
Revelation 10:1 “…mighty angel coming down from heaven…”
Coming down, not falling down or fallen down. Did so with a purpose.
1 “…clothed with a cloud…rainbow was on his head…face was like the sun…feet like pillars of fire”
Symbolic attributes. Wonder if John actually saw them this way or if he mentions them to convey what they represent. These are attributes associated with Jesus. Some commentaries suggest it is Jesus or at least the angel is supposed to represent Him. Cloud shows God coming in judgment as He will do at the end. Rainbow points to His covenant with man. Shining face and blazing feet reflect His glory. In the wilderness, God led the Israelites with a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.
2 “…right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land”
Covers it all. He’s in control of the entire earth.
3 “…as when a lion roars…”
Another reference used for Jesus the lion of Judah.
4 “…seven thunders uttered their voices…Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered…”
Text doesn’t say whether this was something good or bad. Commentaries differ. Some think it is mysteries which God has for later, others that it was opposition to Christ which John is told not to record. I get the impression they are subservient to Christ regardless of their origin. His single roar is greater than all their combined thunder.
6-7 “…there should be delay no longer, but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished…”
Time is about to be over. All that has been prophesied regarding the end is about to take place. The fullness of time has come.
9 “…Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth”
Consume it, make it part of yourself in order to share with others. That it would become bitter obviously means it contains something bad such as judgments, lamentations, mourning, etc. Not sure about the initial taste of honey. Commentary suggests taking it, even though it contains bad news, is joyful as it is the will of God which is always pleasant after a fashion to the child of God.
11 “…You must prophesy again…”
He has been prophesying about what he has seen, he must continue to do so with this and what is to come. This point seems to mark a turning point in what is happening. Perhaps the turn onto the last leg of the race. Finish line is in sight.
I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word. May it accomplish what He desires. Please feel free to comment or post questions. Thanks for reading!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.