The seven angels emerge from the heavenly temple because their work is holy as are the judgments they bring. The angels were clothed in linen, clean and bright representing their holiness and purity as priestly garments. They were girded around their chests with golden sashes covering the shoulder to the waist. When the Old Testament tabernacle and temple were dedicated, these earthly buildings were filled with God’s glory (Ex. 40:34-35; 2 Chron. 7:1-4); but now the heavenly temple is filled with smoke (Isa. 6:4; Ezek. 10:4). This smoke likewise is evidence of God’s glory and power.Each of the angels has a specific “target” for the contents of his vial or bowl. The earth-dwellers have already suffered from the seal and trumpet judgments, but this final series of judgments will climax God’s plan, leading to Babylon’s fall and Jesus Christ’s return to earth.
One of the 4-living creatures, a high ranking cherubim gave the 7-angels 7-bowls full of wrath of God. The bowls were part of the Temple furnishings (1 Ki. 7:50; Zech. 14:20) and were associated with the sacrifices (Ex. 27:3). Those who refuse to drink the cup of salvation will be drowned in the judgements poured from the bowls of wrath. God has the power to put an end to sin, so that it cannot exist again forever in His holy presence.
Both the bowls and the cloud come from the glory of God and from His power. This is a reminder of God’s special presence and glory, even in the midst of devastating judgment. When the cloud of glory fills the temple in heaven, no one can enter. It was the same, when Moses could not enter the Tabernacle when the smoke of the cloud of God’s glory, sometimes called the “Shekinah” filled the tent (Ex.40:34-35). No one was able to enter the temple until the 7-plagues were completed. This declares that judgment is now irreversible. Nothing can hinder it anymore, because access to this temple in heaven will not long be denied.
The glory cloud will remain in the heavenly temple until the earth is completely purged and prepared for the King and His Kingdom.