William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Revelation 15:5

Observe here, 1. The vision which St. John had: he thought he saw the Holy of holies open to him, and seven angels coming forth with seven plagues, as the executioners of God's judgments upon idolatrous persons.

Where note, 1. The instruments employed by God for executing his wrath upon sinners, angels, seven angels; not that he needs them, but he is pleased to make use of them; and they are but instruments in his hand, his bow and his battle-axe, mere dead tools, who receive all their efficacy from the hand that uses them: their presence adds no strength to him, their absence makes the work no more difficult before him.

Note, 2. From whence these seven angels came, namely, out of the temple, out of the oracle, more immediately from the presence of God; implying, that they came forth to execute vengeance by God's special directions, and not barely by his permission: and consequently that the work was very acceptable and well-pleasing unto God which they went about.

Note, 3. How they are furnished, having seven plagues; namely, to inflict upon the idolatrous enemies of the church.

Note, 4. In and after what manner these angels were apparelled and appeared. 1. They were clothed in pure, white linen, to denote the holiness of their persons, as also the holiness of that work which they had then in hand. 2. This clothing of theirs was girded to them, expressing thereby their great readiness for, and their great alacrity and cheerfulness in, their work. 3. The girdle wherewith they were girded was. golden girdle, exactly answering the habit of the High-priest, when he entered into the Holy of holies to enquire of God, or came out with an answer from God.

From the whole learn, That when the Lord comes to pull down Babylon as well as to build up Sion, he will appear in glory: the angels are God's special ministers; when they go forth to pour out the vials of his wrath upon Babylon, they appear gloriously apparelled, glittering like the High-priest, and girded with golden girdles.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Revelation 15:5

Old Testament

New Testament