This chapter is an insertion between the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12-17) and the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1), showing how God cares for His people while He is about to execute His judgment on the earth.
This chapter is an insertion between the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12-17) and the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1), showing how God cares for His people while He is about to execute His judgment on the earth.
The winds here are for God's judgment (Jonah 1:4; Isa. 11:15; Jer. 22:22; 49:36; 51:1).
The opening of the seventh seal will bring in the seven trumpets (Rev. 8:1-2). At the first trumpet, the third part of the earth and the third part of the trees will be burned up (Rev. 8:7). At the second trumpet, the third part of the sea will be destroyed (Rev. 8:8-9). Before all this takes place, God will seal all the Israelites whom He intends to preserve (v. 3).
This Angel, as well as the One in Rev. 8:3; 10:1, and Rev. 18:1, is Christ. In the Old Testament, Christ was called "the Angel of Jehovah"; that Angel was God Himself (Gen. 22:11-12; Exo. 3:2-6; Judg. 6:11-24; Zech. 1:11-12; 2:8-11; 3:1-7). Here in the New Testament He is again referred to as an Angel (a messenger). The expression another Angel indicates that Christ is not a common angel but a special Angel sent by God.
These are the Israelites who will keep the commandments of God during the great tribulation (Rev. 12:17; 14:12).
Reuben was the firstborn of Israel, but because of his sinfulness he lost his birthright, and Judah prevailed above his brothers (1 Chron. 5:1-2). Hence, here the tribe of Judah is mentioned first.
Because Joseph (v. 8) and Manasseh, one of Joseph's two sons (Gen. 48:5), represent two different tribes, Joseph will still have the double portion of the birthright (1 Chron. 5:1-2) during the millennium (Ezek. 48:4-5).
In the account here, as in 1 Chron. chs. 2—9, the tribe of Dan was omitted because of its idolatry (Judg. 18:30-31; 1 Kings 12:29-30; 2 Kings 10:29; cf. Gen. 49:17). However, Dan will still be counted during the millennium (Ezek. 48:1) because Jacob's blessing was upon him, so that through the Lord's salvation Dan will still be included as one of the tribes (Gen. 49:16-18).
The great multitude consists of the redeemed ones from the nations, throughout all generations. These constitute the church (Rev. 5:9; Rom. 11:25; Acts 15:14, 19).
Standing before the throne indicates that the great multitude of the redeemed must have been raptured to the heavens, to the presence of God. Standing...before the Lamb corresponds with stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36), which clearly indicates the rapture. That this is mentioned immediately after the opening of the sixth seal implies that the rapture of the believers must begin before the sixth seal. The record in vv. 9-17 describes in a general way the scene from the time of the rapture of the believers to their enjoyment in eternity.
Robes (plural) signify the righteousness of the believers' conduct. White indicates that the conduct of the believers is pure and has been approved by God through having been washed in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14).
Palm branches signify the victory of the saints over tribulation, which they have undergone for the Lord's sake (v. 14; cf. John 12:13). Palm trees are also a sign of satisfaction gained through being watered (Exo. 15:27). Palm branches were used for the Feast of Tabernacles, in which the people of God rejoiced because of the satisfaction of their enjoyment (Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8:15). The Feast of Tabernacles was a type that will be fulfilled by this great multitude of God's redeemed enjoying the eternal Feast of Tabernacles. In the temple of God this multitude will flourish like the palm tree (Psa. 92:12-13).
The loud praise in which only salvation is mentioned indicates that the praisers are the saved ones. The great multitude, those who are saved, are grateful for God's salvation.
This is similar to the word in Luke 15:7, which says that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Here the angels say Amen to the redeemed ones' praise of salvation.
The great tribulation here is different from the great tribulation mentioned in Matt. 24:21. The great tribulation here refers to the tribulations, sufferings, persecutions, and afflictions experienced by God's redeemed people throughout the ages.
What is depicted in vv. 15-17, similar to what is depicted in Rev. 21:3-4 and Rev. 22:3-5, is a portrait of eternity.
This great multitude of redeemed ones has come out of the great tribulation into a heavenly state, into the temple of God, where they serve Him day and night. Their service to God is the issue of God's salvation.
Christ is the tabernacle of God (John 1:14), and the New Jerusalem, as the ultimate enlargement of Christ, will be God's eternal tabernacle (Rev. 21:2-3), in which all God's redeemed ones will dwell with Him forever. God will overshadow them with Himself as the One who is embodied in Christ. Christ, as the embodiment of God, will be their tabernacle. The record in vv. 15-17 very much resembles that in Rev. 21:3-7.
Lit., fall.
Shepherding includes feeding. Under the shepherding of Christ, "I shall not want" (Psa. 23:1).
Rev. 21:6; Psa. 36:9; Isa. 49:10; Jer. 2:13; cf. John 4:14
The tear in the eyes of the saved ones is a sign of their dissatisfaction. The waters of life are for their satisfaction. Because the Lamb will supply them with waters of life for their satisfaction, they will have no tears of dissatisfaction. The waters of life will be supplied, and the water of tears will be wiped away.
The tear in the eyes of the saved ones is a sign of their dissatisfaction. The waters of life are for their satisfaction. Because the Lamb will supply them with waters of life for their satisfaction, they will have no tears of dissatisfaction. The waters of life will be supplied, and the water of tears will be wiped away.