Revelation 15:8

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Study Bible

And the temple
The term "temple" here refers to the heavenly sanctuary, a place of divine presence and worship. In the Greek, the word used is "ναός" (naos), which specifically denotes the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. This is significant as it underscores the sacredness and the direct presence of God, reminiscent of the earthly temple's most sacred space where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites.

was filled with smoke
Smoke in biblical terms often symbolizes the presence and majesty of God. In the Old Testament, smoke is frequently associated with God's presence, as seen in Exodus 19:18, where Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord descended on it in fire. The Greek word "καπνός" (kapnos) here emphasizes the awe-inspiring and overwhelming nature of God's presence, indicating His holiness and the seriousness of the events unfolding.

from the glory of God
The "glory of God" is a profound biblical concept, often described by the Hebrew word "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which conveys weightiness, honor, and splendor. In the Greek, "δόξα" (doxa) is used, reflecting the divine radiance and majesty of God. This glory is not just a visual phenomenon but represents God's ultimate authority and holiness, filling the temple and signifying His active involvement in the judgment process.

and from His power
The phrase "His power" highlights God's omnipotence and sovereign control over all creation. The Greek word "δύναμις" (dynamis) is used, which is the root of the English word "dynamite," indicating explosive and transformative power. This power is not only creative but also judicial, as God enacts His righteous judgments upon the earth.

and no one could enter the temple
This restriction signifies the solemnity and exclusivity of God's presence during this time of judgment. The Greek phrase "οὐδεὶς ἐδύνατο" (oudeis edynato) emphasizes the absolute nature of this prohibition. It reflects the seriousness of the divine actions taking place and the separation between the holy and the profane during this period of judgment.

until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed
The "seven plagues" represent the fullness and completeness of God's judgment, as the number seven often symbolizes perfection and completion in biblical numerology. The Greek word "πληγὰς" (plēgas) refers to blows or strikes, indicating the severity of these judgments. The "seven angels" are divine messengers executing God's will, and their completion signifies the fulfillment of God's righteous plan. This phrase underscores the inevitability and thoroughness of divine justice, reminding believers of God's ultimate sovereignty and the assurance that His purposes will be accomplished in their entirety.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Temple
In Revelation, the temple often symbolizes the presence of God and His dwelling place. Here, it is filled with smoke, indicating God's glory and power.

2. Smoke
Represents the glory and power of God. In the Old Testament, smoke often signifies God's presence, as seen in the tabernacle and temple.

3. The Glory of God
This refers to the divine majesty and holiness of God, which is so overwhelming that it fills the temple.

4. The Seven Angels
These are the messengers of God tasked with pouring out the seven plagues, representing God's judgment.

5. The Seven Plagues
These are the final judgments of God upon the earth, signifying the completion of His wrath.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Glory
The filling of the temple with smoke signifies God's unapproachable holiness and glory. Believers are reminded of the reverence due to God.

The Finality of God's Judgment
The completion of the seven plagues signifies the finality and certainty of God's judgment. Christians are called to live in readiness and obedience.

The Power of God's Presence
The inability to enter the temple due to God's presence highlights His overwhelming power. Believers should seek to experience God's presence in their lives through prayer and worship.

The Role of Angels in God's Plan
The seven angels carrying out God's judgment remind us of the spiritual realm's active role in God's divine plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the temple filled with smoke enhance our understanding of God's holiness and glory?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for the finality of God's judgment as depicted in Revelation 15:8?

3. How does the presence of God in the temple, as described in Revelation 15:8, compare to His presence in our lives today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of the seven angels in carrying out God's judgment?

5. How can the connections between Revelation 15:8 and other scriptures deepen our understanding of God's character and His plan for humanity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40:34-35
The cloud covering the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle parallels the temple being filled with smoke in Revelation 15:8.

Isaiah 6:4
The temple filled with smoke during Isaiah's vision of God's holiness connects to the imagery in Revelation, emphasizing God's majestic presence.

1 Kings 8:10-11
The cloud filling Solomon's temple, preventing the priests from ministering, mirrors the scene in Revelation where no one can enter the temple.

Hebrews 9:24
Discusses Christ entering the heavenly temple, providing a contrast to the earthly temple filled with smoke in Revelation.