Verse 7
7. When he shall begin to sound Rather, whenever he is about to sound; whensoever that sounding shall take place, and how long soever it may continue. Alford and other premillennialists deny that οταν , when, here means whenever, and insist that the mystery is finished when the trumpet begins to blow. Which, in the fact, is not true; for the dragon and beast commence their career at that point. That Alford’s Greek is at fault Mr. Glasgow clearly shows. Robinson’s New Testament Lexicon thus defines ‘ Οταν : “When, with the accessory idea of uncertainty, possibility, i.q., whensoever, if ever, in case that, so often as.” On the other hand, οτε signifies more strictly when, as when an actual event truly takes place.
We render the oath as follows: That there should be delay no further, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, whenever he is about to sound, the mystery of God shall have been finished. The antithesis lies between the further delay, and the closing with the close of the trumpet period.
The purpose of the oath is to express, not the immediacy of the second advent, but its surety. The absolute justice demanded by the seven thunders, however slow, is certain. This slowness appears in the deliberate phrases in the days, whenever, and μελλει , is about to, wrongly translated shall begin. Yet sure as that trumpet shall sound it shall be followed by no delay, for the mystery is closed, and the case is made up for final judgment.
Mystery of God In his plan of retribution to the righteous and the wicked. Perhaps there is a slight reference to the mystery as uttered by the seven thunders and sealed up by divine command, as above recorded.
Prophets The mysteries of divine judgment are the burden of prophecy from Enoch to John.
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