Summary and Interpretation of Revelation 6:10

Verse Text: "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?"

Meaning and Insights

The verse serves as a poignant expression of the martyrs' anguish and desire for divine justice. They are depicted as souls who have been slain for their testimony and faithfulness to God. The response highlights their yearning for vindication and for God’s judgment upon the wicked. This encapsulates a thematic underpinning of justice and the longing for divine intervention found throughout Scripture.

Biblical Context

This verse occurs in the context of the opening of the seals in the Revelation given to John. It reflects the broader apocalyptic theme of suffering, justice, and eventual deliverance seen throughout the Bible.

Commentary Insights

1. Matthew Henry:

   Henry emphasizes the earnestness of the martyrs' plea, signifying the gravity of their unjust suffering. He explains that this verse illustrates the faithful's hope in God's timing for judgment, reinforcing that God's holiness assures His justice.

2. Albert Barnes:

   Barnes presents this verse as a testimony to the anguish of souls suffering for righteousness' sake. He notes that the question posed by the martyrs reflects a longing for retribution against their oppressors, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the assurance of His eventual judgment.

3. Adam Clarke:

   Clarke points out the symbolic significance of the martyrs' cries, suggesting a representation of all who have suffered for their faith. He discusses the theological implications of waiting for judgment, underscoring the balance between God's mercy and justice.

Bible Cross-References

• Genesis 4:10: "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground."
• Psalm 79:5: "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?"
• Revelation 16:6: "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; they deserve it!"
• Romans 12:19: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'
• 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7: "Since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you..."
• Hebrews 11:37: "They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword..."
• Luke 18:7: "And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night?"

Understanding Thematic Connections

This verse interlaces with various underlying themes found in scripture such as:

• The Justice of God: Many verses address God's eventual righting of wrongs (e.g. Isaiah 61:2).
• The Suffering of the Righteous: The plight of God’s people throughout history encapsulated in various psalms (e.g. Psalm 126:5).
• Martyrdom and Faithfulness: Illustrated throughout both the Old and New Testament (e.g. Acts 7:57-60).
• The Call for Patience: Encouragement in times of distress (e.g. James 5:11).

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For further exploration of these themes via cross-referencing, consider utilizing:

• Bible concordances that offer detailed connections.
• Bible cross-reference guides available in physical or digital formats.
• Online Bible study tools with advanced search features for thematic connections.
• Bible reference resources including commentaries that highlight cross-references.

Conclusion

Revelation 6:10 not only reveals the deep distress of those who have suffered for their faith but also serves as a reminder of the ultimate faithfulness of God to deliver justice. The exploration of this verse through public domain commentaries illuminates its significance within the larger narrative of Scripture, encouraging readers to seek connections with similar themes across the Bible.