's judgment. The "throne of the beast" symbolizes the center of power for the Antichrist, a figure representing ultimate opposition to God. This imagery connects to the plagues in Egypt, where God's judgments were poured out on Pharaoh's kingdom. The "beast" is often associated with the Roman Empire in historical context, but also represents any oppressive regime opposing God's will.

and its kingdom was plunged into darkness
Darkness is a recurring biblical motif representing judgment and separation from God. This darkness parallels the ninth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23), where physical darkness symbolized spiritual blindness and divine judgment. The "kingdom" here refers to the realm under the beast's control, indicating a complete disruption of its power and influence. This darkness can also be seen as a type of Christ's crucifixion, where darkness covered the land, symbolizing the judgment of sin.

and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish
This vivid imagery conveys extreme suffering and distress. The act of gnawing one's tongue suggests intense pain and regret, reminiscent of the torment described in Luke 16:24, where the rich man in Hades experiences unrelenting agony. This suffering is a direct result of the divine judgment poured out, highlighting the consequences of rebellion against God. The anguish also reflects the spiritual torment of those who reject Christ, emphasizing the urgency of repentance and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Fifth Angel
One of the seven angels tasked with pouring out the bowls of God's wrath. This angel specifically targets the throne of the beast.

2. The Throne of the Beast
Represents the seat of power and authority of the beast, a symbol of opposition to God and His people.

3. The Beast's Kingdom
The realm or dominion under the control of the beast, characterized by rebellion against God.

4. Darkness
A physical and spiritual condition that envelops the beast's kingdom, symbolizing judgment and the absence of God's light.

5. Men Gnawing Their Tongues
A vivid depiction of extreme agony and suffering experienced by those in the beast's kingdom, highlighting the severity of God's judgment.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and affects both spiritual and physical realms. Believers should live with an awareness of God's righteous judgment.

The Consequences of Rebellion
The kingdom of the beast, representing rebellion against God, ultimately leads to suffering and darkness. This serves as a warning against aligning with worldly powers opposed to God.

The Symbolism of Darkness
Darkness in Scripture often symbolizes separation from God. Believers are called to be children of light, living in contrast to the darkness of the world.

Endurance in Tribulation
The suffering depicted in this passage reminds believers of the importance of enduring trials with faith, knowing that God's justice will prevail.

The Urgency of Repentance
The agony experienced by those in the beast's kingdom underscores the urgency of repentance and turning to God before it's too late.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the darkness described in Revelation 16:10 compare to other instances of darkness in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's judgment?

2. In what ways can believers today ensure they are not aligning themselves with the "kingdom of the beast"?

3. How does the imagery of men gnawing their tongues in agony challenge our understanding of the consequences of sin and rebellion?

4. What practical steps can we take to live as "children of light" in a world that often resembles the darkness described in this passage?

5. How can the themes of judgment and repentance in Revelation 16:10 inspire us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 10:21-23
The plague of darkness in Egypt serves as a parallel, illustrating God's power to bring judgment through darkness.

Matthew 8:12
Jesus speaks of outer darkness as a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, connecting to the agony described in Revelation 16:10.

Isaiah 60:2
Contrasts the darkness covering the earth with the glory of the Lord rising upon His people, emphasizing the separation between God's people and those under judgment.