The Pulpit Commentary on Revelation 5:8-10

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The song of the redeemed host.

The triumphant host, the redeemed possession, purchased unto God, give their glory. The whole Church in their representatives give ceaseless praise to him who in humility bare their sins in his own body on the tree.

I. THE SONG OF THE CHURCH IS EVER UNTO, AND IN PRAISE OF, THE LAMB. Never can those harps be unstrung; never can the song of redemption cease to mingle with the song of the universe. Ever will he be "matter of all their praise."

II. THE SUBJECT OF THE SONG IS THE WORTHINESS OF THE LAMB. "Thou art worthy" to receive and hold the title deed of the inheritance. The possession he has purchased. It is his. His be the title to it. He claims, and justly claims, a redeemed race as his. To this the sealed book is the title deed. The taking possession by power of that which he had purchased by price is the work represented throughout the Revelation.

III. THE SONG IS THE TRIBUTE OF THE REDEEMED HOST TO HIM TO WHOM THEIR REDEMPTION IS DUE. The lowly song of the redeemed stands over against the humiliation of "the Lamb." His "worthiness" takes the place of the "curse" which he bore. The jeers of the multitude on earth are exchanged for the song of the thankful host in heaven, tie who was slain now liveth forever. Truly he sees the travail of his soul, and is satisfied.

IV. THE SONG REVERTS TO THE GRACIOUS PROCESS OF REDEMPTION.

1. The acknowlodged need. He who confesses Jesus to be a Saviour thereby acknowledges his lost condition.

2. Sacrificial death of the Redeemer: "Thou wast slain."

3. The redemptive character of his work: "And didst purchase with thy blood."

4. The redeemed a Divine possession. They are purchased "unto God;" they are made a kingdom and priests "unto God."

V. THE SONG RISES INTO A JOYFUL RECOGNITION OF THE EXALTED STATE OF THE REDEEMED. Seen:

1. In their relation to God.

2. In their compact union as a kingdom under Divine rule.

3. In their universal priesthood holding its privileged and acknowledged approach unto God.

4. In their elevation to highest dignity in the dominion assigned to them on earth. This last a secret comfort to the persecuted and downtrodden Church. In the final triumph, honour, and glory, the suffering host of God to find its reward.—R.G.

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