Bible Verse Commentary on Revelation 5:11

Verse: "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders. And the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands." (Revelation 5:11, NKJV)

This verse presents a majestic and grand image of celestial worship and the overwhelming presence of angelic beings surrounding the throne of God. Through harmonizing insights from respected public domain commentaries, such as those by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we can gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

Understanding the Context

The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, is filled with apocalyptic visions that reveal God’s ultimate plan for humanity and the world. In Revelation 5, we find a scene depicting the exaltation of the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy to open the seals of destiny.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes the grandeur and multitude of angels, symbolizing the extensive support of heaven in the worship of Christ. His commentary points out the significance of "ten thousand times ten thousand," illustrating an innumerable assembly, highlighting that God's glory evokes a universal response of worship across the realms.

• Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible:

  Albert Barnes notes that this verse underscores the idea of divine authority and the acknowledgment of Christ’s rightful place in heaven. He elucidates the phrase "thousands of thousands" as indicating an uncountable number of angels, stressing the cosmic scale of worship and the recognition of Christ's sovereignty.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Adam Clarke adds a nuanced perspective by underscoring the role of angels as ministering spirits. He suggests that their presence before God reflects a dynamic of praise and obedience that serves as a model for all creation, pointing toward mankind's response to divine majesty.

Theological Significance

This verse serves multiple important theological purposes:

• The Majesty of God: It reveals the grandeur of God’s throne, with a multitude of angels proclaiming His holiness and power.
• Christ's Worthiness: The multitude signifies that Christ, the Lamb, is acknowledged universally as worthy to execute God’s plans.
• The Universality of Worship: The sheer number of angelic beings serving in worship exemplifies that worship is not limited to earth but spans across the heavens.

Application of the Verse

In practical terms, Revelation 5:11 serves as a reminder for believers today:

• Encouragement in Worship: Just as countless angels worship God, we too are called to engage in heartfelt worship, acknowledging His greatness.
• Hope in God's Plan: Understanding that God’s plan involves innumerable beings engaged in His service encourages believers to trust in His sovereign will.
• Call to Holiness: The holy nature of the worship scene calls Christians to reflect on their lives, striving for holiness and devotion in every aspect.

Related Bible Cross References

• Hebrews 12:22 - "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels." This verse emphasizes the gathering of angels in the heavenly realm.
• Daniel 7:10 - "A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him." This verse similarly illustrates the multitude before God’s throne.
• Luke 2:13 - "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God." This account depicts angels enthusiastically worshipping God upon Christ's birth.
• 1 Peter 1:12 - "To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into." This indicates the curiosity and interest of angels regarding God's plan for salvation.

Conclusion

In summary, Revelation 5:11 captures a profound and powerful worship scene in heaven, with innumerable angels glorifying Christ. Through a synthesis of insights from various prominent commentaries, we gain a rich understanding of the theological implications, the call to believers for worship, and a backdrop of hope in the divine narrative. As we engage in our own Bible study, whether in Bible study groups or personal reflection, considering the truth unveiled in this verse can enrich our faith and understanding of Scripture.

Further Study Recommendations

For those interested in delving deeper into the themes of this passage, engaging in online Bible study or utilizing various Bible study tools can provide additional insights:

• Explore the significance of worship in both the Old and New Testaments.
• Join Bible study groups to discuss the broader implications of worship in the Christian life.
• Utilize Bible study guides to navigate through the Book of Revelation and other prophetic texts.