Revelation 16:1 serves as the introductory instruction that receives obedient follow-up by the seven angels in Revelation 16:2–21. The work of the seven angels can in turn be divided into three subsections, each subsection set apart by a heavenly word. The actions of the first three angels prompted the words of the angel of Revelation 16:5–6 and the reply of the altar in Revelation 16:7. The actions of the second three angels (Revelation 16:8–16) evoked Christ’s interjection in Revelation 16:15. The seventh bowl (Revelation 16:17–21) generated the triumphant cry from the throne in Revelation 16:17b.
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”