And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. (Revelation 16:5)
Literally, these [things], that is, the first three plagues and possibly those that have not yet fallen.
Shalt be.
Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “O Holy One, or the Holy One.” This expression occurs in every ancient Greek manuscript except one now known and in the Textus Receptus, on which the KJV was largely based. The reason for the reading of the KJV is not apparent. The changelessness of God stands forth in striking contrast with the devastating changes now taking place on earth.
Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of this word.
Thou art righteous.
The terrible nature of the third plague apparently calls forth a statement in defense of God for authorizing it. He is altogether just in this demonstration of His “wrath” (see on chs. 15:3, 4; 16:1).
Angel of the waters.
That is, one having jurisdiction over the waters. Compare the angels of chs. 7:1 and 14:18, which have power over the “winds” and over “fire” respectively. Reference here may well be to the angel assigned to pour out the third plague upon the “rivers and fountains of waters.”