5. The Voice from Heaven

This is very remarkable, but beautifully fitting in with the character of the whole chapter. For one of the faithful remnant of Israel to die at this time would not be considered by them at all desirable, because they are expecting the Messiah to appear, and looking forward to enjoy the glorious land with Him. This voice from heaven, therefore, is very tender of the Lord, and will be particularly cheering to any of those who may suffer death under the beast; for it assures them that still they are “blessed.” Though they die before Messiah comes to reign, and thus lose their earthly inheritance, yet being in the Lord they are peculiarly the “blessed,” and while the worshippers of the beast have no rest day and night, they shall “rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” They will have part in the “first resurrection.” There is nothing new in its being blessed to die in the Lord, but the peculiar application of this action to those who are the faithful remnant in Israel is very interesting, and shews the graciousness of God. “From henceforth” shews that they get into their blessing immediately.