John’s revelation is dated to the latter part of the first century and understandable to his first readers. Our thoughts, then, are not to go to nations of the twenty-first century living east of the Euphrates (i.e., today’s Iran or India or China, etc.). The point is instead that God would threaten the sense of peace and security of the people of John’s days in the Roman Empire. This is not an event that was to happen once in history but a threat that would play itself out repeatedly over the centuries as the Lord removes a people’s sense of well being and safety. This is in step with such curses as found in Deuteronomy 28:25, Deuteronomy 28:32–35, Deuteronomy 28:49–51, triggered by the people’s own disobedience and rebellion (Revelation 14:6–11).
12 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.