Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 15:8

"And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and none was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels should be finished." — Revelation 15:8 (ASV)

And the temple . . .—Translate, And the temple (the same word—naos—is used as in Revelation 11:1) was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his might; and no one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels should be finished.

As in the wilderness (Exodus 40:34–35), and as at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10–11), the tokens of God’s presence filled the temple. So it is now, but with a difference: it is smoke, not cloud, which is the symbol of God’s presence.

But the vision which perhaps, under all circumstances, most nearly corresponds with the present is that of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1–4). There the prophet beheld the vision of God. His train filled the temple, and the house was filled with smoke. A message of judgment was given to the prophet.

That message declared that the sin of the people had reached a climax: they had trifled with convictions, and henceforth the words of God’s servants would harden rather than awaken them: Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, etc. (Isaiah 6:9–10), until the desolating judgments had fallen.

The general meaning of the present vision is similar: the days of warning are over; the plagues which now fall will fall on those who have trifled with convictions; the sanctuary which was opened as a refuge is now closed; and no one can enter until the plagues have descended. The time has come when the judgments of God fail to stir the conscience which has been deadened by sin; the day when the gracious influences towards repentance were felt has passed. The word that has been spoken is about to descend in judgment (John 12:48).

“Who shall not pray, with an agony of earnestness, From hardness of heart and contempt of Your word and commandment, good Lord, deliver us?” (Dr. Vaughan).