Free Bible Commentary
“Revelation 1:12-16”
Categories: Revelation“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.”
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This is a very awesome and powerful illustration of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is first characterized as appearing in the form of “a son of man.” (verse 13). This emphasizes Christ’s humanity, as one who was “made like His brethren in all things” (Hebrews 2:17), and “able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” since “He Himself was tempted in that which He suffered” (Hebrews 2:18). But the term “Son of Man” is also a prophetic designation of the Eternal King who “came up to the Ancient of Days,” and “was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14). Jesus became the “Son of Man” in route to His coronation as “King of kings”. First the cross and crown of thorns, then the throne and royal diadem.
The Lord was “clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.” He wore a long, flowing priestly robe (Exodus 28:4), and a regal band of gold girded about His royal waist. His head and hair “were radiant, gleaming as the snow glistens in sunlight. This suggests his divine purity and perhaps also his wisdom and dignity (1 Pet. 1:21-22).” (Harkrider) “His eyes were like a flame of fire” (verse 14). They were brilliant, clear and penetrating, able to see right into the heart and soul of humanity all of which are laid open and bare before His sight (1 Samuel 16:7).
“His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace” (verse 15). “This figure is a symbol of strength. The main theme of Revelation is that Christ is able to tread down all opposition and turn to ashes his enemies (19:15).” (Harkrider) “His voice was like the sound of many waters.” When He spoke He commanded great power and authority, His voice roaring like the sound of the ocean surf crashing into the rocks at hightide. “Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword” (verse 16). “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus utters the words of salvation, but also speaks with the authority of the Almighty Judge.
“His face was like the sun shining in its strength.” “John sums his total appearance to be as dazzling as the unclouded sun in its full strength. To look directly upon his whole countenance was overpowering like looking directly toward the sun at noon. Christ is unveiled in heavenly splendor and majesty (Heb. 1:3). Such a Lord who is so glorious in might should challenge man’s disobedience and shame every inclination to follow his own wisdom.” (Harkrider)
Jesus walked among “the seven golden lampstands” (verses 12-13) which are “the seven churches” (verses 20), and held “the seven stars” (verse 16) which are the “angels” or “messengers” of the churches in “His righ.t hand” It is both frightening and comforting to know that Jesus is so intimately present in the gathering together of His chosen people. If we are shining forth the light Truth and the warmth of love as we ought, we have no reason to be afraid (verse 17). But if we are lifeless (3:1), loveless (2:4) or lukewarm (3:16) the Lord will remove our lampstand out of its place (3:5). We often sing the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” And indeed we do. But please take John’s depiction of Jesus to heart. This Friend is not one to be trifled with!
Please read Revelation 1:17-20 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
-Louie Taylor
