The term "Seven Plagues" is often associated with the eschatological events described in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. These plagues are part of the divine judgments that God will pour out upon the earth during the end times, as revealed to the Apostle John in his apocalyptic vision. The Seven Plagues are specifically detailed in Revelation 15 and 16, where they are referred to as the "seven last plagues" because they complete the wrath of God.

Biblical Context

The Seven Plagues are introduced in Revelation 15:1 : "Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God will be completed." These plagues are a continuation of the divine judgments that began with the Seven Seals and the Seven Trumpets, forming a triad of sevens that symbolize the completeness and perfection of God's judgment.

The Seven Bowls of Wrath

The Seven Plagues are also known as the Seven Bowls of God's Wrath, as each plague is poured out from a bowl by an angel. The sequence of these plagues is as follows:

1. First Plague: Painful Sores · Revelation 16:2 describes the first plague: "So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and loathsome and malignant sores broke out on those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image."

2. Second Plague: Sea Turns to Blood · Revelation 16:3 states: "And the second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it turned to blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea died."

3. Third Plague: Rivers and Springs Turn to Blood · Revelation 16:4 continues: "And the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood."

4. Fourth Plague: Scorching Sun · Revelation 16:8-9 describes: "Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given power to scorch the people with fire. And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory."

5. Fifth Plague: Darkness and Pain · Revelation 16:10-11 states: "And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. And men gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds."

6. Sixth Plague: Euphrates Dried Up · Revelation 16:12 describes: "And the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the east."

7. Seventh Plague: Earthquake and Hail · Revelation 16:17-21 concludes: "Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came from the throne in the temple, saying, 'It is done!' And there were flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and a great earthquake, the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found. And great hailstones weighing almost a hundred pounds each rained down on them from above. And men cursed God for the plague of hail, because it was so horrendous."

Theological Significance

The Seven Plagues serve as a manifestation of God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. They are a call to repentance, yet the repeated refusal of humanity to repent highlights the hardness of heart that characterizes the end times. These plagues also demonstrate the sovereignty of God over creation, as He uses natural and supernatural means to execute His divine will. The plagues are a prelude to the ultimate victory of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as they lead to the final defeat of evil and the restoration of God's order.