The Book of Revelation: Plagues as Part of the Eschatological Human Condition. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lietaert Peerbolte, Bert Jan
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of the New Testament. Volume 44:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Epidemic -- plague -- eschatology -- Revelation -- Devil -- angels; 225.605
• DOI: 10.1177/0142064X211025496
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-064X

Abstract

Although plagues and disease do not feature prominently in the book of Revelation, specific images from the book, including the four horsemen (Rev. 6) and bowls of wrath (Rev. 15–16), have been used in certain traditions in which epidemics and pandemics have been, and still are, being interpreted as part of the eschatological human condition: they are seen as inflicted on humanity, ultimately by an angry God, whose wrath will lead to a final judgment.