Revelation 7:15 - Exposition

Therefore are they before the throne of God. That is, because they have been washed, and have their robes made white, they are before the throne (cf. Ephesians 5:25-27 , "Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it,… that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle," etc.). And serve him day and night in his temple. As described in Revelation 4:8 , Revelation 4:11 ; Revelation 5:8-14 ; Revelation 7:12 ; Revelation 11:15 , etc. Temple ( ναός ) is here, as in Revelation 3:12 , the "dwelling place, the shrine, of God, i.e. heaven. Thus are the redeemed made "pillars" in his temple ( Revelation 3:12 ). And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them; shall spread his tabernacle over them (Revised Version). The same verb that occurs in John 1:14 ; Revelation 12:12 ; Revelation 13:6 ; Revelation 21:3 . The allusion (not an uncommon one with St. John) is to the Shechinah which overshadowed the mercy seat. God's presence among them, co-dwelling with them, is the happiness of his people (of. John 17:24 , "Father, I will that they also be with me," etc.; 1 John 3:2 , "We shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is ").