CHAPTER XIV. _The Lamb on mount Sion, and his company and their character_, 1-5. _The angel flying in the midst of heaven, with the everlasting_ _Gospel_, 6, 7. _Another angel proclaims the fall of Babylon_, 8. _A third angel denounces God's judgments against those who_ _worship the beast or... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:2. _THE VOICE OF MANY WATERS_] That is, of multitudes of various nations. _THE VOICE OF HARPERS_] Though the sounds were many and apparently confused, yet both _harmony_ and _melody_ were preserved.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:3. _THEY SUNG-A NEW SONG_] Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:9. _NO MAN COULD LEARN THAT SONG_] As none but genuine Christians can worship God acceptably, because they approach him through the only Mediator, so none can understand the deep things of God but such; nor can others know... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:4. _THESE ARE THEY WHICH WERE NOT DEFILED WITH WOMEN_] They are pure from idolatry, and are presented as unspotted _virgins_ to their Lord and Saviour Christ. See 2 Corinthians 11:2. There may be an allusion here to the Israelites committing idolatry, through the means of their c... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:5. _IN THEIR MOUTH WAS FOUND NO GUILE_] When brought before kings and rulers they did not dissemble, but boldly confessed the Lord Jesus.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:6. _ANOTHER ANGEL FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, HAVING THE_ _EVERLASTING GOSPEL_] Whether this angel mean any more than a particular dispensation of providence and grace, by which the Gospel shall be rapidly sent throughout the whole world; or whether it mean any especial messenge... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:7. _FEAR GOD, AND GIVE GLORY TO HIM_] This is the general language of the sacred writings. Worship the true God, the creator and governor of all things; and give _him_ glory, for to him alone, not to idols or men, all glory and honour belong.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:8. _BABYLON IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN_] This is generally understood to be a prediction concerning _Rome_; and it is certain that _Rome_, in the rabbinical writings, is termed _Babylon_. _THAT GREAT CITY_] Among the same writers this city is styled קרתא רבתא karta rabbetha, _the grea... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:9. _AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED_] Bishop Bale considers these three angels as three descriptions of preachers, who should bear their testimony against the corruptions of the _papal Church_. _THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE_] See the notes on Revelation 13:1. _MARK IN HIS FOREHEAD_] Su... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:10. _THE WINE OF THE WRATH OF GOD_] As they have drunk the intoxicating wine of idolatry or spiritual fornication, they shall now drink the wine of God's wrath, which is poured out into the cup of his indignation. This is an allusion to the _poisoned cup_, which certain criminals... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:11. _THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT_] Still an allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:12. _HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS_] Here the faith of the true Christians shall be proved; they _will_ follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, they keep the commandments of God, and are steadfast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes ηυπομονη, _patience_ or _per... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:13. _I HEARD A VOICE FROM HEAVEN_] As the information now to be given was of the utmost importance, it is solemnly communicated by a voice from heaven; and the apostle is commanded to write or record what is said. _BLESSED ARE THE DEAD_] Happy are they. They are _happy_ in _two_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:14. _A WHITE CLOUD_] It is supposed that, from this verse to the end of the chapter, the _destruction_ of Rome is represented under the symbols of _harvest_ and _vintage_; images very frequent among the ancient prophets, by which they represented the destruction and excision of n... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:15. _THRUST IN THY SICKLE_] Execute the judgments which God has decreed. _FOR THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH IS RIPE._] The cup of the people's iniquity is full.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:16. _THE EARTH WAS REAPED._] The judgments were executed. But _where_, or on _whom_, who can tell?... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:18. _POWER OVER FIRE_] Probably meaning the same angel which is mentioned, Revelation 8:3; Revelation 9:13, who stood by the _altar of burnt-offering_, having authority over its fire to offer that incense to God which represents the prayers of the saints.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:19. _THE GREAT WINEPRESS OF THE WRATH OF GOD._] The _place_ or _kingdom_ where God executes his judgments on the workers of iniquity, whether pagans or persecuting Christians; Rome _pagan_, or Rome _papal_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 14:20. _EVEN UNTO THE HORSE BRIDLES_] A hyperbolical expression, to denote a _great effusion of blood_. The Jews said, "When Hadrian besieged the city called Bitter, he slew so many that the horses waded in blood up to their mouths." The same kind of hyperbole with that above. See W... [ Continue Reading ]