Understanding Revelation 11:19

Verse Reference: Revelation 11:19

Verse: "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail."

Summary of Meaning

This verse marks a significant moment in the Book of Revelation, symbolizing the revealing of God's presence and His covenant with humanity. The opening of God's temple in heaven suggests a direct connection between heaven and earth, allowing believers to glimpse God's holiness and the fulfillment of His promises. The mention of the ark of the testament highlights God's covenant faithfulness and the importance of His laws and promises. The phenomena of lightnings, voices, and thunderings signify divine power, judgment, and the presence of God.

Key Themes

• The Holiness of God: The opening of the temple signifies access to God’s holiness.
• Covenant Faithfulness: The ark represents God's enduring covenant with His people.
• Divine Judgment: The accompanying natural phenomena symbolize God’s power and judgment.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the significance of the temple's opening, indicating a heavenly reality where God dwells. He notes that the ark symbolizes God's promises and the covenant with Israel, indicating a profound moment of worship and reverence.

Albert Barnes: Barnes reflects on the ark as a representation of God's laws and His presence among His people. He connects the events in this verse to God's final judgment, suggesting that the manifestations of nature are a foreshadowing of the ultimate reckoning.

Adam Clarke: Clarke discusses the imagery of lightnings and thunders as symbols of impending judgment. He believes that this moment reveals God’s authority and reinforces the importance of His law, as represented by the ark of the covenant.

Bible Verse Cross-References

• Exodus 25:10-22 - Describes the ark of the covenant, its construction, and significance.
• Hebrews 9:24 - Mentions Christ entering the true heavenly sanctuary.
• 1 Kings 8:10-11 - The glory of the Lord fills the temple, reflecting God’s presence.
• Matthew 27:51 - The temple veil was torn, symbolizing access to God’s presence through Christ.
• Revelation 4:5 - Describes the throne room of God with lightnings and thunderings.
• Revelation 16:18 - Accounts of a great earthquake and great hail as judgments from God.
• Isaiah 66:1 - Affirms that heaven is God’s throne and the earth His footstool.

Connections Between Bible Verses

Revelation 11:19 is central to understanding the relationship between God’s covenant and His judgments. It connects themes present in the Old Testament with the unfolding revelation in the New Testament, particularly concerning the role of Christ as the fulfillment of the law and covenant.

Conclusion

Revelation 11:19 encapsulates profound truths about God's nature, His covenant relationship with humanity, and the unfolding of His divine plan. It invites believers to reflect on the reverence owed to God's holiness and the significance of His presence as Lord of all creation.