Translation
The seventh one
poured his bowl
into the air
Go to footnote numberand then from the temple,
Go to footnote numberand from the throne,
came a loud voice
saying, “It is done.”
Paraphrase
17 The final one, the one that showed this judgment was not limited but complete, set in motion the consequences demanded by the evidence, directing them at the life of physical strength; and then God’s yearning to meet with His people, along with God’s sovereign authority, clearly revealed everything within them, saying, “It has been accomplished!”
Footnotes
1: “the air”
As with many symbolic words, air can have a handful of meanings depending on context. Here it seems like it is pointing to the fact that we derive our life and strength from breathing air. In this context the connection to the spirit, especially God’s Holy Spirit, does not fit, thus I have limited it to the concept of physical life. Evidence was collected against, and wrath was poured out against a “life of physical strength” because it usually becomes a source of pride.
2: “the temple”
If my understanding of the imagery is correct, we have once again a picture of the balance between God’s mercy and His punishment. What follows is punishment, yet it is called for in part by God’s desire to meet with mankind, communicated by the symbol of the temple. The need for punishment comes when we refuse God’s offer of reconciliation and fellowship. God’s judgments are never undeserved, yet we are constantly receiving His mercy and grace beyond what we deserve.