Bible Commentaries

The seven last plagues ( πληγὰς ἑπτὰ τὰς ἐσχάτας )

Lit., seven plagues the last. Rev., “which are the last.” See on Mark 3:10; see on Luke 10:30.

Is filled up ( ἐτελέσθη )

More correctly, brought to an end ( τέλος ). Rev., finished. Lit., was finished, the prophetic aorist, which speaks of a thing foreseen and decided as if already done.

A sea of glass ( θάλασσαν ὑαλίνην )

Rev., better, a glassy sea. See on Revelation 4:6.

Had gotten the victory over the beast ( νικῶντας ἐκ τοῦ θηρίου )

The expression is peculiar. Lit., conquered out of The construction is unique in the New Testament. The phrase signifies, not as A.V., victory over, but coming triumphant out of ( ἐκ ). So Rev., that come victorious from the beast.

Over his mark

Omit.

Standing on ( ἐπί )

Better, as Rev., by: on the shore of, as did the Israelites when they sang the song alluded to in Revelation 15:3.

The harps of God

Omit the. Instruments devoted wholly to His praise. Compare Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2.

The song of Moses

See Deuteronomy 32; to which some refer this allusion.

The servant of God

See Exodus href="/desk/?q=ex+14:31&sr=1">Numbers 12:7; Psalm 105:26; Hebrews 3:5.

The song of the Lamb

There are not two distinct songs. The song of Moses is the song of the Lamb. The Old and the New Testament churches are one.

Great and marvellous are Thy works

Psalm 111:2; Psalm 139:14; 1 Chronicles 16:9.

Just and true are Thy ways

Rev., righteous for just. See Deuteronomy 32:4.

King of saints ( βασιλεὺς τῶν ἁγίων )

The readings differ. Some read for saints, ἐθνῶν ofthe nations; others αἰώνων ofthe ages. So Rev. Compare Jeremiah 10:7.

Who shall not fear Thee?

See Jeremiah 10:7. Omit thee.

Holy ( ὅσιος )

See on Luke 1:75. The term is applied to Christ in Acts 2:27, Acts 2:35; Hebrews 7:26. To God only here and Revelation 16:5, where the correct reading is ὁ ὅσιος thouholy one, instead of ὁ ἐσόμενος whichshalt be.

All nations shall come

Compare Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 66:23; Micah 4:2.

Judgments ( δικαιώματα )

Not merely divine decisions, but righteous acts generally. So Rev. Primarily, the word signifies that which has been deemed right so as to have the force of law. Hence an ordinance (Luke 1:6; Hebrews 9:1; Romans 1:32). A judicial decision for or against (Romans 5:16). A righteous deed. See Revelation 19:8.

Behold

Omit.

The temple of the tabernacle ( ὁ ναὸς τῆς σκηνῆς )

The sanctuary of the tabernacle. See on Matthew 4:5.

Of the testimony

See Acts 7:44. The tabernacle was called “the Tabernacle of the Testimony” because it contained the ark with the law of God which testifies against sin. See Exodus 25:16, Exodus 25:21; Exodus 30:36; Exodus 34:29; Exodus 38:21. Compare Revelation 11:19.

Linen ( λίνον )

The Rev. follows the reading λίθον stoneafter the analogy of Ezekiel 28:13, “Every precious stone was thy covering.” The idea is that of raiment studded with precious stones. See on Revelation 2:17.

White ( λαυπρὸν )

Mostly applied in the New Testament to clothing, as Luke 23:11; Acts 10:30; James 2:2. Also to the water of life (Revelation 22:1), and the morning-star (Revelation 22:16). Rev., bright.

Girt round their breasts

As the Lord in the vision of Revelation 1:13; where, however, μαστοῖς papsis used instead of στήθη breastsi0.

Vials ( φιάλας )

Rev., bowls. See on Revelation 5:8.

Smoke

Compare Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10; Psalm 18:8; Isaiah 6:4; Ezekiel 10:2-4.

None was able to enter

“God cannot be approached at the moment when He is revealing Himself in all the terrors of His indignation” (Milligan). See Exodus 19:21.