Matthew Henry Commentary Revelation 7
Matthew Henry Commentary
Revelation 7
Matthew Henry Commentary
Revelation 7
"After his I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that no wind should blow on the earth, or on the sea, or upon any tree. And I saw another angel ascend from the sunrising, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a great voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we shall have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. And I heard the number of them that were sealed, a hundred and forty and four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: Of the tribe of Judah [were] sealed twelve thousand: Of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand." — Revelation 7:1-8 (ASV)
In the figurative language of Scripture, the blowing of the four winds together means a dreadful and general destruction. But the destruction is delayed. Seals were used to mark for each person his own possessions. This mark is the witness of the Holy Spirit, imprinted in the hearts of believers.
And the Lord would not allow his people to be afflicted before they were marked, so that they might be prepared against all conflicts. And observe, concerning those who are so sealed by the Spirit, the seal must be on the forehead, clearly visible to friends and foes alike, but not by the believer himself, except as he looks steadfastly in the mirror of God's word.
The number of those who were sealed may be understood to represent the remnant of people whom God reserved. Though the church of God is only a small flock in comparison with the wicked world, yet it is a truly large society and is to be further enlarged. Here the universal church is represented by the type of Israel.
"After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands; and they cry with a great voice, saying, Salvation unto our God who sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels were standing round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." — Revelation 7:9-12 (ASV)
The first fruits of Christ having led the way, the Gentiles converted later follow, and ascribe their salvation to God and the Redeemer with triumph. In acts of religious worship, we come near to God and must come through Christ; the throne of God could not be approached by sinners if it were not for a Mediator. They were clothed with the robes of justification, holiness, and victory; and they had palms in their hands, as conquerors used to appear in their triumphs.
Such a glorious appearance will the faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the good fight of faith and finished their course. With a loud voice, they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly and with fervor.
We see what the work of heaven is, and we ought to begin it now, to engage our hearts deeply in it, and to long for that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be made perfect.
"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and whence came they? And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes." — Revelation 7:13-17 (ASV)
Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright. Those who wish to gain knowledge must not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, however great, will not separate us from the love of God. Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious.
It is not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God. Other blood stains; this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean. They are happy in their service; heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it is a praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows and shed many tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away.
He deals with them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under all his troubles. As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Savior is their element; his presence and favor complete their happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace; and to him let them offer all praise and glory.
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