This judgment, as with the third trumpet, involves the
fresh water supply. Again, there is no limit; it is global
with great devastating effects. Though the results are not
mentioned, they can be imagined. There will be no pure water
except perhaps what will already be stored, none in the
rivers and lakes.
“The angel of the waters” apparently refers to an angel who
has jurisdiction over the waters of the earth as one of the
varied ministries of angels. As the one in charge of this
area, he makes an important statement vindicating the
holiness of God and setting forth the reason in this
judgment (verses 5-6).
These apostate and rebellious people have slain and shed the
blood of believers, thus, just as the saints receive rest
and reward for their faith, so these will receive punishment
fitting the nature of their crimes. They have only blood to
drink. They have been bloodthirsty, now they get their fill.
This gives us another indication that during the Tribulation
the shedding of the blood of believers will be without
parallel in history,
The reference in verse 5, “who are and who were” refers to
the eternal essence of God.
Verse 7 deals with another voice adding to the vindication
of God’s acts. Throughout history Satan has maligned the
character of God who sentenced Satan and his angels to the
lake of fire (Matthew 25:41). This has been displayed in the
rebellious hearts of men of all ages who persistently
operate under the delusions of Satan. However, the
Tribulation will show God is a God of holiness who is acting
justly in His judgment against sin.
