1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth,
3 And cried with a loud voice, as [when] a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Overview of Revelation Chapter 10
Revelation Chapter 10 presents a significant moment in the apocalyptic narrative, characterized by the introduction of a mighty angel and the symbolism of a little scroll. This chapter serves as a transition point, bridging the judgments of the seventh trumpet and the unfolding of further visions. It emphasizes themes of divine authority, prophecy, and the role of God’s messengers.
Key Themes
- Divine Authority: The mighty angel represents God’s power and sovereignty over creation.
- Prophecy and Revelation: The little scroll symbolizes the message of God that is to be proclaimed to the nations.
- Judgment and Hope: The chapter juxtaposes the impending judgment with the hope of God’s ultimate plan.
Structure of the Chapter
- The Appearance of the Mighty Angel (Verses 1-3):
The chapter opens with a description of a strong angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow upon his head. His face shines like the sun, and his feet are like pillars of fire. This imagery emphasizes the angel’s divine nature and authority. The angel’s loud voice, like a lion’s roar, signifies the importance of the message he is about to deliver.
- The Seven Thunders (Verses 3-4):
As the angel calls out, seven thunders respond with their voices. However, John is instructed not to write down what the thunders said. This moment highlights the mystery of God’s plans and the limitations of human understanding regarding divine revelation.
- The Declaration of the Angel (Verses 5-7):
The angel raises his hand to heaven and swears by God, declaring that there will be no more delay. This proclamation signals the culmination of God’s plan and the imminent fulfillment of prophecy. The reference to the “mystery of God” being completed emphasizes the divine timeline and the certainty of God’s promises.
- The Little Scroll (Verses 8-10):
John is instructed to take the little scroll from the angel’s hand. Upon consuming the scroll, John experiences a bittersweet reaction; it is sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. This duality represents the nature of prophecy—while the message of God’s kingdom is sweet, the judgments and consequences that accompany it can be bitter.
- The Call to Prophesy (Verse 11):
The chapter concludes with the angel telling John that he must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. This command reinforces John’s role as a prophet and the ongoing mission of sharing God’s message with the world.
Symbolism and Imagery
- The Mighty Angel: Represents God’s authority and the power of His messages.
- The Little Scroll: Symbolizes the prophetic message that contains both hope and judgment.
- Seven Thunders: Indicate the mystery of God’s plans that are not fully revealed to humanity.
- Bittersweet Experience: Reflects the complexity of receiving and delivering God’s word, which can bring both joy and sorrow.
Theological Implications
Revelation Chapter 10 underscores the importance of prophecy in the Christian faith. It illustrates the tension between divine judgment and mercy, emphasizing that while God’s plans may involve suffering, they ultimately lead to the fulfillment of His promises. The chapter also invites readers to reflect on their role in proclaiming God’s message and the responsibilities that come with it.
Conclusion
In summary, Revelation Chapter 10 serves as a pivotal moment in the apocalyptic narrative, rich with symbolism and theological depth. It calls attention to the authority of God, the significance of prophecy, and the bittersweet nature of God’s message. This chapter encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to embrace their role as messengers of God’s truth.
