Understanding Revelation 22:2
Verse: Revelation 22:2 - "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
Overview
The verse describes a remarkable vision of the New Jerusalem, focusing specifically on the tree of life. This tree is emblematic of eternal life and healing, offering a profound connection to earlier biblical narratives concerning life and sustenance.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry emphasizes the significance of the tree of life being located in the midst of the heavenly city. He notes that it symbolizes the eternal life available to believers and serves as a contrast to the tree of knowledge of good and evil from Genesis, which brought death. The abundant fruit, yielding each month, signifies spiritual nourishment provided by God to His people continuously.
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes reflects on the imagery of the tree of life as a source of healing. He suggests that the leaves of the tree represent the restorative and healing powers of the Gospel. Barnes points out that the phrase "for the healing of the nations" indicates the universal scope of God's salvation, highlighting that it is intended for all peoples, thus reinforcing the theme of unity in the restoration God has promised.
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke discusses the literal and metaphorical implications of this verse. He notes that while the description is vivid and includes rich symbolic imagery, it serves a deeper spiritual purpose. Clarke observes that the tree of life affirms the continuity of God's creation plan from Eden to the eschaton. The month-to-month fruit production reflects the idea of never-ending spiritual sustenance available to believers.
Bible Verse Cross-References
- Genesis 2:9: "And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil."
- Genesis 3:22: "And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever."
- Ezekiel 47:12: "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."
- John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
- Revelation 2:7: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
- Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
- 1 Peter 2:24: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
- Philippians 3:20: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
- Revelation 21:4: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Thematic Connections
This verse establishes several thematic connections within the Bible. The concept of healing and sustenance can be traced throughout Scripture:
- The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis provide a foundational understanding of the origin of life and death.
- Healing is a prominent theme within the ministry of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles, as seen in verses such as Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24.
- The New Jerusalem as a place of eternal life finds its parallels in both the Old and New Testaments.
Closing Thoughts
The insights derived from Revelation 22:2, when viewed through the lens of various public domain commentaries, reveal a profound narrative of hope, healing, and eternal life. This text serves as a pivotal point that links to many other scriptures, helping believers understand their faith's rich tapestry.
