Notes on the Revelation

The Parenthesis between the Sixth and Seventh Vials Rev. 16:15.

It is remarkable that, as we noticed between the sixth and seventh seals, and the sixth and seventh trumpets, so between the sixth and seventh vials a parenthesis occurs. In this last, the Lord is announced as coming as a thief in judgment — introducing the day of the Lord — when we shall come out of heaven with Him. (See chap. 19:11-14.) He says, "Behold, I come as a thief." Christ will suddenly come upon this world as a thief. "The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night." But we know that He will not come to us as a thief. "Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." (1 Thess. 5:2, 4.) But while judgment is threatened, there seems also to be a gleam of mercy rejoicing against judgment. (v. 15.) It intimates that a remnant will be watching for the Messiah (and we gather from other Scriptures that such will be the case), and others are spoken of as having the shame of their nakedness made manifest. "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."