Out of the temple; coming from the temple, where God dwelt. Men are apt to look no further than to second causes; but the holy Scriptures refer all the judgments which fall upon the world for its wickedness to God as their author. They come from him, and execute his holy purposes.

Pour out the vials of the wrath of God; the seven last plagues belong to the seventh trumpet, under which, or at least, near to which, we seem to be living. To attempt the application of them to particular events in history, seems to be premature.

Upon the earth; upon the inhabitants of the earth, especially the persecutors of God's people. All the seven vials belong alike to the inhabitants of the earth, whatever be the particular symbols on which they are poured out.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament