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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - Revelation 15:2 - 15:2
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There seems here to be an illusion to the Israelites' deliverance out of Egypt, and to the song of Moses upon that occasion, recorded Exo_15:1-18. As they were delivered out of literal Egypt, so these from mystical Egypt, both nests of idolatry and false worship; a deliverance from both which deservedly called for a song of thanksgiving.
I saw a sea of glass mingled with fire; that is, a great number of pure, zealous Christians, their multitude being represented by the sea, their purity by glass, and their zeal by fire.
Who had gotten victory over the beast, and over his image; that is, who overcome all temptations of idolatry, both from the Pagan and antichristian emperors, called the beast and his image.
Having the harps of God in their hand, in allusion to the musical instruments used in the temple-service, and denoting hearts fitted for, and tuned by, the Spirit of God: to praise him with cheerfulness for preserving them from being overcome by temptations to idolatry.
Learn hence, That such as are sincerely gracious, are truly thankful to God for all his benefits and blessings, but especially for their preservation from sin, and their getting victory over temptations.
Observe next, the work of solemn praise and thanksgiving, which these purified and preserved souls were engaged in and employed about: They sung the song of Moses and the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord.
Where note, 1. The title of the song, namely, the song of Moses and the Lamb. The song of Moses, that is, a song much like unto that of Moses and the Israelites after they had passed safely through the Red Sea, Exo_15:1-18 and the song of the Lamb, so called, because it was a song indited by the Spirit of the Lamb, and tending to advance the glory of the Lamb.
Note, 2. The matter of the song, which is divided into two parts,
1. The church's confession and declaration of those works which Christ doth: Great and marvellous are thy words, just and true are thy ways; that is, they are great and wonderful works, fit only to be done by him who is the Lord God Almighty; just and true, well becoming him who is King of saints.
2. The use which the church makes of these works; and that is, 1. To record, celebrate, and publish them. 2. To oblige and bind themselves faster and closer to him in his worship and service: Who shall not fear thee, O Lord! and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy.
Observe farther, The titles which are here by the church given unto God. 1. The Lord God Almighty. A title full of comfort to the saints in their greatest straits, and full of terror to their enemies in the midst of their abundance. 2. He is styled King of Saints, they receiving special protection from him, and he exercising a particular care over them. 3.He only is said to be holy, that is, essentially and causally: essentially in himself, and causally with respect to us: all holiness is originally in him, all holiness is derivatively from him, therefore should the praise thereof be given to him.
Observe lastly, The duty inferred from all those glorious titles which are here given to God, and for all the great and marvellous works done by him: Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? As if he had said, "All ought to do so, and there is great reason for so doing." As God is to be feared, because he is full of power and justice, so then especially should his people fear him when he is taking vengeance on his enemies, his own and his church's adversary: Who shall not fear thee? for thy judgments are manifest.