And I saw — This is a continuation of the same narrative. In the right hand — The emblem of his all — ruling power. He held it openly, in order to give it to him that was worthy. It is scarce needful to observe, that there is not in heaven any real book of parchment or paper or that Christ does not... [ Continue Reading ]
And I saw a strong angel — This proclamation to every creature was too great for a man to make, and yet not becoming the Lamb himself. It was therefore made by an angel, and one of uncommon eminence.... [ Continue Reading ]
And none — No creature; no, not Mary herself. In heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth — That is, none in the universe. For these are the three great regions into which the whole creation is divided. Was able to open the book — To declare the counsels of God. Nor to look thereon — So as to un... [ Continue Reading ]
And I wept much — A weeping which sprung from greatness of mind. The tenderness of heart which he always had appeared more clearly now he was out of his own power. The Revelation was not written without tears; neither without tears will it be understood. How far are they from the temper of St. John... [ Continue Reading ]
And one of the elders — Probably one of those who rose with Christ, and afterwards ascended into heaven. Perhaps one of the patriarchs. Some think it was Jacob, from whose prophecy the name of Lion is given him, Genesis 49:9. The Lion of the tribe of Judah — The victorious prince who is, like a lion... [ Continue Reading ]
And I saw — First, Christ in or on the midst of the throne; secondly, the four living creatures making the inner circle round him; and, thirdly, the four and twenty elders making a larger circle round him and them. Standing — He lieth no more; he no more falls on his face; the days of his weakness a... [ Continue Reading ]
And he came — Here was "Ask of me," Psalms 2:8, fulfilled in the most glorious manner. And took — it is one state of exaltation that reaches from our Lord's ascension to his coming in glory. Yet this state admits of various degrees. At his ascension, "angels, and principalities, and powers were subj... [ Continue Reading ]
And when he took the book, the four living creatures fell down — Now is homage done to the Lamb by every creature. These, together with the elders, make the beginning; and afterward, Revelation 5:14, the conclusion. They are together surrounded with a multitude of angels, Revelation 5:11, and togeth... [ Continue Reading ]
And they sing a new song — One which neither they nor any other had sung before. Thou hast redeemed us — So the living creatures also were of the number of the redeemed. This does not so much refer to the act of redemption, which was long before, as to the fruit of it; and so more directly to those... [ Continue Reading ]
And hast made them — The redeemed. So they speak of themselves also in the third person, out of deep self — abasement. They shall reign over the earth — The new earth: herewith agree the golden crowns of the elders. The reign of the saints in general follows, under the trumpet of the seventh angel;... [ Continue Reading ]
And I saw — The many angels. And heard — The voice and the number of them. Round about the elders — So forming the third circle. It is remarkable, that men are represented through this whole vision as nearer to God than any of the angels. And the number of them was — At least two hundred millions, a... [ Continue Reading ]
Worthy is the Lamb — The elders said, Revelation 5:9, "Worthy art thou." They were more nearly allied to him than the angels. To receive the power, &c. — This sevenfold applause answers the seven seals, of which the four former describe all visible, the latter all invisible, things, made subject to... [ Continue Reading ]
And every creature — In the whole universe, good or bad. In the heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea — With these four regions of the world, agrees the fourfold word of praise. What is in heaven, says blessing; what is on earth, honour; what is under the earth, glory: what is on the sea... [ Continue Reading ]