The Pulpit Commentary — Revelation — Section 414

word and called it Aivov, 11s we also call it. Now, in four books of, the Bible thia common and inferior variety of linen is referred to. In Leviticus, twice. (1) When the priest is renewing the fire upon the altar, that it may not go out (Lev. vi. 10), He comes in the early morning, gathers up the ashes, etc. In doing this be was to wear a particular dress made of this linen. (2) On the great Day of Atonement (Lev. xvi.), Aaron and bis sons are not to be arrayed in their "garments of glory and beauty," but in their i,lainest attire. Hence they were to put on vestments of this linen. In Ezekiel (ix. 2, 3, 11; x. 2, 6, 7), where the vision of Jerusalem's coming desol.ation is given. Ezekiel ~ees a man with an ink-hom by his side, who is in com11&ny with five others. Their mission is to execute God's vengeance; his, to report of it. Now, this man is dressed in this linen. Six times (see verses given) attention i11 called to this fact, In Daniel (x. 5), where a similar vision is recorded, the Divine messenger is dressed in like manner, and foretells the judgments of God. Then, in eh. xv. 6, "the seven angels, having the seven last plagues," are arrayed in this linen. 2. Th(J'II, there ia a second and superior kind of this /auric, and of this we have a twofold mention. It is distinguished from the former by being called "fine linen," or " fine twisted linen." It was made not merely of a finer thread, but was composed of six threads twisted, and therefore called" fine twined linen." Now, this fabric formed the vestments of the chief and other priests when arrayed in their•• garments of glory and beauty" (E:xod. xxxix. 27). Then it was used also (Exod. xxvi. 1) for the hangings of the tabernacle, in the must holy place. There were ten of these, all made of this fine twined linen. 3. And there ia a third and choicest kind of all, and to this we have several references. It was a most costly fabric, and of such fine and skilful manufacture that its whiteness came to have a" glistering," a bright and dazzling, appearance. It was of great value, and used only by monarchs and the very wealthy, or upon great occasions. As (1) when David brought up the ark to Jerusalem from the house of Obed-edom, he was clothed, so we read (1 Chron. xv. 27), in a robe of this magnificent texture. There was a splendid procession, and all the tokens of the gladness and triumph which filled the hearts of king, people, and priests. David "danced before the Lord," thus vested in royal and priestly array. (2) At the dedication of the temple by Solomon (2 Chron. v. 12) the priests were similady arrayed. (3) So in Mordecai's triumph (Esth. viii. 15), there were put upon him royal apparel of blue and white, a great crown of gold, a.lid a garment of fine linen. Now, our version, neither in the Old Testament nor in the New, ever distinguishes this most beautiful fabric from the others named above; but both in the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures it is clearly defined by the use of an entirely different word. (4) In our Lord's transfiguration, he was seen by the three disciples in raiment "white and glistering." This is probably an allusion to the known appearance of that rare and costly fabric of which we are now speaking. (5) Finally, in our text, it is again named as the raiment of the redeemed. Now, on all these ob8erve: (a) That in each case there ill an essential oneness. That which was worn was in substance the same in all. It was "linen, white and clean," which was on the priest when tending the altar fire, and on the Day of Atonement, as truly as when wrayed in their pontificals, their garments of glory and beauty, or as in the hangings of the moat holy place. And so, too, in the raiment of the redeemed. It is essentially the same in alL Different in texture, but one in substance. (b) When any particular form of this falJric ia spokffl of, il ia always connected with one class of circumstance,. 'l'he first is always aBSOOiat.ed with the ideas of sorrow, sin, judgmen; (cf. supra). The second, with the idea of God's graciowi acceptance. The priest i1 arrayed in garments of glory and beauty, to symbolize the honour and joy which are his as God'a accepted priest. And in the taberna.cle hangings the same idea is set forth. T.Lie tJw-d, with glad triumph and glory won (cf. instauces). Therefore inquir&- I. WHAT 18 TAUGHT BY THE ESSENTIAL ONENESB OF THE FABRIC IN ALL ITS FORKS? In all there is the "linen, white and clean." This, therefore, tells of the common and essential qualification of all believers-to be clothed with righteousness. And as it is "put on,'' something not inherent, but extemal, it shaC:ows forth the righteousness which is ours in Christ, "who is made t:.n1!o us Righteousness," who is" the LJrd our Righteousness." Every one ofus, in whatever stage of the Christian career-tits begin- ning or at its consummation bas his acceptance not in himself, but in Christ. He ia "all and in all." "Him :first, him midst, him last, and without end." Tha.t is the i60 THE REVELATION OP ST, .lOHN THE DIVINE. £oit. xrx. 1-21.