Revelation 21:2

The New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:2

2. And I John saw Read simply, and I saw.

new Jerusalem For the old Jerusalem, though we saw (Revelation 20:9, and note) that it is to be again "a holy city" in the last days as of old, will have passed away with "the first earth."

coming down from God out of heaven Transpose the two clauses, out of heaven from God. This is the New Jerusalem of which the earthly city is an imperfect copy; see on Revelation 4:6; Revelation 6:9 for the heavenly Temple. While this world lasts, this true Jerusalem is above (Galatians 4:26); and we only know its nature from the earthly copy of it, before Christ came, and the spiritual approach to it (Hebrews 12:22) since. But in the days here described, it will be realised on earth in all its perfection.

prepared The building and arrangements of the city serve the same purpose as the dress and ornaments of a bride. Cf. Isaiah 61:10.

as a bride See Revelation 19:7, and notes thereon.

adorned&c. Isaiah 61:10.