CHAPTER 22
Note (Jan. 2010): Many of the comments in this chapter seem to be a reiteration of many parts of Revelation, and perhaps other parts of Scripture. Comments by different Bible expositors also give to some extent that impression, and that the description of the new heaven and new earth etc., was finished at the end of Chapter 21. It also needs to be noted that in some manuscripts the first 5 verses of Chapter 22 are included in Chapter 21.
And he showed me a (a)river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the (b)throne of God and of the Lamb.
(a) “Life;” Interlinear Greek “Zoe” (Str. No 2222.) (Comp. App. 170, “ZOE,” life in all its manifestations.)
(b) See Zech. 6:13, which is the throne of the Priest and King Christ – Messiah for 1000 years. That here gives way to “the throne of God and the Lamb!” (See also Ezk. 47:1-11.)
V.2
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there (a)the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit each month: and (b)the leaves of the tree were for the (b)healing of the nations.
(a) "Tree of life;” first mentioned in Gen. 2:9. This tree supported the life which had been created in Eden, and from which Adam and Eve were banished, after their sin and “the curse” imposed. That exclusion, to stop them eating of the fruit of “the tree of life,” brought death into the world. (See Gen. 2:15) (Gen 2:17.)
(b) See Ezk. 47:12, and also Rev. 21:4.
And there shall be (a)no longer curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His (b)bond servants shall serve Him.
(a) “No longer curse;” that of Genesis removed at this new beginning, and in the New Jerusalem here described. This now shows the state of harmony, communion, and fellowship which will exist between God, the Lamb, and their creatures.
(b) "Bond servants;" this is reminiscent of the Apostle John's comment in Chapter 1:1 and is particularly appropriate to Israel throughout the Old Testament.
(a)And they shall see His face; (b)and His name shall be upon their foreheads.
(a) See 21:1(a), 21:3.
(b) The importance of the name of the Almighty on the foreheads of these people is in direct anti-thesis to the marking of the beast/Satan on the foreheads or hands and their worship of him. See Ezk. 9:4, Rev. 7:3, 9:4, 14:1, 20:4, and notes.
V.5
And there shall be (a)no night there, and they shall need no candle, nor the light of the sun; for the LORD GOD giveth them light: and (b)they shall reign for ever.
(a) See 21:23-25, and notes on V. 14-15 below.
(b) "They:" In the light of the previous verse and the strong opinion by Mike Penny of the Open Bible Trust (obt.org.uk,) together with the fact of "the Kingdom of Priests" Chapter 1:6 and (see notes,) those referred to here seem to be Jews only. If that is the case, then apparently only Jews would be marked on the forehead and hand by the beast as described previously.
V.6
And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true: and the LORD GOD of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must (a)with speed be done.
V.7
(a)Behold, I come quickly: (b)blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book."
(a) See chps. 2:16, 3:11, 22:12, 22:20. The context is Rev. 1:10, "The Day of The Lord," (Jehovah.) When that "Day" arrives, the events are speedy, and the Lord's return "quick." (See the whole of the Book of Joel.)
(b) This the 49th occurrence of this word, Greek “MAKARIOS,” in the New Testament.
V.8
And I John am he that heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed them to me.
V.9
And he said to me, "(a)See you do not do that, I am your fellowservant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.”
V.10
And he said to me, "(b)Seal not the words of the prophecies of this book; (c)for the Age is at hand.”
(a) See 19:10.
(b) Not to be sealed, but to be seen, studied and attempted to be understood.
(c) See earlier comments on “Age times.” Also App. 195 of Comp. Bible, page 214. The apparent imminence of "the Age," may indicate that the writing is before AD70.
V.11
(a)He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still; and he which is morally defiled, let him be morally defiled still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy; let him be holy still.
(a) These words which appear disjointed to the context, are added in similar vein as Dan. 12:10. Dr. Bullinger comments (condensed,) "proclaim the word, (referring to V.10,) because those that do various iniquities etc. will carry on. Even though they are rejected etc.," "Seal them not!"
V.12
(a)Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give everyone according as his work is.
V.13
(b)I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
(a) See Rev.1:1, & notes, also 1:10, also 22:7(a.) Work again shown as a criterion in Revelation!
(b) See Rev. 1:8, 21:6.
(a)Blessed are they that do (b)His commandments, (wash their robes) that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates of the city.
(a) This clearly refers to at least the "overcomers," see Rev. 7:14.
(b) The words in the A.V., "His commandments," are disputed, and vary in the translations. The 1611 is shown. The R.S.V., "those who wash their robes." Interlinear, "doing His commandments." Strongs no. 1785, "authoritative prescription," "commandment," "precepts." J.N. Darby, "wash their robes." Dr. Bullinger, Comp., comments; "the text reads (wash their robes,) but it is probable that the reading of the Received Text (Interlinear) is correct (above.)" Moffat, (Martin Kiddle, Revelation,) "wash their robes." Revised Authorised Version, "do his commandments," the word "his," is underlined, because the R.S.V. does not give a capital H to the pronoun! The recent translation from the PshittA by Victor Alexander, shows "His Commandments". This is particularly interesting as it is the first Translation directly from that ancient "A" document by an ancient languages scholar using the ancient Aramaic. All the previous had used modern Aramaic.
(a)Without are dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and whoever loves and makes lies.”
(a) See 21:27, and notes. This is an interesting and apparently puzzling verse. From Rev. 20:15, we know that the occupants of "New Jerusalem" are included in "The Book of Life." In Genesis, Eve, followed by Adam disobeyed God, and ate of the fruit (forbidden,) of the knowledge of good and evil. They were then expelled from Paradise, and barred from The Tree of Life, followed by death hundreds of years later. The nation Israel also disobeyed God, and suffered the Babylonian exile, and after their rejection of Christ/Messiah, finally at Acts. 28, the present Dispersion, and the present "Dispensation." Verse 14 may show a similar situation, and V.15 the result of disobedience to God, as the opposite is explicit in the statement; "Blessed are they that do His commandments." As the context of the "tree of life" is the "overcomers," see (2:7,) the wheel would have thus turned full circle! In this theory two major differences would exist, 1) death has been destroyed, Rev. 20:14. 2) The curse has been removed, Rev. 22:3. This would highlight the critical importance of the gift of free will from God to His created creatures, and would mean eternal life separated from the blissful communion with God in the New Jerusalem. Some commentators relate this condition to the "hell" of popular myth, this was discussed earlier, (see Rev. 20:13 (b,) and may, or may not have veracity.
Dr. Bullinger is of the opinion that it is a retrospective reference to Rev. 21:8, (page 683, Commentary On Revelation.) Others believe, as per references above, that there is sufficient evidence to support the idea of an Eternal Separation State, running simultaneously with the Eternal Bliss State; which is different to that of the "Great White Throne Judgement" and destruction in the "Lake of Fire!" What is certain is that this condition will exist, and that V.15 will be a consequence! It is also possible that the reference in Dan. 12:2, fits this thinking. See also 1:18 (b.)
Our own view tends toward that of Mike Penny (obt.org.uk) that in this part of John's vision, there seems to be a retrospective overview, and that the description of the new heaven and new earth etc., finished at the end of Chapter 21. This also seems to be the view of Dr. Bullinger in his Commentary on Revelation.
“I Jesus sent My angel to testify to you these things, in (a)the churches. I am the (b)Root and the offspring of David, the bright, the (c)morning Star.”
(a) See Chps. 1, 2 & 3.
(b) See Isa. 11:10, Romans 15:12, Rev. 5:5.
(c) See Rev. 2:28. Num: 24:17. Matt. 2:2. 2Peter 1:19.
And the Spirit and the (b)bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that thirsts come. (a)Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
(a) This applies to all the ones mentioned as overcomers in the Revelation Age, and in the Lamb's Book of Life!
(b) The word "bride" here is controversial as to meaning. The J.P.Green Interlinear Greek has the same word as the G.R. Berry Interlinear, (Grk. "numphe", Strgs. 3565), meaning "bride". However Green's has the Strongs number 3555 which has the meaning translated as "a brood of chicks"! It is almost certain that the number 3555 is a misprint within the context.
The Spirit is certainly the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. However; most Churches and Groups teach that the "bride" here is Christ Himself! The same Churches and Groups also teach that the Bride is the Church when discussing parts of the New Testament, ignoring the Old Testament evidence that Israel is such see: Bride (The)
Some translations include the capital "B", some don't , such is the diversity of opinion. The following list shows a few.
- Dr. Bullinger in his Revelation Commentary uses "B", with the comment that to him it means the Heavenly calling. He further comments that to him it is the "remnant" of Israel, rescued by Christ as Messiah to the Jews on His return to earth to rescue Israel from annihilation by Anti-Christ!
- The Companion Bible uses "b", with ref. to 21-9.
- KJV 1611 uses "b".
- NIV use"b", with ref. to 21-9.
- J.N.Darby uses "b" without comment.
- RSV uses "b".
- J.P.Green's Interlinear uses "b".
- G.R.Berry's Interlinear uses "b".
- Moffatt uses"B".
V.18
(a)I testify to everyone that hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone shall add to them, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
And if anyone shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the (b)tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.
(a) See Introduction Foreword.
(b) Interlinear states "scroll" (i.e. book,) Darby "tree," Bullinger "tree," R.S.V. "tree," Dr. Bullinger's comments based on manuscript copies. The context of this verse shows to be the" Great Tribulation Age." (see Rev.2:7.)
The "Tree of Life," is in the paradise of God, and is the reward for the "Overcomers ," which is the opposite to that of Adam and Eve! There are many of them as shown in Rev. 7: 14. The reasoning is that as above in V14, "the Tree of Life" is available to the "overcomers." The "Body of Christ" has been removed at the " Rapture," and therefore the warning is for the people in the context of the "Great Tribulation," and almost certainly those included in the period of the "Book of Life," i.e. from the "foundation" (overthrow) of the world, but not including "The Body of Christ," which was "known" before the (overthrow,) Eph. 1:4, 1Peter 1:20.
V.20
He Which testifies these things says, (a)“Surely I come quickly.” Amen. COME LORD JESUS.
V.21
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. (b)Amen.
(a) See Rev. 1:1, 1:10, 22:7&12, and notes.
(b) See notes, Chp.3:14 (b,) Chp.7:12 (a.)
Notes:
As well as continuing to describe the New Jerusalem, up to the end of V.5, the remainder to the end at V.21 is a reaffirmation and confirmation of the contents of Revelation.
Many ancient texts include 22:1-5 in chapter 21.
From V.6 onwards to 21, it is as though the Almighty senses that John on Patmos (and the readers,) will be shocked and troubled by what is read.
There is much comfort in what is repeated, i.e.
V.6, “These words are faithful and true.”
V.7, Behold, I come quickly etc.
V.9, John warned not to worship any, only God!
V.10, The book not to be sealed, so that men must read, try prayerfully to understand.
V.12, I come quickly, with reward.
V.13, I am Alpha & Omega.
V.7 & V.14, Blessing promised to the doers and keepers of the instructions of this book. (Shows applicable to then!)
V.15, The assurance that all evil doers are not included. Shows a possible Dispensation format, see note 22:15.
V.17, The invitation to the “water of life.”
V.20, The promise that He will come quickly!
Many people will argue that the promises and all of Revelation are already approx. 2000 years old, and therefore the “come quickly,” comments are null and void, and untrue. That is to misunderstand the timescale of Almighty God. Hebrews 9:26 shows that Christ came at “the end of the ages,” “ to put away sin.” To humankind 2000 years is indeed a long time in their terms. Human history on earth has seen many “Ages,” (Administrations) (Dispensations) as God defines them. The last 2000 years since the penning of Revelation is a blink of time to God Almighty. (See earlier comments in the texts.)
The events described in Revelation, and detailed in Matt. 24 etc., will not be long in starting on earth, in the view of the writers. Even at the date of this page (19/4/03,) the Middle East is preparing, almost as a stage set, for the events described earlier. Israel is negotiating with the Americans to help get the Palestinians into peace negotiations. Iraq has just apparently been conquered by U.S. and U.K. coalition forces. There are many local factions disputing for power, and the disputed area is "the prophetic area" mentioned in the text. Is it possible we are witnessing the early movements of the emergence of the first (political) "Beast?" (5/8/04.)
There should in the next few years be heard from Israel, “PEACE AND SAFETY!” (1Thess. 5:3.) which is the beginning of the fulfilment described earlier!
Note 24/8/07
It is to be remembered this work is a "study aid," as mentioned in the Introduction, and also a discussion document. The object is to encourage the readers to study and come to love the Bible and Prophecy; and, if not yet saved, to find Salvation and Peace in Christ Jesus Messiah!
The proposition is made, and summarised in the following, that the "special empowering" that is evident in the whole of the Bible towards the "Chosen People of God" Israel; is particularly evident, when their "Prophetic History" is current. When they are "lo- ammi," as at present, they are still "preserved" by Jehovah Zebaoth's Holy Spirit; but not in active overt "supernatural" ways, as is seen in the Acts period, and in many instances in the Old Testament.
The following link: The Events of Pentecost; What is the Truth? (Discussion Document). discusses this idea in more detail, and may well provoke a re-study of Revelation and the Prophets, and Revelation's Message
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