The Woes Of Revelation 11

The woes mentioned in Revelation 11 are part of a larger sequence of judgments and events in the Book of Revelation. These woes, pronounced by an angel, correspond to three major calamities that occur with the sounding of the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets (Revelation 8:13; Revelation 9:12; Revelation 11:14-15).

Here’s an exploration of the woes in Revelation 11 and their significance:

1. The Three Woes

  • The three woes represent escalating judgments during the trumpet judgments. They highlight the severity of God’s wrath and the consequences of humanity’s rebellion against Him.

First Woe (Revelation 9:1-11):

  • Associated with the fifth trumpet.
  • Demonic locusts are released to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
  • This woe is a supernatural plague causing immense suffering but not death.

Second Woe (Revelation 9:13-21):

  • Associated with the sixth trumpet.
  • Four angels are released to kill a third of humanity using an army of 200 million.
  • Despite these devastating judgments, humanity does not repent of its sins.

Third Woe (Revelation 11:14-19):

  • Associated with the seventh trumpet, which ushers in the final series of judgments and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

2. Revelation 11: The Second and Third Woes

Second Woe (Revelation 11:7-13):

  • This woe is tied to the ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses:
    1. The two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing mourning and repentance.
    2. At the end of their ministry, the beast from the abyss wages war against them, kills them, and their bodies lie in the streets of the “great city” (symbolically called Sodom and Egypt).
    3. After three and a half days, God breathes life into them, and they are resurrected and ascend to heaven.
    4. A great earthquake follows, destroying a tenth of the city and killing 7,000 people. Those who survive are terrified and give glory to God.
  • Transition to the Third Woe:
    • Revelation 11:14 explicitly states, “The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.”
    • The second woe concludes with a dramatic display of God’s power and judgment, as well as His mercy, as some acknowledge His glory.

Third Woe (Revelation 11:15-19):

  • The third woe is marked by the sounding of the seventh trumpet, signaling the final judgment and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
  1. The Heavenly Proclamation:
    • “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
    • This proclamation declares the ultimate victory of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
  2. Worship in Heaven:
    • The twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His sovereignty and His judgment.
  3. The Final Judgment:
    • “The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small—and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18)
    • This judgment brings rewards for the faithful and punishment for the wicked.
  4. The Opening of the Temple:
    • The temple in heaven is opened, revealing the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s faithfulness to His promises.
    • Lightning, rumblings, thunder, an earthquake, and hailstones accompany this event, signifying God’s power and the finality of His judgment.

3. Themes and Significance of the Woes

  1. God’s Sovereignty:
    • The woes highlight that God is in control of history and that His judgments are purposeful and just.
  2. Call to Repentance:
    • Despite the severity of the woes, they serve as opportunities for humanity to repent and turn to God.
  3. Judgment and Redemption:
    • While the woes bring destruction and suffering, they also pave the way for the ultimate redemption and restoration of God’s kingdom.
  4. The Role of the Church:
    • The two witnesses symbolize the Church’s prophetic role in proclaiming God’s truth, even in the face of persecution and death.

4. Application for Believers

  1. Stay Faithful in Tribulation:
    • The example of the two witnesses reminds believers to remain steadfast in their testimony, even in difficult times.
  2. Trust in God’s Justice:
    • The woes assure believers that evil will be judged and that God’s justice will prevail.
  3. Anticipate the Kingdom:
    • The ultimate victory of Christ encourages believers to live with hope and expectancy for His return.

Conclusion

The woes of Revelation 11 represent God’s escalating judgment on a rebellious world and the assurance of His ultimate victory. The second woe emphasizes the prophetic witness of God’s people and their vindication, while the third woe introduces the final consummation of God’s kingdom. For believers, these passages inspire faithfulness, hope, and trust in God’s sovereign plan.