Seventh angel. Concerning the significance of the number seven in the Revelation see on ch. 1:11.
Into the air. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “upon the air” (see on v. 8). The effect of this plague appears to be universal.
A great voice. Evidently, the voice of God. Compare ch. 1:10.
Temple of heaven. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for reading simply “temple” or “heaven.”
From the throne. In other words, the statement constitutes an official proclamation from the Sovereign of the universe (see on ch. 4:2–5).
It is done. The same words are to be uttered a second time, at the re-creation of the new earth (ch. 21:6). Similar words—“It is finished”—were spoken by our Lord upon the cross (John 19:30) as He brought His ministry of sacrifice to a close, thereby assuring the success of the plan of redemption. In the context of Rev. 16:17 the dramatic announcement marks the moment when the revelation of the mystery of iniquity is complete, when the true character of the universal religio-political union of vs. 13, 14, 19, is unmasked (see comment there and on v. 1).
God permits the forces of evil to advance to the point of apparent success in their sinister design to eradicate the people of God. As the moment appointed in the death decree arrives (see on v. 14) and the wicked rush forward with shouts of triumph to annihilate the saints, the voice of God is heard declaring, “It is done.” This declaration terminates the time of Jacob’s trouble (cf. on v. 15), delivers the saints, and ushers in the seventh plague.
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