(vs. 9-18.) Whether or not the vials, to which this fifteenth chapter is introductory, be all comprehended under the seventh trumpet, as the trumpets are all comprehended under the seventh seal, is a question upon which respectable expositors differ.  It is indeed obvious that the breaking of the last seal, lays open the whole of the book, consequently the angels holding the vials would come into view.  John, however, is obliged to “write” consecutively some visions which he saw as it were at one view.  Thus he was “about to write what the seven thunders uttered,” (ch. x. 4,) but was prohibited.  That was not the proper time or place; but it is there intimated, (v. 7,) that “in the days of the voice of the seventh angel,” the import of the “seven thunders” would be disclosed.  Then would the “mystery of God be finished, as he had declared to his servants the prophets.” (Joel iii. 2, 12, 13; Micah iv. 3; Zech. xii. 2-4; 2 Thess. ii. 8.) Some of the most learned and sober divines, who wrote on the Apocalypse during the peninsular war waged by the first Napolean, contemplating the anarchical and bloody scenes of the French Revolution, and the subsequent tyranny and blood connected with the successful wars of the Gallic usurper, thought they heard in the commotions of European nations the sound of the seventh trumpet, and saw the plagues inflicted as symbolized by the vials.  And thus it is that local events, which excite the political feelings, the prejudices and partialities of even good men, are hastily interpreted as a fulfilment of prophecy.  It does not appear, however, that those events were either of sufficient magnitude or geographical extent to answer the tremendous symbols of either harvest or vintage.  Did the French revolution, the American revolution, or the wars of Napolean First, influence the civilized world or affect the church of God, as Popery and Mahometanism have done?  No, the comparison is preposterous.  Hence it is most probable that Christendom has not yet heard the alarming sound of the seventh trumpet.

1.  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

V. 1.—­“Another sign in heaven.”—­All the visions were seen by the apostle in the same place, (ch. i. 1; xii. 1.) The word translated “sign” here is the same as “wonder” in the twelfth chapter, which for greater clearness to the English reader ought to have been rendered by the same word.—­The symbol or sign consists of “seven angels having the seven last plagues,”—­the last to be inflicted on the Antichrist, but not absolutely the last penal inflictions on the enemies of God; for “Gog and Magog” are in like manner to be destroyed, and there is eternal wrath.

Upon the “Lamb’s taking the book,” and before he had opened the first seal, songs of joy burst forth from saints and angels, (ch. v. 8, 9.) So it is here.  Before the angels proceed to execute their commission, the redeemed of the Lord, anticipating the effects of these judgments, give expression to their joy.