The concept of the "Two Remaining Woes" is derived from the Book of Revelation, specifically in the context of the apocalyptic visions revealed to the Apostle John. These woes are part of a series of judgments that God unleashes upon the earth during the end times, as described in Revelation chapters 8 through 11. The term "woe" signifies a pronouncement of impending doom and divine judgment, emphasizing the severity and intensity of the events that are to unfold.

Biblical Context

The "Two Remaining Woes" are introduced following the sounding of the fifth trumpet, which marks the beginning of the first woe. Revelation 8:13 sets the stage: "Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying overhead, calling in a loud voice: 'Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!'"

1. The First Woe (Fifth Trumpet)

The first woe is detailed in Revelation 9:1-12. It begins with the sounding of the fifth trumpet, which releases a star fallen from heaven to earth. This star is given the key to the shaft of the Abyss, from which smoke arises, darkening the sun and the air. Out of the smoke, locusts emerge, possessing the power to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. These locusts are described as having the appearance of horses prepared for battle, with crowns of gold, faces like humans, hair like women's hair, and teeth like lions' teeth. They are commanded not to harm the grass or any plant but only those without God's seal. Their torment is likened to the sting of a scorpion, lasting for five months. The king over them is the angel of the Abyss, named Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both meaning "Destroyer."

2. The Second Woe (Sixth Trumpet)

The second woe is associated with the sounding of the sixth trumpet, as described in Revelation 9:13-21. Upon the sounding of this trumpet, a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God instructs the release of the four angels bound at the great river Euphrates. These angels, prepared for a specific hour, day, month, and year, are released to kill a third of mankind. The number of mounted troops is described as twice ten thousand times ten thousand, or two hundred million. The horses and riders have breastplates the color of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The horses' heads resemble lions, and out of their mouths come fire, smoke, and sulfur, which kill a third of humanity. Despite these plagues, the rest of mankind does not repent of their idolatry, murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or thefts.

The Third Woe

The third woe is not explicitly detailed immediately after the second woe but is alluded to in Revelation 11:14 : "The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly." This third woe is often associated with the events following the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which heralds the final series of judgments and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.

Theological Significance

The Two Remaining Woes serve as a stark reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the seriousness of sin. They underscore the sovereignty of God over creation and history, as well as His righteous wrath against unrepentant humanity. The imagery used in these passages is vivid and symbolic, reflecting the catastrophic nature of the judgments and the spiritual warfare underlying the physical events. For believers, these woes are a call to remain faithful and steadfast, holding onto the hope of redemption and the promise of Christ's return.