Revelation 13:9

⁸And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.⁹He who has an ear, let him hear:

Summary

This verse speaks about the endurance and faith of the saints during a time of great tribulation and persecution. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's belief in God and Jesus Christ, even in the face of intense opposition. The verse encourages believers to remain steadfast and unwavering in their commitment to God, knowing that He will ultimately bring justice and vindication to His faithful followers. It serves as a reminder that despite the challenges and trials faced by Christians, their faithfulness will be rewarded in the end. Overall, Revelation 13:9 conveys a message of hope, perseverance, and trust in God's ultimate victory.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

If any man have an ear, let him hear - These words are evidently introduced to impress the reader with the awfulness of what has just been spoken - all shall worship him whose names are not written in the book of life, as well as to fix his attention upon the following words: -

John Gill Bible Commentary

If any man have an ear, let him hear. And diligently attend to this mystical description of antichrist, as being matter of some difficulty to understand, as well as of great moment and importance, and seriously consider it, that he may know him, and his followers, and avoid them; See Gill on Rev 1:7. . Revelation 13:10 rev 13:10 rev 13:10 rev 13:10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity,.... As the devil, by whom men are led captive at his will, and the Romish antichrist, who leads multitudes of souls to hell; these shall be taken and cast into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The Jews (g) have a saying, that "captivity comes into the world for idolatry, uncleanness, and murder;'' which three things are notorious in the Romish antichrist: and in the same treatise they say (h), that the sword, the next judgment mentioned, comes into the world for delay of justice, and the perversion of it. He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword; the design of the phrase is to show, that there will be a just retaliation made to the antichristian beast, for all his cruelty to the saints, and the murders of them; and that because he has shed much blood of the saints, blood shall be given him to drink, and he shall be used in like manner he has used others; see Gen 9:6 Mat 26:52. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints; meaning either that hereby, through the cruelties and barbarities of the Romish antichrist, the patience and faith of the saints are tried; and that they have great need of them, and of the exercise of them, under such usages; and that these being tried, and continue, will receive much commendation, honour, and praise; or else the sense is, that it requires both faith and patience in the saints, to believe that antichrist will be thus destroyed, and to wait quietly till the time comes. The Arabic version reads, "here is the patience and prayers of the saints": who cry, how long will it be ere our blood is avenged? and have need of patience to rest a while, till their prayers are answered. (g) Pirke Abot, c. 5. sect. 9. (h) Ib. sect. 8.