Although the sixth trumpet has been sounded and we would expect the seventh to follow, the Spirit now inserts two additional visions. The structure here is similar to that in chapter 7 where the seventh seal was delayed until after a new vision describing the sealing of the 144,000.
The visible kingdom of God is not to be delayed much longer. God’s witnesses are still testifying to the world, and though they seem to be overcome, they continue to achieve what God intends them to achieve. May the saints have patience, for they will need it in order to live through the remaining trials. Let them follow the Angel of his Presence through the wilderness of this world.