And the third angel followed - Bishop Bale considers these three angels as three descriptions of preachers, who should bear their testimony against the corruptions of the papal Church. The beast and his image - See the notes on Revelation 13:1-18 (note). Mark in his forehead - Such as the sectarial marks of the idolatrous Hindoos, as has been observed before. read more
The wine of the wrath of God - As they have drunk the intoxicating wine of idolatry or spiritual fornication, they shall now drink the wine of God's wrath, which is poured out into the cup of his indignation. This is an allusion to the poisoned cup, which certain criminals were obliged to drink, on which ensued speedy death. See on Hebrews 2:9 ; (note). Shall be tormented with fire and brimstone - An allusion to the punishment of Sodom and Gomorrha for their unnatural crimes. ... read more
The smoke of their torment - Still an allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrha. read more
Here is the patience of the saints - Here the faith of the true Christians shall be proved; they will follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, they keep the commandments of God, and are steadfast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes ἡ ὑπομονη , patience or perseverance, is taken for the reward of these virtues; the text therefore may be thus understood: Here is the reward of the perseverance of the true Christians; for although they die for the testimony of Jesus, yet they... read more
I heard a voice from heaven - As the information now to be given was of the utmost importance, it is solemnly communicated by a voice from heaven; and the apostle is commanded to write or record what is said. Blessed are the dead - Happy are they. They are happy in two respects: They do not see the evil that shall come upon the world, and are exempted from any farther sufferings. They actually and conscientiously enjoy happiness in a state of blessedness. In the first sense, Happy... read more
A white cloud - It is supposed that, from this verse to the end of the chapter, the destruction of Rome is represented under the symbols of harvest and vintage; images very frequent among the ancient prophets, by which they represented the destruction and excision of nations. See Joel 3:12-14 ; Isaiah 17:5 ; Isaiah 63:1 ; and Matthew 13:37 . A golden crown - In token of victory and regal power. read more
Thrust in thy sickle - Execute the judgments which God has decreed. For the harvest of the earth is ripe - The cup of the people's iniquity is full. read more
The earth was reaped - The judgments were executed. But where, or on whom, who can tell? read more
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven. "Another" is omitted in some manuscripts, but should probably be inserted. "In mid heaven," as in Revelation 8:13 , etc. Having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people; having an eternal gospel … every nation and tribe and tongue and people. Probably (though not certainly) "the gospel" in the ordinary sense, which is the signification of the... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 14:8
Babylon is fallen, is fallen - This is generally understood to be a prediction concerning Rome; and it is certain that Rome, in the rabbinical writings, is termed Babylon. That great city - Among the same writers this city is styled רבתא קרתא karta rabbetha , the great city; and רבתא רומי Romi rabbetha , the great Rome. But which Rome is meant? Pagan or Papal Rome? Some parts of the description apply best to the former. The wine of the wrath of her fornication - There is an... read more