Understanding Revelation 10:4

Revelation 10:4 states: "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."

Summary of Meaning

This verse conveys a divine command to refrain from disclosing specific revelations, emphasizing the mysteries of God that are sealed from human understanding. The importance of obedience to God's will is highlighted as John, the writer, is told to keep certain visions confidential.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry notes that the seven thunders symbolize divine authority and power. His commentary emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of God's revelations and warns of the limitations of human understanding. The act of sealing reflects the sovereignty of God in revealing information selectively.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes discusses the implications of sealing the thunders' message, highlighting that there are aspects of divine truth meant only for God’s purpose. He reconciles this idea with the overall theme of the Book of Revelation, where knowledge is progressively unveiled, but some truths remain hidden.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke’s interpretation focuses on the symbolic nature of the "thunders" and their voice. He suggests that some revelations of God are given, but not all are intended to be made known to humanity, emphasizing the mystery of divine knowledge and the importance of revelation through faith rather than human reasoning.

Cross-References Related to Revelation 10:4

• Daniel 12:4: "But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book until the time of the end..."
• Romans 11:33: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"
• 1 Corinthians 2:9-10: "But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit."
• Revelation 1:3: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
• Deuteronomy 29:29: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever..."
• Luke 8:10: "He said, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see...' "
• Matthew 13:11: "He answered them, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.' "

Connections with Other Bible Verses

The secrets that are sealed in Revelation 10:4 resonate with various themes across different books of the Bible. The lack of disclosure, the sovereignty of God, and the hidden wisdom are recurrent motifs that can enrich comparative Bible verse analysis.

Themes Associated with Sealed Revelations

• The Mystery of God:

  Many passages address the mystery of divine wisdom and knowledge, which is beyond human comprehension.

• Divine Sovereignty:

  The control that God has over what is revealed and what remains secret emphasizes His authority.

• Revelation and Secrecy:

  This theme appears in multiple scriptures where God chooses to reveal certain truths to specific individuals.

Theological Implications

The command to seal the words brings to light the distinction between revelation and the responsibilities of revelation. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purpose for understanding His truths.

Ultimately, Revelation 10:4 reveals that while God may have deep truth and serious matters to communicate, they are often withheld from immediate human understanding to encourage faith and dependence on His wisdom and guidance.