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Revelation 21:23
Verse
Context
The New Jerusalem
22But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No need of the sun - This is also one of the traditions of the ancient Jews, that "in the world to come the Israelites shall have no need of the sun by day, nor the moon by night." - Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 7, 3. God's light shines in this city, and in the Lamb that light is concentrated, and from him everywhere diffused.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in it--so Vulgate. But A, B, and ANDREAS read, "(shine) on it," or literally, "for her." the light--Greek, "the lamp" (Isa 60:19-20). The direct light of God and the Lamb shall make the saints independent of God's creatures, the sun and moon, for light.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the nations of them which are saved,.... In distinction from them that will be deceived by Satan, Rev 20:8. These are not all the nations of the world, which will be gathered before Christ, the Judge, for all will not be saved, there is a world that will be condemned; nor the Gentiles only, which shall come into the church state of the Jews when called, for that state is not here designed; and besides, all Israel shall be saved then; nor the living saints at Christ's coming, who shall have escaped, and are saved from the general conflagration; for these, with the raised ones, will be caught up together to Christ, and descend and dwell together on earth, and make one church state; but all the elect of God, both Jews and Gentiles, whom God has chosen, Christ has redeemed, and the Spirit has called out of all the nations of the earth: these are only saved ones; such are already saved, not only are determined to be saved, and for whom salvation is wrought out by Christ, and to whom it is applied at conversion, and who are representatively set down in heavenly places in Christ, and are already saved by hope and faith, and with respect to the certainty of salvation; all which may be said of saints in the present state; but these will be such, who will be actually and personally saved, will be in the full possession of salvation, enjoying all the blessings of it: they will be partakers of the first resurrection, and the glories of it: the tabernacle of God will be with them, they will be free from all sorrows and death, and will inherit all things: the Syriac version reads, "the nations that are saved"; who are redeemed and saved by Christ: this may teach us how to understand those phrases, which seem to favour general redemption, as all men, the world, the whole world; see Isa 45:20. These words, "of them which are saved", are left out in the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, but are in all the copies. These nations are the inhabitants of this city, and they shall walk in the light of it, which is Christ; they shall enjoy it; they shall have the light of life, and be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light, and that continually: they shall not only come to it, but continue in it, and walk at it, and by the light of it: the walk of these will be different from the walk of saints now, who walk by faith, and not by sight; but these shall walk by sight, enjoying the beatific vision of God, and the Lamb. The Jews say (b), that Jerusalem, in time to come, will be made a lamp to the nations of the world, , "and they shall walk in its light", or by the light of it, which is the sense of Isa 60:3 "the Gentiles shall come to thy light"; see Isa 9:1 and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it; by whom may be meant either mystically all the saints, who will be kings as well as priests unto God, and will reign as such with Christ in this state, will cast their crowns at his feet, and give him all the honour and glory; or literally, the kings of the earth, who shall have relinquished antichrist, hated the whore, and burnt her with fire, and who will have been nursing fathers in the spiritual reign; or rather all good kings that ever have been in the earth: not that they will be kings of the earth at this time, for now all rule, authority, and power, will be put down; nor will any worldly riches, honour, and glory, be brought by them into this state, nor will they be needed in it; but it is to be understood of who have been kings on earth, though not of their having brought earthly riches and grandeur into the interest and churches of Christ; as David gave much towards the building of the temple, which was begun and finished by King Solomon his son, and as Constantine greatly enriched and aggrandized the church when he became emperor; but the sense seems to be this, that such who have been Christian kings on earth will prefer the happiness of this state to all their riches and greatness here; and that could all the glory of the kings of the earth be put together, it would not equal, but be greatly inferior to the glory of the new Jerusalem; Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of the inhabitants of this place; see Rev 20:6 besides, these shall do all homage, and submit to Christ the King of kings in the midst of the church, which may be meant by "glory" and "honour". (b) Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 56. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:23 The vitality, energy, and life of the city are not in institutions or physical sources of power and light, but in the glory of God and the Lamb. The sun and moon were features of the first creation (Gen 1:14-19; see Isa 60:19-20). • the Lamb is its light: Jesus is the light of the world (see John 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36).
Revelation 21:23
The New Jerusalem
22But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.23And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Revelation) 10 Revelation 21-22
By David Pawson6.8K50:09REV 21:1REV 21:4REV 21:23REV 22:14REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the final visions in the book of Revelation. He explains that the major enemies of God's people, including the devil, the Antichrist, the false prophet, and the city of Babylon, have all been dealt with. Now, the focus shifts to sorting out the people on earth into two groups: those who are willing to live under God's rule and those who rebel against it. The preacher compares this sorting process to the television show "This Is Your Life," where a person's entire life is examined and recorded.
Getting Ready for the Glory
By David Wilkerson3.2K1:07:32GloryJOB 1:8MAT 6:33LUK 9:282CO 12:2COL 1:16HEB 12:1REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher speaks about the constant flow of praise and the presence of God. He describes a vision of Paradise, where believers will experience endless joy and ecstasy. The preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing our hearts for the coming glory by dedicating quality time to God and fulfilling our responsibilities. He also mentions the biblical admonition to provide for our families and warns against laziness. The sermon concludes with a reference to the apostle Paul's experience of being caught up in the Third Heaven.
The Faces of Jesus
By J. Oswald Sanders2.8K55:11JesusPSA 27:8ISA 52:14MAT 25:342CO 3:182CO 4:61JN 3:2REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of catching a vision of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. This vision will ignite a lifelong zeal to make Jesus known. The speaker encourages the audience to turn their eyes upon Jesus and focus on his wonderful face, as this will cause the things of earth to fade away in comparison to his glory and grace. The sermon also highlights the patience and love of God, as well as the significance of Jesus' marred face and scarred body in revealing the love and glory of God to humanity.
(Revelation) the New Heaven Earth Jerusalem
By Willie Mullan2.4K1:21:40New JerusalemREV 1:1REV 21:4REV 21:23REV 22:1REV 22:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its significance. He highlights that the first three chapters of Revelation reveal God's revelation of Christ in the midst of the churches. However, in chapter four, the focus shifts to God's revelation of Christ as the Lamb in the midst of the throne. The speaker then mentions a Jew named Herman Humark who has filmed and talked about the land of Palestine and its future. The sermon concludes with a call to accept Christ and warns against living a life of empty religion.
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks2.3K59:10Seeing JesusEZK 1:1JHN 20:22REV 4:2REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not giving up on God's purpose, even in difficult circumstances. He uses the example of Jeremiah, who initially resolved to stop speaking about God's message but couldn't hold it in because the fire burned within him. The speaker also refers to Ezekiel's vision of the glory of the Lord, which gives hope and encouragement in times of despair. The sermon concludes with a prayer for a new revelation of God's throne and a plea for the message to become more than just words, but a source of life and strength.
The Glory of God - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks2.3K46:59Glory Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 10:4JHN 11:1JHN 11:47ROM 11:33PHP 3:10REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the teachings of John's Gospel and applying them to our own lives. He highlights the idea that the Lord Jesus has control over every situation and that true transformation requires a new creation in life, not just patching up the old. The speaker also emphasizes the priority of seeking the glory of God in our lives and the need to align our priorities with His. Lastly, he discusses the attitude of Jesus towards humanity and how it reflects God's attitude towards human life as it is.
Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K57:44Holy SpiritLUK 24:27JHN 5:44JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 2:4EPH 1:17REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformation that occurred in the early apostles after they received the Holy Spirit. The church's mission and influence in the world were only possible when the Spirit filled them and gave them a new character. The speaker highlights the contrast between the apostles' previous state of fear and darkness and their current state of boldness and light. The importance of seeking the glory of God rather than the approval of men is also emphasized, drawing from John 5:44.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Mount of Transfiguration
By Willie Mullan2.0K58:50Mount Of TransfigurationISA 11:6MAT 6:33MAT 17:1MRK 9:1LUK 9:272PE 1:16REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. He mentions that these concepts can be learned from the parables in the Bible. The speaker also references a specific hymn, "Wonderful Savior," and encourages the congregation to focus on the salvation and love of Jesus. He then discusses a case he was involved in, where he advised others to keep the truth confidential, highlighting the need to recognize the majesty of God. The sermon concludes with a reference to 2nd Peter, where the speaker discusses the power and coming of Jesus Christ and the future reign of the kingdom.
(Revelation) the Scene in Heaven
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:12:33Throne Of GodMAT 6:331CO 9:92TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 4:2REV 5:5REV 7:14REV 21:23REV 22:12REV 22:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of working diligently and being fully committed to serving God. He refers to the six wings of the heavenly creatures mentioned in Isaiah chapter six, highlighting their swiftness and completeness. The speaker emphasizes the need to have the characteristics of these creatures, such as being bold like a lion and being diligent like a man. He also mentions the transcendent nature of God's throne and how studying the book of Revelation can bring new understanding and blessings.
Ezekiel: His Call and Commission
By Stephen Kaung1.6K1:15:29EzekielEZK 1:1EZK 3:17EZK 33:8MAT 6:331CO 14:3REV 4:6REV 21:23In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn begins by setting the context of the book of Ezekiel, stating that it was written during the fifth year of King Jehoi-Ching's captivity. He describes how Ezekiel, a priest, received a vision from Jehovah by the river Chiba. The vision includes a stormy wind, fire, and four living creatures with the likeness of a man, each having four faces and four wings. These creatures also had straight feet like a cow's foot and sparkled like burnished brass. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the symbolism in Ezekiel's vision and encourages further study of the book.
(Revelation) Revelation 21:22-22:21
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:43REV 1:1REV 1:7REV 1:17REV 1:19REV 21:23REV 22:6REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation and its central theme of the second coming of Christ. The sermon begins with an emphasis on the importance of obedience and proclaiming the word of God to others. The preacher then briefly reviews the content of the book of Revelation, starting with chapter 1 which introduces the revelation of Jesus Christ and the exhortations and promises given to believers. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the total sovereignty of God and the need for believers to trust in His control, especially in these days leading up to the fulfillment of the events described in Revelation.
Church History - Session 10 (Modern Times)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.4K58:39REV 14:6REV 21:23REV 22:6REV 22:17The video discusses the fourth vial of God's judgment, which brings scorching heat to torment those who blaspheme God. It also mentions the Fentycastle revival and the emphasis on the four square gospel, which includes Jesus as the Savior, Healer, Baptizer, and Coming King. The video acknowledges the rise of miracle ministries, both genuine and imitation, and the exploitation that occurred. It highlights the need for believers to stay focused on God amidst the distractions and pleasures of the modern age, and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Christ.
The Suffering of Sonship
By Art Katz1.4K42:42SonshipPSA 46:10PSA 84:10MAT 6:33REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising God even in times of suffering and adversity. He uses the example of Paul and Silas, who were beaten and imprisoned but chose to pray and sing praises to God. Their act of praise led to a miraculous release from their chains and opened the prison doors. The preacher also highlights the significance of having a deep relationship with God, as demonstrated by Jesus' cry for help in the midst of his suffering. Overall, the message encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to praise Him regardless of their circumstances.
Dallas Area Conference 1993-07
By William MacDonald1.0K38:55ConferencePSA 147:4ISA 53:5MAT 6:33LUK 23:33JHN 10:11ROM 8:29REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sacrifices and suffering of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. Despite the immense challenges and betrayals he faced, Jesus remained steadfast in his mission to seek and save the lost. The speaker emphasizes the lack of adoration and appreciation shown by those who witnessed Jesus' miracles and wonders. However, he highlights that as believers, we have the privilege to freely express our worship and awe for Christ. The sermon also touches on the triumphant ascension of Jesus into heaven and the anticipation of his glorious return.
Hell Whats It Like - Whos Going There
By David Wilkerson89642:30HellISA 14:15MAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 10:33MAT 23:332PE 2:17JUD 1:13REV 3:5REV 20:12REV 21:23In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man who experienced a tragic accident on an oil rig. Despite being mocked by a young man prior to the accident, the injured man selflessly saved him from the fire. The preacher then transitions to discussing the reality of hell and the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. He emphasizes that hell is a place of darkness, both literally and spiritually, and shares the story of Iranian young people who were deceived by false promises of paradise. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to accept the simple and free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
The Church in Revival
By Don Courville45029:17RevivalSpiritual GrowthISA 53:5LUK 2:14ROM 5:81CO 3:1EPH 3:21COL 2:101TI 1:172PE 3:181JN 1:7REV 21:23Don Courville emphasizes the necessity of a personal walk with God for true revival in the church, urging believers to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than human efforts or organizational structures. He reflects on the importance of humility, transparency, and spiritual growth, highlighting that true revival comes from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Courville shares testimonies of revival in Africa, illustrating how the Holy Spirit can transform lives when believers unite in Christ. He encourages the congregation to seek spiritual growth by glorifying God in all aspects of life, as this is the key to experiencing true revival.
Entering Into Fullness
By George Warnock3311:30:40FullnessISA 6:5MAT 6:33MRK 7:20LUK 13:34JHN 14:26EPH 4:13REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together under God and making Him the Lord of our gatherings. He encourages the listeners to expect to hear words from the Spirit of the Lord that will convict their hearts, rather than just seeking a social gathering. The speaker also highlights the unity of the family of God, both those who have passed away and those still on earth, and urges them to comprehend the message he is sharing. He emphasizes the need to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, showing compassion and love, rather than relying on external systems like welfare. The speaker concludes by urging the listeners to nurture the measure of love God has given them and draw the Spirit closer to them.
The Light of the World
By Mariano Di Gangi2732:59Following JesusJesusLight Of The WorldPSA 119:105ISA 9:2MAT 5:14JHN 3:19JHN 8:12EPH 5:8COL 1:131TI 6:161JN 1:5REV 21:23Mariano Di Gangi emphasizes that Jesus is the light of the world, contrasting the darkness of sin and ignorance with the illuminating truth and guidance that comes from following Him. He recounts the story of the woman caught in adultery to illustrate Jesus' mercy and the call to leave a life of sin. Di Gangi explains that true faith involves a commitment to follow Jesus, which leads to spiritual enlightenment and moral clarity. He warns against the temptation to prefer darkness over light, highlighting the consequences of ignoring Christ's guidance. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace the light of life that Jesus offers, leading to freedom from sin and a relationship with God.
Sin and Salvation
By Sadhu Sundar Singh0PSA 139:7MAT 1:21MAT 11:28LUK 19:10JHN 3:14JHN 6:55JHN 10:10JHN 16:22PHP 3:6REV 21:23Sadhu Sundar Singh delves into the concept of sin, explaining that it is the act of disobeying God's will and choosing to follow one's desires instead. He emphasizes that sin is not a creation of God but rather a delusive and destructive state of being, leading many astray. Through the incarnation and redemption, God's boundless love is revealed, offering a way for sinners to be rescued from darkness and find eternal joy in heaven. Sundar Singh also addresses the misconception that salvation can be earned through good deeds, highlighting the need for repentance and a new life in Christ to bear lasting fruit and receive true peace and eternal life.
Epistle 232
By George Fox0GEN 1:27GEN 18:18JHN 7:38JHN 17:5ROM 12:14EPH 4:24HEB 10:25HEB 13:81PE 2:221JN 5:9REV 21:23George Fox preaches to all friends gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the contrast between those who have fallen from righteousness and holiness and those who remain in Christ, the one who never fell. He highlights the journey from the confusion of the fall to the blessed state in Christ, where safety and peace are found. Fox urges believers to walk in the light of the Lamb, avoiding false teachings and traditions, and to keep their focus on Christ who is unchanging and the source of life and peace.
The World Passeth Away
By Horatius Bonar0SalvationEternityISA 40:6MAT 6:19JHN 3:16JHN 14:2ROM 4:52CO 4:18HEB 13:141PE 1:241JN 2:17REV 21:23Horatius Bonar emphasizes the transient nature of the world, reminding us that all earthly things are temporary and will ultimately pass away. He contrasts this with the eternal inheritance awaiting believers, a glorious city filled with the love of God. Bonar warns against placing hope in the vanities of this life, urging listeners to seek assurance of their eternal home through faith in Jesus Christ. He stresses that salvation is not based on human works but on the finished work of Christ, which is freely available to all who believe. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the eternal over the fleeting, highlighting the importance of securing one's place in the everlasting kingdom.
He Who Walks Toward the Sun Never Travels in Shadows
By Russell DeLong0PSA 27:1PSA 107:10ISA 9:2JHN 1:1REV 21:23Russell DeLong preaches about the significance of light in various forms - physical, natural, intellectual, moral, and spiritual - as a symbol of truth, goodness, and righteousness. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Light, the Sun of Righteousness, who dispels darkness and offers salvation. The sermon delves into the concept of spiritual darkness being connected with sin, emphasizing the need to accept Jesus, the Light of the world, to avoid eternal darkness and have everlasting life.
Rev. 21:23. the Light of the New Jerusalem
By Horatius Bonar0The New JerusalemThe Light of ChristISA 60:19REV 21:23Horatius Bonar expounds on Revelation 21:23, illustrating the New Jerusalem as a city illuminated by the glory of God and the Lamb, who serves as its eternal lamp. He emphasizes that this divine light is special, unchanging, festal, all-pervading, life-giving, and rooted in love, contrasting it with earthly lights that are temporary and limited. Bonar invites believers to reflect on the significance of Christ as the light of the world and the necessity of embracing His light in their lives to prepare for the eternal city. He concludes by urging the congregation to focus on the Lamb, who embodies love and redemption, as the source of true illumination and hope. The sermon calls for a personal relationship with Christ, the light that dispels darkness and brings life.
An Epistle to Friends
By Margaret Fell02CO 6:14EPH 5:8PHP 2:101JN 1:5REV 21:23Margaret Fell preaches about the light of Christ Jesus, the fountain of all light and life, leading believers into unity, peace, and the pure path of holiness. She emphasizes the glad tidings of great joy for the oppressed and heavy laden, promising deliverance and salvation through the everlasting arm of the Lord. Margaret urges believers to walk in the quickening spirit, discerning between the true image of God and the spirit of wickedness, and to beware of stifling the pure birth of God within them.
The Golden Lampstand
By Henry Law0EXO 25:31ISA 53:5JHN 8:12EPH 5:14EPH 5:27COL 1:271PE 2:22REV 21:23Henry Law preaches on the significance of the pure, hammered gold lampstand in the holy Tent as a representation of Christ, the all-gold Savior without blemish, who bore the agonizing work of redemption to free souls from sin's dues. The beaten gold symbolizes the wounds and scars Christ endured to provide salvation for all, leading to the full-blown loveliness of Christ as the epitome of beauty and grace. Christ is depicted as the spreading tree, the perfect and unfailing light, and the revealer of God's attributes, bringing clarity to the purpose and end of being.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No need of the sun - This is also one of the traditions of the ancient Jews, that "in the world to come the Israelites shall have no need of the sun by day, nor the moon by night." - Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 7, 3. God's light shines in this city, and in the Lamb that light is concentrated, and from him everywhere diffused.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in it--so Vulgate. But A, B, and ANDREAS read, "(shine) on it," or literally, "for her." the light--Greek, "the lamp" (Isa 60:19-20). The direct light of God and the Lamb shall make the saints independent of God's creatures, the sun and moon, for light.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the nations of them which are saved,.... In distinction from them that will be deceived by Satan, Rev 20:8. These are not all the nations of the world, which will be gathered before Christ, the Judge, for all will not be saved, there is a world that will be condemned; nor the Gentiles only, which shall come into the church state of the Jews when called, for that state is not here designed; and besides, all Israel shall be saved then; nor the living saints at Christ's coming, who shall have escaped, and are saved from the general conflagration; for these, with the raised ones, will be caught up together to Christ, and descend and dwell together on earth, and make one church state; but all the elect of God, both Jews and Gentiles, whom God has chosen, Christ has redeemed, and the Spirit has called out of all the nations of the earth: these are only saved ones; such are already saved, not only are determined to be saved, and for whom salvation is wrought out by Christ, and to whom it is applied at conversion, and who are representatively set down in heavenly places in Christ, and are already saved by hope and faith, and with respect to the certainty of salvation; all which may be said of saints in the present state; but these will be such, who will be actually and personally saved, will be in the full possession of salvation, enjoying all the blessings of it: they will be partakers of the first resurrection, and the glories of it: the tabernacle of God will be with them, they will be free from all sorrows and death, and will inherit all things: the Syriac version reads, "the nations that are saved"; who are redeemed and saved by Christ: this may teach us how to understand those phrases, which seem to favour general redemption, as all men, the world, the whole world; see Isa 45:20. These words, "of them which are saved", are left out in the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, but are in all the copies. These nations are the inhabitants of this city, and they shall walk in the light of it, which is Christ; they shall enjoy it; they shall have the light of life, and be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light, and that continually: they shall not only come to it, but continue in it, and walk at it, and by the light of it: the walk of these will be different from the walk of saints now, who walk by faith, and not by sight; but these shall walk by sight, enjoying the beatific vision of God, and the Lamb. The Jews say (b), that Jerusalem, in time to come, will be made a lamp to the nations of the world, , "and they shall walk in its light", or by the light of it, which is the sense of Isa 60:3 "the Gentiles shall come to thy light"; see Isa 9:1 and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it; by whom may be meant either mystically all the saints, who will be kings as well as priests unto God, and will reign as such with Christ in this state, will cast their crowns at his feet, and give him all the honour and glory; or literally, the kings of the earth, who shall have relinquished antichrist, hated the whore, and burnt her with fire, and who will have been nursing fathers in the spiritual reign; or rather all good kings that ever have been in the earth: not that they will be kings of the earth at this time, for now all rule, authority, and power, will be put down; nor will any worldly riches, honour, and glory, be brought by them into this state, nor will they be needed in it; but it is to be understood of who have been kings on earth, though not of their having brought earthly riches and grandeur into the interest and churches of Christ; as David gave much towards the building of the temple, which was begun and finished by King Solomon his son, and as Constantine greatly enriched and aggrandized the church when he became emperor; but the sense seems to be this, that such who have been Christian kings on earth will prefer the happiness of this state to all their riches and greatness here; and that could all the glory of the kings of the earth be put together, it would not equal, but be greatly inferior to the glory of the new Jerusalem; Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of the inhabitants of this place; see Rev 20:6 besides, these shall do all homage, and submit to Christ the King of kings in the midst of the church, which may be meant by "glory" and "honour". (b) Yalkut Simeoni, par. 2. fol. 56. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:23 The vitality, energy, and life of the city are not in institutions or physical sources of power and light, but in the glory of God and the Lamb. The sun and moon were features of the first creation (Gen 1:14-19; see Isa 60:19-20). • the Lamb is its light: Jesus is the light of the world (see John 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36).