"Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book." Keep going back to the manger and the Cross. Compare Re 21:2, 10-27; the "nations" mentioned (Re 21:24) are those which have long before, namely, in the millennium (Re 11:15), become the Lord's and His Christ's. In Ezekiels vision the river of water DEEPENED the further it flowed. . This would have been altogether inappropriate for such a progress: when the King comes forth riding to victory in the judgment of wicked men of the world, it is not in the quality of bride, but of armies or hosts, that the saints follow Him; and these include no doubt the guests as well, i.e., all the glorified take their place in His train. Why then is the book of life mentioned? But the wages of a dog is more difficult. What does the healing of the nations from the tree of life mean? And he shewed me a pure river ( Revelation 22:1 ). beyond the physical healing itself and its benefits (as with 2323 /therape).]. Even the proclamation of the grace of God is powerless save it be brought home by the quickening energy of His own Spirit. "He who comes to me shall not hunger; and he who believes in me shall never thirst" ( John 6:35). Observe another very important fact. "And he that sat upon him called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." We must face difficulties; we must bow to the word; we must seek to learn through all. But in this is shown what it is of importance to see the true nature of the kingdom or millennial reign. H. B. Swete says: "No one who has watched the dogs that prowl in the quarters of an eastern city will wonder at the contempt and disgust which the word suggests to the oriental mind." "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away." It is thus that God is wont to deal as a rule in His judgments, not necessarily on the one that first introduces an evil, but on those that inherit the guilt, and perhaps aggravate it, instead of taking warning by it. Of the nations - Of all the nations assembled there, Revelation 21:24. But, further, we find that the saints who had suffered for Christ, during the time that the others were in heaven, are now reunited to their bodies and live, the Lord waiting for the last martyr that He might not leave out one of those who had died for His name. Although there is such a levelling of human distinctions, and men have to do directly with God that is men raised from the dead or in their changed condition we still see the holy Jerusalem "the holy city, new Jerusalem," separate from the rest of those that fill the new heaven and earth. It brings forth many sorts of fruit--twelve sorts, suited to the refined taste of all the saints. It is perhaps more likely that he did not finally set in order this last chapter and that we have it in unfinished form. It does not hinder, of course, that in the judgment of the dead each man is judged for his own sin. 6:3) and to understand why some among their friends and loved ones are not there. Clearly, another reference to Ezekiel 47:1-12; There is some difficulty in visualizing this because "the exact construction and punctuation is not quite certain" (CBSC). Yet religion, be it ever so corrupt, acts as a restraint on human will, as a government does, however evil. In this respect, this new Paradise stands in strong contrast with that in which Adam was placed at his creation, where there seems to have been a single tree that was designated as the tree of life, Genesis 3:22-23. See: https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7495.htm. The regular ending of the letters to the seven Churches is an invitation to hear what the Spirit is saying ( Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:29; Revelation 3:6; Revelation 3:13; Revelation 3:22). We are not to suppose that there will be sickness, and a healing process in heaven, for that idea is expressly excluded in Revelation 21:4; but the meaning is, that the life and health of that blessed world will have been imparted by partaking of that tree; and the writer says that, in fact, it was owing to it that they who dwell there had been healed of their spiritual maladies, and had been made to live forever. But it is for the last time, not of the age only but of the various dispensations of God. All this shall be with perfect knowledge and joy. Where does "the healing of the nations" occur? If alive before the thousand years, he will live after the thousand years; in fact, literally he will never die, though I do not doubt, on general principles, that the saints of the millennial earth will be changed at the very time when the heavens and earth disappear. So, there will be a medicinal value in the leaves of the tree. It is reigning. According to the general scope of scripture, then, we may be quite sure that these saints, kept during this universal dissolution of the atmospheric heaven and the earth, will be translated to "the new heavens and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness," in a condition new and meet for the eternal state into which they are ushered. Revelation 22:2 in all English translations, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, The Woman's Study Bible, Full-Color, Red Letter: Receiving God's Truth for Balance, Hope, and Transformation, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Galatians, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow Gods Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New International Version. Genesis 2:9; Genesis 3:22-24). (ii) He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction. We have not to learn what the other mystery means; we know well that it is according to God and godliness. "Let your light so shine before men that when they see your good works they glorify your Father which is in heaven"( Matthew 5:16 ), because we will be rewarded according to those works that have right motivation. Then the angel said, Don't do that: for I am thy fellowservant, of the brethren the prophets, of those which keep the sayings of this book: worship God ( Revelation 22:9 ). A mysterious lawlessness inherits the well-known name of Babylon when Rome is brought forward; and it does not merely embrace Christian times, but the end of the age after the church has gone, when the course of divine judgment comes. The idea is that of abundance, not variety. A mighty angel takes a stone and says, when he cast it into the sea, "Thus with violence shall be thrown down Babylon the great city, and shall be found no more at all." This is the meaning of "one hour with the beast.". Under the direction of an Accounting Manager, this position will be responsible for work on providing support to managers and staff within the Agency by facilitating and performing administrative or related services, including travel reservations, travel reimbursements, and other payroll-related services. But no; it was an absolute decree that went forth, and this indisputably, from a single head of the undivided empire. , , . What I judge, then, is that the guests, or those that were called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb, refer clearly to the Old Testament saints. But here there is neither; and this again is an evidence of gain, not of loss. and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [Note: For an amillennial study of the symbolism used in Genesis 2-3 and Revelation 21:9-22:5, as ancient cosmography used the figures of a garden, a city, and a mountain, see Ken Olles and Warren Gage, "The City of God and the Cities of Men."] The leaves shall be the health-giving preventive securing the redeemed against, not healing them of, sicknesses, while "the fruit shall be for meat." Revelation 22:2 - Biblical Research Institute The leaves of the tree were dfor the healing of the nations. Jesus is coming again, foolishness. In the Book of Enoch the writer demands that no one should "change or minish ought of my words" (Enoch 104:10). But it seems very improbable that there should be such a difference between the first two parts and the third. Then follows a description of the wall, gates, foundations, and general position. It is Jesus Christ who in his Cross has provided that grace by which alone man can be forgiven; but man has to appropriate that sacrifice. . Scholz's note ("rec. To the same world in which He suffered, according to the scriptures, He will come back. Wisdom is a fountain of life to him who has it ( Proverbs 16:22). She will despise everything really divine; she will only use whatever of God's word she can pervert for increasing her own importance, and gaining a greater ascendancy over the consciences of men, and enjoying herself more luxuriously in this world; for she will go far to obliterate all remembrance of heaven, and to make this world a kind of paradise which she embellishes, not with pure and undefiled religion, but with the arts of men and the idolatries of the world. But what does it mean? By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Of course the other is true. That kind of stuff is junky and there is no reward for that. God's servants shall see his face. We. It produces 12 different kinds of fruita new one each month. The holy city of Rev 21:2 is holy so could anything needing healing enter it? What does Revelation 22:2 mean? | BibleRef.com Babylon must hear, I do not doubt, the final testimony of God the gospel of the kingdom that is to go forth in the last days; but she loves her pleasure and power, and refuses truth. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.(B). I do not, of course, complain of particular persons, but of the general vagueness in which the passage has been taken unless, indeed, the more common course be not to ignore it. He gets his power and they get theirs for one and the same time. All rights reserved worldwide. Revelation 22:2 Sermons: in the middle of its street. Thus there is, indeed, a succession of fruit-crops, but it is the same kind of fruit. This is not unrighteous, but, on the contrary, the highest justice from a divine point of view. He saw their condition: it was part of the vision. smitten by God, and afflicted. Since then the world has not seen the imperial power to which all bow. He has reserved the matter, though not without enough to guide our thoughts, as we have seen. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city ( Revelation 22:14 ). But, in point of fact, in giving the description of Babylon, the Holy Ghost enters even more into an account of her relations with the beast, the imperial power of which we saw not a little last night. There are 253 days left in the year. Do not wonder at the vast numbers, or at their defection. The day of the Lord on the world in no way sets aside His dealing with individual souls. Compare also in the Apocrypha, 2 Esdras 2:12; 8:52-54. The idea is not that there are twelve kinds of fruit on the same tree, for that is not implied in the language used by John. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. In 1 Peter 2:24, the Greek word for "healed" is iaomai, related to the Greek word therape in the follow sense: [2390 /iomai ("to heal") draws the attention to the Lord, the supernatural Healer, i.e. Next they will seize her resources. So be it. That is, Babylon is viewed in this chapter not so much in her mysterious and religious form, giving currency to every kind of confusion of truth and error, of good and evil, intoxicating, corrupting, and seducing, as all can see, through her wickedly religious influence; but she is viewed here as the most conspicuous aider and abettor of the world in its luxuries and delights and the pride of life, of what men call "civilization." It does not refer to every individual word of the Revelation. However, a simple comparison between Luke 12:42 and Matt 24:45 shows that it can also mean "service" or "servants" as also confirmed by BDAG. It is going to be a neat tree. Look back over the years since you found Jesus Christ as your Saviour and first committed yourself to Him. (i) It is not to be interpreted with absolute literalness. * It is to Him that God has given all judgment not necessarily to us. Cursed be man, by the sweat of his brow shall he earn his bread" Genesis 3:18-19 ), and so forth. Here accordingly is seen but one throne. Those who live in a civilization in which the turn of a tap will bring cold, clear water in any quantity can scarcely understand how precious water was in the East. *It now appears that the Cod. It is not what Christ puts on them, but a recognition even at this time of whatever has been of God the working I do not deny of the Spirit of Christ. In chapter 21 verses 9 and 10 John was shown the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. The leaves of the tree were for the . 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; cum cdd. The account in Ezekiel is this: "And by the river, upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade-it shall bring forth new fruit, according to his months - and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine;" Ezekiel 47:12. Thus the second beast is no longer seen as an earthly power, but as a prophet-of course a false prophet. Then the word is, "Award her even as she awarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she mixed, mix to her double. Psalms 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 19:10; Ezekiel 47:12). Instead of judgment being executed on them, it was given to them. Revelation 22:1-2 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools This river is described, 1. 19. "He that testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Essentially what John saw next was Paradise regained (cf. "So he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness" a thorough waste as to the knowledge or enjoyment of God. "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.". Who are the nations and where do they come from in Revelation 20:7-8? There is no lack of precision, but the very reverse. "So don't seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.". There will be degrees of rewards in heaven. "You remember the one who received the five talents? I can't earn it. The fact that "nations" in Rev 21:24 are in the New Jerusalem . It is interesting.God is going to have a tree that has twelve different kinds of fruit and every month a fruit will be ripe. THE GUARANTEE OF TRUTH ( Revelation 22:16 ). The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life ( Proverbs 13:14). (every month) . 1. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. (3.) Had it been simply a persecution from pagans, what was there to wonder at in their deadly hatred of the truth and of those who confess it? It produces the perfect consecration; the inhabitants of the city will have the mark of God upon their foreheads, showing that they belong absolutely to him. This is how, when, and where, the leaves of the Tree of Life, that is, the message of salvation, brought healing to just one of the many nations, just as Revelation 22:2 declares it is supposed to, and will, take place. But she has a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and the impurities of her fornication. leaves for healing(Eze 47:9, 12). In short, no testimony can avail, no work, power, or glory without the word of God applied by the Spirit of God. For we are so unworthy and undeserving that we should reign forever and ever in His glorious New Kingdom and New World and new age. The angel implies nothing of the sort. God could undoubtedly endue a tree with special medicinal powers. Today is Saturday, April 22, the 112th day of 2023. Little do they know, because they believe not what is here written, that it is about to come out of the abyss or bottomless pit. THE CLAIMS OF CHRIST ( Revelation 22:12-13 ). This proves conclusively that the leaves of the Tree of Life are like a poultice, a panacea compound made up of the Vine (the Lord Jesus) the Branches (Christians), their fruit (of the Spirit), and finally, the Leaves (the Eternal Gospel Message of Salvation given to the tribes of the earth through the Twelve Tribes of the Israel of God) that all come together to produce the Great Commission and the fulfilling thereof, in and among, the nations. "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. In the case of Eden, the tree of life is clearly associated with the perpetuity of human life (Gen. 3:22). They shall reign with him for ever; their service shall be not only freedom but honour and dominion. When the Risen Christ said that he was the morning star, he claimed again to be the light of the world and the vanquisher of all the world's darkness. We shall find, on the contrary, its aspect is toward the universe, yet is there the special place of Israel; and quite right it is that it should be so. But the prophecy shows us the beast revived and the separate kings reigning for the same time, before divine judgment destroys them at the coming of Christ and His saints. We may best understand the greatness of that promise by remembering that the Christian is promised a privilege which was denied even to Moses to whom God's word was: "You cannot see my face; for man shall not see me and live" ( Exodus 33:20; Exodus 33:23). is a word to him that hears. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. They were caught in flagrant treason and rebellion: what further need of any process of judgment whatsoever? yielded her fruit every monthGreek, "according to each month"; each month had its own proper fruit, just as different seasons are now marked by their own productions; only that then, unlike now, there shall be no season without its fruit, and there shall be an endless variety, answering to twelve, the number symbolical of the world-wide Church (compare Note, see on [2748]Re 12:1; [2749]Re 21:14). Still God does not forget His ways with His people; and the angels here are only in the quality of porters, if we may so speak; they are at the gates. We can fairly trust God that He will not give a worse place to Paul; yet I do not think that this is his place. through the middle of the street . "And to the bride was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of saints." There never has been a like experience. Of course they will be preserved through that crisis in some sort of way suitable to divine wisdom. Revelation 22:2 . "[13] "Tree seems intended to be understood generically of that whole class of trees. "These shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire." There is not going to be any interruption in history. Revelation 22:2 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools Part of that description which follows of the holy city includes these verses about the river of life. It is a time of strong delusion, be it remembered. Praise the Lord for His Word, a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path, a power in our lives to keep us from sin. But now heaven is opened for yet graver facts, and of incalculable moment for man and the universe and the enemy. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The realities of the word of God always bless and honor the peoples who receive and obey it. "And the dead were judged," but not out of the book of life, which has nothing to do with judgment. We find a decree going forth that all the world shall be enrolled. 2) May view two trees, one on either side of the river of life; remember John 19:18 (same author ). Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Consequently they sat upon the thrones at once; while the two latter classes, described in the rest of the verse, were still in the separate state "and the souls." In the days of his flesh Jesus had said: "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ( John 8:12). Each month had its own fruit. Their doom was awful, but by no means after the same sort as their two leaders. Revelation 21:4; Ezekiel 47:12). Here were joined good and evil in godless union, for the worse, not for the better, this alliance, unholy in principle, irremediable therefore in practice, between God and the natural man, who substitutes rites for the grace and word of God, for the blood of Christ, and the power of the Spirit, and employs the name of the Lord as a cover for grosser covetousness and ambition, yet more aspiring than the vulgar world. "And I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. For suddenly shall ye be consumed and wither away. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. (1.) On either side of the river is the tree of life[ a] with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. It is telling us that Gods love alone can give us the power to make a better world. What makes it the more notable is this, that the rod of iron is promised to us not the sword. There was judicial discernment with the distinct possession of all titles to sovereignty. The Jewish rabbis took over this idea and applied it to God, with their own interpretation. The river of Gods grace brings a wonderful redemption. And the devil that deceiveth them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where both the beast and the false prophet [are], and they shall be tormented day and night unto the ages of the ages.". And then comes the gathering and the battle. And then we come to a most cheering disclosure: "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of those beheaded on account of the witness of Jesus, and on account of the word of God: and those who had not worshipped the beast, nor his image, and had not received his mark upon their forehead, and on their hand; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Nothing of the sort can be plainer. But a voice issues from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 1. f Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. The closing phrase here is the description of the beast in its last state, in which it will come into collision with Babylon. How, quickly is He coming for you? Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. This disposes of many a web of comments; for we find at once what is perfectly simple, what any child of God who believes this to be the word of God must own.