Revelation 7

1 four winds. The “four winds” (i.e., winds from all quarters) appear to represent various destructive agencies (2, 3), which are to be restrained for a season. For the “angels” of the elements, see xiv. 18; xvi. 5.

3. Hurt not the earth, etc. “Earth, sea, and trees,” as a combined emblem, may represent the world and its inhabitants generally.

till we have sealed. See Ezek. ix. 3-5, and note. This protection of the faithful against impending judgements resembles the protection of the Israelites in Egypt from the destroying angel (Exod. xii. 13); but with this marked difference, that there households were sealed, but here individuals: perhaps to indicate the truth that religion is a matter of personal concern (Matt. iii. 9, 10). The spiritual Israel is here plainly intended (cp. iii. 12; xxi. 10-12); preserved amid trial and finally triumphant. In the Divine purpose they are definitely numbered; to human view they are numberless (see ver. 9).

4-8. It is to be noted in this enumeration that Levi, generally omitted in the Old Testament catalogues of the tribes, is here included, that Dan, for some unexplained reason (see, however, Gen. xlix. 17) is omitted, and that Joseph and Manasseh appear as two distinct tribes, rather than Ephraim (see Judges xvii., xviii; Isa. vii. 2, 5, 9, 17; Hosea v. 3) and Manasseh, as usual.

9 white robes. See note on vi. 11.

palms. “Palm branches”; tokens of victory, as among the Greeks; or of legal rejoicing, as among the Jews (see Lev. xxiii. 40; John xii. 13). The whole picture seems taken from the Feast of Tabernacles.

12 saying. Amen, etc. Angels assent and respond to the thanksgiving of the redeemed.

13 answered. “Addresslessed me” (Moffatt).

14 which came out of great tribulations. Properly, “which are coming (gradually and successively) out of the great tribulation,” i.e., the persecutions alluded to in vi. 9-11.

and made them white, etc. The cleansing efficacy of the blood of Christ is here strikingly set forth. Other blood pollutes, this purifies: cp. 1 John i. 7; Eph. i. 7.

15 in His temple. Not in the outer court, but (as the Greek word used for “temple” throughout this book always signifies) in the sanctuary itself; where in ancient times the priests alone could minister (Heb. ix. 2, 6).

shall dwell among them. Rather, “will spread His tent over them”; perhaps alluding to the Shechinah; or referring to John i. 14, on which see note. The Divine protection is here indicated.

16. They shall hunger no more. Referring to their sufferings while passing through the great tribulation: cp. Heb. xi. 26-28.

17 feed. Or, “tend,” as a shepherd does his flock; leading them to “fountains of waters of life”: cp. Psa. xxiii. 2; John iv. 10; x. 1-18, and notes.

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. See Isa. xxv. 8.