V.13 What a sweet promise for those who die “in the Lord” during that fearful time.
V.14 The Lord Jesus, the Son of Man, here is going to start to sweep guilty unbelievers off the earth. Notice what He has on His Head and in His Hand! A sword is used for carrying out judgment, but a sickle is for reaping a harvest. The believers and unbelievers are separated in this harvest. The wheat (the believers) will be gathered into His barn and the tares (unbelievers) will be gathered into bundles for burning (See Matt. 13:30, 39-43).
V.15-20 These actions of the angels may look as if everything is going to happen instantly, but these events are going to take place over the 3½ years of the great tribulation. What a dreadful day for this world. And it is very close too! Nothing in the history of this poor sad world could ever match this for awfulness. The blood will run to the horses’ bridles! And people today laugh and do not listen to the gospel, the good news of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
V.20 A thousand and six hundred furlongs is about the length of the land of Israel (about 200 miles or 320 km).