Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 22:3

"And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;" — Revelation 22:3 (ASV)

This section continues the description of the Holy City begun in 21:9, but now with the emphasis on its inner life. John returns to his archetypal images from Ge 1–3 and Eze 40ff. Here Paradise is regained. As in the OT imagery of the age to come, metaphors of water and light abound (cf. Isaiah 12:3; Zechariah 14:7–8). “The river of the water of life” recalls Eze 47:1ff. (cf. Joel 3:18) and the pastoral scene of Rev 7:17. In both Testaments water is frequently associated with the salvation of God and the life-imparting and cleansing ministry of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; cf. Jn 3:5; Isaiah 4:13–14; Isaiah 7:37–39; Isaiah 13:10; Isaiah 19:34; Titus 3:5). In the new city of God the pure water does not issue from the temple as in Eze 47 but comes from “the throne of God,” since this whole city is a Most Holy Place with God at its center. Life from God streams unceasingly through the new world.

“The tree of life” spreads all along the great street of the city (v.2). What was once forfeited by our first parents in Eden and denied to their succeeding posterity is now fully restored (cf. Genesis 3:22–24). In Ezekiel’s vision there are multiple trees on each side of the river that bear fruit monthly (Ezekiel 47:12). Thus, the tree John speaks of may be a collective word for Ezekiel’s trees. So abundant is its vitality that it bears a crop of fruit each month! Its leaves produce healing for the nations. The imagery of abundant fruit and medicinal leaves should be understood as symbolic of the far-reaching effects of the death of Christ in the redeemed community, the Holy City. So powerful is the salvation of God that the effects of sin are completely overcome. The eternal life God gives the redeemed community will be perpetually available, will sustain them, and will cure eternally the effects of every former sin.

Thus the curse pronounced in Eden is removed (v.3; cf. Genesis 3:17). This may mean that no one who is cursed because of idolatry will be in the city (v.15). Instead of Babylon and its servants occupying the earth, the throne of God will be central and his servants will serve him (cf. 2:13). Wherever the throne is in sight, the priestly service of the saints will be perpetual (cf. 1:6). Here our true liturgy is fulfilled (cf. Romans 12:1). John emphasizes God and the Lamb (21:22–23; 22:1, 3). They share the same glory, the same throne, the same temple significance. The high Christology of John’s vision is everywhere evident even though stated in functional terms.

With no restrictions such as those that pertain to Moses (Exodus 33:20, 23) or the high priests (Hebrews 9:7), the redeemed will be in Christ’s presence, beholding perpetually his glory (cf. Psalms 17:15; Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Eternal life is perfect communion, worship, the vision of God, light, and victory.

Concerning the name on their foreheads, see comment on 14:1.