Commentary on Revelation, Lecture 1
LECTURE I.
CHAP. XIIII.
Vers. 1.
ANd I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred fourty and four thousand, having his Fathers name written in their foreheads.
2.
And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their …ps:
3.
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders, and no man could learn that …ong, … the hundred and fourty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4.
These are they which were not defiled with women: for they are virgins: these are they which follow the Lamb whither soever he goeth: these were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the Lamb.
5.
And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
THe former Chapter described Antichrist's rise and height. This Chapter setteth forth, in a little view, his ruine and the Churches recovery from his tyrannie, which is subjoyned, partly for clearing the Churches condition during that tyrannie, which is from the beginning, to vers. 6. partly, to shew her first struglings and contests with him, whereby he is discovered, and the opposition by word tabled to vers. 13, or 14. partly, to give a little view of carrying on this begun contest till Antichrist be ruined, unto the end of the Chapter, under two types of an harvest and vintage, which are to be accomplished. So the Chapter hath these three parts, The 1. setting out the Churches estate in a defending or defensive posture, relating to her low condition past, and clearing that posture which she was in when Antichrist was high. The other two do point her out in a fighting posture, 1. by words, 2. by deeds: this is more fully set out under the vials, and is insert here to comfort Gods people against that storm of Antichrist which was then to come.
For clearing of the exposition and application of this first part, we conceive it relateth unto the Church, before Antichrists ruine be sensibly begun, or, at least, be any way carried on: for, 1. the number here are the same with Chap. 7. 144000. which number is sealed for the time of Antichrists trial; and after that trial is past, an innumerable number doth appear, vers. 9. of that Chap. This first part belongeth then to that state of the Church, while it consisteth of the sealed number, Chap. 7. vers. 9. The two last parts of this Chapter do belong to that of Chap. 7. which followeth from vers. 9. to the end. 2. This is further clear here by what followeth, vers. 6, &c. The Gospel is then after Antichrists discovery sent abroad through the world to encrease the number of the Lambs followers; But this followeth and beginneth the second part of the Chapter, vers. 6. Therefore this first part must preceed that time of the Preaching of the Gospel whereby the Church is enlarged.
2. Although some way this doth represent the Church in her night and wildernesse-condition, yet we think it specially relateth to her condition immediately before the day break, and to that which is next the morning: For, 1. she is now visible, the Professors stand on mount Sion, they have their Fathers name now visible in their profession, which (Chap. 7.) when they were first sealed, was not discernable, now it kytheth. 2. The whole sealed number is now compleat, and the one hundred fourty and four thousand are together, and they have songs; yea, a new song, which importeth a great part of their strait to be over: now she appeareth to be what she was before, though lurking and unseen: and this probably may relate to the appearing of the Waldenses and Bohemians, who belonged indeed to the suffering state of the Church before Antichrists moneths expired; yet immediately before the Gospels spreading and Reformations growth, they appeared with more publick professing and owning of the truth (as it were again in their foreheads) than had been many years before, upon which followed a further spreading and growth of the light of the Gospel.
This Church is described three wayes by Iobn, First, as taken up by his sight, vers. 1. Secondly, by his ear or hearing, by what he heard as well as by what he saw, vers. 2.3. Thirdly, by reason, in describing the properties and qualifications of these he had so discovered, he more fully holdeth forth what they were, vers. 4, 5.
I looked (saith Iobn) and lo. This is a preface, to difference this part of the vision from the former, and to shew some considerablenesse in the things that were represented to him; and it containeth the state of the Church then, in these four, 1. They are described by their head, I looked, and lo a Lamb stand, &c. By this Lamb, no question, is understood Christ, though th… … …e not prefixed: for, the word, his Father, pointeth this Lamb to be the Son. Our Lord is called a Lamb, partly for His meeknesse in bearing so long with His enemies, partly to distinguish Him from and oppose Him to the two horned beast, (Chap. 13.11.) that appeared like Him. Would Iobn say, I saw after this the true Lamb, who is indeed the Lamb, as if for a time He had not been discernable. And He is said to be on mount Sion, to expresse His care of His Church, even then when the former beast took all on him in Christs name: yet this Lamb had not laid it by, nor committed it to him, but retained still His watchfull oversight of His Church, though for His own good reasons He delayed the inflicting of vengeance on her enemies: in these respects He is said to be standing, to expresse both His watchfulnesse and tendernesse, Micah 5, 4. Act. 7.34. This sheweth the Church was not slighted by Christ, even under Antichrist: He is there and standing there; as sitting doth expresse His dominion, this doth His care.
2. The state of these Believers is set down in respect of the place where they appear, it is on mount Sion, where our Lord stands and they with Him: by this is meaned the Church, whereof mount Zion was a type, Psal. 48. and Psal. 125. for strength, beauty and the fixing of the worship of God: their thus appearing on mount Zion, is in opposition to their being hid in the Temple, Chap. 11.1. They are now as it were drawing out; and Christs appearing here, is His appearing by some visible Ordinances and Worship amongst them: In a word, saith he, my eyes was taken off the enemies of the Church to behold her, and I saw that Christ wanted not a Church, neither was the Church destitute of His care, but both are represented here, though for a long time both were little seen.
3. They are set out in their number, to wit, 144000. relating to that, Chap. 7. First, to shew they were just so many as were sealed, and none of these were wanting, the effect had holden good on them all; and their sealing was not for nought. Secondly, to shew that the number kept clean after a strait, and that decerned of God for that end, will be alike. Thirdly, to shew that that time is at a close now: for, the 144000. which were brought in successively, are now compleated: in all which, Gods faithfulnesse doth kyth.
4. They have his fathers name written in their foreheads, that is, a profession of Gods truth, as a seal bearing out to whom they belonged, they thinking now no shame of owning Him. In a word, I saw that number bearing out his mark and burn-iron on them, looking otherwise than all the rest of the world that had a different name upon them: by which they are certainly opposed to these, mentioned, Chap. 13.17, 18. Or, more plainly, this number, in this posture waiting on the Lamb, is certainly opposed to the number that followed the counterfeiting beast and received his name; Christ to Antichrist, His followers to his worshippers. The name also is opposed, whereby it appeareth there is some light to be gotten in clearing the one for clearing the other. Secondly, This state of the Church is set out by what Iobn heard: as the first, by his looking and seeing, setteth them out in their appearance and profession; So, 2. this of hearing, setteth them out in their practice. The third setteth them out as they were indeed before God real Converts, Elected, Redeemed, Called, Justified and Sanctified.
This practice that he heard, is in general, singing and praising, partly following the allusion used in the dramatick form of this Book by interludes of singing, &c. partly to shew the heartsomnesse and real mirth of Christs followers, singing and glorifying Him in the fires, Isa. 24.15. partly, to point out the chearfull effect and blessed change that was now coming and at hand.
This singing and practice of theirs, is more particularly set forth in these five, 1. the place from whence, from heaven, that is, the Church, as Chap. 4. and 5. Or, it may be to set out the joy in heaven at the Church appearing again on mount Sion. However these 144000. learned this song and joyned in it: possibly it is both, as in Chap. 5. 2. In its manner, it is a voice like waters, thunders and harpings. Waters make a great noise, See Rev. 1.15. Ezek. 1. This sheweth the loudnesse of their cry, it was now heard, Rev. 19.6. Thunderings shew a vehemency and terriblenesse in the sound, or powerfulnesse, as Psal. 29. that sheweth goodwill in their crying. Harpings shew chearfulnesse in the fingers and harmony in what was plaid or sung: all three put together, they shew a sound in the Church, which had the word of God both loud, powerfull and comfortable, and that these professours were not dumb and silent nor jarring, but now they are both seen and heard, and it is pleasant both to see and hear them.
Thirdly, In vers. 3. they are set out by the matter of their song, It is a new song: now looking not to Christ to come, but as come, so differing from the old song of the Fathers, See Chap. 5. New also in respect of a new reason and matter by a new mercy, Psal. 40.3. and so this may be new as looking to Christs care of them in their (almost now) bypast strait, so different from that, Chap. 5. which for opening the seals was sung. 4. This song is before the Throne, Elders and beasts, that is, publickly, as these represent a publick Church state, as Chap. 4. Now it is in the Congregation, or before the Throne, &c. that is, they made good musick before God, and in the approbation of His people, though the world understood it not and thought nothing of it. So these are looked on as contra-distinguished from the world. They had the glad tydings of the Gospel that made them merry, but the world was uncapable of that joy. 5. This song is described by this, that none in all the world that heard it, could take it up, or joyn in it, but these redeemed ones: whereby it appeareth to be yet a time of ignorance, when the Gospel was keeped up from the world; and also it holdeth forth, that it is a special priviledge to understand the Gospel, and that naturally men are uncapable of it: in a word, it is this, the Church that I saw was in this condition, that it was singing chearfully and merrilly: Antichrists persecution could not mar nor take their joy from them; that was such a sung and mirth a… was not carnall or naturall, but spirituall, of a new nature; and therefore they sing this song alone; none could sing nor perceive nor understand that which comforted them, or kindly blessed God for it, but such as had some experience of it; they had it given them to learn this mystery, which none other had: and, as propheticall, it saith, that though the Church of Christ peeped out for a considerable time in the Waldenses here and there, and that they suffered joyfully, (which indeed they did) yet few were capable of that joy and did joyn with them. One thing is to be cleared, Whether by these singers be understood these sealed ones, or others, distinct from them? Answ. Whether we say the one or the other, it will be one thing: for, if these first singers be distinct, yet these 144000. learn the song, and joyn both in the matter of it and manner of singing: so in the use, it will be applicable to the Church at that time. 2. Though it be understood of these 144000. yet may these phrases of singing before the Throne of God and the Elders be well understood, either as their doing this publickly, as is said; or, especially, as acceptable to God, as by these in Heaven: it may be also that the Angels and Saints triumphant are brought in here singing, with whom the 144000. sealed ones joyn and agree; yet the scope and connexion with what followeth, will agree as well to understand it of the militant Church; and that Angel mentioned vers. 6. called another, may be in reference to them and other Ministers (for so these Angels following seem to be understood) as well as to another Angel properly. 3. They are described by their speciall priviledges, properties or characters, in number five. The first is generall and comprehensive of all, as the ground and sum of them all, to wit, that they are the redeemed of the Lord. 1. They are redeemed from the earth, that is, not only bought by the bloud of Christ, and so in that bargain of Redemption differenced from others; (which sheweth it is no little thing to make that difference) but also by effectuall calling differenced from the profane earthly multitude and redeemed from their vain conversation to serve the Lord in holinesse, 1 Pet. 1.18.
The second property is, vers. 4. they are not defiled with women, for they are virgins. By virgins here are not understood such as have keeped themselves from all conjugall fellowship: for by these Virgins are understood all the true Church under Antichrist; and will any say there were none Redeemed amongst all the Married of that time? Beside, it is such a Virginity as is opposite to defilement (which Marriage is not) yea, to the defilement mentioned here. Neither, Secondly, by defilement here, is understood bodily fornication, (for there may be many other lusts beside) but spirituall fornication, to wit, Idolatry and superstition, and communicating with such worship: Which is clear, 1. From the opposition between defilement with women and virginity, as if there were no midst or another lust, which is only truth in spirituall whoredoms and virgin-chastity in being keeped to Christ. 2. That which followeth, is, they follow the Lamb: it is such a defilement then as is opposit to spirituall adhering to Christ. 3. The scope cleareth it, in that he is here describing Christs pure worshippers; it keepeth the phrases of this Book, especially these wherein Antichrist and his worship is set down: he is called the whore, Chap. 17. and it, whoring, and committing fornication with her, See vers. 8. of this same Chap. Again, Christ is called a husband, and faithfull adhering to Him is called chastity, 2 Cor. 11.2. Faith engageth, as by a marriage-knot and vow, to be peculiar to Christ; Idolatry and superstitious worship sinneth against that Covenant, prostituting men to some other thing in His room; and that is the reason of this allusion, frequent in the Old Testament as in the New.
3. They follow the Lamb whithersoever be goeth. This sheweth, 1. an adhering to Christ on any tearms, and in all trials, cost what it may, they follow faithfully. 2. A painfulnesse in following through all duties, hazards, and possibly places, that if he go to the wildernesse they will go with Him, alluding to that, Gen. 2. (in opposition to the former whoring) that a wife or married party shall forsake all and cleave to her husband; so did these sealed ones, constantly and solely adhere to Christ and follow Him as their Husband. 3. It importeth, upon Christs side, that He is tyed to no place or particular Church, as Rome, Constantinople or any other, but may transfer His Ordinances and Candlestick where He pleaseth (for, the Lamb's presence here spoken of, is His presence by Ordinances and Church-communion) else where, where He thinketh good; so it importeth, upon the other side, the temper and inclination of these Virgins, that they are addicted to no place particularly, bounding Christ or seeking Him there, so that if he be not there, they will not go else where to seek Him (as Antichrists fornicatours, in opposition to these, may be gathered to do, who will not go out of Rome after him) nay, but they go with Him and follow Him, weighing His presence not by places or externall priviledges, but by the evidences thereof in His Ordinances; and where He setteth up these, there, wherever it be, they seek Him and acknowledge Him present.
The fourth property is also set down, vers. 4. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the Lamb. This redemption pointeth at Gods wailing them out amongst others of that time, and the end and scope of it, to wit, to be the first fruits unto him, alluding to that custome of the Iews paying first fruits unto the Lord: whereby they are holden forth to be, 1. as holy and set a part for that use and end, 2. as being the forerunner and earnest of a coming greater harvest: in both which senses, it may be here. 1. They were holy to God, when all the world was profane; so all Believers are called first fruits unto God, Iam. 1.18. Ier. 2.3. Thus it is the priviledge He called them unto. 2. As these now appearing go before and foretell, as it were, the great number and harvest that were coming, and to follow unto the Lord throughout the earth, (See cap. 7.9.) even as the first fruits were an evidence and pledge of an approaching harvest, so were these to God and the Lamb. And thus their redeeming from amongst men, will be here their separating by effectuall calling, as that before, (vers. 3.) is their generall redemption. The last property, is, vers. 5. In their mouth was found no guil: for they are without fault before the Throne of God. The scope is this, to shew their sincerity in opposition to the hypocrisie of that time, 1. There is no guile in their mouth, i.e. no dissembling or counterfeiting, as is said of Nathaneel: They are all Nathaneels, Iob. 1.47. and like that blessed man, Psal. 3.22. In whom there is no guile: they are as they professe, seriously adhering to God in Christ, whose name they bear out in their profession, and are not counterfeit Christians, as Antichrists followers are, to whom they are opposed: and in which respect, they are said to be without fault, i.e. the faults these were guilty of, as was said before. 2. This sincerity is proven; or, it is hinted wherein it consisteth: for, saith he, They are without fault before the Throne of God. In a word, they are justified and absolved by God, and have His testimony, and therefore they are sincere: which expression, before the Throne of God, importeth two things, 1. Sincerity, as it is opposed to mens judging, who cannot see so far as God. 2. It looketh to the ground of their acceptation, which is not any righteousnesse of their own (for upon that account none living will be justified in his sight, Psal. 143.) but the righteousnesse of Christ, that is the ground of their absolution before God. In a word, they were indeed sincere and through Christs bloud washen and absolved, Chap. 7. vers. 14. By all which it appeareth, they are really sanctified and justified who are meaned here, seing no hypocrite, never so well painted, can be without fault before God.