This is in contrast with Jesus, who receives the worship of angels (Hebrews 1:6) and of men (Matthew 8:2, 14:33, John 9:38). This book is not a private affair, knowable only by an elite it is for all believers. Him who thirsts can come to Jesus, but they cant come unless they feel their thirst. This is in contrast with Jesus, who receives the worship of angels (Hebrews 1:6) and of men (Matthew 8:2, 14:33, John 9:38). 2. ii. Commentary on Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 See that you do not do that: It is striking that even someone who had received all these visions may go astray. We have now come to the conclusion of the whole, and that in three things:. These aspects of the curse will even be present during the Millennium, though they will be greatly mitigated by the perfect rule of Jesus. Whoever desires can come, but they cant come unless God works in their heart to desire Him. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, of (Revelation 22:6-7) The angel and Jesus add words of verification, Then he said to me, These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. What a solemn warning this is to critics who have tampered with this book and other portions of Scripture in arrogant self-confidence that they are equipped intellectually and spiritually to determine what is true and what is not true in the Word of God. (Walvoord). We need 2 cookies to store this setting. And the leaves of the tree are for the . In 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18, Paul even indicated that this signature no doubt written with his own hand was a mark that the letter was genuinely from him. This is confirmed by the name and nature of that God who gave out these discoveries: he is the Lord God, faithful and true, and so are all his sayings. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. It simply describes the future with the imagery of the present. (Mounce), i. And they will reign for ever and ever. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a (Revelation 22:10-11) A warning is given, either by the same angel or by Jesus. i. i. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. II. i. John may be describing a large street with a river flowing down the middle, and a large tree or series of trees that grows with roots on either side of the river. Your partnership makes all we do possible. b. In whatsoever points you or any of us may fail, may we never come short of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Spurgeon). He seems now, after he has been discovering these things to his people on earth, to take leave of them, and return to heaven; but he parts with them in great kindness, and assures them it shall not be long before he comes again to them: Behold, I come quickly. i. a. i. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ May the favour and powerful influence of Jesus Christ be with you all; you of the seven Churches, and the whole Church of Christ in every part of the earth, and through all the periods of time. His message is always be ready! The Old Testament 2019 David Guzik No distribution beyond personal use without permission, The Whole Bible v. But mark thee, sinner, it says, whosoever. What a big word that is! b. One of the gladdest things on earth is water. Poetical Books The states of both the evil and the good are now fixed forever. Rather than meaning healing, it should be understood as health-giving, as the word in its root meaning has the idea of serving or ministering. (Walvoord), d. Street river tree fruit leaves: Are these pictures of heaven literal or symbolic? e. There shall be no more night there: Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. a. iii. ( Revelation 22:2) The tree of life. The best answer is that we can eat, but will not have to. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Revelation chapter 22 English Standard Version 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The water represents the eternal life that we have in Christ. 20:11 + ). (Revelation 22:3-5) What it will be like and what the saints will do. This is in contrast to Old Testament prophecy (Daniel 8:26); men seal the Book of Revelation in defiance of Gods command. Him who thirsts can come to Jesus, but they cant come unless they feel their thirst. Even though man fell by what he ate, God will still allow us to eat in heaven. There is no standard height here. Whosoever! 25 The divine authority of the entire Revelation is affirmed. Johannine Writings Blessed are those who do His commandments: Doing His commandments does not earn us eternal life, but it is evidence that we have been granted eternal life. Such a fence as this God set about the law (Deut 4 2), and the whole Old Testament (Mal 4 4), and now in the most solemn manner about the whole Bible, assuring us that it is a book of the most sacred nature, divine authority, and of the last importance, and therefore the peculiar care of the great God. b. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book - That receives them as a divine communication; that makes use of them to comfort himself in the days of darkness, persecution, and trial; and that is obedient to the precepts here enjoined. This river is described, 1. 2. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. It is a good word for the close of this marvelous picture of Gods gracious provision for his people in earth and heaven. (Robertson), ii. The previous chapter of Ezekiel (chapter 46) discusses a " " who represents Christ. This is the throne of God and of the Lamb, so Beasley-Murray is right in saying, "The river flows from Christ." [8] However, he is wrong in the view that "Christ took the place of the temple." Just the opposite is true: secular Israel had permitted the temple to take the place of Christ who is the true temple. Resources Matthew Henry's Commentary Revelation Revelation Chapter 1 Verses 1-2 Verses 3-8 Verses 9-20 Chapter 2 Verses 1-7 Verses 8-11 Verses 12-17 Verses 18-29 Chapter 3 Verses 1-6 Verses 7-13 Verses 14-22 Chapter 4 Verses 1-7 Verses 8-11 Chapter 5 Verses 1-5 Verses 6-14 Chapter 6 Verses 1-2 Verses 3-8 Verses 9-17 Chapter 7 Verses 1-12 I do not know how we can make the figure out in any other way. (Spurgeon), iv. The light is not artificial, even from the sun God Himself is the light. Amen. What John saw may or may not be exactly like a river on earth, but when we see it we will also say, That looks like a river., i. e. There shall be no more night there: Heaven will be a place where the darkness of this age will be forever gone. (Revelation 22:18-19) Someone brings a warning either Jesus, or an angel, or John. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. b. iii. John concludes his book by stressing that his visions have come from God and are trustworthy. Revelation 22 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) - Christianity There is no word here about a second chance hereafter. (Robertson), ii. His message is always be ready! All the streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are clear, salutary, and refreshing, giving life, and preserving life, to those who drink of them. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. Minor Prophets Why does it seem that it has been so long? King James Version. What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? My heart is hard and I cant even weep over my sins or feel bad over them as I should come anyway, because it doesnt say whoever feels, let him take the water of life freely. The difference is between two ancient Greek words: HOIPLUNONTESTASSTOLAS (washed their robes) or, HOIPOIOUNTESTASENTOLAS (do His commandments). III. Since the fall, man and creation have lived with the effect of the curse described in Genesis 3:16-19: sorrow and pain in childbirth for women, friction between the sexes, the necessity of hard and often futile work for mans sustenance, and most of all death. See the notes on Revelation 1:3. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. But I have no strength to do this. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. b. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.. iii. As the Bible opens with the story of Paradise Lost, so it here closes with the story of Paradise Regained. (Erdman) We see the return of Paradise in the ideas of a river, a tree of life, revocation of the curse, intimacy restored, and reigning resumed. The situation of itin the midst of the street, and on either side the river; or, as might have been better rendered, in the midst between the terrace-walk and the river. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers: What about those outside? The Bibles Tab is found in the Tools feature on Bible pages: Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. Pauline Epistles Prophets 1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Major Prophets This sanction is like a flaming sword, to guard the canon of the scripture from profane hands. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. i. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. So how do you know if God has worked in your heart? It brings forth fruit at all times yields its fruit every month. Have you heard? One might say, I dont know if I can live the Christian life the way that I should come anyway, because it doesnt say whoever can, let him take the water of life freely. 2. The essence of Christianity is summed up in the idea that God invites us to take the water of life freely. All three titles are here combined, as if to finally gather up into one impressive assertion the titles hitherto used separately (cf. The tension of imminence is endemic to that span of redemptive history lying between the cross and the parousia. (Mounce). It is a perfect consummation: Throne in their midst Perfect Administration, Servants shall serve Perfect Subordination, Shall see His face Perfect Transformation, 1. 22:6-21 CONCLUSION. a. Commentary on Revelation 22 by Matthew Henry - Blue Letter Bible f. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely: It is fitting that this great invitation closes the Book of Revelation and the Bible. i. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. Behold, I am coming quickly! He will come quickly; let this word be always sounding in our ear, and let us give all diligence that we may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. Revelation 22:7 - Bible Hub It is the hopelessness of the final state of the wicked which is here pictured. Revelation 22 - Eden Restored - Then the angel showed - Bible Gateway It is the hopelessness of the final state of the wicked which is here pictured. By its fountain-headthe throne of God and the Lamb. The word quickly in the ancient Greek isnt exactly the same as our word for quickly. The word quickly might with accuracy be rendered suddenly. (Morgan). This is a good example of how a copyists error can cloud a text in rather minor ways, without affecting the essential meaning of the passage. b. III. The vision is for an appointed time, and will not tarry. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. a. i. As John reminds us of the suddenness of these events, Jesus Himself breaks in with a reminder to all that He is coming quickly. b. Johannine Writings b. This solemn promise also implies that the Book of Revelation can be understood. There is no word here about a second chance hereafter. (Robertson), ii. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Apparently, heaven will still mark time, but not be subject to it in the same way we are on this side of eternity. ii. There the saints shall see the face of God; there they shall enjoy the beatific vision. i. If we really know and understood who Jesus is, we will not have any trouble being ready for His return. One might say, I dont understand all the Christian doctrine and theology come anyway, because it doesnt say whoever understands, let him take the water of life freely. Thats quite an exchange. It brings forth fruit at all timesyields its fruit every month. The solemnity of the injunction suggests that the speaker is Christ Himself. (Mounce). Besides, there is an inherent blessing in doing His commandments, because they are good and right for us. Now is the day of grace. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. b. The main intent of prophecy is to lead us to trust and obey God, and apply His truth to the way we live. 4. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. I have the desire, give me the power. If this is your desire, then you are freely invited to come, if you are only willing. This is the language of the church of the first-born, and we should join with them, often putting ourselves in mind of his promise. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. The word for healing is therapeian, from which the English word therapeutic is derived, almost directly transliterated from the Greek. "The primary purpose of this epilogue ( Revelation 22:6-21) is to affirm the authority of John's book. The states of both the evil and the good are now fixed forever. The river of paradise. A pure river of water of life: Through the Old Testament, prophets used the picture of a river as a powerful expression of richness, provision, and peace (Isaiah 48:18, Zechariah 14:8, Ezekiel 47:1-9). Enduring Word Bible Commentary Revelation Chapter 22 Revelation 22 - Come, Lord Jesus A. There the saints shall see the face of God; there they shall enjoy the beatific vision. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . Supernatural visions and revelations do not mean that someone is correct in their doctrine, teaching, or practice. 26 The meaning of this whole verse is: "The words of the Christian prophets do not speak their own minds, but God's." GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point The supreme felicity of this paradisiacal state. What a solemn warning this is to critics who have tampered with this book and other portions of Scripture in arrogant self-confidence that they are equipped intellectually and spiritually to determine what is true and what is not true in the Word of God. (Walvoord). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point