Ver. 16. The δρέπανον (only here, xiv. 14-19, in Apocalypse; cf. C. B. P. ii. 652 f. for a Phrygian inscription καὶ τὸ ἀρᾶς δρέπανον εἰς τὸν tkov αὐτοῦ) is represented as a living thing, probably like the δρέπανον πετόµενον of Zech. v. 1 (Wellhausen). The classical use of reaping to symbolise death and destruc- tion is too common to need illustration. “The harvest of the earth is ripe and dry,” but this ripeness of paganism for judgment (Jer. li. 33) is re-stated drama- tically (17-20) in a parallel O.T. symbol from the wine-press. The angelic mise- en-scené recalls that of viii. 3-5. Unlike the harvest-symbol, the vintage-symbol is worked out vividly (cf. Gen. xlix. 11; Isa. Ixiii. τ f.).
Ver. 18. πυρός. The figure of this angel (=Jehuel in rabbinic tradition, Gfrérer, i. 369) has an Iranian tinge. The justice of the punishment is attested by its origin in the purpose of one who corresponded to the Persian Amshas- pand (cf. on i. 4), Ashem Vahishtan, who presided over fire and at the same time symbolised the closely allied conceptions of goodness, truth, and right in Zoroas- trian mythology (cf. H. $., 1904, 350)-
442
p Lk. vi
44.
q xix. 15, cf.
Ezek, Χχχν. 6.
απ oblong trough or tub, cf. Zech. xiv. 1ο.
5 cf. Jos. A ~ tye iv. πόλεως, καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ' αἷμα 6, 3, Vi. 2, 1, Vi. 3, etc.
t The red juice of the vine (Deut. xxxii. 14). (only here in this sense in Apoc.).
θυμοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ τὸν µέγαν.