Revelation 16:13

And I saw&c. Between the sixth and seventh vial, as between the sixth and seventh seal, and between the sixth and seventh trumpet, there appears a vision that has nothing to do with the series in which it is inserted, but which marks the near approach of the final conflict between the kingdoms of light and of darkness. But here we have the preparation for the conflict on the side of the latter, not, as in the two other places, of the former.

unclean spirits This phrase is in the Gospels usually synonymous with "devils" or rather "demons." But here the term "spirit" seems to be rather used in the sense of "inspiring power," they are called in the next verse "spirits ofdemons." See St John's I. Eph 4:3; 1 Timothy 4:1, which probably refer to the same order of things as this: also 1 Samuel 16:14 &c. (note especially "he prophesied," Revelation 18:10), 1 Kings 22:21 sqq.

like frogs There may be a reference to the plague of Egypt, Exodus 8:2 sqq., but the parallel is not close. Frogs were proverbial for their constant and meaningless noise, which some think helps us to interpret the likeness. If so, one would be tempted to connect it with St Hippolytus" view mentioned on Revelation 17:12.

the false prophet Identified by Revelation 19:20 with the second beast of Revelation 13:11.