Bible Commentaries
Revelation 15

Verse 1

The seven last plagues [πληγας επτα τας εσχατας] . Lit., seven plagues the last. Rev., "which are the last." See on Mark 3:10; Luke 10:30. Is filled up [ετελεσθη] . More correctly, brought to an end [τελος] . Rev., finished. Lit., was finished, the prophetic aorist, which speaks of a thing foreseen and decided as if already done.

Verse 2

A sea of glass [θαλασσαν υαλινην] . Rev., better, a glassy sea. See on ch. Revelation 4:6.

Had gotten the victory over the beast [νικωντας εκ του θηριου] . The expression is peculiar. Lit., conquered out of The construction is unique in the New Testament. The phrase signifies, not as A. V., victory over, but coming triumphant out of [εκ] . So Rev., that come victorious from the beast.

Over his mark. Omit.

Standing on [επι] . Better, as Rev., by : on the shore of, as did the Israelites when they sang the song alluded to in ver 3.

The harps of God. Omit the. Instruments devoted wholly to His praise. Compare ch. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2.

Verse 3

The song of Moses. See Exodus 15:0. Compare Deuteronomy 32:0; to which some refer this allusion.

The servant of God. See Exodus 14:31; Numbers 12:7; Psalms 105:26; Hebrews 3:5.

The song of the Lamb. There are not two distinct songs. The song of Moses is the song of the Lamb. The Old and the New Testament churches are one.

Great and marvelous are Thy works. Psalms 111:2; Psalms 139:14; 1 Chronicles 16:9.

Just and true are Thy ways. Rev., righteous for just. See Deuteronomy 32:4.

King of saints [βασιλευς των αγιων] . The readings differ. Some read for saints, ejqnwn of the nations; others aijwnwn of the ages. So Rev. Compare Jeremiah 10:7.

Verse 4

Who shall not fear Thee? See Jeremiah 10:7. Omit thee.

Holy [οσιος] . See on Luke 1:75. The term is applied to Christ in Acts 2:27, Acts 2:35; Hebrews 7:26. To God only here and ch. 16 5, where the correct reading is oJ osiov thou holy one, instead of oJ ejsomenov which shalt be. All nations shall come. Compare Psalms 86:9; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 66:9 Isaiah 66:3; Micah 4:2.

Judgments [δικαιωματα] . Not merely divine decisions, but righteous acts generally. So Rev. Primarily, the word signifies that which has been deemed right so as to have the force of law. Hence an ordinance (Luke 1:6; Hebrews 9:1; Romans 1:32). A judicial decision for or against (Romans 5:16). A righteous deed. See ch. Revelation 19:8.

Verse 5

Behold. Omit.

The temple of the tabernacle [ο ναος της σκηνης] . The sanctuary of the tabernacle. See on Matthew 4:5.

Of the testimony. See Acts 7:44. The tabernacle was called "the Tabernacle of the Testimony" because it contained the ark with the law of God which testifies against sin. See Exodus 25:16, Exodus 25:21; Exodus 30:36; Exodus 34:29; Exodus 38:21. Compare ch. 11 19.

Verse 6

Linen [λινον] . The Rev. follows the reading liqon stone, after the analogy of Ezekiel 28:13, "Every precious stone was thy covering." The idea is that of raiment studded with precious stones. See on ch. Revelation 2:17.

White [λαυπρον] . Mostly applied in the New Testament to clothing, as Luke 23:11; Acts 10:30; James 2:2. Also to the water of life (ch. 22 1), and the morning - star (ch. 22 16). Rev., bright.

Girt round their breasts. As the Lord in the vision of Revelation 1:13; where, however, mastoiv paps is used instead of sthqh breasts.

Verse 7

Vials [φιαλας] . Rev., bowls. See on ch. Revelation 5:8.

Verse 8

Smoke. Compare Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10; Psalms 18:8; Isaiah 6:4; Ezekiel 10:2-4.

None was able to enter. "God cannot be approached at the moment when He is revealing Himself in all the terrors of His indignation" (Milligan). See Exodus 19:21.