And after these things — What follows is a preparation for the seventh seal, which is the weightiest of all. It is connected with the sixth by the particle and; whereas what is added, Revelation 6:9, stands free and unconnected. I saw four angels — Probably evil ones. They have their employ with the... [ Continue Reading ]
And I saw another (a good) angel ascending from the east — The plagues begin in the east; so does the sealing. Having the seal of the only living and true God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels — Who were hasting to execute their charge. To whom it was given to hurt the earth and the... [ Continue Reading ]
Hurt not the earth, till we — Other angels were joined in commission with him. Have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads — Secured the servants of God of the twelve tribes from the impending calamities; whereby they shall be as clearly distinguished from the rest, as if they were visibl... [ Continue Reading ]
Of the children of Israel — To these will afterwards be joined a multitude out of all nations. But it may be observed, this is not the number of all the Israelites who are saved from Abraham or Moses to the end of all things; but only of those who were secured from the plagues which were then ready... [ Continue Reading ]
Judah is mentioned first, in respect of the kingdom, and of the Messiah sprung therefrom.... [ Continue Reading ]
After the Levitical ceremonies were abolished, Levi was again on a level with his brethren.... [ Continue Reading ]
Of the tribe of Joseph — Or Ephraim; perhaps not mentioned by name, as having been, with Dan, the most idolatrous of all the tribes. It is farther observable of Dan, that it was very early reduced to a single family; which family itself seems to have been cut off in war, before the time of Ezra; for... [ Continue Reading ]
A great multitude — Of those who had happily finished their course. Such multitudes are afterwards described, and still higher degrees of glory which they attain after a sharp fight and magnificent victory, Revelation 14:1; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 19:1; Revelation 20:4. There is an inconceivable... [ Continue Reading ]
Salvation to our God — Who hath saved us from all evil into all the happiness of heaven. The salvation for which they praise God is described, Revelation 7:15; that for which they praise the Lamb, Revelation 7:14; and both, in Revelation 7:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
And all the angels stood — In waiting. Round about the throne, and the elders and the four living creatures — That is, the living creatures, next the throne; the elders, round these; and the angels, round them both. And they fell on their faces — So do the elders, once only, Revelation 11:16. The he... [ Continue Reading ]
Amen — With this word all the angels confirm the words of the "great multitude;" but they likewise carry the praise much higher. The blessing, and the glory, and the wisdom, and the thanksgiving, and the honour, and the power, and the strength, be unto our God for ever and ever — Before the Lamb beg... [ Continue Reading ]
And one of the elders — What stands, Revelation 7:13, might have immediately followed Revelation 7:10; but that the praise of the angels, which was at the same time with that of the "great multitude," came in between. Answered — He answered St. John's desire to know, not any words that he spoke.... [ Continue Reading ]
My lord — Or, my master; a common term of respect. So Zechariah, likewise, bespeaks the angel, Zechariah 1:9; Zechariah 4:4; Zechariah 6:4. Thou knowest — That is, I know not; but thou dost. These are they — Not martyrs; for these are not such a multitude as no man can number. But as all the angels... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore — Because they came out of great affliction, and have washed their robes in his blood. Are they before the throne — It seems, even nearer than the angels. And serve him day and night — Speaking after the manner of men; that is, continually. In his temple — Which is in heaven. And he shall... [ Continue Reading ]
Neither shall the sun light on them — For God is there their sun. Nor any painful heat, or inclemency of seasons.... [ Continue Reading ]
For the Lamb will feed them — With eternal peace and joy; so that they shall hunger no more. And will lead them to living fountains of water — The comforts of the Holy Ghost; so that they shall thirst no more. Neither shall they suffer or grieve any more; for God "will wipe away all tears from their... [ Continue Reading ]