Revelation 5:7-14

This Lion-lamb came and took the book from the hand of him who sat upon the throne; and the heavenly beings fell down before the Lamb with harps and golden vials full of odors which are the prayers of saints. The prayers of God's people on earth seemed to have something to do with the revelation about to be made. The prayers of agonizing saints in the throes of bloody persecution come up to God's throne; and in answer thereto the Lamb has taken this book of destiny to reveal to them that God will judge their persecutors and lead his church to triumph.

And they sang a new song. They had sung an old song in Revelation 4:11 praising God for creating all things; but now a new song of redemption saying: "Thou art worthy, for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation." Two good songs! praise to the Creator and praise to the Redeemer. The song ends by saying: "And hast made us (or them) kings (or a kingdom) and priests unto God; and we (or they) shall reign (or do reign) on earth." The manuscripts are very uncertain on this text, but it shows, at least, that God's cause will not always be persecuted and cast down; but will arise and grow and triumph on earth. That would be good news to the poor persecuted churches of that day. The chapter ends with a hallelujah chorus.