1. Revelation 16:1 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the function of these seven angels?

Revelation 16:1 (ESV)

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.”

Angels are God’s servants, eager to do his bidding. As his servants, their task is specifically to “serve…those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). In this instance, then, they have appeared on the stage at God’s instruction for the benefit of his saints. They had initially appeared in Revelation 15:1 bearing seven plagues, and in Revelation 15:7 received a bowl each containing God’s wrath.