The first four bowls strike the natural world, while the last three strike the kingdom of the beast. The bowl judgments differ from the seals and trumpets in that their destruction is universal, suggesting that the bowls are poured out at the end of history. Other interpreters, given the symbolic and apocalyptic character of the judgments, argue that the bowl judgments characterize the entire period from Christ’s resurrection to the end of history. Such an interpretation is certainly possible, but the radical and comprehensive nature of the language suggests instead that John describes judgments that take place as history draws to a close.