TRV
“Great and wonderful are the things you have done,
Adonai, God of heaven’s armies!
Just and true are your ways,
king of the nations!
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Commentary on Revelation 15 verses 1–4
Here we have the preparation of matters for the pouring out of the seven vials, which was committed to seven angels; and observe how these angels appeared to the apostle - in heaven; it was in a wonderful manner, and that upon account, 1. Of the work they had to do, which was to finish the destruction of antichrist. God was now about to pour out his seven last plagues upon that interest; and, as the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, they should now find the full measure of his vindictive wrath. 2. The spectators and witnesses of this their commission: all that had gotten the victory over the beast, etc. These stood on a sea of glass, representing this world, as some think, a brittle thing, that shall be broken to pieces; or, as others, the gospel covenant, alluding to the brazen sea in the temple, in which the priests were to wash (the faithful servants of God stand upon the foundation of the righteousness of Christ); or, as others, the Red Sea, that stood as it were congealed while the Israelites went through; and, the pillar of fire reflecting light upon the waters, they would seem to have fire mingled with them; and this to show that the fire of God's wrath against Pharaoh and his horses should dissolve the congealed waters, and destroy them thereby, to which there seems to be an allusion by their singing the song of Moses, in which, (1.) They extol the greatness of God's works, and the justice and truth of his ways, both in delivering his people and destroying their enemies. They rejoiced in hope, and the near prospect they had of this, though it was not yet accomplished. (2.) They call upon all nations to render unto God the fear, glory, and worship, due to such a discovery of his truth and justice: Who shall not fear thee? Rev 15:4.
He expresses here more fully the purpose and goal of the elect, who say from the heart, “Put the way of iniquity far from me, O Lord, and graciously teach me your law,” or, “For the sake of your law I have endured for you, O Lord,” and things similar to these. [By this scene] he wishes to make clear that these are in the number of the faithful in that they are participants in the victory mentioned. In Moses the Old Testament is signified as the New Testament is signified in the Lamb, and by this it teaches us that the elect were all equipped from both and perfected in both.… By a harmonious truth the pages of both Testaments testify to us concerning [their song], for “all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.” He is more aptly called the king of the nations, because he was a God not only known among the Jews, nor did the dew from heaven moisten only one fleece. But as Malachi said, “From the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place a pure offering is sacrificed and offered to my name.”
From the song of Moses we learn the hymn sent up to God by those who were justified by the law before [the coming of] grace. From the song of the Lamb we learn the thanksgiving of those who lived in holiness after the coming of the Christ. This thanksgiving is for those benefactions and gifts from him that have come to our race, since through the holy apostles he has called all nations to the knowledge of him.
Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty, etc. This song is found in both Testaments, where the Lord, both true and merciful, is sung by all ages as the judge to be worshipped. He repeats what he had proposed, saying:
The harps, as has often been said, signify the sweet-sounding hymn of the saints to God.
And he says, let us sing that song of Moses, the one which he sang when the host of Pharaoh was drowned, "let us sing to the Lord, for he has been gloriously glorified; he cast horse and rider into the sea; he became to me a helper and a cover for salvation." (Ex. 15:1-2) And the song is a victory-song concerning the punishment of the ungodly and the victory against the Devil and the son of lawlessness, the Antichrist. And he calls the song of the Lamb that which is fitting, namely toward the Lord and toward his righteous judgment against the ungodly; therefore they admire the truth and the righteousness of the Lord.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 15:3 depicts a climactic scene of worship in the heavenly throne room, where victorious saints, having triumphed over the forces of the beast, stand upon a sea of glass and sing a profound hymn. This "song of Moses" and "song of the Lamb" extols the Lord God Almighty for His magnificent and awe-inspiring works, and praises Him as the King of saints whose ways are perfectly just and true, anticipating the final outpouring of divine judgment and the ultimate vindication of His righteous character.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 15:3 is rich in Symbolism, particularly with the "song of Moses" and "song of the Lamb," which represent the continuity and culmination of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New. The "sea of glass mingled with fire" is also highly symbolic, representing divine purity, judgment, and the trials through which the saints have passed. The verse employs Parallelism in its structure, balancing the "song of Moses" with the "song of the Lamb," and the attributes "Great and marvellous" with "just and true," creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of God's character. The direct address to God ("thy works, Lord God Almighty; thy ways, thou King of saints") is an example of Apostrophe, lending a personal and intimate tone to the corporate worship. The use of superlative adjectives like "Great" and "marvellous" also leans towards Hyperbole, emphasizing the incomparable nature of God's deeds and character.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This triumphant hymn in Revelation 15:3 serves as a profound theological statement, affirming God's unwavering justice, truth, and sovereignty in the face of cosmic conflict and impending judgment. It underscores that God's ultimate victory is not merely a display of raw power but a vindication of His righteous character. The fusion of the "song of Moses" and "the song of the Lamb" powerfully connects God's historical acts of deliverance (like the Exodus) with His ultimate redemptive work through Christ, demonstrating the unity of His plan across dispensations. This song is sung by those who have endured and overcome, signifying that true worship flows from a deep understanding of God's saving power and His perfect righteousness, even amidst suffering. It teaches us that God's "ways" are always just and true, providing a foundation of trust for believers navigating a world that often seems unjust.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 15:3 offers a powerful vision of worship that transcends time and circumstance, calling us to reflect on the unwavering character of God. In a world often marked by injustice, chaos, and suffering, this verse reminds us that our God is eternally "just and true" in all His ways. The "song of Moses" encourages us to remember God's past deliverances in our lives and in history, building our faith on His proven faithfulness. The "song of the Lamb" directs our gaze to the ultimate victory secured by Jesus Christ, reminding us that our salvation is complete and our future is secure in Him. This passage challenges us to cultivate a worship that is not superficial but deeply rooted in an awe-filled recognition of God's "great and marvellous works" and an unshakeable trust in His righteous character. Our worship should be a confident declaration of His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem dire, knowing that He is the "King of saints" who will ultimately set all things right.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "song of Moses" and "the song of the Lamb" being sung together?
Answer: The combination of these two songs is highly significant, representing the unity and culmination of God's redemptive plan throughout history. The "song of Moses" (Exodus 15) commemorates God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage through the Red Sea, symbolizing God's mighty acts of salvation and judgment in the Old Testament. It is a song of triumph over physical oppression. The "song of the Lamb" (Revelation 5:9-10) represents the new covenant salvation achieved through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a song of victory over sin, death, and spiritual oppression. By singing them together, the saints acknowledge that God's work of salvation, initiated in the Exodus, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It signifies the continuity of God's character and purposes across both covenants, celebrating His complete triumph over all forms of evil.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 15:3 powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, embodying both the "song of Moses" and "the song of the Lamb." Jesus is the greater Moses, who leads His people not merely out of physical bondage but out of the slavery of sin and death (Hebrews 3:1-6). Just as Moses mediated the Old Covenant Law, Christ is the mediator of a superior New Covenant, established through His own blood (Hebrews 8:6). Furthermore, Jesus is the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death on the cross takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and secures victory over Satan, sin, and death (Colossians 2:15). The "great and marvellous works" of God find their supreme expression in the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ, which demonstrate God's perfect justice and truth in reconciling a sinful humanity to Himself (Romans 3:25-26). Thus, the song of the victorious saints is ultimately a Christ-centered hymn, celebrating God's righteous and true ways as perfectly revealed and accomplished in His Son, the "King of saints" who reigns eternally over His redeemed people (Philippians 2:9-11).