Revelation 15:8; The Temple was filled with Smoke from the Glory of God, No Man Was Able to Enter

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Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. 

With the phrase “filled with smoke from the glory of God,” John draws a parallel with the preceding verse, “filled with the wrath of God” (v7b). The smoke that emanates from God’s glory and from his power permeates the inner sanctuary. The scene is reminiscent of God filling the tabernacle with the cloud of his glory (Exod. 40:34), as also took place at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10–11; 2 Chron. 5:13–14).

Exodus 40:34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 

1 Kings 8:10-11 And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD. 

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. 

At the time of King Uzziah’s death, Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on his throne in heaven, and “the temple was filled with smoke” (Isaiah 6:4; compare Ezek. 43:5; 44:4; Num. 12:5).

Isaiah 6:4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 

Ezekiel 43:5 So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. 

Ezekiel 44:4 Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face. 

Numbers 12:5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood inthe door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 

The fierceness of God’s wrath is so intense that no creature can enter His presence. The time of offering prayers and petitions for mercy is past, for the hour of judgment has come. No one may enter the inner sanctuary until the bowls of wrath have been poured out and the destruction of the wicked has been completed, for God’s mercy is forgotten, His compassion withheld, and His patience suspended.

 Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 433). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.