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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 16:1-7

We had in the foregoing chapter the great and solemn preparation that was made for the pouring out of the vials; now we have the performance of that work. Here observe, I. That, though every thing was made ready before, yet nothing was to be put in execution without an immediate positive order from God; and this he gave out of the temple, answering the prayers of his people, and avenging their quarrel. II. No sooner was the word of command given than it was immediately obeyed; no delay, no... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 16:1-21

It will be better to read through the whole chapter before we study it in detail, 16:1-21 1 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying to the seven angels: Go, and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God 2 upon the earth. The first angel went away and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and there came an outbreak of evil and malignant ulcerous sores on the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshipped his image. 3 The second poured out his bowl upon the sea; and it became... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say ,.... So we read in Jewish writings F20 T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 68. 3. of an angel that was שרא דימא , "the prince of the sea", and of angels that were over the waters, and others over fire F21 Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 58. 4. par. 2. fol. 167. 4. ; though here is designed not one of the מלאכי מים "angels of the water", that presided ove the waters, as another over fire; See Gill on Revelation 14:18 , but the third angel that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 16:5

The angel of the waters - The rabbins attribute angels, not only to the four elements so called, but to almost every thing besides. We have already seen the angel of the bottomless pit, Revelation 9:11 , and the angel of the fire, Revelation 14:18 . The angel of the earth is spoken of in Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 13, 2, and is called Admael. They have also an angel that presides over the grass; another that presides over the cattle which feed upon the grass. They say that God employed the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 16:1-11

The first five bowls. While we by no means follow the historical interpreters of this book in the attempt to identify any chronological sequence of actual events with the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls, respectively, yet (as is well pointed out by Professor Godet £ ) there is undoubtedly a moral progression indicated. The seal points out an event concealed as yet, but foreseen by God. The trumpet points out an event announced as forthcoming. The bowl points out the event in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 16:1-21

Trumpets. 1. Hail, fire, and blood cast upon THE EARTH ; one third trees, etc., burnt. 2. One third of SEA made blood; one third of creatures therein and of ships destroyed. 3. One third of the RIVERS made bitter; many men destroyed. 4. One third of the SUN , etc. smitten; one third of the day darkened. 5. Star from heaven falls into the ABYSS ; he sends forth locusts; men seek death; Hebrew name of their king is Abaddon. 6. Armies from the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 16:1-21

"The seven vials:" predestined suffering in the government of the world. "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went," etc. "It is incredible," says Bishop Horsley, "to any one who has not made the experiment, what proficiency may be made by studying the Scriptures without any other commentary or exposition than what the different parts of the sacred volume naturally... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say. The angels, throughout this book, are represented as having individual offices to fulfil. Here we have a reference to the angel whose duty it is to control the rivers, just as, in Revelation 14:18 , another angel is represented as having authority over fire. This verse and the following one are anticipations of Revelation 19:2 , which is a commentary on Revelation 18:1-24 ., which latter is an elaboration of the judgments here described. Thou... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 16:5-7

The Divine righteous judgments. The spiritual aspects of these judgments must be especially kept in view. For under the veil of outward things the invisible and spiritual things are represented. The entire symbolism of these verses, and, indeed, of the whole section, plainly shows— I. THAT JUDGMENT PROCEEDS FROM GOD . They are the judgments of the "Lord God, the Almighty." "Righteous art thou, which art and which wast, thou Holy One, because thou didst thus judge." II. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say - The angel who presides over the element of water; in allusion to the common opinion among the Hebrews that the angels presided over elements, and that each element was committed to the jurisdiction of a particular angel. Compare the notes on Revelation 7:1.Thou art righteous, O Lord - In view of the judgments that reddened these streams and fountains with the blood of people, the angel ascribes righteousness to God. These judgments seemed terrible - the... read more

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