Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 2:21

"And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication." — Revelation 2:21 (ASV)

Christ’s verdict continues with his strongest accusation directed against, not Jezebel’s perversion, serious as that is, nor even against her successful deception of fellow Christians, but against her refusal to repent. Although Christ has dealt with her over a period of time, she will not change her ways or her thinking. The Lord, therefore, will judge Jezebel by two swift acts. She will be “cast” (lit., “hurled”; GK 965) into a bed, and her children will be put to death. The “bed” or “couch” (GK 3109) can mean a bed used for resting, for guild- banqueting, or for sickness. On a bed she sinned, and on a bed she will suffer; and those who committed adultery with her will also suffer intensely.

As in the case of Jezebel, Christ’s strongest threat to the offenders is not in regard to their sin, but to their reluctance to repent. The Lord is walking among his churches. He judges evil; but he also offers deliverance to those who have fallen, if they repent and stop doing Jezebel’s deeds.