John “sees” a great multitude of people from every culture all in awe of heaven.  They are free of pain, anxiety, suffering and sorrow.  They were ”standing before the throne and before the Lamb,“   holding palm branches.  Jesus is in His proper place with God Almighty and the throne of heaven.  John describes this image vividly – “Then before me.”  A great multitude, too large to count, everyone that could be included – was – none were missing. Obviously, this multitude represents spiritual rather than physical Israel.  This group is all encompassing – every nation and people.

 

These are dressed in white robes.  Another sign of victory is given here with the addition of the palm branches.  They are not martyrs, per se, rather they stand in the victory of Christ’s death and resurrection and not their own.  There is no reference to martyrdom as is usual for this book (see: 6:9; 20:4).  Real triumph comes not from warfare and weapons, but through a quiet trust in Jesus.

 

v. 10 – Salvation belongs to both God and Jesus (the Lamb).  Salvation is from God in Jesus the Christ and what He accomplished.

 

v. 11-12 – “All the angels … worshipped God” – They were standing around the throne and around the elders and living creatures.   At the shout of the great multitude, they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God.  They worshipped the One who redeemed them to God.  They begin with “AMEN.”  This is a “so be it” affirmation of what the multitude just shouted.  Then they kick off this blessing to God.  Here another sevenfold blessing, but not just a blessing – THE Blessing.  THE Praise, THE Glory, THE Wisdom, THE Thanks, THE Honor, THE Power, and THE Strength, are all attributed to THE God, forever …  AMEN!  Rev. 5:12 – a similar blessing is offered, except WEALTH has been replaced with THANKS here.  Forever and ever confirms that this is an eternal blessing.  All this is confirmed by a final AMEN!

 

v.  13-14 – An elder questions John about those in white robes … “who are they and where do they come from?”  John throws the ball back to the elders.  They answer – They are the ones “coming” out of the great tribulation (present or even future and final).  The meaning spans time with the present tense – “coming.”  They have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”  This should remind them of ancient Scripture: (Ex. 19:10,14; Is. 1:16, 18; 1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 9:14).  Everyone who is “saved,” is saved the same way – by the blood of the Lamb washing us clean and white.  This is an indication that the redeemed represents all the saved and not just the martyrs. 

 

v. 15 – “Therefore” – “it is for this reason” – Go, see what it’s “there for.”  They are right at the throne with access to God and in His presence.  Temple? – Maybe all of heaven is now the sanctuary of God – He is present there all the time. He reigns as King from His throne.  “He will spread His tent over them” (NIV) – Tabernacle – wilderness memory is revived - God’s presence, protection, guidance, leading, power, etc., in the tent.  His Glory shines upon them – Shekinah – Moses’ face glowed from being in the presence of God’s glory.  Future tense – remember and look to the future promise of God.

 

v. 16 – (see Is. 49:10) – Never again - - - a series of negatives – promises.  No more hunger, thirst, sun stroke, heat – Things they experienced typically.  Free from even these minor torments.

 

v. 17 – Lamb – will be – Shepherd – a flip – a reversal of roles.  God’s throne – the Lamb, Jesus – at the center.  The Lamb accomplished all this for the people He shepherds by his life. Living water – Holy Spirit – no longer thirsty.  They, we, will thirst for God and come to Him to be satisfied.  Tears are wiped away – Fellowship with God and protection.  They have HOPE!  They are now ready to hear what will come next (soon).