1,600 stadia computes to about 300 kilometres (or nearly 200 miles). Those modern numbers, however, are beside the point, as the number 1,600 (like most numbers in the book of Revelation) is symbolic. At the beginning of the present chapter, John had used the symbolic number 144,000 = 12 x 12 x 10 x 10 x 10. At its end John uses a second symbolic number, 1,600 = 4 x 4 x 10 x 10 (or perhaps simply 40 x 40). As 4 and 10 are numbers of fullness in other parts of God’s revelation (and 40 also; see Genesis 7:12; Genesis 8:6; Exodus 16:35; Exodus 24:18, etc.), we are given to understand that the fullness of God’s wrath is poured on the worshippers of the beast who refused to fear God and give him the glory, which in turn generates a fullness of blood as penalty for their transgression. It is rich consolation for the saints that Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary shed the fullness of his blood (laid down his life) to cover our sins.
20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.