Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Revelations Ch.10 / 22 Ch.s
RE: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.