Chief captains (x“A/apxov). See on Mark vi. 21, ana on centurion, Luke vii. 2.
The mighty (0 Svvaroi). The best texts read oi ioyupol. Rev., the strong. For the difference in meaning, see on the
kindred words Svayus and lexus might and power, 2 Pet. ii. 11.
Every free man. Omit every, and read as Rev., every bond- man and free man.
In the dens (cis ra om7/raia). Rev., caves. The preposi-~ tion eis nto implies running for shelter into.
Rocks (zérpas). See on Matt. xvi. 18. 16. Said (Aéyovow). Lit., say. So Rev. Fallon us. Compare Hosea x. 8; Luke xxiii. 30.
Wrath (épyfs). Denoting a deep-seated wrath. See on John iii. 36.
17. The great day (} jyépa % peyddn). Lit., the day, the great (day). For the construction, see on 1 John iv. 9.
Is come (7AJev). Lit., came.
Shall be able to stand (Svvaras oraSjvat). Rev., rightly, is able. Compare Nahum i. 6; Mal. iii. 2.
1. These things (radra). Read rodto thes.
Holding («patobvras). Holding fast or firmly. See on Mark vii. 8; Acts iii. 11.
2. East (avatodijs lov). Revy., more literally, the sunris- ing. See on Matt. ii. 2; Luke i. 78. Compare Ezek. xliii, 2.
The four angels. Compare Matt. xxiv. 31.
3. In their foreheads. Compare Exod. xxviii. 36-38 ; Ezek. ix. 4.
4. An hundred and forty and four thousand. Not liter- ally, but the number symbolical of fixedness and full comple- tion (12x12). The interpretations, as usual, vary greatly, di- viding generally into two great classes: one holding that only Jews are meant, the other including the whole number of the elect both Jew and Gentile. Of the former class some regard the sealed as representing Jewish believers chosen out of the literal Israel. Others add to this the idea of these as forming the nucleus of glorified humanity to which the Gentiles are joined. Others again regard them as Jews reserved by God until Antichrist comes, to maintain in the bosom of their nation a true belief in Jehovah and His law, like the seven thousand in the days of Elijah.
The interpretation of the latter class seems entitled to the greater weight. According to the Apocalyptic usage, Jewish terms are “ christianized and heightened in their meaning, and the word “Israel” is to be understood of all Christians, the blessed company of all faithful people, the true Israel of God.” See Rom. ii. 28, 29; ix. 6, 7; Gal. vi. 16; Philip. iii. 3. The city of God, which includes all believers, is designated by the Jewish name, New Jerusalem. In ver. 3, the sealed are designated generally as the servants of God. In ch. xiv. the one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed are mentioned after the descrip- tion of the enemies of Christ, who have reference to the whole Church of Christ ; and the mention of the sealed is followed by the world-wide harvest and vintage of the earth. The one hundred and forty-four thousand in ch. xiv., have the Father’s name written in their foreheads; and in ch. xxii. 4, alJ the in- habitants of the New Jerusalem are so marked. In ch. xxi. 12, the twelve tribes include all believers. The mark of Satan