Page:Darby - Notes on the Book of Revelations, 1839.djvu/134

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

Elohim Shaddai’s works were “great and marvellous;” and the truth and justice of the ways of the King of saints—more probably Gentiles or nations —the song^[1] of the Lamb. The only question to my mind is, whether the Lamb is not viewed here rather as leading the song. Moses and Israel sang their song; and in the midst of the Church the sufferer was to sing praise to his God the Lord; and, in heading his suffering people now delivered, He seems to do it. It was not only for power exhibited; but, as the saints, they understood, in the Spirit of the Lamb, the justice and truth of His ways: so they celebrate the coming recognition of the Lord. Now His judgments were made manifest, who should not fear him? for He only was

↑ Though this chapter be a distinct sign, yet, like the eleventh and twelfth, it is not unconnected. It seems to apply itself to those who have passed through the fire—not merely escaped corruption when Babylon prevailed. And the judgment is not now the fall of Babylon and a warning against any’s receiving the mark of the beast, but judgment and plague on those who had; the faithful being out of the way, on the sea of glass mingled with fire. They had suffered, but were therefore out of the way of the judgments ; still the judgment is in the earth.
In subject it follows, but is not, I apprehend, chronologically consequent, but a distinct design, more secular in its general character of judgments and dealings. The last of the saints too, not left on earth—were now out of the way: compare xiv. 13.

[1] Though this chapter be a distinct sign, yet, like the eleventh and twelfth, it is not unconnected. It seems to apply itself to those who have passed through the fire—not merely escaped corruption when Babylon prevailed. And the judgment is not now the fall of Babylon and a warning against any’s receiving the mark of the beast, but judgment and plague on those who had; the faithful being out of the way, on the sea of glass mingled with fire. They had suffered, but were therefore out of the way of the judgments ; still the judgment is in the earth.
In subject it follows, but is not, I apprehend, chronologically consequent, but a distinct design, more secular in its general character of judgments and dealings. The last of the saints too, not left on earth—were now out of the way: compare xiv. 13.

[1]