6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
6. _And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound._ Ver. 7. Evidently in succession, perhaps by arranging themselves in the order in which they were to sound. The way is now prepared for the sounding of the trumpets, and for the fearful commotions and changes which would be indicated by that. The last seal is opened; heaven stands in suspense to know what is to be disclosed; the saints, filled with solicitude, have offered their prayers; the censer of coals has been cast to the earth, as if these judgments could be no longer stayed by prayer; and the angels prepare to sound the trumpets indicative of what is to occur.
7 The first angel sounded, and [269]there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of [270]trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
7. _The first angel sounded._ The first in order, and indicating the first in the series of events that were to follow. ¶ _And there followed hail._ Hail is usually a symbol of the divine vengeance, as it has often been employed to accomplish the divine purposes of punishment. Thus in Ex. ix. 23, “And the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.” So in Ps. cv. 32, referring to the plagues upon Egypt, it is said, “He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.” So again, Ps. lxxviii. 48, “He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.” As early as the time of Job hail was understood to be an emblem of the divine displeasure, and an instrument in inflicting punishment:
“Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow, Or hast thou seen the treasure of the hail? Which I have reserved against _the time of trouble_, Against _the day of battle and war_?” Job xxxviii. 22, 23.
So also, the same image is used in Ps. xviii. 13;
“The Lord also thundered in the heaven, And the Most High gave forth his voice, Hailstones and coals of fire.”