6, 7. The seven angels are the ministers of the Church, and perhaps also the angelic hosts of heaven who labor in unison as the ministers of God to accomplish His decrees. They are clothed in the priestly garments of white linen, and girt about with golden cinctures, symbols of preparedness and charity. [1]
8. A cloud by day and fire by night hung over the tabernacle in the wilderness to assure the Israelites of God's protecting presence. [2] Likewise in the vision of Isaias a cloud of smoke symbolized God's special presence in the temple of Jerusalem. [3] Here the smoke filling the temple must signify that God will manifest His power in a special manner to protect the Church against the onslaughts of her enemies.
No one can enter the temple; in other words, no nation will be converted until the seven plagues have accomplished the overthrow of Antichrist and the destruction of his empire.
CHAPTER XVI
1. And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels: Go, and pour out the seven vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
2. And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth, and there fell a sore and grievous wound upon men, who had the character of the beast; and upon them that adored the image thereof.
