John Trapp Complete Commentary - Revelation 8:5
5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. Ver. 5. And filled it with the fire of the altar ] Fire, in token of fierce indignation, and from the altar; for Christ came to send fire on the earth, Luke 12:49 ; fire and sword, Matthew 12:34 ; through men’s singular corruption and obstinace in not stooping to the sceptre of this kingdom. Hence fire and brimstone,... read more
John Trapp Complete Commentary - Revelation 8:4
4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. Ver. 4. The smoke of the incense ] The saints’ prayers perfumed with Christ’s odours ascended, that is, were highly accepted in heaven, Acts 10:4 ; Exodus 3:9 , as well appeared by the answer they had here in the next verse. The Church is said to ascend out of the wilderness of this world with pillars of smoke, Song of Solomon 3:6 . Elationibus fumi, with raised... read more