having every one of them Perhaps refers to the elders only; though it is not more difficult to picturethe living creatures holding harps than the Lamb taking the Book and breaking the seals; nor is it more unfit that Cherubim and Seraphim should present the prayers of Saints than that a single Angel should bless them, as in Revelation 8:3 sq.

golden vials i.e. broad open bowls; more like saucers than any vessel in modern use.

which are the prayers If the strict grammar of this sentence is to be pressed, it is the "vials" not the "odours" which are identified with the "prayers." See Revelation 8:3 and note there. Cf. Psalms 141:2.

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