7. Where does the fifth plague fall and what effect does have on those who dwell there? Revelation 16:10-11.
NOTE: ‘This judgement is inflicted especially upon the papacy, the seat of the beast being Rome, and his kingdom being his subjects wherever they are found. In the description of this plague, we find an expression which shows that all these plagues fall upon the same generation; for it says that they blasphemed God, because of their pains and their sores. These sores must be the ones brought to view under the first plague. Those upon whom the first vial was poured, many of them at least, are thus shown to be still living under the fifth plague, and still suffering from the effects of the first plague.’ Uriah Smith: The Biblical Institute, page 230.
‘What a terrible scene! with all their grievous sores, blood to drink, stagnant blood, and putrid fish filling the waters, scorched with burning heat; and then, to crown the whole, the whole kingdom of Anti-Christ is to be full of darkness. O, what a picture of woe! Reader, make haste to escape it. “Watch ye, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things, and to stand before the Son of man.”’ Josiah Litch: Prophetic Expositions, page 179.
8. How was the similar plague that fell on Egypt described? Exodus 10:21-23.
NOTE: ‘Suddenly a darkness settled upon the land, so thick and black that it seemed a “darkness which may be felt.” Not only were the people deprived of light, but the atmosphere was very oppressive, so that breathing was difficult. “They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” The sun and moon were objects of worship to the Egyptians; in this mysterious darkness the people and their gods alike were smitten by the power that had undertaken the cause of the bondmen.’ Patriarchs & Prophets, page 272.
9. Will those who love the truth of God be afraid in this time of darkness and dread? Psalm 91:5, first part.
NOTE: ‘The believer may come with boldness, lifting up the head. It shows that we believe that He is a God who keeps His word, that He is just what He is, a God of tenderness and infinite lovingkindness. And dwelling in the secret place, and abiding under His shadow, there is no fear. “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”’ E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, February 15, 1894.