Revelation 10:5

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

And {G2532} the angel {G32} which {G3739} I saw {G1492} stand {G2476} upon {G1909} the sea {G2281} and {G2532} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093} lifted up {G142} his {G846} hand {G5495} to {G1519} heaven {G3772},

Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted his right hand toward heaven

Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven.

And the angel that I saw standing upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his right hand to heaven,

Commentary

Revelation 10:5 describes a significant moment in John's prophetic vision, where a powerful angelic figure, introduced earlier in the chapter, prepares to make a solemn declaration. This verse sets the stage for a crucial oath regarding the timing of God's ultimate plan.

Context

This verse follows the appearance of a mighty angel descending from heaven, clothed with a cloud, a rainbow on his head, and his face like the sun, with feet like pillars of fire. His unique posture, standing with one foot on the sea and the other on the earth, symbolizes his vast dominion and authority over all creation. The previous verses also mention the "little book" in his hand and the mysterious "seven thunders" whose voices John was forbidden to write down (Revelation 10:3-4). The lifting of his hand is a prelude to the powerful oath he is about to swear in the subsequent verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Dominion: The angel's stance upon both sea and land underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of His creation, signifying that the message and oath he delivers come with universal backing and authority.
  • Solemn Declaration and Oath: The act of lifting the hand to heaven is a universally recognized gesture of swearing an oath, appealing to a higher power (in this case, God Himself) as witness and enforcer. This emphasizes the gravity and absolute certainty of the declaration that follows.
  • The Imminence of God's Plan: This action anticipates the angel's proclamation that "there should be time no longer" (Revelation 10:6), signaling the swift and certain culmination of God's prophetic timeline and the unfolding of His final judgments.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lifted up his hand to heaven" is a common biblical idiom for taking an oath or making a binding promise. This gesture is seen throughout Scripture, indicating a solemn appeal to God as the ultimate authority and guarantor of truth. It signifies that the following declaration is not merely a statement, but a divinely ratified truth, as certain as God's own existence.

Related Scriptures

  • For the full description of this powerful angelic figure, read Revelation 10:1.
  • The solemn oath that the angel makes immediately after this action is found in Revelation 10:6.
  • This vision is part of the broader series of revelations given to John on the island of Patmos, as introduced in Revelation 1:9.

Practical Application

This verse, though part of a complex prophetic vision, reminds us of God's absolute control over all time and creation. The angel's solemn oath assures us that God's plans, including the unfolding of future events, are certain and will be executed precisely according to His divine will. It encourages believers to trust in the sovereignty of God, knowing that He is faithfully bringing all things to their appointed conclusion, even amidst the mystery of prophetic visions. The certainty of this divine oath provides comfort and a call to readiness for those who await the Lord's return and the fulfillment of all His promises.

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 12:7 (8 votes)

    And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

  • Deuteronomy 32:40 (5 votes)

    For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

  • Revelation 14:7 (4 votes)

    Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

  • Acts 14:15 (4 votes)

    And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

  • Revelation 10:2 (4 votes)

    And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth,

  • Revelation 4:11 (4 votes)

    Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

  • Revelation 16:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.