What does Revelation 15:3 mean?

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Revelation 15:3

Explanation

Revelation 15:3 comprises a portion of a scene from John’s apocalyptic vision where the heavenly beings and those who have triumphed over the Beast sing a song of worship and praise. The “song of Moses” refers to the triumph song of Moses and the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea, celebrating their deliverance from Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 15. This Old Testament event was understood as a symbol of God’s salvation and deliverance. The “song of the Lamb” represents the new song of redemption brought by Jesus Christ (the Lamb), celebrated in the New Testament. This double reference creates a link between the liberation from Egypt and the greater spiritual deliverance through Christ. The adjectives “Great and marvelous,” “just and true,” acknowledge God’s mighty works and fair judgement, while “Lord God Almighty” affirms His supreme power. The passage closes with a reference to God as the “King of saints” (or “King of the nations” in some translations), acknowledging His sovereign rule over His people.

Historical Context

Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally believed to have been written by John the Apostle while in exile on the island of Patmos, during the late 1st century AD, possibly around 95 AD. It is a book of prophecies, visions, and symbol-laden imagery concerning the end times and the second coming of Christ. The cultural and historical context of Revelation is anchored in a period of persecution for early Christians, particularly under Roman rule. The symbolic language used in Revelation often served to communicate hope and perseverance to a community that faced oppression, offering a view of divine justice and ultimate salvation.

Theological Insights

The verse brings out several theological insights:

1. Continuity of Redemption: It suggests a continuity in God’s plan of salvation from the Old Testament (the song of Moses) to the New Testament (the song of the Lamb).
2. God’s Attributes: It highlights key attributes of God — His power, justice, truthfulness, and holiness.
3. Worship: Central to the verse is the theme of worship, indicating that God is deserving of praise for His mighty acts and His just ways.
4. Eschatology: In the context of Revelation, the verse contributes to eschatological themes, focusing on the ultimate triumph of good over evil and God’s establishment of His kingdom.

Different denominations and theological perspectives may interpret the verse with varying emphases. For example, Pre-millennialists see it as a literal prophecy of the end times, while Amillennialists interpret it more allegorically.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Revelation 15:3 can impact daily life in several ways:

1. Worship: Encourages believers to worship God for His mighty acts in history and personal life.
2. Hope: Offers hope by showcasing God’s ultimate victory and the promise of His just rule.
3. Endurance: Can inspire perseverance through trials, with the assurance of God’s ultimate justice and faithfulness.

Cross-References

1. Exodus 15:1 – “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD…”
2. Psalm 86:9-10 – “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.”
3. Revelation 13:8 – “…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
4. Deuteronomy 32:4 – “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”

Language Study

The key words in the verse stem from the original Greek used in the New Testament:

1. “Great” (μεγάλα – megala): Signifies something of magnitude or intensity; often used to describe God’s works.
2. “Marvelous” (θαυμάστα – thaumasta): Indicates something that causes wonder or awe.
3. “Just” (δίκαιαι – dikaios): Pertains to righteousness or justice, conforming to God’s standard.
4. “True” (ἀληθιναί – alethine): Denoting truthfulness or reality as opposed to illusion or falsehood.
5. “King” (βασιλεύς – basileus): Refers to a sovereign ruler, used here to convey God’s authority over the ‘saints’ or ‘nations.’

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The singing of divine triumph songs is common in many cultures and religions, serving to celebrate victory and divine favor. The “song of Moses” parallels other ancient near eastern literature where victories are ascribed to the deities’ favor. Similarly, songs and hymns in various religious traditions recognize divine acts and character.

Scientific Perspectives

Revelation 15:3 does not directly engage with scientific topics as it primarily deals with theological themes of worship, divine attributes, and eschatological hopes. However, the concepts of justice and the natural order can intersect with areas of environmental ethics and cosmology from a scientific standpoint, where the responsibility towards creation and the universe could be related to the attributes of God described in the verse.

commentaries

Commentators offer a diverse understanding of this verse:

1. Matthew Henry emphasizes the role of this song as a celebration of God’s justice and mercy, delivered through His mighty acts.
2. The Pulpit Commentary notes the dualism of the song, combining elements of the Old and New Testament redemptive history.
3. The ESV Study Bible highlights the song as one that celebrates God’s righteous acts leading to the final judgment and the setting up of God’s kingdom.

Each commentary agrees on the central theme of worship in recognition of God’s character and deeds, while also addressing the context of hope and perseverance for the Christian reader.