And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
Ver. 1. And after these things] This whole chapter is purposely interlaced between the opening of the sixth and seventh seal, for the support of the poor suffering saints, that they sink not under their many pressures.
Four angels] Ministers of indignation, whether good or evil angels the doctors are divided.
Holding the four winds] Those besoms of the air, as Rupertus calls them, and Scripture emblems of spiritual influence, John 3:8; Song of Solomon 4:16; Ezekiel 37:9. The holding of the winds may peradventure intimate here that peace and ease in which God suffereth worldly men to live, and be overtaken, even upon the point of his great judgments, 1 Thessalonians 5:3. He made fair weather before Pharaoh till he had him in the heart of the Red Sea.
Nor on any tree] The philosopher compares men (the Scripture good men often) to trees, which by benign winds are filled with fruits.