In biblical literature, the term "vials" is most prominently associated with the Book of Revelation, where it refers to containers used to pour out the wrath of God upon the earth. The imagery of vials is symbolic, representing the divine judgment and the execution of God's righteous decrees during the end times.

Revelation and the Seven Vials

The primary reference to vials in the Bible is found in the Book of Revelation, chapters 15 and 16. Here, the Apostle John describes a vision of seven angels who are given seven golden vials, each filled with the wrath of God. These vials are poured out upon the earth as part of the final series of judgments leading up to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

Revelation 15:7 states: "Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever." The term "bowls" in the Berean Standard Bible is synonymous with "vials" in other translations, emphasizing the containment and subsequent outpouring of divine wrath.

The Seven Vials of Wrath

1. First Vial: The first angel pours out his vial upon the earth, resulting in "loathsome and malignant sores" afflicting those who bear the mark of the beast and worship its image (Revelation 16:2).

2. Second Vial: The second vial is poured into the sea, turning it into blood like that of a dead man, causing every living thing in the sea to die (Revelation 16:3).

3. Third Vial: The third angel pours his vial into the rivers and springs of water, turning them into blood. This judgment is declared just by the angel of the waters, acknowledging God's righteousness in avenging the blood of the saints and prophets (Revelation 16:4-7).

4. Fourth Vial: The fourth vial is poured out upon the sun, causing it to scorch people with fire. Despite the intense heat, people blaspheme the name of God and do not repent (Revelation 16:8-9).

5. Fifth Vial: The fifth angel pours his vial upon the throne of the beast, plunging his kingdom into darkness. The inhabitants gnaw their tongues in agony but continue to blaspheme God (Revelation 16:10-11).

6. Sixth Vial: The sixth vial is poured out upon the great river Euphrates, drying up its waters to prepare the way for the kings from the east. This sets the stage for the gathering of armies at Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

7. Seventh Vial: The seventh and final vial is poured into the air, resulting in a loud voice from the temple in heaven declaring, "It is done!" This vial brings about a great earthquake, the splitting of the great city, and the fall of Babylon, accompanied by severe hailstones (Revelation 16:17-21).

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The vials in Revelation symbolize the culmination of God's judgment against a sinful and rebellious world. They represent the final outpouring of divine wrath before the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The judgments are both punitive and purifying, serving to vindicate God's holiness and justice while calling humanity to repentance.

The use of vials as a metaphor for divine wrath underscores the controlled and deliberate nature of God's judgments. Each vial is poured out in a specific sequence, highlighting the sovereignty and meticulous plan of God in executing His will.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient world, vials or bowls were common vessels used for various purposes, including religious rituals and offerings. The imagery of vials in Revelation would have been familiar to the original audience, conveying the idea of a measured and intentional act of divine intervention.

The concept of vials as instruments of God's wrath also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's judgment against sin, as seen in other prophetic writings. The vials serve as a reminder of the ultimate accountability of humanity before a holy and just God.Vials

See CENSER.

The Angels with the Seven vials.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Angels with the Seven Vials. "And after
this, I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angels with the seven.htm

The Immortal Prayers of the Saints
... THE IMMORTAL PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS ". . . Golden vials full of odours, which are
the prayers of saints." " Rev.5:8. ... Golden vials full of odours . . .". ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 13 the immortal prayers.htm

The Third vision "On Earth"
... Before entering upon the judgment of the seven Vials, an Episode is to be given
(as we have already shown) in chaps. xii., xiii., xiv., xv. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the third vision on earth.htm

Under the Fig-Tree.
... The beloved disciple John, when in the Spirit, saw golden vials in the hands
of the worshipers of the Lamb around the throne. These ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/under the fig-tree.htm

The Third vision "In Heaven"
... xvi., xvii., xviii. The Seventh Trumpet thus embraces the whole of the seven
Vials, or last seven plagues, which make up the "Third Woe.". ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the third vision in heaven.htm

The Revelation of John
... V. The fifth Vision, 15:1-16:21, once more reveals seven angels, now having seven
vials or bowls containing the last plagues or judgments of God. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the revelation of john.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... E^6, chaps. xvi., xvii., xviii. V. Chap. xvi. The Seven Vials. ... E^6, chap. xvi." The
Sixth Vision "on Earth." The Seven Vials. E^6 V xvi. The Great Judgments. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
... It is the Vision which introduces us to the most terrible of all the Visions which
affect the earth; for it is followed by the Seven Vials, the seven great and ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision in heaven.htm

The Ministry of Intercession
... They bear the golden vials, And the golden harps of praise Through all the daily
trials, Through all the dusty ways, These hands, so tired, so faithful, With ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/the ministry of intercession.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse Shewn by Its Structure
... 1-8.?? In Heaven.?? (The Seven Vial Angels.) ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??
?? ?? ?? ?? E xvi.1-xviii.24.?? On Earth.?? (The Seven Vials.) ?? ?? ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the scope of the apocalypse 2.htm

Vials (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vials (5 Occurrences). Revelation 5:8 And when
he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty ...
/v/vials.htm - 8k

Vial (12 Occurrences)
... stopper; as, a vial of medicine. 2. (vt) To put in a vial or vials. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. VIAL. vi'-al: In modern English ...
/v/vial.htm - 11k

Beings (42 Occurrences)
... he had taken the book, the four living beings, and four and twenty elders fell down
before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of ...
/b/beings.htm - 18k

Talked (79 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials,
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the ...
/t/talked.htm - 29k

Hither (84 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials,
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the ...
/h/hither.htm - 34k

Messengers (182 Occurrences)
... Revelation 15:7 and one of the four living creatures did give to the seven messengers
seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God, who is living to the ages ...
/m/messengers.htm - 36k

Beasts (241 Occurrences)
... And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell
down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of ...
/b/beasts.htm - 40k

Vice (2 Occurrences)

/v/vice.htm - 8k

Shew (226 Occurrences)
... Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials,
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the ...
/s/shew.htm - 39k

Nazarene (19 Occurrences)
... In the name "Nazarene," the Jews, who opposed and rejected Christ, poured out all
the vials of their antagonism, and the word became a Jewish heritage of ...
/n/nazarene.htm - 18k

What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

What are the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the Book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the End Times (All) | GotQuestions.org

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