Revelation 6:16
And they said to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.
And they said to the mountains and the rocks
This phrase captures a moment of desperation and fear. The Greek word for "said" (εἶπαν) indicates a plea or a command, reflecting the urgency and terror of those speaking. The invocation of "mountains and the rocks" is symbolic, representing the natural world as a refuge. Historically, mountains and caves have been places of hiding and protection, especially in times of war or divine judgment. This imagery is consistent with Old Testament passages, such as Hosea 10:8, where people call upon the mountains to cover them in times of distress.

Fall on us
The plea for the mountains and rocks to "fall on us" is a vivid expression of the desire to escape the impending wrath. The Greek word for "fall" (πέσετε) conveys a sense of suddenness and finality. This reflects the overwhelming fear of those facing divine judgment, preferring physical destruction over facing the wrath of God. It echoes the human instinct to seek any form of escape when confronted with the reality of divine justice.

and hide us
The desire to be "hidden" underscores the shame and terror of those who are unprepared to face God. The Greek word for "hide" (κρύψατε) suggests a deep yearning for concealment, akin to Adam and Eve hiding from God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). This reflects the universal human condition of sin and the instinct to hide from the holiness of God when confronted with our own unworthiness.

from the face of Him who sits on the throne
This phrase identifies the source of the fear: the presence of God Himself. The "face" (προσώπου) of God is a powerful biblical motif, representing His presence and glory. In the Old Testament, seeing God's face was often associated with judgment or blessing. Here, it is a source of terror for those who are not in right standing with Him. The "throne" (θρόνου) signifies God's sovereign authority and the inevitability of His righteous judgment.

and from the wrath of the Lamb
The juxtaposition of "wrath" (ὀργῆς) with "the Lamb" (τοῦ Ἀρνίου) is striking. The Lamb, typically a symbol of gentleness and sacrifice, here embodies righteous anger. This reflects the dual nature of Christ as both Savior and Judge. The wrath of the Lamb is not capricious but is a just response to sin and rebellion. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ for salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The One Seated on the Throne
This refers to God, the sovereign ruler of the universe, who is depicted as sitting on a throne, symbolizing His authority and power.

2. The Lamb
This is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the Lamb in Revelation, symbolizing His role as the sacrificial Savior who takes away the sins of the world.

3. Mountains and Rocks
These natural elements are called upon by people seeking to hide from the impending judgment, symbolizing the futility of trying to escape God's wrath.

4. The Wrath of the Lamb
This phrase highlights the righteous anger and judgment of Jesus Christ against sin and rebellion.

5. The People
Those who are calling out to the mountains and rocks are the unrepentant sinners who face the judgment of God and the Lamb.
Teaching Points
The Inevitability of Judgment
God's judgment is certain and unavoidable. No earthly power or natural element can shield us from it.

The Role of Jesus as Judge
While Jesus is the Savior, He is also the Judge. His wrath is a response to unrepentant sin and rebellion.

The Futility of Hiding from God
Attempting to hide from God’s presence is futile. True safety is found in repentance and faith in Christ.

The Urgency of Repentance
This passage serves as a warning to turn to God now, while there is still time, to avoid facing His wrath.

The Sovereignty of God
God’s authority and power are supreme. He is the ultimate judge, and His will cannot be thwarted.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the imagery of calling to the mountains and rocks reveal about the mindset of those facing God's judgment?

2. How does the depiction of Jesus as the Lamb in this passage contrast with His role as the Judge?

3. In what ways does this passage challenge us to consider our own readiness for the day of judgment?

4. How can we find assurance and peace in the face of God’s judgment as described in Revelation 6:16?

5. What other biblical passages reinforce the theme of God’s inevitable judgment, and how do they encourage us to live righteously?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 2:19-21
This passage similarly describes people hiding in caves and among rocks from the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty when He rises to shake the earth.

Luke 23:30
Jesus speaks of a time when people will call to the mountains to fall on them, indicating a future time of judgment.

Revelation 20:11-15
This passage describes the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds, and those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.
The Wrath of the LambD. Thomas Revelation 6:16
The ConquerorW. M. Punshon, D. D.Revelation 6:1-17
The Development of Good and Evil in Human History D. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 6:1-17
The Future Triumph of Our KingJ. Clayton, M. A.Revelation 6:1-17
The Going Forth of the GospelJames Durham.Revelation 6:1-17
The Opening of the SealsS. Conway Revelation 6:1-17
The Redeemer's ConquestsJ. Parsons.Revelation 6:1-17
The Seven Seals; Or, the Development of Good and Evil in Human HistoryD. Thomas Revelation 6:1-17
The Final Judgment of the Enemies of the ChurchR. Green Revelation 6:12-17
Furor FitFrancis Jacox, B. A.Revelation 6:15-16
Presumption Running into DespairT. Adams.Revelation 6:15-16
Safety in the Day of WrathD. Moore, M. A.Revelation 6:15-16
Terrified Sinners in the Last Earthly SceneJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Revelation 6:15-16
The Great Day and the Great QuestionJ. D. Smith.Revelation 6:15-16
The Last Great Prayer MeetingW. M. Blackburn, D. D.Revelation 6:15-16
The Last Great Prayer MeetingW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.Revelation 6:15-16
The Wonders of the Last DayD. Thomas Revelation 6:15, 16
The Wrath of GodJ. M. Sherwood, D. D.Revelation 6:15-16
The Wrath of God and the LambT. Hannam.Revelation 6:15-16
The Wrath of the LambHomilistRevelation 6:15-16
The Wrath of the LambG. Matheson, D. D.Revelation 6:15-16
The Wrath of the LambRevelation 6:15-16
The Wrath of the LambH. Bushnell, D. D.Revelation 6:15-16
Who Shall be Able to Stand in the Last JudgmentHomilistRevelation 6:15-16
People
John
Places
Patmos
Topics
Anger, Calling, Covering, Face, Fall, Hidden, Hide, Lamb, Mountains, Presence, Rocks, Saying, Seat, Seated, Sits, Sitteth, Sitting, Throne, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 6:16

     1255   face of God
     2009   Christ, anger of
     2315   Christ, as Lamb
     5067   suicide
     5436   pain
     5581   throne

Revelation 6:12-17

     4284   sun
     4812   darkness, God's judgment
     5955   strength, divine

Revelation 6:15-16

     4354   rock

Revelation 6:15-17

     1310   God, as judge
     5367   kingdoms

Library
"For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die, but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live. "
Rom. viii. 13.--"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die, but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." Though the Lord, out of his absolute sovereignty, might deal with man in such a way, as nothing should appear but his supreme will and almighty power, he might simply command obedience, and without any more persuasions either leave men to the frowardness of their own natures, or else powerfully constrain them to their duty, yet he hath chosen that way that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth.
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." The revelation made to St. John in the isle of Patmos, was a comfort to the suffering apostle, and a blessing to the church. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the word, of this prophecy." The beginning indeed was dark; the prophetic sketch, was for sometime, gloomy: It unfolded a strange scene of declensions and abominations, which were to disgrace the church of Christ and mar its beauty; and dismal series of woes on woes,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
The interval of time which separates the removal of the Church from the earth to the return of Christ to it, is variously designated in the Word of God. It is spoken of as "the day of vengeance" (Is. 61:2). It is called "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7). It is the "hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world" (Rev. 3:10). It is denominated "the great day of the Lord" (Zeph. 1:14). It is termed "the great tribulation" (Matt. 24:21). It is the time of God's "controversy with the
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

An Awful Contrast
"Then did they spit in his face."--Matthew 26:67. "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away."--Revelation 20:11. GUIDED BY OUR TEXT in Matthew's Gospel, let us first go in thought to the palace of Caiaphas the high priest, and there let us, in deepest sorrow, realize the meaning of these terrible words: "Then did they spit in his face." There is more of deep and awful thunder in them than in the bolt that bursts overhead, there is
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

"So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. "
Rom. viii. 8.--"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is a kind of happiness to men, to please them upon whom they depend, and upon whose favour their well-being hangs. It is the servant's happiness to please his master, the courtier's to please his prince; and so generally, whosoever they be that are joined in mutual relations, and depend one upon another; that which makes all pleasant, is this, to please one another. Now, certainly, all the dependencies of creatures one upon
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers of the Saints who are in Heaven
I. Are the Saints cognizant of our Prayers? II. Ought we to appeal to the Saints to intercede for us? III. Are the Saints' Prayers to God for us always heard? I Are the Saints cognizant of our Prayers? On those words of Job,[267] Whether his children come to honour or dishonour, he shall not understand, S. Gregory says: "This is not to be understood of the souls of the Saints, for they see from within the glory of Almighty God, it is in nowise credible that there should be anything without of
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Christ's Kingly Office
Q-26: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING? A: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Let us consider now Christ's regal office. And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords", Rev 19:16. Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a king; (1.) he has a kingly title. High and Lofty.' Isa 57:15. (2.) He has his insignia regalia, his ensigns of royalty; corona est insigne
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
H^7. Chap. xix. 1-16. The final heavenly Utterances and Actions. We now come to the last of the seven Visions seen "in Heaven," which is the subject of chap. xix. 1-16, giving us the final heavenly Utterances and Actions which lead up to, explain, and introduce the five concluding judgments which close up the things of Time, and pass on to what we call the Eternal State. This last Vision "in Heaven" is divided into two parts, each having its own independent construction. The first contains the words
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Second Coming of Christ.
^A Matt. XXIV. 29-51; ^B Mark XIII. 24-37; ^C Luke XXI. 25-36. ^b 24 But in those days, ^a immediately after the { ^b that} ^a tribulation of those days. [Since the coming of Christ did not follow close upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the word "immediately" used by Matthew is somewhat puzzling. There are, however, three ways in which it may be explained: 1. That Jesus reckons the time after his own divine, and not after our human, fashion. Viewing the word in this light, the passage at II. Pet.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
Rom. viii. 1.--"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." There are three things which concur to make man miserable,--sin, condemnation, and affliction. Every one may observe that "man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward," that his days here are few and evil. He possesses "months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed" for him. Job v. 6, 7, vii. 3. He "is of few days and full of trouble," Job xiv.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in his Death.
When God sends death as his messenger for the regenerate man, he meets him half-way to heaven, for his conversation and affection is there before him (Phil. iii. 20; Col. iii. 2.) Death is never strange nor fearful to him: not strange, because he died daily--not fearful, because whilst he lived, he was dead, and his life was hid with Christ in God (1 Cor. i. 31; Col. iii. 3;) to die, therefore, is to him nothing else in effect, but to rest from his labour in this world, to go home to his Father's
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Messiah Worshipped by Angels
Let all the angels of God worship Him. M any of the Lord's true servants, have been in a situation so nearly similar to that of Elijah, that like him they have been tempted to think they were left to serve the Lord alone (I Kings 19:10) . But God had then a faithful people, and He has so in every age. The preaching of the Gospel may be compared to a standard erected, to which they repair, and thereby become known to each other, and more exposed to the notice and observation of the world. But we hope
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ^A Matt. XXI. 33-46; ^B Mark XII. 1-12; ^C Luke XX. 9-19. ^b 1 And he began to speak unto them ^c the people [not the rulers] ^b in parables. { ^c this parable:} ^a 33 Hear another parable: There was a man that was a householder [this party represents God], who planted a vineyard [this represents the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the ^a winepress in it
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. F rom Mr. Handel's acknowledged abilities as a composer, and particularly from what I have heard of his great taste and success in adapting the style of his music to the subject, I judge, that this passage afforded him a fair occasion of displaying his genius and powers. Two ideas, vastly important in themselves, are here represented in the strongest light,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

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