This chapter tells of the final seven judgments that will take place on the earth immediately before Christ returns in His glory (Revelation 15:1).
Verses 1-7
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After being judged with painful sores, all salt and fresh water on the planet will be turned to blood. Under the second wave of judgments, only a third of these turned to blood. But now, all water is turned to blood.
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Although it's harsh, it's just. At this time in the world, there will be so much violence against God's people that unbelievers will deserve this kind of judgment. And when it happens we will know that it is righteous.
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Verses 8-11
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More judgments ensue, among which are great heat, darkness, and pain. The most astounding piece of this passage is that those who suffer, even after all this judgment, do not repent of their sin nor give glory to God.
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Those who are hardened beyond remedy will never repent. It is true that some people are hopeless. These kind of people will see the greatest signs and wonders ever to occur upon the earth, but they will remain obstinate and continue in their sins regardless (see Romans 1:29-32).
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Verses 12-21
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The sixth judgment results in the Euphrates river being completely dried, as to make way for armies to gather for an attack that will be against Christ when He comes.
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The devil, the antichrist, and the false prophet will use demonic power to convince the remaining nations of the world to unite for this attack.
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However, when the seventh bowl is poured out, there will be an earthquake and plague of hail that will cause all islands and mountains to disappear. Still, men will not repent, but will insult God.
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There is a great city, which is Babylon the Great, that will be divided into three parts.
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This tells us that Babylon the Great has a physical existence and infrastructure on earth, which this great earthquake will destroy (more on this in chapter 17).
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