Revelation Chapter 21:9-27/Commentary

Revelation Chapter 21:9-27 Rev 21:9-27 “And one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I shall show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 12It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15And the one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. 16And the city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. 17And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. 18And the material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple.

23And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24And the nations shall walk by its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it. 25And in the daytime (for there shall be no night there) its gates shall never be closed; 26and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; 27and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life�.

21:9 It is significant that the invitation to come and behold the bride, the Lamb’s wife, came from one of the angels who had the seven bowls, for it was one of 1

these angels who had earlier said, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot” (17:1). “The judgment of the harlot and the marriage of the bride are set forth in clear and vivid contrast, as have been the seductive lusts of the one and the beauty and holiness of the other” (Hailey p. 410). Again, the reader should note that some commentators feel that this is a description of the current glory of the church on earth, yet to me that goes against the context (20:10-21:8) of eternity. Harkrider makes the following observations:     

The chronology of this text follows the final judgment scene rather than occurring before it (20:11-15).

The former things are passed away (21:4), including all pain, all death and all suffering.

The drinking of the water of life is occurring while others are in the lake of fire (21:6-7; 21:8).

The rewards spoken are rewards found in eternity: Absence of all suffering, partaking of the tree of life (2:7), inheriting (21:7; 1 Peter 1:4); seeing God’s face (22:4); reigning forever and ever (22:5).

God is the temple in this section (21:22). On earth the church is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). In these chapters we dwell in His very presence.

“The kingdom of God on earth is also called the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-24). Both terms apply because: 1. It originated in heaven according to God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:10-11). 2. Its citizens bear the characteristics of heaven (Matthew 5:3-12). 3. It has the eternal destiny of heaven (Philippians 3:20-21). Therefore many of the eternal blessings that will be enjoyed in heaven are partially realized by the saints who are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ while they still live on earth (Ephesians 1:3). However, to apply Revelation 21-22 as the description of earthly blessings before the final judgment is to strain the text” (p. 251).

21:10 The description that John gives us is not merely the future abode of the righteous, but it also seems to include a description of the glorified church, the redeemed of all the ages in eternity (21:9; Hebrews 12:22-23). While we are dealing with figurative language, let us remember that such language represents something that is real! (21:5). In a vision from a high mountain John is allowed to see the future home and or condition of the righteous. “In the Spirit”: Compare with 17:3. “Instead of being transported to a desolate wilderness where he was shown a harlot full of names of blasphemy, he is taken to a high mountain” (Hailey p. 411). “A great and high mountain”: This does not mean that the city is located on a great mountain, but rather this is the vantage point from where John sees it. “The holy city”: Here the bride of the Lamb is pictured under the figure of a great city. “Coming down out of heaven from God”: Not that this city exists on the earth forever in eternity (2 Peter 3:10-11), but rather, the city is of heavenly origin and of a heavenly nature. “The emphasis rests on two truths: the city is holy, and it is from God, that is, divine in its origin and

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nature. Like the gospel, it is not according to man, it is not from beneath, and it is not human in any respect (Galatians 1:11f). It comes from God” (Hailey p. 411).

Compare with Ezekiel 40:2-4.

21:11 The city is described as having the brilliance, radiance, sparkling and flashing quality of a cystral-clear stone like jasper. The sheen and the radiance which rested and played over all the city was like the glitter of a jasper stone, “transparent and gleaming as rock-crystal” (Moffat). Along with verse 18, this seems to indicate, “the pure, holy, gracious, and radiant character of the fellowship between God and His people” (Hendriksen p. 202). To me, such a description stresses the purity in this environment. An environment free from sin, deception, intrigue, or corruption. “Having the glory of God”: In times past, God’s glory had filled the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11), He is also glorified in the church (Ephesians 3:21). Now, God’s glory fills the holy city. “She is no earthly city, and so she glows with heavenly glory. The very glory of God Himself” (McGuiggan p. 323). “As a stone of crystal-clear jasper”: Many feel that the term “jasper” here is a reference to the stone we call a “diamond”. “The jasper, absolutely flawless and as clear as crystal, expresses the perfect illumination of the holy city” (Hailey p. 412). This certainly speaks of the purity of this city.

21:12 The great and high wall seems to indicate security, a picture of absolute and perfect security, “and of their complete and unassailable fellowship with God” (Hailey p. 412). Often Christians find themselves thinking, “But is there a chance that I could sin in heaven, like the angels that sinned? (2 Peter 2:4)”, “can I end up forfeiting eternal life, when I am in eternity?” Or, “will the devil and his followers eventually gain some ground on God? Will God always prevail?” In eternity, never again will our fellowship with God be threatened or interupted.

The gates and the angels seem to indicate divinely appointed access, but only for those whom God authorizes (Genesis 3:24). The reference to the twelve tribes of Israel, probably means that heaven is open to all of God’s people. The city is viewed as being accessible from every direction (21:13), which means that God desires people from every race and nation to be saved (Mark 16:15; 2 Peter 3:9). For the figure of universal access see Luke 13:29. “At the gates twelve angels”: “Inas much as angels sustained a continuous interest in the development of God’s plan of redemption (1 Peter 1:12) and served as ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), it is probable that these twelve at the gates symbolize the completed work of angelic ministering servants” (Hailey p. 413).

21:14 Twelve foundation stones indicate something which cannot be shaken, its reality was preached by the personal ambassadors of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:20-22). One must accept the teachings of the apostles to enter this city (1 Corinthians 14:37; Matthew 10:40). The heaven and hell described in the writings of the apostles is the heaven and hell that do exist! “With gates bearing the names of the twelve tribes and the foundation stones bearing the names of the twelve apostles, the churches (people of God) of the Old and New covenants

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are thus united into one, bringing all the redeemed into one eternal home” (Hailey p. 413).

21:15-17 The golden measuring rod befits the majesty and glory of the heavenly city. “The size of the city staggers the imagination, which is probably what God intended; for who can comprehend the greatness of the city of God?” (Hailey p.

414) The city is revealed as a great cube, 1500 miles in length, breadth and height. This may remind us of the holy of holies in the tabernacle which was 10 by 10 by 10 cubits. This would also suggest that everyone in the city has access to God and is a priest serving like the priests served in the Old Testament. 1500 miles is about 250 times taller than Mt. Everest. The entire area of Palestine could not contain even one side of it. What this says to me is that there is plenty of room in heaven for all, the way is narrow, not because God wants a small family, but because few are willing do what is right (Matthew 7:13-14). The total area of the city would be 2,250,000 square miles. An earthly city of this size would almost stretch from London to New York. The wall that surrounds the city is said to be 72 yards or around 216 feet. It is uncertain whether this indicates the thickness of the wall, it’s height or both. The statement, “according to human measurements, which are also angelic meaurements”, could mean that this city, this relationship, this environment and existence is perfectly fitted for man. Our eternal existence will not be awkward, rather it will fit like a glove. Have you ever wondered, “Will I only make it to heaven, to realize that I am out of my league?”

Heaven isn’t like a job which you later find is far beyond your abilities. In heaven you won’t end up feeling like the the student in Greek class who realizes that they are barely hanging on or that they are in way over their head. Heaven isn’t like making the cut for the varsity football team, only to never get the opportunity to play. Whatever will be asked of you in heaven, whatever service or opportunties await the righteous, everyone will be able to perform. If the wall is only 72 yards high, compared to the city which is 1500 miles high, the idea may be that God is far more interested in seeing people make it to this place, than in excluding them from it. This may also indicate the lack of future need for a defensive wall. This also would prevent the wall from obscuring the glory of the city. 21:17 “He measured”: “The measuring shows that the discourse is of something real, and that the city is not to be resolved into mere thought and imagination” (Gregg p. 495). “Seventy-two yards”: Or about 216 feet tall or thick? “According to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements”: “That is, it is a measure understood by man, one in common used by men, but in the hands of an angel” (Hailey p. 415). In addition, angelic beings understand the measurements of feet, yards and miles.

“Its squareness would speak not only of holiness, but of stability. No one could climb its walls. No one could batter down the walls. There is then, no fear of being taken” (McGuiggan p. 325).

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Please note that some Premillennial writers argue that John is describing a literal city that will exist, either in heaven or on the earth, that actually is 1500 miles in height as well as all other directions.

21:18-20 “The city itself was pure gold, but gold which is unfamiliar to us, for it too sparkled as pure polished glass” (Hailey p. 415). John now describes in detail the foundation stones previously mentioned (21:14). The most precious stones known to the world at that time are mentioned, some of which cannot be identified with absolute certainity today. Eight of the stones mentioned appeared on the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:17-20). Jasper is thought to be diamond. Sapphire (lapis lazuli, margin) is a stone of varous shades of blue.

Chalcedony (kal SED neh), a translucent variety of quartz which occurred in variety of colors. Emerald is probably the emerald of our day, sardonyx, type of onyx with red or brown mixed with white. Sardius, which came in yellowish brown, and transparent red, Crysolite (?), Beryl (BEHR ul), a green-sea color, Topaz, yellowish-green, Chrysoprase, a pale sea-green, Jacinth, a yellow-orange variety of the mineral zircon, some say that this is Sapphire, a transparent rich blue color, Amethyst, whose color nearly approaches a purplish red. God is trying to impress upon us the splendor of being part of this city. In addition, the wide varities of mavellous colors in these stones may be impressing upon us that eternal life isn’t simply being in a bright white light. Heaven is filled with color!

“We may note here that the value which men have always placed on gold and precious stones derives from the prior value which God has imputed to it” (Chilton p. 559).

21:21 Twelve gates impresses upon our minds the abundant opportunities that man is given to be a part of this city (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Romans 2:4; 10:21 “All the day long I have stretched out My hands”; 2 Chron. 36:15-16). “from the standpoint of the new heaven and earth we should say there has been— abundant opportunity to enter into this glorious and wonderful fellowship with God. Open gates symbolize opportunites to enter” (Hendriksen p. 204). These gates are made from a single pearl, are a symbol of unimaginable beauty and unassessable riches. In the ancient world pearls held highest rank among precious stones. Among the motives which impelled Caesar to attempt the conquest of Britain, was the fame of its pearl-fisheries. There is no earthly comparison, even 20 grain pearls are only the size of a marble! The greatest pleasures, fame, glory, honor and treasures that this life can offer, pale in comparison to heaven (Romans 8:18). But how many people in this life insist on holding onto their pea-size or maybe even marble size pleasures of this life, while forfeiting heavenly gems and pearls the size of entire city gates? (Hebrews 12:16 “that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal”; Matthew 16:26 “What will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?”). Shall we repeat the sin of Adam and Eve, who forfeited paradise for a bite from a single fruit?

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This city has a street, which suggests movement, mobility, and that heaven is not a place of inactivity or boredom. Gold which is considered as priceless in this world, is street paving material in heaven. Some see this verse as implying that the picture we are to get is that of streets leading from each gate, joining themselves together into one street, which leads to the throne of God (22:1-2).

This could suggest abundant opportunties to the throne of God, free and open communication with Him. 21:22-23 God is very accessible to His people The entire city is the house of God. This means that talking to God and spending time with Him will not mean standing in line for hours or taking a number. How many wonderful things in this life have a very limited access, or attract so many people that the wonder of the event is spoiled? In heaven the frightening dark will be no more. “Their city of residence is their temple, it contains within it no temple whose walls or doors intervene between them and the God they adore. God is temple to the city, and the city is temple to God” (Farrer, p. 221).

21:24 “Since all civil kingdoms and political kings have come to an end, there are none to challenge or share God’s glory; whatever glory these had possessed or claimed is now laid at the feet of Him who is Almighty” (Hailey p. 418) (Philippians 2:10-11). Please note that this verse is not teaching that all the nations will be converted (Matthew 7:13-14). Rather, because of the universal nature of the gospel, people from every nation will be in this city. Compare with Isaiah 60. All the nations have been coming to Christ for 2000 years (Isaiah 2:24) and here is a picture of the final resting place for such converts.

21:25-27 The never closing gates may be telling us that right now, there are universal and continual opportunities that are being offered to one day be a part of this city. Access is so simple! (2 Peter 1:5-11; John 14:6). Heaven will contain the best people from every culture, time period, and nation, who decided to use their talents, time, and abilities for God (Romans 12:6-8; Matthew 25:14,21). But there is a warning, the person who rejects God’s moral standards will be excluded (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:9-21; Ephesians 5:5-6).

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