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Revelation 15:2
Verse
Context
The Song of Moses and the Lamb
1Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God is completed.2And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God, 3and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!
Sermons
Willie Mullan
Rolfe Barnard
Edgar Reich
Stephen Kaung
G.W. NorthSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A sea of glass - A spacious lucid plain around the throne, from which fiery coruscations were continually emitted: or, the reflection of the light upon this lucid plain produced the prismatic colors of the most vivid rainbow. Over the beast, and over his image - See the notes on Revelation 13:1-18 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
sea of glass--Answering to the molten sea or great brazen laver before the mercy seat of the earthly temple, for the purification of the priests; typifying the baptism of water and the Spirit of all who are made kings and priests unto God. mingled with fire--answering to the baptism on earth with fire, that is, fiery trial, as well as with the Holy Ghost, which Christ's people undergo to purify them, as gold is purified of its dross in the furnace. them that had gotten the victory over--Greek, "those (coming) off from (the conflict with) the beast-conquerors." over the number of his name--A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit the words in English Version, "over his mark." The mark, in fact, is the number of his name which the faithful refused to receive, and so were victorious over it. stand on the sea of glass--ALFORD and DE BURGH explain "on (the shore of) the sea": at the sea. So the preposition, Greek, "epi," with the accusative case, is used for at, Rev 3:20. It has a pregnant sense: "standing" implies rest, Greek "epi" with the accusative case implies motion "towards." Thus the meaning is, Having come TO the sea, and now standing AT it. In Mat 14:26, where Christ walks on the sea, the Greek oldest manuscripts have the genitive, not the accusative as here. Allusion is made to the Israelites standing on the shore at the Red Sea, after having passed victoriously through it, and after the Lord had destroyed the Egyptian foe (type of Antichrist) in it. Moses and the Israelites' song of triumph (Exo 15:1) has its antitype in the saints' "song of Moses and the Lamb" (Rev 15:3). Still English Version is consistent with good Greek, and the sense will then be: As the sea typifies the troubled state out of which the beast arose, and which is to be no more in the blessed world to come (Rev 21:1), so the victorious saints stand on it, having it under their feet (as the woman had the moon, see on Rev 12:1); but it is now no longer treacherous wherein the feet sink, but solid like glass, as it was under the feet of Christ, whose triumph and power the saints now share. Firmness of footing amidst apparent instability is thus represented. They can stand, not merely as victorious Israel at the Red Sea, and as John upon the sand of the shore, but upon the sea itself, now firm, and reflecting their glory as glass, their past conflict shedding the brighter luster on their present triumph. Their happiness is heightened by the retrospect of the dangers through which they have passed. Thus this corresponds to Rev 7:14-15. harps of God--in the hands of these heavenly virgins, infinitely surpassing the timbrels of Miriam and the Israelitesses.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I saw, as it were, a sea of glass mingled with fire,.... Not baptism, but rather the blood of Christ, which may be compared to a sea, for its abundant virtue and efficacy in cleansing from all sin; and to a sea "of glass", since in it are clearly seen free justification, full pardon, peace and reconciliation; and may be said to be "mingled with fire", being attended in the application of it with the Spirit of God, whose gifts and graces are sometimes signified by fire: and so, according to others, this sea may represent the pure church of God, as washed in the blood of the Lamb; compared to a sea for the multitude of which it consists, and to a sea of glass, because of the transparency and clearness of its principles and practices, and may be said to be mingled with the fire of love and zeal: most interpreters understand it of the world, which is like a sea for the multitude of its inhabitants; and sometimes to a troubled one, because of the restlessness and disquietude of the wicked in it; but here it is like a sea of glass, for the quiet, and peace, and rest it shall be in at this time; though it is commonly said to be like such a sea, partly because all things are manifest, and open to an omniscient God; and partly because of its outward splendour, and the brittleness, frailty, and transitoriness of it; and to be mixed with fire, either because of the light of the Gospel, and the operation of the Spirit in the hearts of some that are in it, or because of the afflictions and persecutions the saints in it; though it seems best of all to understand it of the Gospel, as in See Gill on Rev 4:6; and which may be said to be mingled with fire, either because of the powerful and clear demonstration of the Spirit that attends it to the minds of many, or that heat of persecution which is raised by it; see Luk 12:49 or rather it denotes the purity of the Gospel in those times, its general spread, and the great zeal and fervour of the professors of it, since persecution will now be at an end. And them that had gotten the victory over the beast; over antichrist, signified the beast, that rose up out of the sea, and out of the earth, Rev 13:1 and which are the same, and were but one, though in different forms, as from hence appears: the beast first overcame the saints, by slaying of them; and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, by preaching and professing the Gospel, by their close and constant adherence to it, and by dying for it: and over his image; caused by him to be made to the first beast; and is no other than the Popish religion, which bears a resemblance to Paganism; and which the saints may be said to get the victory over, by standing out against it, opposing and refuting it, not giving into it, but bearing their testimony against it: and over his mark; refusing to receive it either in their forehead, or in their right hand; that is, either to swear allegiance to him, or profess his religion. This clause is wanting in the Alexandrian copy, Vulgate Latin, Syriac. Arabic, and Ethiopic versions: and over the number his name; that is, they would not own his supremacy and authority, nor embrace his doctrines, nor obey his orders, nor be reckoned his followers in any form or shape; see Rev 13:15. These conquerors John saw stand on the sea of glass; which, if applied to the blood of Christ, shows that these confessors were purified by it, and were more than conquerors through it; that they were come out of great tribulation, and had washed their garments, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; and were just come up from the washing, and stood upon, or rather by, or "near the sea", as the Arabic version renders it, in allusion to the priests at the molten sea, in the temple: but if the world is meant by the sea, their standing upon it designs their victory and triumph over it by faith, their having it under their feet, and their contempt of it; but rather, since the Gospel is intended, it may denote their solid standing upon the doctrines of it, the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and their steadfast continuance in them, and faithful abiding by them, whereby they got the victory over antichrist: having the harps of God: their hearts in an excellent frame, tuned and disposed by God, to sing his praise, and set forth his glory; having them filled with spiritual joy and gladness, and with great thankfulness, on account of their victory, the happy state of Christ's church, and the destruction of its enemies: the allusion is to the people of Israel, Moses and the men, and Miriam and the women with timbrels and dances standing on the sea shore, when the Egyptians were destroyed, singing the praises of God; as is still more manifest from the following verse.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:2 The glass sea mixed with fire symbolizes victory through testing. Those who had been victorious over the beast (see 13:1-8, 15-18) hold harps that represent ultimate peace. Their place on the glass sea (cp. 4:6) symbolizes their endurance in the fire of persecution (cp. Ps 66:12; Isa 43:2; Dan 3:8-30).
Revelation 15:2
The Song of Moses and the Lamb
1Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God is completed.2And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God, 3and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Demonology) When the Church Goes
By Willie Mullan1.6K59:12DemonologyACT 16:25REV 5:9REV 6:2REV 11:1REV 15:2REV 16:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the worship of the dragon and the beast mentioned in verse 4. He emphasizes that the devil energizes men to carry out his tactics, just like in a game of warfare. The preacher also mentions the importance of baptism and urges the congregation to come forward if they have not been baptized. He concludes by discussing the mark of the beast and how the world is beginning to wake up to its significance. Overall, the sermon focuses on the power of the devil and the need for believers to stand for truth and obey the Lord.
Utter Committal to Jesus the Christ
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K56:05MAT 6:33REV 13:6REV 14:6REV 15:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel in times of chaos and crisis. He believes that the only hope for this generation is for God to pour out judgment and open the windows of heaven. The preacher explains that the everlasting gospel, set in the midst of an earth under the sway of anti-Christ, has three main messages: fear God, give glory to Him, and worship Him as the Creator. He also warns against the temptation of selling out one's birthright and urges believers to be prepared to share the gospel in this anti-Christ spiritual age. The sermon references Revelation 13 and 14 as the source of this message.
Christians in the Great Tribulation - Part 2
By Edgar Reich95421:35DAN 7:25MAT 5:11JAS 1:121PE 1:61PE 4:11JN 3:13REV 13:15REV 15:2REV 20:4
This sermon delves into the presence of Christians in the Great Tribulation as depicted in the Bible, focusing on the persecution they will face under the Antichrist's rule. It emphasizes the need for unwavering faith and readiness to endure suffering for the sake of Christ, drawing examples from the martyrdom of early apostles and the call for modern Christians to witness boldly despite potential persecution. The message urges believers to embrace true repentance, turn away from worldly desires, and fully commit to following Jesus, even in the face of adversity.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 44
By Zac Poonen60124:29PSA 95:7ISA 57:20MAT 5:28MAT 11:28GAL 5:1PHP 2:51TI 2:5HEB 4:9REV 15:2
This sermon focuses on the importance of coming to Jesus to find rest and learn gentleness and humility. It emphasizes the need to seek God first in all situations, to develop a habit of turning to the Father before seeking human help, and to ask Jesus to reveal the Father to us. The message highlights the significance of partnering with Jesus, taking His yoke upon us, and learning from His gentle and humble heart to experience true rest and peace.
Leadership and Ministry Training #3
By Stephen Kaung25256:58REV 2:7REV 3:21REV 12:5REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 15:2REV 19:7REV 21:2REV 22:14
This sermon from Revelation chapter 14 emphasizes the call to overcome, highlighting the importance of being overcomers in Christ. It discusses the vision of the Lamb and the 144,000, the significance of following the Lamb wherever He goes, and the need for believers to be prepared for Christ's imminent return. The message stresses the urgency of surrendering to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and being clothed with Christ's righteousness and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to be prepared as the bride of the Lamb for eternity.
The Church - as Seen in Revelation
By G.W. North1701:38:12ChurchACT 2:1REV 1:19REV 13:1REV 15:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the imagery found in the book of Revelation. He describes the scene of the throne of God, with seven lamps of fire and a sea of glass. The preacher explains that the four living creatures represent the four gospels, with the lion symbolizing Matthew, the calf symbolizing Mark, the face of a man symbolizing Luke, and the flying eagle symbolizing John. The preacher also highlights the significance of the eyes of the living creatures, representing foresight, hindsight, and insight. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the central role of Jesus as the lamb, the sacrifice for humanity's sins.
Praying Before God's Throne: The Perfection of Beauty
By Mike Bickle2048:54The Beauty of GodPrayerPSA 96:6PSA 145:9ISA 6:3DAN 7:10MAT 5:12JHN 17:23ACT 10:44HEB 4:16REV 4:2REV 15:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound reality of approaching God's throne in prayer and worship, highlighting that it is a real interaction with a majestic and loving Father. He draws from Revelation 4 to illustrate the beauty and power of God's presence, encouraging believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing they will receive mercy and help in their time of need. Bickle explains that understanding the beauty of God enhances our prayer life, making it more enjoyable and sustainable, as we focus on the facets of His beauty revealed in Scripture. He encourages meditation on Revelation 4, which depicts the splendor of God's throne and the honor bestowed upon His people, emphasizing that prayer is not merely a duty but a delightful relationship with God. Ultimately, Bickle invites believers to experience the infinite beauty of God, which will never be exhausted, even for eternity.
Deliverance in the Stormy Winds
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 10:13EXO 14:21EXO 15:10PSA 107:29REV 15:2Charles E. Cowman reflects on the story of the Lord bringing an east wind to bring locusts upon Egypt, and how the stormy winds were used by God to deliver Israel from the cruel Pharaoh. He emphasizes the mysterious ways in which God's power and protection are displayed through the stormy winds, leading to ultimate triumph and deliverance. Cowman encourages trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of wild and unleashed storms, knowing that He is in control and working all things for our good.
Singing the Praises of God
By Paul Bramsen0PSA 71:22PSA 81:1PSA 116:3ISA 25:7REV 15:2Paul Bramsen emphasizes the significance of singing in worship, tracing its roots back to biblical times when God's people praised Him through song. The Bible showcases believers in heaven singing praises with musical instruments, highlighting the importance of sacred music in worshipping God. While the Qur'an acknowledges the prophet David singing God's praises, it contrasts with the Bible in congregational singing and the use of musical accompaniment. The joy of salvation, expressed through music and singing, is a central theme in the Bible, underscoring believers' indebtedness to God for His mercy and deliverance from death.
Notes on Revelation
By John Nelson Darby0JudgmentPrayerREV 4:10REV 7:3REV 8:3REV 9:4REV 14:1REV 15:2John Nelson Darby explores the significance of the incense altar in Revelation, emphasizing that it is only mentioned in Revelation 8, where the angel offers the prayers of the saints alongside the incense. He notes that the elders do not possess censers or the altar, indicating that their role is to present prayers without adding efficacy to them. The sermon highlights the transition from the cleansing with water to a spiritual separation to God, marked by the sea of glass, and the importance of tribulation in the believers' journey. Darby also discusses the judgments in Revelation 9, distinguishing between the unrepentant Israel and the idolatrous inhabitants of the earth, illustrating the consequences of wickedness and false prophecy.
A Heavy Burden
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual PrioritiesWorldly RichesMAT 6:19REV 4:6REV 15:2REV 21:18Thomas Brooks emphasizes that riches can be a heavy burden and often hinder our pursuit of heaven and true happiness. He illustrates that worldly pleasures are mixed with sorrow and that the pursuit of material wealth distracts us from our spiritual duties towards God. Brooks questions why people prioritize earthly gains over their relationship with Christ, highlighting the futility of seeking comfort in worldly possessions that ultimately cannot provide true peace or security. He warns that the love of the world can lead to spiritual neglect, urging believers to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary gains.
Peaceful Power
By William Graham Scroggie0GAL 5:22PHP 4:7COL 3:151TH 5:23REV 15:2William Graham Scroggie preaches on the concept of having a 'sea of glass mingled with fire' as described in Revelation 15:2. He emphasizes the importance of balancing peace and energy in our lives, highlighting that peace should not exclude passion, and passion should not destroy peace. Scroggie encourages maintaining a harmonious blend of inward peace and outward energy to achieve an equipoise of power.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A sea of glass - A spacious lucid plain around the throne, from which fiery coruscations were continually emitted: or, the reflection of the light upon this lucid plain produced the prismatic colors of the most vivid rainbow. Over the beast, and over his image - See the notes on Revelation 13:1-18 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
sea of glass--Answering to the molten sea or great brazen laver before the mercy seat of the earthly temple, for the purification of the priests; typifying the baptism of water and the Spirit of all who are made kings and priests unto God. mingled with fire--answering to the baptism on earth with fire, that is, fiery trial, as well as with the Holy Ghost, which Christ's people undergo to purify them, as gold is purified of its dross in the furnace. them that had gotten the victory over--Greek, "those (coming) off from (the conflict with) the beast-conquerors." over the number of his name--A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit the words in English Version, "over his mark." The mark, in fact, is the number of his name which the faithful refused to receive, and so were victorious over it. stand on the sea of glass--ALFORD and DE BURGH explain "on (the shore of) the sea": at the sea. So the preposition, Greek, "epi," with the accusative case, is used for at, Rev 3:20. It has a pregnant sense: "standing" implies rest, Greek "epi" with the accusative case implies motion "towards." Thus the meaning is, Having come TO the sea, and now standing AT it. In Mat 14:26, where Christ walks on the sea, the Greek oldest manuscripts have the genitive, not the accusative as here. Allusion is made to the Israelites standing on the shore at the Red Sea, after having passed victoriously through it, and after the Lord had destroyed the Egyptian foe (type of Antichrist) in it. Moses and the Israelites' song of triumph (Exo 15:1) has its antitype in the saints' "song of Moses and the Lamb" (Rev 15:3). Still English Version is consistent with good Greek, and the sense will then be: As the sea typifies the troubled state out of which the beast arose, and which is to be no more in the blessed world to come (Rev 21:1), so the victorious saints stand on it, having it under their feet (as the woman had the moon, see on Rev 12:1); but it is now no longer treacherous wherein the feet sink, but solid like glass, as it was under the feet of Christ, whose triumph and power the saints now share. Firmness of footing amidst apparent instability is thus represented. They can stand, not merely as victorious Israel at the Red Sea, and as John upon the sand of the shore, but upon the sea itself, now firm, and reflecting their glory as glass, their past conflict shedding the brighter luster on their present triumph. Their happiness is heightened by the retrospect of the dangers through which they have passed. Thus this corresponds to Rev 7:14-15. harps of God--in the hands of these heavenly virgins, infinitely surpassing the timbrels of Miriam and the Israelitesses.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I saw, as it were, a sea of glass mingled with fire,.... Not baptism, but rather the blood of Christ, which may be compared to a sea, for its abundant virtue and efficacy in cleansing from all sin; and to a sea "of glass", since in it are clearly seen free justification, full pardon, peace and reconciliation; and may be said to be "mingled with fire", being attended in the application of it with the Spirit of God, whose gifts and graces are sometimes signified by fire: and so, according to others, this sea may represent the pure church of God, as washed in the blood of the Lamb; compared to a sea for the multitude of which it consists, and to a sea of glass, because of the transparency and clearness of its principles and practices, and may be said to be mingled with the fire of love and zeal: most interpreters understand it of the world, which is like a sea for the multitude of its inhabitants; and sometimes to a troubled one, because of the restlessness and disquietude of the wicked in it; but here it is like a sea of glass, for the quiet, and peace, and rest it shall be in at this time; though it is commonly said to be like such a sea, partly because all things are manifest, and open to an omniscient God; and partly because of its outward splendour, and the brittleness, frailty, and transitoriness of it; and to be mixed with fire, either because of the light of the Gospel, and the operation of the Spirit in the hearts of some that are in it, or because of the afflictions and persecutions the saints in it; though it seems best of all to understand it of the Gospel, as in See Gill on Rev 4:6; and which may be said to be mingled with fire, either because of the powerful and clear demonstration of the Spirit that attends it to the minds of many, or that heat of persecution which is raised by it; see Luk 12:49 or rather it denotes the purity of the Gospel in those times, its general spread, and the great zeal and fervour of the professors of it, since persecution will now be at an end. And them that had gotten the victory over the beast; over antichrist, signified the beast, that rose up out of the sea, and out of the earth, Rev 13:1 and which are the same, and were but one, though in different forms, as from hence appears: the beast first overcame the saints, by slaying of them; and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, by preaching and professing the Gospel, by their close and constant adherence to it, and by dying for it: and over his image; caused by him to be made to the first beast; and is no other than the Popish religion, which bears a resemblance to Paganism; and which the saints may be said to get the victory over, by standing out against it, opposing and refuting it, not giving into it, but bearing their testimony against it: and over his mark; refusing to receive it either in their forehead, or in their right hand; that is, either to swear allegiance to him, or profess his religion. This clause is wanting in the Alexandrian copy, Vulgate Latin, Syriac. Arabic, and Ethiopic versions: and over the number his name; that is, they would not own his supremacy and authority, nor embrace his doctrines, nor obey his orders, nor be reckoned his followers in any form or shape; see Rev 13:15. These conquerors John saw stand on the sea of glass; which, if applied to the blood of Christ, shows that these confessors were purified by it, and were more than conquerors through it; that they were come out of great tribulation, and had washed their garments, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; and were just come up from the washing, and stood upon, or rather by, or "near the sea", as the Arabic version renders it, in allusion to the priests at the molten sea, in the temple: but if the world is meant by the sea, their standing upon it designs their victory and triumph over it by faith, their having it under their feet, and their contempt of it; but rather, since the Gospel is intended, it may denote their solid standing upon the doctrines of it, the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and their steadfast continuance in them, and faithful abiding by them, whereby they got the victory over antichrist: having the harps of God: their hearts in an excellent frame, tuned and disposed by God, to sing his praise, and set forth his glory; having them filled with spiritual joy and gladness, and with great thankfulness, on account of their victory, the happy state of Christ's church, and the destruction of its enemies: the allusion is to the people of Israel, Moses and the men, and Miriam and the women with timbrels and dances standing on the sea shore, when the Egyptians were destroyed, singing the praises of God; as is still more manifest from the following verse.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:2 The glass sea mixed with fire symbolizes victory through testing. Those who had been victorious over the beast (see 13:1-8, 15-18) hold harps that represent ultimate peace. Their place on the glass sea (cp. 4:6) symbolizes their endurance in the fire of persecution (cp. Ps 66:12; Isa 43:2; Dan 3:8-30).