What Old Testament imagery is echoed in Revelation 1:13's depiction of Jesus? Jesus in the Middle of the Lampstands “and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.” (Revelation 1:13) Echoes of Daniel’s “Son of Man” • Daniel 7:13–14—“One like a Son of Man” comes on the clouds to receive everlasting dominion. • By borrowing Daniel’s wording, John identifies Jesus with the royal-Messiah who holds universal authority. • The title links Jesus to the prophetic promise of a divine, human ruler whose kingdom will never end. High-Priest Robe and Sash • Exodus 28:4—Aaron’s “robe” (Heb. meʿil) and “sash” are key pieces of priestly attire. • Leviticus 8:7—Moses “clothed him with the robe… and wrapped the sash around him.” • The Greek word for “robe” (podērēs) in Revelation matches the Septuagint term for the high priest’s garment. • The “golden sash” mirrors the ornate waistband of the ephod, pointing to purity and honor. • Isaiah 11:5—“Righteousness will be the belt around His hips,” foreshadowing Messiah’s perfect priestly character. Among the Lampstands—Tabernacle Imagery • Exodus 25:37—Seven lamps on the golden lampstand lit the Holy Place. • Leviticus 24:2–4—Aaron “tended the lamps… continually.” The priest walked among the flames, keeping them burning. • Zechariah 4:2—A seven-branched lampstand symbolizes God’s Spirit and presence. • By standing “among” the lampstands, Jesus is portrayed as the true High Priest faithfully tending His churches (the lampstands, v. 20). Daniel 10’s Dazzling Figure • Daniel 10:5—“a man dressed in linen, with a belt of pure gold from Uphaz around his waist.” • The matching description—linen robe and golden belt—reinforces the continuity between Daniel’s heavenly visitor and the risen Christ John sees. Royal Hints in the Robe • 1 Samuel 15:27; 18:4—Long robes signify royalty and authority in Israel’s history. • Jesus’ floor-length garment therefore signals not only priesthood but kingship. A Three-Fold Portrait Fulfilled in Jesus • Priest—He ministers in the sanctuary, caring for the lamps. • King—He bears the royal robe and golden sash, echoing the dominion promised in Daniel 7. • Son of Man—He is the prophetic deliverer who holds everlasting authority. Revelation 1:13 weaves these Old Testament threads into one majestic tapestry, revealing Jesus as the promised Priest-King who walks among His people with unchallenged divine authority. |
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