The voice of many waters - That is, of multitudes of various nations. The voice of harpers - Though the sounds were many and apparently confused, yet both harmony and melody were preserved. read more
They sung - a new song - See on Revelation 5:9 ; (note). No man could learn that song - As none but genuine Christians can worship God acceptably, because they approach him through the only Mediator, so none can understand the deep things of God but such; nor can others know the cause why true believers exult so much in God through Christ, because they know not the communion which such hold with the Father and the Son through the Holy Ghost. read more
These are they which were not defiled with women - They are pure from idolatry, and are presented as unspotted virgins to their Lord and Savior Christ. See 2 Corinthians 11:2 . There may be an allusion here to the Israelites committing idolatry, through the means of their criminal connection with the Midianitish women. See Numbers 25:1-4 ; Numbers 31:16 . Follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth - They go through good and through evil report, bear his reproach, and love not their... read more
In their mouth was found no guile - When brought before kings and rulers they did not dissemble, but boldly confessed the Lord Jesus. read more
Another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel - Whether this angel mean any more than a particular dispensation of providence and grace, by which the Gospel shall be rapidly sent throughout the whole world; or whether it mean any especial messenger, order of preachers, people, or society of Christians, whose professed object it is to send the Gospel of the kingdom throughout the earth, we know not. But the vision seems truly descriptive of a late institution,... read more
Fear God, and give glory to him - This is the general language of the sacred writings. Worship the true God, the creator and governor of all things; and give him glory, for to him alone, not to idols or men, all glory and honor belong. read more
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
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
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 14:1
A Lamb stood on the mount Sion - This represents Jesus Christ in his sacrificial office; mount Sion was a type of the Christian Church. And with him a hundred forty and four thousand - Representing those who were converted to Christianity from among the Jews. See Revelation 7:4 . His Father's name written in their foreheads - They were professedly, openly, and practically, the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. Different sects of idolaters have the peculiar mark of their... read more