8. Seven last plagues.
8. Seven last plagues.
These complete God's wrath poured out upon the earth during the second half of the tribulation prior to Christ's second coming and the battle of Armageddon. They are the last plagues emanating from the seventh trumpet judgment which will complete the seventh seal and draw the tribulation to a close (see comments on Rev 8:1-6, 15:1).
The seven last plagues are contained in the seven vial, or bowl judgments.
First plague: ulcers, boils. These will only fall on those in the earth who have taken the mark of the beast.
Second plague: sea will turn to blood and every living thing in it will die.
Third plague: rivers and streams turn to blood - no fresh drinking water.
Fourth plague: men burnt by scorching heat.
Fifth plague: darkness - those allied to Antichrist will be enveloped in impenetrable darkness causing them to gnaw their tongues in pain.
Sixth plague: River Euphrates dries up, enabling other armies to join with Antichrist at Armageddon.
Seventh plague: the most powerful and devastating earthquake in the history of the world. It will split Jerusalem into three parts, destroy Babylon the literal city, and alter the earth's topography. Hailstones, each weighing about forty kilograms will rain down upon the earth killing all who they hit (see comments on Rev 16:1).