Rev 10 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-7 The apostle saw another representation. The person communicating this discovery probably was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or it was to show his glory. He veils his glory, which is too great for mortal eyes to behold; and throws a veil upon his dispensations. A rainbow was upon his head; our Lord is always mindful of his covenant. His awful voice was echoed by seven thunders; solemn and terrible ways of discovering the mind of God. We know not the subjects of the seven thunders, nor the reasons for suppressing them. There are great events in history, perhaps relating to the Christian church, which are not noticed in open prophecy. The final salvation of the righteous, and the final success of true religion on earth, are engaged for by the unfailing word of the Lord. Though the time may not be yet, it cannot be far distant. Very soon, as to us, time will be no more; but if we are believers, a happy eternity will follow: we shall from heaven behold and rejoice in the triumphs of Christ, and his cause on earth.

‏ Revelation of John 10

* The Angel of the covenant presents a little open book, which

is followed with seven thunders. (1-4) At the end of the

following prophecies, time should be no more. (5-7) A voice

directs the apostle to eat the book; (8-10) and tells him he

must prophesy further. (11)

1-7 The apostle saw another representation. The person

communicating this discovery probably was our Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ, or it was to show his glory. He veils his glory,

which is too great for mortal eyes to behold; and throws a veil

upon his dispensations. A rainbow was upon his head; our Lord is

always mindful of his covenant. His awful voice was echoed by

seven thunders; solemn and terrible ways of discovering the mind

of God. We know not the subjects of the seven thunders, nor the

reasons for suppressing them. There are great events in history,

perhaps relating to the Christian church, which are not noticed

in open prophecy. The final salvation of the righteous, and the

final success of true religion on earth, are engaged for by the

unfailing word of the Lord. Though the time may not be yet, it

cannot be far distant. Very soon, as to us, time will be no

more; but if we are believers, a happy eternity will follow: we

shall from heaven behold and rejoice in the triumphs of Christ,

and his cause on earth. 8-11 Most men feel pleasure in looking into future events, and

all good men like to receive a word from God. But when this book

of prophecy was thoroughly digested by the apostle, the contents

would be bitter; there were things so awful and terrible, such

grievous persecutions of the people of God, such desolations in

the earth, that the foresight and foreknowledge of them would be

painful to his mind. Let us seek to be taught by Christ, and to

obey his orders; daily meditating on his word, that it may

nourish our souls; and then declaring it according to our

several stations. The sweetness of such contemplations will

often be mingled with bitterness, while we compare the

Scriptures with the state of the world and the church, or even

with that of our own hearts.