Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 22:1

"And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb," — Revelation 22:1 (ASV)

And he shewed me a pure river . . .—The adjective “pure” must be omitted, as it is lacking in the best manuscripts.

The river is full of water, and that water is the emblem of life: it is the beautiful symbol of life in its gladness, purity, activity, and fullness. The garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10) had its river. Even in the wilderness Israel had from the smitten rock the water which gushed out like a river (Psalms 105:41).

Prophets, in their pictures of the ages of blessing, almost invariably introduced the river, or broad stream. Joel saw a fountain out of the house of the Lord (Joel 3:18). Zechariah spoke of living waters from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:8); but Ezekiel had the fullest vision when he beheld the stream which deepened and broadened in its onward progress from under the threshold of the house of God, and carried life in its train: everything lived whither the water came (Ezekiel 47:9); thus did all prophets speak of the river of God’s pleasures (Psalms 36:8).

The teaching of our Lord threw new light on the prophetic imagery; the pure delights of spiritual joy and communion with God were granted to men by the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life. In the bestowal of that Spirit of life, Christ gave true satisfaction to the thirsting souls of men (John 7:37–39).

The source of the river is in the throne. Ezekiel’s river arose in the temple; but in our vision there is no temple (Revelation 21:22). We are brought nearer, even to the throne: it is the throne (not “thrones”)—one throne of God and the Lamb .