TRV
“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals;
because you were slaughtered;
at the cost of blood you ransomed for God
persons from every tribe, language, people and nation.
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Commentary on Revelation 5 verses 6–14
Here, I. The apostle beholds this book taken into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to its being unsealed and opened by him. Here Christ is described, 1. By his place and station: In the midst of the throne, and of the four beasts, and of the elders. He was on the same throne with the Father; he was nearer to him than either the elders or ministers of the churches. Christ, as man and Mediator, is subordinate to God the Father, but is nearer to him than all the creatures; for in him all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily. The ministers stand between God and the people. Christ stands as the Mediator between God and both ministers and people. 2. The form in which he appeared. Before he is called a lion; here he appears as a lamb slain. He is a lion to conquer Satan, a lamb to satisfy the justice of God. He appears with the marks of his sufferings upon him, to show that he interceded in heaven in the virtue of his satisfaction. He appears as a lamb, having seven horns and seven eyes, perfect power to execute all the will of God and perfect wisdom to understand it all and to do it in the most effectual manner; for he hath the seven Spirits of God, he has received the Holy Spirit without measure, in all perfection of light, and life, and power, by which he is able to teach and rule all parts of the earth. 3. He is described by his act and deed: He came, and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne (Rev 5:7), not by violence, nor by fraud, but he prevailed to do it (as Rev 5:5), he prevailed by his merit and worthiness, he did it by authority and by the Father's appointment. God very willingly and justly put the book of his eternal counsels into the hand of Christ, and Christ as readily and gladly took it into his hand; for he delights to reveal and to do the will of his Father.
II. The apostle observes the universal joy and thanksgiving that filled heaven and earth upon this transaction. No sooner had Christ received this book out of the Father's hand than he received the applauses and adorations of angels and men, yea, of every creature. And, indeed, it is just matter of joy to all the world to see that God does not deal with men in a way of absolute power and strict justice, but in a way of grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He governs the world, not merely as a Creator and Lawgiver, but as our God and Saviour. All the world has reason to rejoice in this. The song of praise that was offered up to the Lamb on this occasion consists of three parts, one part sung by the church, another by the church and the angels, the third by every creature.
1.The church begins the doxology, as being more immediately concerned in it (Rev 5:8), the four living creatures, and the four-and-twenty elders, the Christian people, under their minister, lead up the chorus. Here observe, (1.) The object of their worship - the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ; it is the declared will of God that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father; for he has the same nature. (2.) Their posture: They fell down before him, gave him not an inferior sort of worship, but the most profound adoration. (3.) The instruments used in their adorations - harps and vials; the harps were the instruments of praise, the vials were full of odours or incense, which signify the prayers of the saints: prayer and praise should always go together. (4.) The matter of their song: it was suited to the new state of the church, the gospel-state introduced by the Son of God. In this new song, [1.] They acknowledge the infinite fitness and worthiness of the Lord Jesus for this great work of opening and executing the counsel and purposes of God (Rev 5:9): Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, every way sufficient for the work and deserving the honour. [2.] They mention the grounds and reasons of this worthiness; and though they do not exclude the dignity of his person as God, without which he had not been sufficient for it, yet they chiefly insist upon the merit of his sufferings, which he had endured for them; these more sensibly struck their souls with thankfulness and joy. Here, First, They mention his suffering: "Thou wast slain, slain as a sacrifice, thy blood was shed." Secondly, The fruits of his sufferings. 1. Redemption to God; Christ has redeemed his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan, redeemed them to God, set them at liberty to serve him and to enjoy him. 2. High exaltation: Thou hast made us to our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth, Rev 5:10. Every ransomed slave is not immediately preferred to honour; he thinks it a great favour to be restored to liberty. But when the elect of God were made slaves by sin and Satan, in every nation of the world, Christ not only purchased their liberty for them, but the highest honour and preferment, made them kings and priests - kings, to rule over their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and the evil one; and he has made them priests, given them access to himself, and liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices, and they shall reign on the earth; they shall with him judge the world at the great day.
2.The doxology, thus begun by the church, is carried on by the angels; they take the second part, in conjunction with the church, Rev 5:11. They are said to be innumerable, and to be the attendants on the throne of God and guardians to the church; though they did not need a Saviour themselves, yet they rejoice in the redemption and salvation of sinners, and they agree with the church in acknowledging the infinite merits of the Lord Jesus as dying for sinners, that he is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. (1.) He is worthy of that office and that authority which require the greatest power and wisdom, the greatest fund, all excellency, to discharge them aright; and, (2.) He is worthy of all honour, and glory, and blessing, because he is sufficient for the office and faithful in it.
3.This doxology, thus begun by the church, and carried on by the angels, is resounded and echoed by the whole creation, Rev 5:13. Heaven and earth ring with the high praises of the Redeemer. The whole creation fares the better for Christ. By him all things consist; and all the creatures, had they sense and language, would adore that great Redeemer who delivers the creature from that bondage under which it groans, through the corruption of men, and the just curse denounced by the great God upon the fall; that part which (by a prosopopoeia) is made for the whole creation is a song of blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, (1.) To him that sits on the throne, to God as God, or to God the Father, as the first person in the Trinity and the first in the economy of our salvation; and, (2.) To the Lamb, as the second person in the Godhead and the Mediator of the new covenant. Not that the worship paid to the Lamb is of another nature, an inferior worship, for the very same honour and glory are in the same words ascribed to the Lamb and to him that sits on the throne, their essence being the same; but, their parts in the work of our salvation being distinct they are distinctly adored. We worship and glorify one and the same God for our creation and for our redemption.
We see how the church that began the heavenly anthem, finding heaven and earth join in the concert, closes all with their Amen, and end as they began, with a low prostration before the eternal and everlasting God. Thus we have seen this sealed book passing with great solemnity from the hand of the Creator into the hand of the Redeemer.
If I remember not that it is I who have served Him, how shall I ascribe glory to God? How sing to Him "the new song," if I am ignorant that it is I who owe Him thanks? But why is exception taken only against the change of the flesh, and not of the soul also, which in all things is superior to the flesh? How happens it, that the self-same soul which in our present flesh has gone through all life's course, which has learnt the knowledge of God, and put on Christ, and sown the hope of salvation in this flesh, must reap its harvest in another flesh of which we know nothing? Verily that must be a most highly favoured flesh, which shall have the enjoyment of life at so gratuitous a rate! But if the soul is not to be changed also, then there is no resurrection of the soul; nor will it be believed to have itself risen, unless it has risen some different thing.
"Twenty-four elders and four living creatures, having harps and phials, and singing a new song." The proclamation of the Old Testament associated with the New, points out the Christian people singing a new song, that is, bearing their confession publicly. It is a new thing that the Son of God should become man. It is a new thing to ascend into the heavens with a body. It is a new thing to give remission of sins to men. It is a new thing for men to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. It is a new thing to receive the priesthood of sacred observance, and to look for a kingdom of unbounded promise. The harp, and the chord stretched on its wooden frame, signifies the flesh of Christ linked with the wood of the passion. The phial signifies the Confession, and the race of the new Priesthood. But it is the praise of many angels, yea, of all, the salvation of all, and the testimony of the universal creation, bringing to our Lord thanksgiving for the deliverance of men from the destruction of death. The unsealing of the seals, as we have said, is the opening of the Old Testament, and the foretelling of the preachers of things to come in the last times, which, although the prophetic Scripture speaks by single seals, yet by all the seals opened at once, prophecy takes its rank.
Christ wrote a new song by the harmonious truth of both Testaments. This he did when he, remaining the Word which was in the beginning, was born by a new sort of birth through the Virgin. This he did when he as God put on man in a new manner. This he did when he gave himself over to his killers by his own power. This he did when he was wondrously made alive from the dead and when at a time of his own choosing was ascended beyond the heavens. And this new song he bestowed upon all those who belong to the church which he acquired, that it might be sung continually, and that in this [the church] might rest secure as it awaits in hope the coming judge, that “we might walk in the newness of life.” As he said, “If any one wishes to be my disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Through this passage it is revealed that the elders, both those in the Old Testament and those in the New Testament, were well-pleasing to God, and that on behalf of the whole world they bring forth a [hymn of] thanksgiving to the Lamb of God who was slain and redeemed us. It is a “new song,” which we have been taught to sing, who from every tribe and tongue have been freed from the antiquity of the letter and through the Spirit have received light. He says that these will rule the new earth, which the Lord promised to the humble.
And they sang a new song, etc. They celebrate the sacraments of the New Testament, which are completed in Christ, praising His very dispensation, which they confess belongs to Christ alone.
And you have redeemed us to God by your blood, etc. Here it is further declared that the creatures and elders are the Church, which has been redeemed by the blood of Christ and gathered from the nations. It also shows in which heaven they are, by saying: And they will reign on the earth. And I saw and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the creatures, and the elders.
And they sung a new canticle, saying: Thou art worthy, O Lord our God, to take the book, etc. Christ sang a new canticle by preaching it in words and following it in acts. Now what does it mean to say, Thou art worthy, O Lord our God, to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; because thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God, in thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, if not “Compared to our victories, thy victory alone is considered one, by which we were redeemed from the prince of death and the malediction of the law?” By the fact that the four living creatures and the twenty-four ancients say they have been redeemed out of every tribe, and tongue, and nation, it is clearly shown that by them is represented the universal Church.
And they sang a new song. For the song sung to God incarnate is new, having never before been brought forth prior to the incarnation. What was the song? Worthy are You, it says, "to bring this salvation to mankind, you who were slain for us and by your blood have redeemed many from under the heavens."
And he certainly spoke very securely from every tribe and language and people and nation. For he did not acquire all, for many died in unbelief, but from all those worthy of salvation. The prophet also said: "Arise, O God, judge the earth, for you shall judge all the nations; indeed, you will not condemn all the nations." (Ps. 81:8)
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SUMMARY
Revelation 5:9 encapsulates a profound moment of heavenly worship, where a diverse multitude of redeemed beings sings a "new song" in adoration of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. This pivotal verse articulates the unique worthiness of Christ to execute God's redemptive plan, a worthiness grounded in His sacrificial death and His act of purchasing humanity for God from every corner of the earth through His shed blood, thereby uniting a global community in worship.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 5:9 is rich in Symbolism. The "Lamb as it had been slain" is a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ, combining the vulnerability and sacrificial nature of a lamb with the enduring marks of His crucifixion. This image contrasts with the earlier mention of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," creating a profound Juxtaposition that reveals the paradoxical nature of Christ's victory through self-sacrifice. The "new song" serves as a Metaphor for a fresh, unprecedented understanding and celebration of God's redemptive work, signifying a new era inaugurated by the Lamb's sacrifice. The enumeration of "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" employs Merism (or a form of Synecdoche), where a comprehensive whole is expressed by listing its constituent parts, powerfully conveying the universal and all-encompassing scope of Christ's redemption across all humanity. The entire passage is an act of Worship, demonstrating the appropriate response to the revelation of Christ's worthiness and redemptive work.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 5:9 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth that Christ's sacrificial death is the sole basis for His authority and the redemption of humanity. It underscores the unique worthiness of Jesus, the Lamb of God, to execute God's ultimate plan for creation and history. This worthiness is not derived from raw power, but from His self-giving love demonstrated on the cross, which effectively "purchased" a people for God from every corner of the earth. The verse beautifully portrays the cosmic scope of salvation, revealing God's intention to gather a diverse, multi-ethnic family united by the blood of Christ, all joining in a new song of praise for His unparalleled redemptive act.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 5:9 offers a profound wellspring of encouragement and a powerful call to worship for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is not an abstract concept but a costly redemption, secured by the precious, atoning blood of Jesus Christ. This truth should ignite within us a deep sense of gratitude and adoration, compelling us to declare His supreme worthiness in every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, this verse paints a glorious picture of the church's ultimate destiny: a diverse, unified multitude from every nation, tribe, and tongue, all worshipping the Lamb. This vision challenges us to embrace and celebrate the rich diversity within the body of Christ now, actively pursuing unity across cultural and ethnic lines. It also serves as a powerful impetus for global missions, reminding us that Christ's redeeming power is for "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation," and that we are called to participate in bringing this heavenly chorus to fruition on earth. Our worship, both individually and corporately, should reflect the "new song" of Christ's redemptive work, acknowledging His sacrifice as the foundation of all hope and the source of our eternal praise.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "new song" in Revelation 5:9?
Answer: The "new song" (Greek: ōdēn kainēn) is highly significant because it signifies a fresh, unprecedented, and superior act of divine salvation. Unlike previous songs of deliverance in the Old Testament, this song celebrates an unparalleled event: the Lamb's sacrificial death and His unique worthiness to execute God's ultimate plan. It marks a new era of redemption and reconciliation with God, made possible only through Christ's shed blood. It's a song of revelation, acknowledging the Lamb's supreme authority and the universal scope of His redemptive work, uniting all peoples.
Why is the Lamb worthy to open the book and its seals?
Answer: The Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, is declared worthy to open the book and its seals for one explicit reason: "for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" (Revelation 5:9). His worthiness is not merely an inherent attribute of His divine nature, but is specifically earned through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. By shedding His blood, He paid the ultimate price to redeem humanity from sin and death, thereby demonstrating His unparalleled love, power over evil, and unique qualification to unfold God's sovereign plan for history (Revelation 5:6-7).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 5:9 is a profound declaration of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "Lamb as it had been slain" (Revelation 5:6) is Jesus, whose sacrificial death on the cross is the pivotal event in cosmic history, making Him uniquely worthy to open the sealed scroll of God's purposes. His being "slain" directly fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the suffering servant (e.g., Isaiah 53:5-7), who would bear the sins of many. The declaration that He "hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" points to the efficacy of His atonement, where His shed blood serves as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin, making reconciliation with God possible (Hebrews 9:22). This act of redemption transcends all human divisions, gathering a people "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation," perfectly aligning with Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) and fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Thus, the "new song" sung in heaven is the eternal anthem of praise for the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who through His cross, has secured salvation for a global multitude and inaugurated the new creation.