Revelation 16:4 - Exposition

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood . Omit "angel" (see on Revelation 16:3 ). "Into the rivers," etc., as in the previous cases. The singular ἐγένετο , probably on account of the neuter ὕδατα being understood. The idea of the second vial is carried on here (cf. on Revelation 16:3 ). Note the corresponding judgment of the third trumpet. In addition to the interpretation of the second vial given above, it is probable that the blood signifies the slaughter and death which is part of God's vengeance on the wicked (cf. Revelation 16:6 ). The divisions adopted in the first four vials correspond to those in Revelation 14:1-20 ., which designate the whole of God's created world, "heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."