Revelation 16:7

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

Study Bible

And I heard
This phrase indicates the Apostle John's role as a witness to the divine revelations. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἤκουσα" (ēkousa), emphasizing the importance of auditory revelation in the prophetic tradition. In the context of Revelation, hearing signifies receiving divine truth, underscoring the reliability and authority of the message conveyed.

the altar reply
The altar, in the context of Revelation, symbolizes the place of sacrifice and intercession. The Greek word "θυσιαστήριον" (thysiastērion) refers to the altar, which in the Old Testament was central to worship and atonement rituals. Here, the altar's voice personifies the collective cry for justice and vindication of the saints, reflecting the altar's role as a witness to the sacrifices and prayers of the faithful.

Yes, Lord God Almighty
This phrase is a declaration of affirmation and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority. The Greek "Κύριε ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Παντοκράτωρ" (Kyrie ho Theos ho Pantokratōr) translates to "Lord God Almighty," emphasizing God's omnipotence and sovereignty. The use of "Almighty" (Pantokratōr) highlights God's ultimate power over all creation, reassuring believers of His control over the unfolding events.

true and just
These attributes of God underscore His perfect nature. The Greek words "ἀληθιναὶ" (alēthinai) and "δίκαιαι" (dikaiai) mean "true" and "just," respectively. They affirm that God's judgments are based on truth and righteousness, reflecting His unwavering commitment to justice. This assurance is crucial for believers facing persecution, as it reinforces their faith in God's righteous governance.

are Your judgments
The term "judgments" refers to God's decisions and actions in response to human sin and rebellion. The Greek "κρίσεις" (kriseis) denotes judicial verdicts, emphasizing the legal and moral aspects of God's actions. In the context of Revelation, these judgments are part of the eschatological events leading to the ultimate triumph of good over evil, providing hope and encouragement to the faithful.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Altar
In the context of Revelation, the altar is a significant symbol often associated with the prayers of the saints and the place of sacrifice. It represents the divine response to the cries for justice from God's people.

2. Lord God Almighty
This title emphasizes God's omnipotence and sovereignty. It is a reminder of His ultimate authority over all creation and His ability to execute righteous judgment.

3. Judgments
The judgments referred to in this verse are part of the series of divine judgments described in Revelation, specifically the bowl judgments, which are expressions of God's wrath against sin and rebellion.

Teaching Points

God's Righteousness
God's judgments are always true and just, reflecting His perfect nature. Believers can trust in His fairness and righteousness even when circumstances seem unjust.

The Role of Prayer
The altar's response signifies the importance of prayer and the assurance that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. Christians are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting in God's timing and justice.

Sovereignty of God
Acknowledge God's sovereignty in all things, including His judgments. This understanding should lead to a deeper trust and submission to His will.

Hope in Justice
In a world where injustice often prevails, believers can find hope in the certainty that God will ultimately set all things right. This hope should inspire perseverance and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the altar in Revelation 16:7 provide comfort to believers facing injustice today?

2. In what ways can understanding God's righteous judgments influence our daily decisions and interactions with others?

3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Revelation 16:7, challenge or affirm your current understanding of God's role in the world?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt your prayers were not being heard. How does the assurance of God's just response encourage you to continue in prayer?

5. How can the themes of justice and righteousness in Revelation 16:7 be applied to current social and ethical issues facing the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 6:9-11
This passage describes the souls under the altar crying out for justice, which connects to the altar's response in Revelation 16:7, affirming God's righteous judgments.

Psalm 19:9
This verse speaks of the fear of the Lord being pure and His judgments being true and righteous, paralleling the declaration in Revelation 16:7.

Deuteronomy 32:4
This verse describes God as a Rock whose works are perfect and all His ways are just, reinforcing the theme of God's righteous judgments.