Revelation 7:17
Verse
Context
Praise from the Great Multitude
16‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ 17For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lamb - The Lord Jesus, enthroned with his Father in ineffable glory. Shall feed them - Shall communicate to them every thing calculated to secure, continue, and increase their happiness. Living fountains of water - A spring in the Hebrew phraseology is termed living water, because constantly boiling up and running on. By these perpetual fountains we are to understand endless sources of comfort and happiness, which Jesus Christ will open out of his own infinite plenitude to all glorified souls. These eternal living fountains will make an infinite variety in the enjoyments of the blessed. There will be no sameness, and consequently no cloying with the perpetual enjoyment of the same things; every moment will open a new source of pleasure, instruction, and improvement; they shall make an eternal progression into the fullness of God. And as God is infinite, so his attributes are infinite; and throughout infinity more and more of those attributes will be discovered; and the discovery of each will be a new fountain or source of pleasure and enjoyment. These sources must be opening through all eternity, and yet, through all eternity, there will still remain, in the absolute perfections of the Godhead, an infinity of them to be opened! This is one of the finest images in the Bible. God shall wipe away - In the most affectionate and fatherly manner, all tears from their eyes - all causes of distress and grief. They shall have pure, unmixed happiness. Reader, this is the happiness of those who are washed from their sins. Art thou washed? O, rest not till thou art prepared to appear before God and the Lamb. If these saints had not met with troubles and distresses, in all likelihood they had not excelled so much in righteousness and true holiness. When all avenues of worldly comfort are shut up, we are obliged to seek our all in God; and there is nothing sought from him that is not found in him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the midst of the throne--that is, in the middle point in front of the throne (Rev 5:6). feed--Greek, "tend as a shepherd." living fountains of water--A, B, Vulgate, and CYPRIAN read, (eternal) "life's fountains of waters." "Living" is not supported by the old authorities. Next: Revelation Chapter 8
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne,.... See Rev 5:6; not before the throne, as the great multitude are said to be, Rev 7:9; nor round about it, as the angels in Rev 7:11; but in the midst of it, being equal to him that sits upon it; sitting on the same throne with him, and having the same power and authority, he shall feed them as a shepherd his flock; for this Lamb is a Shepherd, and this great multitude are his flock; whom he will feed in this state, not by his ministers, word, and ordinances, as now; but in person, and with the rich discoveries of himself, and of his love, signified by a feast, by new wine in his Father's kingdom, and his own, and by eating and drinking at his table, in the kingdom appointed by him to his followers; and hence it is they shall never hunger more: or "shall rule them", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; for the same word signifies "to feed", and "to rule", as a king rules his subjects; Christ will now be visibly King of saints, and King over all the earth, and will reign before his ancients gloriously; and, in these days of his, Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely under his power and protection: and shall lead them unto living fountains of water; by "water" is meant the grace, love, and free favour of God in Christ, that pure river of water of life, which proceeds from the throne of God, and of the Lamb, from divine sovereignty; and with which the saints in this state shall be sweetly and fully solaced and refreshed; and hence they shall never thirst more: and this is said to be "living", because not only refreshing and reviving, but because it will last for ever; the love of God is from everlasting to everlasting; and it is signified by "fountains", to denote the abundance of it, even as it will be perceived and enjoyed by the saints now; for these waters will not be only up to the ankles, and knees, but a broad river to swim in, which cannot be passed over; and hither will Christ lead his people, which is, one branch of his office as a Shepherd; and which shows his care of them, and affection for them. And God shall wipe away all tear, from their eyes; or "out of their eyes", as the Alexandrian copy reads; see Isa 25:8. The sense is, that that which is now the occasion of tears will cease, as the sin and corruptions of God's people, which now are the cause of many tears; as also Satan's temptations, the hidings of God's face, and the various afflictions of this life, and the persecutions of the men of the world; there will be no more of either of these; all will be made to cease; see Rev 21:4; and in the room of them full and everlasting joy will take place, Isa 35:10. Mr. Daubuz thinks, that the whole of this chapter belongs to the sixth seal, and that the promises in it are such as were to be accomplished at the opening of the seventh, and do not belong to the millennium state; but had their fulfilment in the times of Constantine, who he supposes is the angel that came from the east, who restrained the persecutors of the church, and introduced a general peace in church and state; and as he came with the seal of the living God, which he understands of the cross of Christ, he put upon his standard, and on the shields of his soldiers, so he sealed the servants of God on their foreheads with it, by allowing them to make a public profession of a crucified Christ, and by protecting them in that profession, even men of all nations, Jews and Gentiles; and particularly he thinks the innumerable palm bearing company may design the council of Nice, gathered by him, which consisted of the representatives of the whole Christian church in the several nations of the world, who had great honour, freedom, and immunities conferred upon them; and that the angels are the Christian magistrates, submitting to the Christian religion, and defending the church, which was now come out of the great tribulation of Heathen persecution, and had temples and places of public worship opened for them; in which they had full liberty to serve the Lord continually, without interruption; and were secure from all affliction and persecution, and were filled with joy and gladness; and the Lamb, by the means of Constantine, as Christ's vicar and servant, he declared himself to be, fed and protected the church in peace and quietness; all which are accomplished during the rest, or "silence", under the next seal; and which I should very readily agree to, since this interpretation carries on the thread of the prophetic history without any interruption, were it not for the description of the palm bearing company, both as to quantity and quality, and the declaration of the happy state of those come out of great tribulation, which I think cannot be made to suit with any imperfect state of the church on earth, without greatly lowering the sense of the expressions used; however, if anyone prefers this exposition to what is given, I am not much averse unto it. Next: Revelation Chapter 8
Revelation 7:17
Praise from the Great Multitude
16‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ 17For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Church History - Session 7 (The Book of Revelation)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.3K47:48MAT 6:33REV 1:1REV 5:9REV 6:2REV 7:9REV 7:17REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the divine intervention on the human scene in judgment, specifically focusing on the seven angels with the seven trumpets. The first four trumpets are described, with each one causing destruction and devastation on the earth, sea, and rivers. The preacher suggests that these trumpets symbolically represent the actual historical events of the breakup of the Roman Empire. The sermon concludes with a warning of three more trumpets to come and the introduction of the next set of visions, the seven seals.
Fear Not, I Am the First and the Last
By Jack Hyles1.3K32:48ISA 41:10MAT 6:33MAT 10:28ROM 8:35PHP 4:19REV 1:17REV 7:17In this sermon, the preacher encourages his audience to trust in God and not be afraid. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and believing that God will provide for their needs. The preacher shares examples of how God has taken care of him and his church in the past, even in difficult times. He reminds the audience that no matter what happens in the world, Jesus will always be there for them.
The Righteous Branch
By Conrad Mbewe1.2K59:05WarningJER 23:1MAT 6:33REV 7:9REV 7:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true leadership in the church. He urges preachers and elders to be faithful in guiding and watching over their flock. He also highlights the significance of Jesus Christ as the ultimate leader, who continues to save and sanctify his people. The preacher warns against the failure of leadership, which can lead to corruption and judgment from God. He emphasizes that God will intervene and raise up new leaders when there is a perpetual failure in leadership. The sermon draws from the book of Jeremiah to support these points.
Church History - Martin Luther & the Anabaptists
By David Guzik1.1K36:55MAT 5:11MAT 13:30REV 7:17REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the duty of believers to follow the example of angels who will eventually cast the wicked into everlasting fire. He encourages those who are persecuted and oppressed to hold on, as a day of refreshing and joy will come. The preacher also highlights the importance of communion and simplicity in worship, emphasizing that anyone can partake in communion and remember what Jesus did for them. The sermon also touches on the differences between Martin Luther and the Anabaptists in their approach to implementing biblical truth, with Luther favoring consensus while the Anabaptists were more eager for immediate change.
Behold the Lamb
By Bakht Singh1.1K1:26:53Lamb Of GodLEV 23:5JHN 1:29REV 7:14REV 7:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of remaining faithful during a time of great difficulty. He mentions that even the devil has tried to defile believers, but a small number will remain faithful and the devil will serve them in the temple. The preacher emphasizes that faithfulness on earth will be rewarded by God. He also mentions the seven feasts that believers are instructed to observe, starting with the Passover feast. The preacher concludes by highlighting the significance of Jesus being referred to as the Lamb of God, fulfilling the promises made about him.
Able to Save to T/uttermost 02 Because of His Greatness
By James R. Cochrane67937:37ISA 52:13HEB 7:1HEB 7:4HEB 7:7HEB 7:17REV 7:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the greatness of the Lord Jesus and how it is revealed in different ways. They mention that God's promise in the Bible is that His servant, Jesus, will be exalted and made very high. However, in the world today, it may seem the opposite is true. The speaker explains that the greatness of Jesus can be understood by looking at historical incidents, comparing His ministry to those in the Old Testament, and contrasting time with eternity. They also highlight how Jesus, in His greatness, cares for and shepherds His people.
Learning From Persecution
By Peter Hammond15649:29PersecutionEXO 32:26JHN 15:181PE 1:6REV 6:15REV 7:9REV 7:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a faith that is not just intellectual, but also heartfelt and practical. He shares his personal experience of finding joy in the midst of difficult circumstances and learning valuable lessons from them. The speaker highlights the power of prayer and persistence, using the example of a persistent widow who obtained justice from an unjust judge. He also references the stories of Jeremiah Denton and Captain Redmayrd Daniels, who maintained their sanity and strength through physical exercise and mental focus during their time in communist prisons. The sermon concludes with an emphasis on the importance of Bible study, prayer fellowship, decentralization, Bible memorization, and fearing God.
The Perfect Pastor
By Mariano Di Gangi3034:30The Role of PastorsJesusJesus as the Good ShepherdPSA 23:1LUK 15:4JHN 10:1GAL 3:28REV 7:17Mariano Di Gangi emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the perfect pastor, contrasting Him with false shepherds who exploit rather than care for their flock. He illustrates how Jesus gathers, governs, and guards His sheep, highlighting His voluntary, vicarious, and victorious sacrifice for humanity. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus' voice amidst the distractions of false philosophies and the need for unity within the church. Di Gangi calls believers to follow the Good Shepherd, who provides abundant life and eternal security. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to commit themselves to Christ, the true shepherd who leads them to peace and fulfillment.
The Ministry of Tears
By T. De Witt Talmage0PSA 30:5PSA 56:8ISA 25:8JHN 11:35ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 1:31TH 4:17REV 7:17REV 21:4T. DeWitt Talmage preaches about the Ministry of tears, highlighting how tears keep this world from being too attractive, make us feel dependent on God, and capacitate us for the office of Sympathy. He emphasizes that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes in Heaven, where there will be no more sorrow or pain, and where we will be reunited with our departed loved ones in eternal joy and glory.
Meeting as a Congregation.
By Andrew Bonar0Congregational WorshipPresence of ChristGEN 4:26PSA 84:2PSA 87:2MAL 3:16MAT 18:20JHN 3:16JHN 20:19ACT 2:42HEB 10:25REV 7:17Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of congregational gatherings in worship, rooted in the biblical promise that where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, He is present among them. He traces the origins of public worship back to Genesis, highlighting the importance of communal worship as a means of receiving God's blessings and fostering spiritual growth. Bonar warns against the dangers of neglecting assembly, noting that true worshippers gather to reflect on God's name and attributes, which enhances their spiritual experience. He encourages believers to expect the presence of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during these gatherings, urging them to share the message of salvation with others. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a renewed commitment to congregational worship, anticipating the eternal gathering with the Lord.
Our Daily Homily - Revelation
By F.B. Meyer0Eternal Nature of ChristOvercoming SinREV 1:11REV 2:17REV 3:12REV 4:1REV 5:6REV 7:17REV 12:11REV 19:9REV 21:1REV 22:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ as the First and the Last, highlighting His role in creation, redemption, and the believer's life. He illustrates how Christ's presence is a source of stability and strength, akin to pillars in a temple, and how believers can receive direct revelations of God's will through purity of heart. Meyer also discusses the significance of the Lamb in the heavenly throne, the call for believers to overcome sin, and the promise of eternal life and service in God's presence. Ultimately, he encourages the faithful to remain vigilant and ready for Christ's return, as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
John 10:1-6. the Parable of the Good Shepherd.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 23:1PSA 142:3PSA 143:8JHN 10:1REV 7:17Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the Pharisees' misunderstanding of Jesus' parable of the good shepherd, likening them to thieves and robbers who cared more about their own gain than the souls of God's people. Jesus, the true shepherd, enters by the door, openly declaring Himself as the Son of God, and leads His flock by calling them by name and going before them. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him to green pastures, finding rest and safety in His guidance, even through the valley of the shadow of death, knowing He will lead them to Mount Zion in heaven.
The Vision From the Rocks.
By Horatius Bonar0Pilgrimage of FaithHopeNUM 23:9JHN 6:35ROM 8:182CO 5:1GAL 5:1EPH 1:7PHP 3:20HEB 11:101PE 2:11REV 7:17Horatius Bonar reflects on the vision of Israel from the rocks, emphasizing the contrast between the ruggedness of the present world and the glory of the promised land. He describes the church as a pilgrim band, sustained by God, delivered from bondage, and loved with an infinite love. Bonar encourages believers to look forward to their eternal home, where they will experience peace, joy, and the fullness of God's presence. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our current struggles while keeping our eyes on the hope of salvation and the glorious future that awaits us.
Upper Springs
By Charles E. Cowman0JOS 15:18PSA 84:6ISA 41:18JHN 4:14REV 7:17Charles E. Cowman preaches about the abundant blessings and refreshment that come from God, using the story of Caleb and Achsah to illustrate how God provides springs of water in the midst of dry and difficult circumstances. He emphasizes that these springs flow in various places of life, sustaining and nourishing us even in the most challenging times. Through examples like Abraham, Moses, David, and Habakkuk, he shows how faith in God's provision can bring joy and strength in the face of adversity, pointing to the martyrs and reformers as models of finding God's springs in times of persecution and conflict.
Closing Address on Communion Sabbath, January 27, 1889.
By Andrew Bonar0ProphecySecond Coming Of ChristJOB 42:3ISA 29:18MAT 27:42LUK 15:2JHN 4:25JHN 11:502CO 3:182PE 1:191JN 3:2REV 7:17Andrew Bonar emphasizes the prophetic role of Christ in his closing address on Communion Sabbath, reflecting on the Samaritan woman's statement about the coming Prophet. He highlights the hope of Christ's Second Coming, where He will reveal the mysteries of God and provide clarity on the Scriptures and our lives. Bonar encourages believers to hasten towards this day, reminding them of the fulfillment of God's promises and the joy of being in His presence. He also urges sinners to come to Christ for salvation, warning of the consequences of neglecting this opportunity. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and the anticipation of Christ's return.
Should We Not Weep?
By James Caughey0JER 9:1MAT 5:4LUK 6:21JHN 3:3REV 7:17James Caughey delivers a powerful sermon urging believers to weep over the impending judgment and eternal damnation of sinners, just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He emphasizes the need for repentance and tears of penitence, highlighting the eternal consequences of sin and the importance of being born again to enter the kingdom of heaven. Caughey reminds the congregation of the weeping time allotted to believers on earth, contrasting it with the never-ending mourning and sorrow awaiting the unrepentant in hell.
All Grace
By Robert Hawker0REV 7:17Robert Hawker preaches on the abundance of grace available to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ sincerely, urging believers to come before His throne with affection and love, knowing that Jesus has every grace suited to all needs - grace to pardon, save, renew, strengthen, and bless. He encourages souls to seek Jesus, the Lamb in the midst of the throne, who provides living waters for His church in glory and in the dry wilderness below. Hawker calls on believers to share the message that Jesus has abundant grace for all who come to Him in faith, emphasizing that His grace exceeds all perceptions, thoughts, prayers, praises, and desires.
To Friends in the Ministry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
By George Fox0PRO 13:14JER 2:13JAS 3:112PE 2:17REV 7:17REV 8:10REV 14:7REV 16:4REV 21:6The preacher delves into the significance of 'springs' (pege) in the Bible, highlighting how it symbolizes a source of living water, both physically and spiritually. Jesus used 'pege' to represent a spiritual well of inner nourishment associated with eternal life. However, false teachers are likened to 'springs without water,' promising refreshment but failing to deliver, much like mists driven by a storm that offer no real substance. The contrast is drawn between the true satisfaction found in the 'springs of the water of life' promised by God and the empty promises of those who lack spiritual depth.
The Death of the Righteous
By Thomas Watson0PSA 16:111CO 15:262CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14REV 7:17REV 21:4Thomas Watson preaches about the death of the righteous, emphasizing that for believers, to live is Christ and to die is gain. He explains that at death, believers are freed from sin, troubles, care, fear, labor, suffering, temptation, and sorrow, entering into a state of eternal glory where they see, love, and are loved by God. The sermon highlights the privileges believers receive at death, including being united with Christ in the grave, entering into heavenly glory, enjoying the society of angels and saints, experiencing perfection in holiness, dignity, honor, harmony, rest, and eternity in God's presence.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lamb - The Lord Jesus, enthroned with his Father in ineffable glory. Shall feed them - Shall communicate to them every thing calculated to secure, continue, and increase their happiness. Living fountains of water - A spring in the Hebrew phraseology is termed living water, because constantly boiling up and running on. By these perpetual fountains we are to understand endless sources of comfort and happiness, which Jesus Christ will open out of his own infinite plenitude to all glorified souls. These eternal living fountains will make an infinite variety in the enjoyments of the blessed. There will be no sameness, and consequently no cloying with the perpetual enjoyment of the same things; every moment will open a new source of pleasure, instruction, and improvement; they shall make an eternal progression into the fullness of God. And as God is infinite, so his attributes are infinite; and throughout infinity more and more of those attributes will be discovered; and the discovery of each will be a new fountain or source of pleasure and enjoyment. These sources must be opening through all eternity, and yet, through all eternity, there will still remain, in the absolute perfections of the Godhead, an infinity of them to be opened! This is one of the finest images in the Bible. God shall wipe away - In the most affectionate and fatherly manner, all tears from their eyes - all causes of distress and grief. They shall have pure, unmixed happiness. Reader, this is the happiness of those who are washed from their sins. Art thou washed? O, rest not till thou art prepared to appear before God and the Lamb. If these saints had not met with troubles and distresses, in all likelihood they had not excelled so much in righteousness and true holiness. When all avenues of worldly comfort are shut up, we are obliged to seek our all in God; and there is nothing sought from him that is not found in him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the midst of the throne--that is, in the middle point in front of the throne (Rev 5:6). feed--Greek, "tend as a shepherd." living fountains of water--A, B, Vulgate, and CYPRIAN read, (eternal) "life's fountains of waters." "Living" is not supported by the old authorities. Next: Revelation Chapter 8
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne,.... See Rev 5:6; not before the throne, as the great multitude are said to be, Rev 7:9; nor round about it, as the angels in Rev 7:11; but in the midst of it, being equal to him that sits upon it; sitting on the same throne with him, and having the same power and authority, he shall feed them as a shepherd his flock; for this Lamb is a Shepherd, and this great multitude are his flock; whom he will feed in this state, not by his ministers, word, and ordinances, as now; but in person, and with the rich discoveries of himself, and of his love, signified by a feast, by new wine in his Father's kingdom, and his own, and by eating and drinking at his table, in the kingdom appointed by him to his followers; and hence it is they shall never hunger more: or "shall rule them", as the Vulgate Latin version renders it; for the same word signifies "to feed", and "to rule", as a king rules his subjects; Christ will now be visibly King of saints, and King over all the earth, and will reign before his ancients gloriously; and, in these days of his, Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely under his power and protection: and shall lead them unto living fountains of water; by "water" is meant the grace, love, and free favour of God in Christ, that pure river of water of life, which proceeds from the throne of God, and of the Lamb, from divine sovereignty; and with which the saints in this state shall be sweetly and fully solaced and refreshed; and hence they shall never thirst more: and this is said to be "living", because not only refreshing and reviving, but because it will last for ever; the love of God is from everlasting to everlasting; and it is signified by "fountains", to denote the abundance of it, even as it will be perceived and enjoyed by the saints now; for these waters will not be only up to the ankles, and knees, but a broad river to swim in, which cannot be passed over; and hither will Christ lead his people, which is, one branch of his office as a Shepherd; and which shows his care of them, and affection for them. And God shall wipe away all tear, from their eyes; or "out of their eyes", as the Alexandrian copy reads; see Isa 25:8. The sense is, that that which is now the occasion of tears will cease, as the sin and corruptions of God's people, which now are the cause of many tears; as also Satan's temptations, the hidings of God's face, and the various afflictions of this life, and the persecutions of the men of the world; there will be no more of either of these; all will be made to cease; see Rev 21:4; and in the room of them full and everlasting joy will take place, Isa 35:10. Mr. Daubuz thinks, that the whole of this chapter belongs to the sixth seal, and that the promises in it are such as were to be accomplished at the opening of the seventh, and do not belong to the millennium state; but had their fulfilment in the times of Constantine, who he supposes is the angel that came from the east, who restrained the persecutors of the church, and introduced a general peace in church and state; and as he came with the seal of the living God, which he understands of the cross of Christ, he put upon his standard, and on the shields of his soldiers, so he sealed the servants of God on their foreheads with it, by allowing them to make a public profession of a crucified Christ, and by protecting them in that profession, even men of all nations, Jews and Gentiles; and particularly he thinks the innumerable palm bearing company may design the council of Nice, gathered by him, which consisted of the representatives of the whole Christian church in the several nations of the world, who had great honour, freedom, and immunities conferred upon them; and that the angels are the Christian magistrates, submitting to the Christian religion, and defending the church, which was now come out of the great tribulation of Heathen persecution, and had temples and places of public worship opened for them; in which they had full liberty to serve the Lord continually, without interruption; and were secure from all affliction and persecution, and were filled with joy and gladness; and the Lamb, by the means of Constantine, as Christ's vicar and servant, he declared himself to be, fed and protected the church in peace and quietness; all which are accomplished during the rest, or "silence", under the next seal; and which I should very readily agree to, since this interpretation carries on the thread of the prophetic history without any interruption, were it not for the description of the palm bearing company, both as to quantity and quality, and the declaration of the happy state of those come out of great tribulation, which I think cannot be made to suit with any imperfect state of the church on earth, without greatly lowering the sense of the expressions used; however, if anyone prefers this exposition to what is given, I am not much averse unto it. Next: Revelation Chapter 8