'Rev 14:6-20

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Angels and the harvest of the earth (Rev 14:6-20)

Three angels now make proclamations. The first reminds people of the good news of God’s salvation, adding a warning of judgment and urging sinners to repent (Rev 14:6-7).

The second announces judgment on Babylon, symbol of ungodly humankind who, in pride and opposition to God, has corrupted the world (Rev 14:8).

The third announces judgment on all who have followed the antichrist (Rev 14:9-11).

John desires that these visions encourage the Christians to be faithful in enduring their sufferings for Christ’s sake. Their sufferings are but temporary, whereas the sufferings of their persecutors will be eternal. Even if they suffer death, they can be assured of eternal rest with their Lord as a fitting reward for their faithfulness (Rev 14:12-13).

Evil has now reached its fulness. Angels have announced judgment, and more angels now carry out that judgment. The sinful world is compared to a harvest field ready for reaping, the reaping being God’s great and final judgment (Rev 14:14-16).

The horror of the judgment is further pictured in a grape harvest. As wine is squeezed out when workers tread grapes in a winepress, so the blood of sinners will run over the earth when God acts in his righteous anger (Rev 14:17-20).