9 After these things I looked , and behold , a great multitude which no one could count , from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues , standing before the throne and before the Lamb , clothed in white robes , and palm branches were in their hands ; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice , saying , " Salvation to our God who sits on the throne , and to the Lamb ." 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures ; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God , 12 saying , " Amen , blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might , be to our God forever and ever . Amen ."
13 Then one of the elders answered , saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes , who are they, and where have they come from?" 14 I said to him, "My lord , you know ." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation , and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb . 15 "For this reason , they are before the throne of God ; and they serve Him day and night in His temple ; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 " They will hunger no longer , nor thirst anymore ; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat ; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd , and will guide them to springs of the water of life ; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 7:9-17
Commentary on Revelation 7:9-12
(Read Revelation 7:9-12)
The first fruits of Christ having led the way, the Gentiles converted later follow, and ascribe their salvation to God and the Redeemer, with triumph. In acts of religious worship we come nigh to God, and must come by Christ; the throne of God could not be approached by sinners, were it not for a Mediator. They were clothed with the robes of justification, holiness, and victory; and they had palms in their hands, as conquerors used to appear in their triumphs. Such a glorious appearance will the faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud voice they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be made perfect.
Commentary on Revelation 7:13-17
(Read Revelation 7:13-17)
Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright. Those who would gain knowledge, must not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, how great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God. Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious. It is not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God; other blood stains, this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean. They are happy in their employment; heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it isa praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows, and shed many tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away. He deals with them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under all his troubles. As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Saviour is their element; his presence and favour complete their happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace; and to him let them offer all praise and glory.