Chapter Thirty-One/Jehovah's Works-Great and Wonderful - Jehovah in His Sanctuary

 Finally, completing this part of the vision, John tells us: "And the sanctuary became filled with smoke because of the glory of God and because of his power, and no one was able to enter into the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished." (Revelation 15:8) There were occasions in Israel's history when a cloud covered the literal sanctuary, and this manifestation of Jehovah's glory prevented the priests from entering there. (1 Kings 8:10, 11; 2 Chronicles 5:13, 14; compare Isaiah 6:4, 5) These were times when Jehovah was actively involved with developments of the earth. 

Jehovah is also deeply interested in things happening on earth now. He wants the seven angels to complete their assignment. It is a climatic time of judgment, as described at Psalm 11:4-6: "Jehovah is in his holy temple. Jehovah -in the heavens is his throne. His own eyes behold, his own beaming eyes examine the sons of men. Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked ones, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates. He will rain down upon the wicked ones traps, fire and sulphur and a scorching wind, as the portion of their cup." Until these seven plagues are poured out upon the wicked ones, the seven angels will not return to Jehovah's lofty presence. 

Next time: Chapter Thirty-One/Jehovah's Works-Great and Wonderful - Jehovah is His Sanctuary -Conclusion

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