Then I saw another mighty angel
The term "another" suggests a continuation or comparison with previous angelic figures in Revelation, such as those in chapters 5 and 8. The "mighty angel" indicates a being of significant power and authority, often seen as a messenger of God. Angels in biblical texts frequently serve as intermediaries between God and humanity, delivering divine messages or executing God's will. This angel's might could symbolize the importance and gravity of the message he brings.

coming down from heaven
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the angel, reinforcing his authority and the heavenly source of his message. Heaven is often depicted as the dwelling place of God and His angels, a realm of purity and divine order. The descent from heaven signifies a direct intervention from God into the earthly realm, highlighting the significance of the revelation to follow.

wrapped in a cloud
Clouds in biblical literature often symbolize the presence of God, as seen in the Old Testament during the Exodus when God led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud. This imagery suggests divine mystery and majesty, as clouds both reveal and conceal. The cloud wrapping the angel may indicate the angel's role as a divine messenger, shrouded in the mystery of God's presence.

with a rainbow above his head
The rainbow is a symbol of God's covenant and mercy, first seen in Genesis 9 with Noah. It represents God's promise not to destroy the earth with a flood again, signifying hope and divine faithfulness. In Revelation, the rainbow above the angel's head may symbolize the assurance of God's promises amidst the judgments being revealed, offering a reminder of His mercy.

His face was like the sun
The sun is a symbol of brilliance, glory, and righteousness. A face shining like the sun suggests divine radiance and holiness, reminiscent of Moses' face after encountering God on Mount Sinai. This imagery conveys the angel's close association with God's glory and the transformative power of divine presence.

and his legs were like pillars of fire
Fire often represents purification, judgment, and the presence of God, as seen in the burning bush and the pillar of fire guiding the Israelites. Pillars suggest strength and stability. The angel's fiery legs may symbolize the firm and purifying nature of God's judgment, as well as His unwavering support for His people. This imagery underscores the angel's role in executing God's will with power and authority.

He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open.
The "small scroll" in the angel's hand is significant in the context of Revelation. Unlike the sealed scroll in Revelation 5, this scroll is open, indicating that its contents are ready to be revealed. The open scroll suggests the transparency and imminence of God's message. In biblical symbolism, scrolls often represent divine revelation or prophecy. The fact that it is "small" may imply a specific or focused message, possibly related to the events that follow in the narrative. This scroll could be seen as a continuation or further explanation of the larger scroll, emphasizing the unfolding of God's plan. The act of holding the scroll signifies authority and the readiness to deliver its message, reminiscent of Ezekiel 2:9-10, where Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the internalization of God's word.

He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
The angel's stance, with one foot on the sea and the other on the land, symbolizes dominion and authority over the entire earth. This imagery reflects the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty, encompassing both the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the sea and the stability of the land. In ancient times, the sea often represented chaos and danger, while the land symbolized order and security. By standing on both, the angel demonstrates control over all creation, echoing the dominion given to humanity in Genesis 1:28. This act also signifies the universality of the message contained in the scroll, indicating that it pertains to all of creation. The positioning of the feet may also allude to the promise of God's ultimate victory over evil, as seen in Psalm 8:6, where God places all things under His feet. This imagery reinforces the theme of divine authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Then he cried out in a loud voice
The imagery of a loud voice is often used in Scripture to denote authority and power. In the context of Revelation, this loud voice signifies a divine message that demands attention. The angel's cry echoes the proclamations of the prophets in the Old Testament, such as the voice of God at Sinai (Exodus 19:19) and the calls of the prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. This loud voice is a call to heed the message that follows, emphasizing its importance and urgency.

like the roar of a lion.
The comparison to a lion's roar suggests majesty, strength, and authority. In biblical symbolism, the lion is often associated with the tribe of Judah and, by extension, Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5). The roar of a lion can also symbolize the fearsome and awe-inspiring nature of God's voice, as seen in Amos 3:8, where the lion's roar is linked to the prophetic voice of God. This imagery underscores the power and sovereignty of the message being delivered.

And when he cried out,
The repetition of the cry emphasizes the significance of the message. It indicates a moment of divine revelation that is about to unfold. This phrase sets the stage for the subsequent events, highlighting the connection between the angel's proclamation and the response it elicits from the heavenly realm.

the seven thunders sounded their voices.
The seven thunders are a mysterious element in the book of Revelation. The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that these thunders convey a complete or perfect message from God. The thunders' voices may symbolize divine judgment or revelation, akin to the voice of God in Psalm 29, which is described as powerful and majestic. The fact that their message is not recorded (as seen in the following verses) adds to the mystery and suggests that some aspects of God's plan remain hidden from human understanding. This aligns with the theme of divine mystery and the unfolding of God's ultimate purposes throughout Revelation.

When the seven thunders had spoken
The "seven thunders" are a mysterious element in the Book of Revelation, often interpreted as a divine utterance or message. The number seven frequently symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that these thunders represent a complete or perfect message from God. The thunders may be seen as a form of divine judgment or revelation, similar to the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls found elsewhere in Revelation. The imagery of thunder is often associated with God's voice and power, as seen in passages like Psalm 29:3-9, where the voice of the Lord is described as powerful and majestic, breaking cedars and shaking the wilderness.

I was about to put it in writing
John, the author of Revelation, is prepared to record the message of the seven thunders, indicating his role as a faithful scribe of divine revelation. This readiness to write aligns with his task throughout Revelation, where he documents the visions and messages he receives. The act of writing is significant in the biblical context, as it serves to preserve and communicate God's word to future generations, as seen in other scriptural instances like Jeremiah 30:2, where God instructs Jeremiah to write down all the words He has spoken.

But I heard a voice from heaven saying
The "voice from heaven" is a recurring motif in Revelation, often representing divine authority or instruction. This voice interrupts John's intention to write, indicating a higher command or purpose. The heavenly voice underscores the divine origin and authority of the message, similar to other instances in the Bible where God speaks from heaven, such as during Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:17. This voice serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and mystery of God's plans, which are not always revealed to humanity.

“Seal up what the seven thunders have said
The command to "seal up" the message of the seven thunders suggests that certain aspects of God's revelation are meant to remain hidden or undisclosed. This concept of sealing is reminiscent of Daniel 12:4, where Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. The sealing indicates that some divine mysteries are not yet meant for human understanding, emphasizing the theme of God's inscrutable wisdom and timing. It also highlights the selective nature of revelation, where some truths are revealed while others are concealed.

and do not write it down.”
The instruction not to write down the message of the seven thunders further emphasizes the theme of divine mystery and the limits of human knowledge. This prohibition contrasts with the general directive given to John to record his visions, as seen in Revelation 1:11. The withholding of this specific revelation serves as a reminder of the partial nature of human understanding and the need for faith in God's ultimate plan. It also reflects the tension between revealed and hidden knowledge, a common theme in apocalyptic literature, where certain truths are reserved for God's timing and purpose.

Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land
This phrase refers to a mighty angel, possibly representing divine authority and power, as he stands with one foot on the sea and one on the land. This posture symbolizes dominion over the entire earth, both land and sea, indicating a message of universal significance. The imagery of standing on both sea and land may also reflect the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty and judgment. In biblical context, angels often serve as messengers or agents of God's will, as seen in Daniel 10 and throughout Revelation. The sea and land together can symbolize the entirety of creation, echoing Genesis 1:9-10, where God separates the waters from the land.

lifted up his right hand to heaven
Lifting the right hand to heaven is a gesture of oath-taking, signifying the solemnity and truthfulness of the message being delivered. This act is reminiscent of the practice in ancient cultures, including Hebrew tradition, where raising the hand was part of making a vow or swearing an oath (Genesis 14:22, Deuteronomy 32:40). The right hand is often associated with power and authority in biblical literature (Psalm 110:1, Matthew 26:64). By lifting his right hand, the angel underscores the divine authority and certainty of the proclamation he is about to make, aligning with the prophetic tradition of delivering God's unalterable decrees.

And he swore by Him who lives forever and ever
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God, who is the source of all life and existence. The act of swearing by God underscores the seriousness and certainty of the message being delivered. In biblical context, oaths were often made by invoking God's eternal nature, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:40 and Daniel 12:7. This reflects the unchanging and everlasting character of God, who is beyond time and human limitations.

who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it
This part of the verse highlights God's role as the Creator of all things, affirming His sovereignty over the entire universe. It echoes Genesis 1, where God is described as the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and the sea. This comprehensive creation account serves to remind readers of God's ultimate authority and power over all creation, reinforcing the idea that nothing exists outside of His will and purpose.

There will be no more delay!
This declaration signifies the imminent fulfillment of God's prophetic plans. In the context of Revelation, it indicates that the time for waiting is over, and the final stages of God's judgment and redemption are about to unfold. This aligns with the prophetic urgency found in other scriptures, such as Habakkuk 2:3, where the vision awaits its appointed time and will not delay. The phrase underscores the certainty and inevitability of God's plan, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith as God's purposes come to fruition.

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel
This phrase refers to a specific time period in the Book of Revelation, a prophetic vision given to the Apostle John. The "seventh angel" is part of a series of seven angels who sound trumpets, each heralding significant events in the end times. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting the culmination of God's plan. The "voice" indicates a divine announcement, emphasizing the importance of the message being delivered.

when he begins to sound his trumpet
The sounding of the trumpet is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, often associated with divine intervention and judgment. In the context of Revelation, the trumpet signifies the final stages of God's judgment upon the earth. This imagery is rooted in Old Testament traditions, such as the trumpets used in the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the call to assembly or war (Numbers 10:9). The trumpet's sound marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding of eschatological events.

the mystery of God will be fulfilled
The "mystery of God" refers to God's redemptive plan, which has been progressively revealed throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, a "mystery" often denotes a divine truth previously hidden but now revealed (Ephesians 3:3-6). This fulfillment indicates the completion of God's purposes, including the final defeat of evil and the establishment of His kingdom. It echoes the anticipation of God's ultimate victory and the restoration of creation.

just as He proclaimed to His servants the prophets
This phrase underscores the continuity of God's revelation, linking the prophecies of the Old Testament with the events described in Revelation. The prophets, such as Isaiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel, foretold aspects of God's plan, including the coming of the Messiah and the end times. This connection affirms the reliability and consistency of God's word, as His promises and prophecies are brought to fruition. It highlights the role of the prophets as God's messengers, entrusted with revealing His divine will to humanity.

Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again
This phrase indicates a continuation of divine communication, emphasizing the importance of the message. The voice from heaven is often associated with God's authority and revelation, as seen in other biblical instances such as the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:17). The repetition of the voice speaking "again" suggests ongoing guidance and instruction, a theme prevalent throughout Revelation.

saying, “Go, take the small scroll
The command to "go" implies an active participation in the unfolding of divine prophecy. The "small scroll" is reminiscent of the scroll in Revelation 5, which only the Lamb could open. This scroll, however, is described as "small," possibly indicating a specific, contained revelation. Scrolls in biblical times were used to record important messages, and this one symbolizes a message that John is to internalize and proclaim.

that lies open in the hand of the angel
The scroll being "open" signifies that its contents are ready to be revealed and understood. The angel holding the scroll suggests a messenger of God, often seen as intermediaries between God and humanity. Angels frequently appear in Revelation, symbolizing divine intervention and the execution of God's will.

standing on the sea and on the land.”
The angel's stance on both the sea and the land symbolizes authority over the entire earth, reflecting God's sovereignty over all creation. This imagery connects to the idea of God's dominion as seen in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it." The sea and land together represent the totality of the world, indicating that the message of the scroll has universal significance.

And I went to the angel and said,
This phrase indicates John's active obedience and willingness to engage with the divine message. The angel here is a significant figure, possibly representing a messenger of God. In biblical context, angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans, delivering messages or executing divine will. John's approach to the angel reflects a readiness to receive and understand God's revelation, a theme consistent throughout the prophetic literature, such as in Daniel 9:21-23, where Daniel receives insight from the angel Gabriel.

“Give me the small scroll.”
The small scroll is a symbol of divine revelation and prophecy. In the context of Revelation, scrolls often contain important messages from God, as seen in Revelation 5, where the Lamb opens the scroll with seven seals. The act of requesting the scroll signifies John's role as a prophet, tasked with receiving and conveying God's message to the people. This mirrors the experience of Ezekiel in Ezekiel 2:9-3:3, where he is also given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the internalization of God's word.

“Take it and eat it,” he said.
The command to eat the scroll is symbolic of internalizing God's message. Eating the scroll represents the process of fully absorbing and understanding the divine revelation, making it a part of oneself. This act is reminiscent of Ezekiel 3:1-3, where Ezekiel is instructed to eat a scroll filled with words of lamentation and woe. The consumption of the scroll signifies the prophet's complete acceptance and embodiment of the message, preparing him to deliver it to others.

“It will make your stomach bitter,
The bitterness in the stomach symbolizes the difficult and often harsh realities of the prophetic message. While the word of God is sweet and desirable, as seen in Psalm 119:103, the implications of the message can be challenging and distressing. This duality reflects the nature of prophecy, which often includes both judgment and hope. The bitterness may also represent the persecution and suffering that often accompany the proclamation of God's truth, as experienced by prophets throughout biblical history.

but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”
The sweetness in the mouth highlights the initial delight and desirability of receiving God's word. This sweetness is akin to the joy and satisfaction found in understanding and experiencing God's truth, as described in Psalm 19:10. The contrast between the sweetness in the mouth and the bitterness in the stomach underscores the complexity of the prophetic message, which is both a source of joy and a burden. This duality is a common theme in the prophetic tradition, where the message of God brings both comfort and challenge to the faithful.

So I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand
This phrase indicates an act of obedience and submission to divine instruction. The small scroll represents a message or revelation from God, similar to the scroll in Ezekiel 2:9-3:3, where Ezekiel is also instructed to eat a scroll. The act of taking the scroll from the angel signifies the acceptance of God's word and the responsibility to proclaim it. The angel, often seen as a messenger of God, emphasizes the divine origin of the message.

and ate it
Eating the scroll symbolizes internalizing God's message, making it a part of oneself. This act is not just about understanding but also about embodying and living out the message. In biblical times, eating was often associated with covenant and commitment, suggesting a deep, personal engagement with God's word. This mirrors the experience of prophets who internalized God's messages to deliver them to the people.

and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth
The sweetness of the scroll reflects the initial joy and delight in receiving God's word. Honey, often used in the Bible to describe something desirable and pleasant (Psalm 19:10), signifies the goodness and truth of God's revelation. This sweetness can also represent the hope and promise contained within God's message, as seen in the prophecies of redemption and restoration.

But when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter
The bitterness in the stomach signifies the difficult and often painful reality of delivering God's message, especially when it involves judgment or calls for repentance. This duality of sweetness and bitterness reflects the complexity of God's word, which can bring both comfort and challenge. The experience of bitterness is akin to the prophet's burden, as seen in Jeremiah 15:16-18, where the joy of God's word is accompanied by personal suffering and lament. This highlights the cost of true prophetic ministry, which involves both the joy of revelation and the pain of its implications.

And they told me
This phrase indicates a directive given to John, the author of Revelation. The "they" refers to the voices or beings in the heavenly vision, possibly the angel mentioned earlier in the chapter. This reflects the divine authority and the heavenly origin of the message John is receiving, emphasizing the importance and urgency of the prophecy.

“You must prophesy again
John is being commanded to continue his prophetic mission. The word "again" suggests a continuation or renewal of his prophetic role, indicating that his work is not yet complete. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of perseverance in one's divine calling, as seen in the lives of other prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who were also called to persist in their missions despite challenges.

about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”
This phrase highlights the universal scope of John's prophecy. It is not limited to a single group but extends to all humanity, reflecting the global nature of God's plan. The mention of "peoples, nations, tongues, and kings" underscores the diversity and inclusivity of the message, reminiscent of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This also connects to the vision in Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed.