Revelation 10: The Little Bittersweet Book

The tenth chapter of Revelation represents yet another break in the chain of events. A momentary break is being taken between the sixth and seventh trumpets at this point in time. 

Revelation 10 verse 1

1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

🔹A mighty angel

The definition of an angel does not only mean a celestial spiritual being created by God. An angel is a word that also means messenger.

We also see that “angel” has other meanings in the Bible.

• In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the word “angel” represents a pastor or the person in charge of the church.

• In the Book of Daniel, the “Son of God,” is represented as being an “angel” (Daniel 3:25, 28).

The "mighty angel" represents Jesus in this context, who is coming as a "messenger" to convey a message.

Here are some reasons why this “messenger” represents Christ and not a literal angel:

1. The angel comes “down from heaven clothed with a cloud,” as Christ is pictured doing (Numbers 12:5).

2. “A rainbow is upon his head,” as when Ezekiel sees the “glory of the Lord” (Ezekiel 1:28).

3. “His face was as it were the sun” as Christ’s (Malachi 4:2, Revelation 1:16).

4. “His feet as pillars of fire” as Christ’s (Ezekiel 1:7, Revelation 1:15).

Jesus is also God (the second person of the Trinity) and acts as a messenger in the context of Revelation 10. He is not an angel (a created being) like Jehovah’s Witnesses believe.

There are several symbols that are used to depict Christ, such as a shepherd, bread, manna, and messenger. These symbols do not diminish the fact that Christ is divine, but rather shed light on the ministry that He performs on behalf of humanity.

Revelation 10 verse 2 to 3

2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

🔹A little book open

In the Old Testament book of Daniel, we encounter a similar subject that will help us comprehend the significance of this open book.

In Daniel 10, Daniel sees a “certain man” whose appearance is similar to the “angel” described in Revelation 10:1 (Daniel 10:5–6). 

In Daniel’s passage, the book is sealed until the Time of the End. Revelation 10 declares the book open.

If we look at Daniel 12:5–10 and Revelation 10:1-6 in further detail, we will notice that both of these texts point to the same events.

This is the same prophecy of the 2300 days in the book of Daniel 8:14, which was sealed in verse 26.

The "little book" that is "open" in Revelation 10 is the only one that has ever been closed or "sealed." It is Daniel's little prophetic book. Revelation 10 reveals that the book of Daniel, once sealed for a specific period, is now open.

The prophetic time periods come to an end. According to what Daniel was told, we have come to the “time of the end” when many would “run to and fro” in the Bible, and “knowledge” of his visions would “be increased” (Daniel 12:4).

🔹Foot upon the sea and upon the earth

The terms "sea" and "earth" refer to the entire planet on multiple occasions. The angel standing on both the sea and the earth symbolizes his power and authority over the world and his ability to spread his message.

As opposed to simply standing on the "waters of the river," the powerful messenger of Revelation 10 is shown standing on "land" and "sea," which indicates that a much more comprehensive proclamation of the message is about to be delivered (Revelation 10:11). When the books of Daniel and Revelation are combined, the amount of information gained from Daniel's visions increases. These two publications cover similar topics and use similar symbols, making them complementary.

Revelation 10 verse 4 to 5

4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven

🔹Seal up

John is given the same instruction as Daniel, which is to "seal up" the revelation that he has just received (Daniel 12:4). It is evident that the messages conveyed by the seven thunders did not come as a surprise to the people living during John's time. Without a doubt, they provide important information on the messages that were going to be announced at "the time of the end." (Compare Revelation 10:2 and Daniel 12:4).

🔹Lifted up his hand to heaven

The act of raising one's hand was a gesture that was indicative of the recital of an oath in ancient times, just as it is in our daily lives now. Genesis 14:21–23, Ezekiel 20:15, and Daniel 12:7 all mention it.

Next: Revelation Chapter 10: Time No Longer 

Previous: Revelation 10: Chapter Reading