Revelation 1:7

"Behold" (Gr. idou) indicates special divine intervention. This verse summarizes the main features of the revelation to follow. It is in this sense the key verse in the book.

"The theme of the book is the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over all enemies and the establishment of His earthly kingdom." [Note: Harris, p. 175. See also Ladd, p. 14; and Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 2:568.]

Jesus Christ will return physically to earth as He ascended into heaven (Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 2:5; Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 16:15; Revelation 22:7; Revelation 22:12; Revelation 22:20 [twice]); Acts 1:9-11). "Every eye" of those alive at His second coming will see Him (Matthew 24:30; cf. Numbers 11:25; Psalms 104:3; Isaiah 19:1; Daniel 7:13; Zechariah 12:10-14). "Those who pierced Him" evidently refers to Jews particularly (Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 12:12; Zechariah 12:14; cf. John 19:37). [Note: See Kenneth G. C. Newport, "Semitic Influence in Revelation: Some Further Evidence," Andrews University Seminary Studies 25:3 (Autumn 1987):249-56.] Another possibility is that these people stand for Jesus’ enemies. [Note: Ladd, p. 28.] Representatives from all tribes on earth then will mourn (wail) because then the earth will be in rebellion against Him (cf. Matthew 24:30). These tribes represent all human beings, not just Jews. [Note: See Smith, p. 44; and Thomas, Revelation 1-7, pp. 78-79.]

This great text announces the climactic event in Revelation, namely, the return of Jesus Christ to the earth at His second coming (Revelation 19:11-16). [Note: See Mark L. Hitchcock, "A Critique of the Preterist View of Revelation and the Jewish War," Bibliotheca Sacra 164:653 (January-March 2007):89-100, for a rebuttal of the preterist interpretation of this verse.] All that intervenes between this verse and Revelation 19:11-16 leads up to that event. This verse does not refer to the Rapture as is clear from what John said will happen when it takes place. The Second Coming is a public gradual manifestation, but the Rapture will be a secret instantaneous calling (1 Corinthians 15:52).

"The promise combines Daniel 7:13 with Zechariah 12:10 . . . Daniel 7 provides a key focus for John throughout the whole book (there are no fewer than thirty-one allusions to it)." [Note: Johnson, p. 422.]

"Even so, amen," provides firm assurance that the coming of Christ will happen as prophesied in this verse.