_And when he had opened the seventh seal_ This seal is introductory to the trumpets contained under it, as the seventh trumpet introduces the vials which belong to it. The period, therefore, of this seal is of much longer duration, and comprehends many more events, than any of the former seals. It c... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I saw the seven angels_ I beheld further in my vision seven chief angels, instruments especially designed of God for a very important service, now to be declared; _which stood_ Or were standing; _before God_ To receive and execute his commands, after the manner of the great princes of the East,... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the smoke of the incense ascended before God_ In an odoriferous cloud, _with the prayers of the saints_ A testimony of God's gracious acceptance, both of the intercession of the great High-Priest, and of the prayers of his believing people, proceeding from devout hearts; and consequently of the... [ Continue Reading ]
_The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood_ A proper representation of great commotions and disorders, attended with much bloodshed, and the destruction of many of the several ranks and conditions of men. “A thunder-storm or tempest, that throws down all before it,... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the second angel sounded, and, as it were, a great mountain burning with fire_ That is, a great warlike nation, or hero; for in the style of poetry, which is near akin to the style of prophecy, heroes are compared to mountains; _was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;... [ Continue Reading ]
An _d the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven_ Bengelius, and some other commentators, interpret this of Arius and his heresy, and the persecutions connected therewith; “and no doubt,” as Mr. Scott observes, “such events might very aptly be represented by the falling of a st... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten_, &c. A fit representation to express the last desolation of the imperial city, which God's righteous judgment doomed, as Babylon heretofore, to a loss of all power and of all authority. _Darkening, smiting_, or the setting of... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I beheld an angel flying through the midst of heaven_ Between the trumpets of the fourth and fifth angels; _saying with a loud voice_ That is, proclaiming for the information of all, _Wo, wo, wo, to the inhabitants of the earth_ All, without exception: heavy calamities were coming on all; _by r... [ Continue Reading ]