Revelation 15:5

¶ And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

And {G2532} after {G3326} that {G5023} I looked {G1492}, and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the temple {G3485} of the tabernacle {G4633} of the testimony {G3142} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} was opened {G455}:

After this I looked, and the sanctuary (that is, the Tent of Witness in heaven) was opened,

After this I looked, and the temple—the tabernacle of the Testimony—was opened in heaven.

And after these things I saw, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

Commentary

Context

Revelation 15:5 opens a pivotal section in John's apocalyptic vision, immediately preceding the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath. This verse describes a significant moment where the heavenly sanctuary, from which these final judgments will emanate, is revealed. It signifies not only the imminence of divine judgment but also its divine authorization and origin from God's holy presence. The scene shifts from the victorious worship of the saints (Revelation 15:1-4) to the preparation for the ultimate display of God's righteousness and justice against a rebellious world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The opening of "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven" underscores that the impending judgments are not random events but are orchestrated by God from His holy dwelling place. It highlights His absolute control over history and the end times.
  • Heavenly Origin of Judgment: The fact that the judgments proceed from the very presence of God in heaven emphasizes their divine nature and inescapable certainty. This heavenly temple is the archetype of all earthly sanctuaries, from the Tabernacle built by Moses to Solomon's Temple, as described in Hebrews 8:5.
  • The "Tabernacle of the Testimony": This specific phrasing harkens back to the Old Testament "tent of meeting" or "tabernacle of witness" (e.g., Numbers 1:50). It contained the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tablets of the Law—the "testimony" of God's covenant and commandments. The opening of this particular part of the heavenly temple indicates that the judgments are righteous, based on God's unchanging law and His covenant faithfulness.
  • Imminence of Wrath: The act of the temple being opened is a dramatic signal that the time for God's final, unmixed wrath has arrived. This sets the stage for the seven angels to emerge and pour out the bowls of judgment, as detailed in Revelation 16:1.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony" is rich in theological meaning. The Greek word for "temple" here is naos (ναός), referring specifically to the inner sanctuary or holy place, the dwelling place of God Himself. "Tabernacle" is skēnē (σκηνή), recalling the portable tent of worship in the wilderness. "Testimony" is martyrion (μαρτύριον), signifying a witness or evidence, particularly referring to the tablets of the Law within the Ark of the Covenant, which served as God's covenant witness to Israel. The combination of these terms emphasizes that the judgments proceed from the very core of God's holy, covenantal presence, where His righteous character and laws reside.

Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 15:5 offers reassurance that God is sovereign and just. Even amidst terrifying visions of judgment, the source of that judgment is the holy, righteous God who acts with purpose and according to His covenant. This should instill both reverence for His holiness and confidence in His ultimate triumph. For all, it serves as a solemn reminder that God's patience has a limit, and His justice will ultimately prevail. The opening of the heavenly temple signifies that all things are moving towards His divine consummation, urging repentance and faith before the full display of His wrath.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 11:19

    And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

  • Numbers 1:50

    But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that [belong] to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.

  • Matthew 27:51

    And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

  • Numbers 1:53

    But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

  • Exodus 38:21

    ¶ This is the sum of the tabernacle, [even] of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, [for] the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

  • Exodus 25:21

    And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
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