8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?
“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.” Verse 6.
Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.
9. What will be the fourth plague?
“And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.” Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.
Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors [pg 303] and blessings. See “The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,” by “An American Citizen,” chapter 3.
10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?
“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give Him glory.” Verse 9.
11. What will be the fifth plague?
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Verse 10.