Introduction: Revelation 10 is a chapter filled with mystery, intrigue and awe, situated between the sixth and seventh trumpets of God’s judgment during the end times. This chapter captures a moment of both anticipation and significance as it introduces an angel with a little scroll. The chapter promises a revelation of God’s mighty plan, preparing the reader’s heart for the unfolding of events that lead to the ultimate victory of good over evil.
I. The Mighty Angel with a Little Scroll (Revelation 10:1-2)
John witnesses a strong angel descending from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head, and his face shining like the sun. The angel’s feet resemble pillars of fire, and he holds a little open scroll in his hand. This majestic scene echoes the divine presence and authority of God as described in Ezekiel 1:28, where the prophet sees a vision of God’s glory with a rainbow surrounding Him. The imagery of the angel’s face being like the sun is reminiscent of Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), and the fiery pillars for feet can be compared to God’s guidance of Israel as a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21).
II. The Angel’s Cry and the Seven Thunders (Revelation 10:3-4)
When the angel cries out, seven thunders utter their voices. As John is about to write what the thunders spoke, a voice from heaven instructs him to seal up the words of the seven thunders and not write them down. This moment reflects Daniel’s experience when he was told to seal up certain visions, for they pertained to the distant future (Daniel 12:4). It suggests that some divine mysteries are reserved for God’s knowledge alone, as Deuteronomy 29:29 shows us, which speaks of secret things belonging to God.
III. The Angel’s Oath and the Mystery of God (Revelation 10:5-7)
The angel lifts his hand to heaven and swears by God, who created everything, that there will be no more delay in God’s plan. The mystery of God will be accomplished as prophesied to His servants the prophets. This section is akin to the angel’s declaration in Daniel 12:7, affirming the certainty of prophecy. It also resonates with the truth in Amos 3:7, that God reveals His secrets to His prophets. The fulfillment of God’s mystery points to the culmination of His purpose, as Ephesians 1:9-10 tell us, regarding the unity of all things in Christ.
IV. John Eats the Little Scroll (Revelation 10:8-10)
John is asked to take the little scroll from the angel’s hand and eat it. It is sweet as honey in his mouth, but turns sour in his stomach. This experience mirrors that of Ezekiel when he eats a scroll of lamentations and woes, which is sweet in his mouth (Ezekiel 3:1-3). It symbolizes the dual nature of God’s word—joyful yet somber; comforting yet convicting. The sweetness represents the delight in God’s promises (Psalm 119:103), while the bitterness reflects the sorrow of impending judgments (Jeremiah 15:16).
V. John’s Commission to Prophesy Again (Revelation 10:11)
John is told that he must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. This charge is reminiscent of God’s command to Jeremiah to speak to the nations (Jeremiah 1:10), as well as the Great Commission where Jesus sends forth His disciples to teach all nations (Matthew 28:19). It highlights the universal scope of God’s message and the responsibility to proclaim it to all.
Conclusion: Revelation 10 gives us a glimpse into the sovereignty and mystery of God’s plan. The mighty angel, the sealed seven thunders, the oath declaring the end of delay, and the bittersweet scroll all point to the profound nature of God’s word and the urgency of its proclamation. This chapter encourages believers to remain steadfast, knowing that God’s purposes will be fulfilled, and to be ready to share His message with the world. The overarching theme is one of hope and perseverance, as God’s ultimate victory is assured and His mysteries are unveiled in His perfect timing.
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