What is the 3rd Woe?
Today I would like to focus on the 3rd Woe found in the book of Revelation. We are given the events that fall under Woe #1 and Woe #2 but there is no scripture that states the 3rd woe in this manner. We have to discover what pertains or falls under this third calamity. There are two scriptures that specifically mention the first and second woe.
One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. Revelation 9:12 KJV
The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Revelation 11:14 KJV
These two scriptures specifically follow the events that pertain to these woes. So let us begin by reviewing scriptures that pertain to the category of the 3rd Woe. The third woe appears to begin with the sounding of the 7th trumpet in verse 11:15.
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15 KJV
So as we read the 7th trumpet seems to start off the third woe. There is a pattern I would like you to notice. When there is a resurrection there is judgment that follows. This trumpet is blowing right after the two witnesses rose from the dead and were called up to heaven.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19 KJV
Rev 11:19 – earthquake and great hail fell upon men (part of 3rd woe calamity)
This event coincides with the one found in Revelation 16.
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Revelation 16:18-19 KJV
Rev 16:18-19 – earthquake, city divided in 1/3, hail, and cities of the nations fell (part of the 3rd woe calamity)
Another scripture we should include in this category is the one in Revelation 14.
And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Revelation 14:20 KJV
Rev 14:20 – the wine press (part of the 3rd woe calamity)
Many have confused this section as pertaining to the church but if you notice verse 19 says the ones gathered are cast into “the great winepress of the wrath of God.” We know the wrath of God will not fall on the church.
As I mentioned earlier the 3rd woe begins right after the two witnesses ascended to heaven. Then the earthquake happens in the Holy city causing destruction and death. Then once more another earthquake all over the earth occurs in other nations of the world.
* On Earth and Heaven *
After reviewing the scriptures found in Revelation 11,14, and 16 we can clearly group the specific events into WOE #3. It appears there are simultaneous events occurring on earth and in the spiritual realm. When the 7th trumpet sounds the church is transformed into incorruptible bodies (this is an event that occurs in the spirit realm).
(On earth) Judgment is happening at the same time – great hail falls on the men and women with the mark of the beast, the wine press found in chapter 14 is a gathering of the people who are not followers of the Lord, earthquake occurs throughout the world (clearing of mountains, everything crumbling out of the way. Everything is making way for the Lord as he is descending.
A plague is defined as a public calamity and heavy affliction. As the church is transformed (which is instantly), the people left on earth are experiencing the calamities of judgment that we have read in the Word.
More details are listed on a previous post found on this site called “The Three Woes”. This was simply something I noticed as I was rereading chapter 16 and this stood out. Hopefully this short post has made things clear for you as well regarding the Woe #3. If you are being blessed by these short teachings please partner with us to help continue to spread these spiritual insights.
