I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire It was before clear as crystal, (Revelation 4:6,) but is now mingled with fire Emblematical of the judgments whereby God's enemies were about to be devoured; and them that had gained Or were gaining, as τους νικωντας rather means; the victory over the beast and his image And not submitted to his tyranny or religion, having steadfastly refused, though at the expense of their property, liberty, and lives, amidst so many who were devoted to him, to receive his mark, and the number of his name
Expressions which seem to mean nearly the same thing; standing on the sea of glass Which was before the throne; having the harps of God
Given by him, and appropriated to his praise. And they sing, &c. Like unto the people of Israel after their deliverance and escape out of Egypt, when, having passed through the Red sea, they stood on the shore; and, seeing their enemies overwhelmed with the waters, sung the triumphant song of Moses. So these, having passed through the fiery trials of this world, stand on a sea of glass, and, seeing the vials ready to be poured out upon their enemies, sing a song of triumph for the manifestation of the divine judgments, which is called the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, because the words are, in a great measure, taken from the song of Moses and other parts of the Old Testament, and applied in a Christian sense; but chiefly because Moses was the minister and representative of the Jewish Church, as Christ is of the church universal: therefore it is also termed, the song of the Lamb. Saying, Great and marvellous are thy works We acknowledge and know that all thy works, in and toward all the creatures, are great and wonderful; just and true are thy ways With all the children of men, good and evil. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord Stand in awe of thee, revere thy justice and thy power, and fear to offend thee; and glorify thy name Honour and praise, love and serve thee; for thou only art holy And in thy presence the holiness of all other beings disappears, as utterly unworthy to be mentioned. Or, as the words may be rendered, thou only art gracious, and thy grace is the spring of all thy wonderful works, even of thy destroying the enemies of thy people. Accordingly, in the 137th Psalm, that clause, for his mercy endureth for ever, is subjoined to the thanksgiving for his works of vengeance, as well as for his delivering the righteous. For all nations shall come and worship before thee Shall serve thee as their king, and confide in thee as their Saviour with reverential joy: a glorious testimony this to the future conversion of all the heathen. The Christians are now a little flock; and they who do not worship God, an immense multitude. But all the nations, from all parts of the earth, shall come and worship him, and glorify his name. For thy judgments shall be made manifest And then the inhabitants of the earth will, at length, learn to fear thee.