And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.
Here we have an account of the seventh and last angel pouring forth his vial, contributing his part towards the accomplishment of the downfall of Babylon, which was the finishing stroke. And here, as before, observe, I. Where this plague fell - on the air, upon the prince of the power of the air, that is, the devil.
Commenting on Revelation 16:17-21
And the great city was divided into three parts,.... By which is meant not Christendom, distinguished into Protestants, Papists, and neutrals, which has been long the case; nor the city of Jerusalem, as inhabited by Christians, Jews, and Turks; nor the city of Rome itself, the seat of the beast, which will have suffered under the fifth vial; but the whole Romish jurisdiction, which is...
Verse 18. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings. Accompanying the voice that was heard from the throne. . And there was a great earthquake, etc. ; . The meaning is, that a judgment followed as if the world were shaken by an earthquake, or which would be properly represented by that. So mighty an earthquake, and so great.