(according to the Observation of Maimonides) to sound Trumpets for Fasting and Prayer, because of the Enemies of Is∣rael, which were coming against Israel; and because of the Ap∣proaching Winds, Rain, and Earthquakes, Wars of Heathens with Heathens, and Pestilences, Locusts, and Caterpillers; and because of other Distresses, mentioned out of him, by Ains∣worth.
So that the Trumpets given to the Angels, and their preparation to sound, may be as an Admonition to the Em∣pire, to Repent, in order to the diverting of Judgments.
Lastly, Trumpets were used in sounding Alarms, in time of War; whence they signifie in the Prophets a Denunciation of Judgments, and a warning of the imminent Approach of them; as they do in this place.
10 They had Trumpets given them, Verse 2. and here they prepare to sound; by taking (as it were) their Trumpets into their Hands, and putting them to their Mouths; whereby a Respite and Delay is signified, from the actual Execution of the Judgment; or some lesser Judgments, preparatory to the great and fatal ones: according to the proceedings of the Merciful, but Just God; who, after Judgments threatned, gives time and space of Repentance; and punishes lightly, before he comes to utter Excision.
7 [And after some short space of Quiet and Respite, Vers. 1.] The first Angel sounded, and there followed 11 Hail and Fire mingled with Blood [i. e. a wasting, and bloody Devastation,] and they were cast upon the 12 Earth, [i. e. the Roman Empire,] and the third 13 part of 14 Trees [i. e. the great ones, Isa. 2.13. Zach. 11.2.] was burnt up, and all green Grass [i. e. the common People.]
11 This is a Description of a Thunder-storm; in which there is Blood instead of Rain, to make the Type more dreadful: And it is an Allusion taken from the Plague of Hail in Ae∣gypt, Exod. 9.22-35. whereby is signified a Furious and