4. What has Daniel said of this time?
“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.
Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.
5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?
“And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.” Rev. 16:2.
6. What will constitute the second plague?
“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” Verse 3.
7. What will be the third plague?
“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” Verse 4.
Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.