Revelation 21
DOYLYChap. XXII. ver. 1. And he shewed me a pure river &c.] The first five verses of this chapter are a continuation of the description of the new Jerusalem. It is further described with “the river of life” and “the tree of life,” as if paradise were restored and improved. A river flowing through the midst of the streets, and trees growing on either side of the river, are wonderfully pleasing objects, especially in hot Eastern climates. Of the fruits here is such plenty and abundance, that all may freely partake of them at all seasons, and the very “leaves are for the healing of the nations;” by all which is signified the blessedness of immortality without any infirmities. Then too “there shall be no more curse,” as there is and has been in this world, ever since the fall of man; but the blessed inhabitants shall enjoy the beatific vision, shall live in the light of God’s countenance, and “serve Him,” and “reign for ever and ever.” Bp. Newton.
Revelation 21:2
- And I John saw the holy city.] I beheld, under the emblem of the new Jerusalem, not the literal, the Jewish city of that name, rebuilt and new adorned; but that Israel of God, by which the Prophets were wont to express the true church and worshippers of God, under Christ the Messiah. As this Christian church, in its former corrupt state, answered to the sinful Jerusalem that was to be destroyed by the Chaldeans and Romans, so now in its reformed and pure condition, it is styled now. As it was once Babylon the Great, now it appears the great and holy city, taking in the whole body of converted Jews and Gentiles, and reformed Christians. It seemed to descend from heaven, as being founded and perfected by the Divine power and providence, and abounding in all those graces and virtues that are taught from heaven, and whereof God Himself is the infinite Fountain and Exemplar. Pyle.
Revelation 21:3
3, 4. — saying, Behold, the tabernacle &c.] Declaring the fulfilment of those ancient predictions concerning
The new Jerusalem, with a full description thereof. Anno DOMINI 96. more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
- — the former things are passed away.] That is, all the evils which were seen and suffered in this world, have vanished and disappeared. Abp. Tillotson.
Revelation 21:5
- — Behold, I make all things new.] I will remove away all the impurity and imperfection of My creatures, and make all things perfect and glorious. Bp. Hall.
Revelation 21:6
- — It is done.] All things are brought to a glorious and happy consummation. Abp. Newcome.
— I am Alpha and Omega.] The triumphant Messiah concludes His address, as He began it, (chap. i. 8. 18,) with such a representation of His eternal power and glory, as must induce His followers to trust in Him. He then (ver. 7, 8) renews His promises of inestimable rewards to those who shall diligently seek Him, and His denunciation of eternal punishments on those who pursue the wages of sin. Dean Woodhouse.
Revelation 21:8
- — the fearful, and unbelieving.] Those who have not fortitude to persevere on the encouragement of God’s promises, or who want faith in the promises themselves. Lowman. Or those who rejected the Christian religion, notwithstanding the clear evidence that was offered for it, and those who out of fear should apostatize from it. Abp. Tillotson.
Revelation 21:9
- — I will shew thee the bride, &c.] I will shew thee the church of Christ, now purged from corruptions, and clothed as it were, in true righteousness, represented, as
before, (chap. xix. 7—9,) under the image of the bride and spouse of Jesus Christ. Pyle.
Revelation 21:11
- Having the glory of God.] Having a most glorious brightness, like the shining light of the Shechinah, formerly the glory of God in the temple. Lowman.
— and her light was like unto a stone most precious.] Here follows (ver. 11—21) a very gorgeous description of the new city, which conformably to the prophecy of Isaiah, (chap. liv. 11, 12,) is built of precious stones, with a superb costliness, beyond the reach of earthly potentates. The gems, described as decorating the glorious city, are such as have ever been in the highest request in the Eastern regions, which produce them. On the parallel passage in Isaiah, Bp. Lowth has written this judicious observation: “These seem to be general images to express beauty, magnificence, purity, strength, and solidity, agreeably to the ideas of Eastern nations, and to have been never intended to be strictly scrutinized, or more minutely and particularly explained, as if they had each of them some moral and precise meaning.” Dean Woodhouse.
This description of the new Jerusalem is an assemblage of the sublimest and richest imagery of Ezekiel and other ancient Prophets. Bp. Newton.
Revelation 21:14
- — had twelve foundations.] Representing that pure and uncorrupt Christianity is built on no other foundation than that of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the head corner stone, Eph. ii. 20. Pyle.
The heavenly Jerusalem described. The river and tree of life. Anno DOMINI 96.
foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
Revelation 21:22
- — for the Lord God &c.] The Almighty God and Jesus Christ the Lamb were present in this city in a much more glorious and perfect manner, than God was ever present in the temple of the earthly Jerusalem. Lowman.
Revelation 21:23
- — the city had no need of the sun.] The consolatory words at Isai. lx. 19, 20; Zech. xiv. 6, 7, shall now receive their proper completion. As much as to say, The happiness and spiritual comforts of this religious kingdom will not be like the lights of the sun and moon to the natural world, appearing only in certain turns, with intervals of night and darkness; but the perfect knowledge of God, the light of Christ’s words, and the comforts of His Holy Spirit, will be perpetual, and uninterrupted by any future intervals of ignorance, vice, and superstition. Or, in the prophetic sense of sun and moon, no princes or prelates of arbitrary temper shall rule in the church of Christ. Pyle.
Revelation 21:24
- And the nations &c.] This glorious city shall be the residence of all who have believed with the heart unto righteousness, and made confession with the mouth unto salvation. All true Christians, out of every nation and people, shall have their portion in this glory, which shall be much greater than the richest and most powerful princes ever enjoyed; greater than if we were to imagine all the princes of the earth collecting all the riches of the world together, to beautify and adorn one city. Lowman.
Revelation 21:25
- — for there shall be no night there.] The perpetual light of God’s glory shall make perpetual day, the inhabitants living in the undisturbed possession of all peace, joy, and happiness. Lowman.
Revelation 21:27
- And there shall in no wise enter &c.] Though the gates of this city are always open, they are not open for every one to enter in; all who are unfit for this happiness, shall be refused entrance; it is a blessedness