Revelation 11:19

The temple of God was opened in heaven; this verse belongs in all probability to the following series of prophecies, which it appropriately introduces. Compare chap Revelation 4:1, "A door was opened in heaven." But here the holy of holies is laid open, where God dwelt between the cherubim of the ark; apparently indicating that the apostle is about to receive a more interior and spiritual view of the condition and conflicts of the church. See the remarks prefixed to the next chapter.

The ark of his testament; the same as the ark of the covenant. Exodus 25:10-22. It was the symbol of God's immediate presence, and of the certain fulfilment of his promises.

Lightnings-thunderings-earthquake, and great hail; emblems of God's presence, and of the judgments about to be executed on the persecutors of his people.