The seven angels are commanded to pour out their bowl of
judgment upon the earth. John heard what is described as a
loud or great voice, probably the voice of God, coming out
of the temple. Immediately, in obedience to the voice from
the temple, the first angel “poured out his bowl on the
earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the
men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his
image.” This stresses the effect, degree, and intensity.
From Revelation 13:8 it is quite apparent that only a small
fraction of the world will resist the beast, refuse to take
his image, and believe in Jesus Christ. However, those who
do are now the only ones who escape this judgment and the
judgments that follow.
Note that the beast is unable to help or heal the sore.
“Sore,” refers to an ulcer-like sore. This is the word used
in the Greek Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word for
boils inflicted on the Egyptians in Exodus 9:9-11.
