This verse is a continuation of the song begun in the previous verse. It gives an overview of the seventh trumpet (or the rest of the Revelation).
"And the NATIONS were enraged,
The devil knows by the time the seventh trumpet is sounded that he only has a short time to subvert the world (NATIONS). Inasmuch the NATIONS are enraged, it shows the effectiveness of the devil. But this should be no surprise. Even the psalmist writes of the uproar of the nations, Psalm 2:1-3.
and THY WRATH came
This is judgment time:
Revelation 14:7 | Fear the Creator |
Revelation 16:1 | Seven bowls of wrath |
Revelation 18:20 | Babylon's judgment |
Revelation 19:19b | Beast and kings of the earth are against Christ - Armaggedon |
Revelation 20:11-15 | Great White Throne judgment |
There are three 'times' now:
Daniel sees this in Daniel 12:2-3.
This "reward giving" is probably different than translated believers (Revelation 4:1), who are investigated (Revelation 4:2), coronated (Revelation 4:4) and then returned the crowns to Jesus' feet (Revelation 4:10-11). Note who receives this reward:
These are Old Testament and New Testament prophets. They had a commitment as BOND-SERVANTS (Revelation 1:1). This is why Paul says prophesy is greater than tongues (1 Corinthians 4:1-5). These are the persons who get this reward.
This may include the translated saints but by its placement here in the seventh trumpet probably means Tribulation saints. Cross reference Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4; Revelation 13:7,10; Revelation 16:6; Revelation 18:20,24; or Revelation 19:8; Revelation 20:9.
For all ages, we must FEAR GOD: Revelation 14:7, Revelation 15:4, and Jeremiah 10:7.
Remember that the earth is the Lord's, Genesis 1:1 and Exodus 9:29. Yet mankind in our sinful state has systemically destroyed God's creation. Even so called Christians often don't respect what God made. They litter, use chemicals, and misuse water resources.
From a figurative view, it is deception that is destroying the earth. It is carried out by the beast, dragon, and false prophets who perform signs to confirm their deception (Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:1ff, and Revelation 16:13ff)