Souls of the Saints | HVSB

Souls of the Saints

Note· Rev 6:9· Gary W Derickson

The fifth seal judgment revealed the souls of those slain because of the word of God and promised vengeance on those dwelling on earth. This seal reveals the Tribulation martyrs rather than all saints of all time, because their murderers are still living.

This seal is introduced differently from the previous four. There is no command by one of the living creatures.

John moves from the altar to the souls of the martyrs. This is the altar of incense before the throne of God. “Underneath” does not mean they are physically under the altar, but that they are lower than it. That these are martyrs is indicated by the reason for their deaths. They were killed for the same two reasons John had been imprisoned on Patmos (1:9), “the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ,” now called “the Lamb.”

Their question is a prayer for divine justice. Their question of “how long” indicates that they anticipate His judging their murderers.

God’s response is to give them white robes. This indicates their holiness. They are then commanded to rest. The timing of God’s vengeance depends on how long it takes for all the martyrs to die. This shows that an individual’s martyrdom is a part of God’s plan, not a failure to protect on God’s part. “Fellow servants and brothers” identify them with those serving God throughout eternity (1:1; 22:3; 11:18). God describes the death of His martyrs as the completion of their “course.” This indicates that martyrdom was a part of their purpose in life.

One might ask how this is a judgment comparable to the previous four. The world will not realize the loss this judgment represents. It is not a judgment on the saints. They are innocent martyrs. Rather, it is the loss of that element of good from the earth that will increase the guilt and subsequent judgments from God.

Revelation 22 (WEB)

1He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5There will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.

6He said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon.”

7“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8Now I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things. 9He said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 10He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11He who acts unjustly, let him act unjustly still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him do righteousness still. He who is holy, let him be holy still.”

12“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. 13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 15Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” He who hears, let him say, “Come!” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.

18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book. 19If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. 20He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!

21The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.

Bible version

World English Bible · public domain · ebible.org