Revelation 10
Revelation 10 is an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets, where John sees a mighty angel descend from heaven, holding a little book. This chapter is symbolic and introduces the mystery of God’s final plans as the end approaches. The mighty angel's message points to the fulfillment of prophecy and a deeper understanding of God's work in history. John is told to take and eat the little book, symbolizing the reception of a prophetic message that brings both sweetness and bitterness, a reflection of the mixed emotions that come with understanding the divine plan.
Revelation 10:1 (NKJV)
"I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire."
John describes a mighty angel descending from heaven. The angel is clothed in a cloud, signifying divine majesty and mystery. The rainbow on his head represents God's covenant of mercy, reminding us of God's promise to Noah. His face shining like the sun reflects God's glory, while his feet like pillars of fire symbolize strength, judgment, and holiness. This angel is a powerful messenger from God, with authority to declare His plans.
Revelation 10:2 (NKJV)
"He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,"
The little book, already opened in the angel’s hand, represents a divine message or revelation, possibly the fulfillment of prophecy. By placing one foot on the sea and the other on the land, the angel demonstrates God's authority over all creation, both land and sea. This gesture shows that what is about to be declared affects the entire world and all nations.
Revelation 10:3-4 (NKJV)
"And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.'"
The angel’s loud cry, like a lion’s roar, symbolizes power and authority. In response, the seven thunders, which represent divine proclamations, speak, but John is commanded not to write down what they said. This shows that some aspects of God’s plan are meant to remain hidden for now, emphasizing the mystery of God's timing and purposes that are beyond human understanding.
Revelation 10:5-6 (NKJV)
"The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,"
The angel raises his hand to swear by God, who is eternal and the Creator of all things. This solemn oath declares that there will be no more delay. The message is clear: God's final judgments are about to unfold, and His purposes will soon be completed. The world is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan, with no further postponement.
Revelation 10:7 (NKJV)
"But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets."
Here, the angel announces that with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the mystery of God will be completed. This refers to God's redemptive plan, which has been revealed to His prophets throughout history. The culmination of this mystery includes the final victory over evil and the establishment of God's kingdom. The long-awaited fulfillment of prophecy will soon come to pass.
Revelation 10:8-9 (NKJV)
"Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, 'Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.' So I went to the angel and said to him, 'Give me the little book.' And he said to me, 'Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.'"
John is instructed to take and eat the little book, symbolizing the internalization of God’s prophetic message. The sweetness in his mouth represents the joy of receiving God's word and understanding His purposes. However, the bitterness in his stomach reflects the sorrow that often accompanies the realization of the judgments and hardships involved in the fulfillment of prophecy.
Revelation 10:10 (NKJV)
"Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter."
John experiences exactly what the angel foretold: the message brings both delight and distress. This dual experience symbolizes the mixed reactions believers may have when they fully comprehend God’s plans—joy in His promises and salvation, but sorrow in the judgments and trials that are part of His divine purpose.
Revelation 10:11 (NKJV)
"And he said to me, 'You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.'"
John is given a renewed commission to prophesy, indicating that his work is not yet finished. He must continue to declare God’s message to all people, nations, languages, and rulers. This emphasizes the global scope of God’s plan and the ongoing responsibility of proclaiming His truth until the end of time.