16:20 And every island fled away, and the mountains {29} were not {b} found.
(29) That is, were seen no more, or were no more extant. A borrowed Hebraism.
(b) Literally appeared not; Ge 5:24
16:20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. Islands and mountains denote earthly powers. Perhaps the meaning is that the old lines between states and nations shall pass away, and that henceforth there shall be one nation, one kingdom, one people, that of Jesus Christ.
16:20 Every island and mountain was moved out of its place, Rev 6:14; but here they all flee away. What a change must this make in the face of the terraqueous globe! And yet the end of the world is not come.
16:17-21 The seventh and last angel poured forth his vial, and the downfal of Babylon was finished. The church triumphant in heaven saw it and rejoiced; the church in conflict on earth saw it and became triumphant. God remembered the great and wicked city; though for some time he seemed to have forgotten her idolatry and cruelty. All that was most secure was carried away by the ruin. Men blasphemed: the greatest judgments that can befal men, will not bring to repentance without the grace of God. To be hardened against God, by his righteous judgments, is a certain token of sure and utter destruction.
