Revelation 16:7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

And {G2532} I heard {G191} another {G243} out of {G1537} the altar {G2379} say {G3004}, Even so {G3483}, Lord {G2962} God {G2316} Almighty {G3841}, true {G228} and {G2532} righteous {G1342} are thy {G4675} judgments {G2920}.

Then I heard the altar say,

“Yes, Adonai, God of heaven’s armies,
your judgments are true and just!”

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

And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

Revelation 16:7 presents a powerful affirmation of God's character amid severe divine judgments. This verse, following the third bowl judgment where waters turn to blood, records a solemn declaration of God's absolute justice.

Context

This verse is situated within Revelation chapter 16, which describes the pouring out of the seven bowl judgments, the final and most intense series of God's wrath upon the earth during the end times. These judgments are directed at those who have rejected God and worshipped the beast. Specifically, verse 7 comes after the third angel pours out his bowl upon the rivers and fountains of waters, turning them to blood, a direct consequence for those who "shed the blood of saints and prophets" (Revelation 16:6). The voice from the altar serves as a divine endorsement and justification of these harsh but righteous acts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice Confirmed: The central message is the unwavering righteousness of God's judgments. Even though the bowl judgments are devastating, the voice from the altar declares them to be "true and righteous," emphasizing that God's actions are never arbitrary but perfectly aligned with His holy character. This provides reassurance that God's judgment is not capricious but a just response to sin and rebellion.
  • God's Sovereignty and Authority: The title "Lord God Almighty" (Greek: Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokrator) underscores God's absolute power and supreme authority over all creation and all events, including the unfolding of history and the execution of judgment. This title, frequently used in Revelation, highlights His omnipotence and undeniable right to judge.
  • Affirmation from the Altar: The voice "out of the altar" is significant. In Revelation, the altar is often associated with the prayers of the saints and the cry for justice from martyred souls (Revelation 6:9-10). This voice, perhaps from an angel or even the souls themselves, validates the severity of the judgments as a righteous response to the persecution and bloodshed inflicted upon God's people. It confirms that the judgments are a just recompense.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "true and righteous" (Greek: alethinai kai dikaiai) is crucial. Alethinai signifies authenticity and genuineness, meaning God's judgments are truly what they claim to be—just and deserved. Dikaiai emphasizes moral rectitude and fairness, asserting that His judgments are in perfect conformity with His holy law and character. This combination confirms the integrity and moral purity of God's actions.

Related Scriptures

  • The justification for these judgments is also echoed by the angel of the waters in Revelation 16:5-6, who declares, "Thou art righteous, O Lord... because thou hast judged thus."
  • Similar affirmations of God's righteous judgments are found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 19:9: "The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."
  • The concept of God's righteous wrath against sin is also seen in Romans 2:5, which speaks of "the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God."

Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 16:7 offers profound comfort and a call to trust in God's character. Even when facing difficult circumstances or contemplating the harsh realities of divine judgment, this verse reminds us that God is always just, true, and righteous. His actions are never arbitrary but are always consistent with His perfect nature. This understanding encourages us to have faith in His plans, knowing that He is sovereign and will ultimately set all things right, bringing justice to those who have suffered and holding the wicked accountable. It also serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of sin and the ultimate certainty of God's righteous judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 19:2

    For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

  • Revelation 6:9

    ¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

  • Revelation 15:3

    And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

  • Revelation 15:4

    Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

  • Revelation 8:3

    And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

  • Revelation 8:5

    And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

  • Isaiah 6:6

    Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, [which] he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

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