When he had opened, that is, when the Lamb, who opened the six foregoing seals, did open the seventh, there was SILENCE IN HEAVEN ABOUT HALF AN HOUR, by way of allusion to what was done in the temple at the time of offering incense. The end of which silence was to give St. John an opportunity to con... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The readiness of the holy angels to execute the will of God at all times: THEY STAND BEFORE God, namely, to minister at his pleasure, and to execute judgments at his command; whether these were good angels or bad, it is not material to dispute, seeing God makes both the executioners... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, That all along in the visions which St. John had,. representation was made to his mind of things pertaining to the Jewish worship: his visionary TEMPLE, the ALTAR, the INCENSE, the FIRE, the CENSER, which he saw, were in allusion to the material temple, and to the worship and service p... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, 1. The readiness of the holy angels in heaven to execute the will and pleasure of God here on earth; they knew that the execution of God's judgments was to be performed by them, and accordingly they prepare themselves for it. Note, 2. The judgments denounced by the first angel, FIRE AND H... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The universality of the judgment inflicted; the former judgment was upon the earth, this upon the sea; that no place might escape,. storm of hail and blood falls upon the former,. mountain of burning fire is cast into the latter; both signifying increased wars and bloodshed by sea a... [ Continue Reading ]
The next judgment inflicted, or rather the farther progress of the former judgment, was the infecting of the waters and rivers with. mortal bitterness by. bitter star falling from heaven into them; denoting, some say, the fall of. great captain amongst the Jews in Judea; others understand it of here... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. That by the sun, moon, and stars, in scripture prophecies, the potentates and powers of. state are understood: accordingly the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars, do understand the prevalency of ignorance and error in the church, occasioning. fearful eclipse of that saving and co... [ Continue Reading ]