Revelation 16:7

And I heard the altar reply: "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgments."

Study Bible

And I heard the altar reply:
In the context of Revelation, the altar is often associated with the prayers of the saints (Revelation 6:9-11, 8:3-5). The altar's "reply" suggests a personification, indicating the collective voice of those who have been martyred for their faith. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The altar's response signifies the acknowledgment of God's righteous acts in the unfolding of His divine plan.

Yes, Lord God Almighty:
This phrase affirms the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. The title "Lord God Almighty" is used throughout Revelation (Revelation 1:8, 4:8, 11:17) to emphasize God's ultimate authority and power over creation and history. It is a declaration of faith and trust in God's ability to execute His will perfectly. The use of "Yes" indicates agreement and submission to God's will, reflecting the attitude of the faithful who recognize God's supreme authority.

true and just are Your judgments:
This statement underscores the righteousness and fairness of God's judgments. Throughout scripture, God's judgments are portrayed as being based on truth and justice (Psalm 19:9, Deuteronomy 32:4). In the context of Revelation, these judgments are part of the eschatological events leading to the final establishment of God's kingdom. The phrase reassures believers that God's actions are always in accordance with His holy nature, providing comfort and assurance that evil will be addressed and righteousness will prevail. This echoes the biblical theme of divine retribution and the ultimate vindication of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Altar
In the context of Revelation, the altar is a significant symbol often associated with the prayers of the saints and the place of sacrifice. It represents the divine response to the cries for justice from God's people.

2. Lord God Almighty
This title emphasizes God's omnipotence and sovereignty. It is a reminder of His ultimate authority over all creation and His ability to execute righteous judgment.

3. Judgments
The judgments referred to in this verse are part of the series of divine judgments described in Revelation, specifically the bowl judgments, which are expressions of God's wrath against sin and rebellion.

Teaching Points

God's Righteousness
God's judgments are always true and just, reflecting His perfect nature. Believers can trust in His fairness and righteousness even when circumstances seem unjust.

The Role of Prayer
The altar's response signifies the importance of prayer and the assurance that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. Christians are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting in God's timing and justice.

Sovereignty of God
Acknowledge God's sovereignty in all things, including His judgments. This understanding should lead to a deeper trust and submission to His will.

Hope in Justice
In a world where injustice often prevails, believers can find hope in the certainty that God will ultimately set all things right. This hope should inspire perseverance and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the altar in Revelation 16:7 provide comfort to believers facing injustice today?

2. In what ways can understanding God's righteous judgments influence our daily decisions and interactions with others?

3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Revelation 16:7, challenge or affirm your current understanding of God's role in the world?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt your prayers were not being heard. How does the assurance of God's just response encourage you to continue in prayer?

5. How can the themes of justice and righteousness in Revelation 16:7 be applied to current social and ethical issues facing the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 6:9-11
This passage describes the souls under the altar crying out for justice, which connects to the altar's response in Revelation 16:7, affirming God's righteous judgments.

Psalm 19:9
This verse speaks of the fear of the Lord being pure and His judgments being true and righteous, paralleling the declaration in Revelation 16:7.

Deuteronomy 32:4
This verse describes God as a Rock whose works are perfect and all His ways are just, reinforcing the theme of God's righteous judgments.