The theme of this chapter appears to declare God’s intention to take possession of the earth—both the land and sea—and to fulfill all the many prophetic promises found in the Scriptures which point to God establishing His kingdom on earth.
Before we begin however, I want to remind you once more that this Book of Revelations is one of the most mysterious books in the Bible! None of us will know the exact meaning of all that’s here, but that’s not a reason for not reading it, for John wrote, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Rev 1:3). John only asks us to read and keep what’s written in it. A day is coming when God will bring this all to life before our eyes, but for now, those who dig and act upon what we read will be blessed! So let’s pull out what we can in chapter 10 and get set to worship Him once more!
Another mighty angel:
The description of this angel has significant similarities to that of deity, so much so, that some commentators believe this is a picture of Christ Jesus, but not all believe it’s Him.
Coming down from heaven:
This phrase probably means that some angels normally reside in heaven only. Perhaps this angel is one of the seven “presence angels” which stand before God ( Rev. 8:2) and which were given the seven trumpets. Later, another angel, not called mighty, but having great authority, will come down from heaven to announce the impending fall of Babylon in Rev. 18:1-2. And the angel who binds Satan also is said to come down from heaven in Rev. 20:1ff.
Clothed with a cloud:
Clouds generally depict deity and authority; the divine presence of God. In Exodus a cloud filled the Tabernacle which depicted God’s presence within it. And we also know Jesus will be coming back on the clouds (Mt.26:64)
A rainbow was on his head:
This is the only angel to be described as having a rainbow on his head. This passage is probably where artist got the idea to use halos to depict holiness in religious artworks, but here, the rainbow is a reminder of God’s covenant with Noah (Gen. 9:11-17)
His face was like the sun:
This angel has a radiant countenance like the angel which Daniel saw in Dan. 10:6. This also could be another reason some theologian may believe this is Christ Jesus.
His feet like pillars of fire:
His burning feet speak of judgment. And the placement of his feet; one on the land and one on the sea, speaks of the power to conquers both land and sea. This angel has come to pass judgement on the earth and the nations (Isa. 63:3-6; Rev. 14:19-20).
So much of what’s depicted here in this section of Revelation reminded me of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. And I wonder, though I can’t prove it, if the angel’s legs were to remind Israel of the pillar of fire and cloud that gave both guidance and protection as they journeyed to the promise land. ( Ex.13:21-22; 14:19,24)
A.R.Farrer in his book, The Revelation of St. John the Divine believes the rainbow is to remind us of God’s promise through Noah, the pillar of fire is God’s presence in the wilderness, and the scroll reminds us of the tablets of stone! All of these point back to Israel’s journey to the promise land. I loved that idea!
When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices:
This relates to the same idea of the thunderous voice of God in Psalm 29. John begins to write down what he has heard, but is not permitted to, therefore we know that there are still things hidden from us at this time.
The angel raised up his hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever: The mighty angel gives a solemn oath declaring that the end is irrevocably set in motion and there is absolutely no turning back.
John then writes, Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little scroll which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth. So I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth." - Rev 10:8-9
John is then commanded to prophesy to the whole world; not just believers; to some (believers) it will be sweet, but to those perishing it will be bitter. I believe John’s orders here are also for us as well.
I was reminded of the verse in 2 Peter when we see a pause between the sixth and seventh trumpets! The mighty angel has told us the end is set, but there is still a pause, and John is commanded to share all He has learned with all men! Notice 2Peter 3:9 seems to fit here, “The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
The angel has declared that the end of time has been set in motion and nothing can keep it from all coming about just as God has planned! Though, while there is still time we need to be about our Father’s business in telling others of the things we’re sure of! To some it will be bitter, but to others it will be sweet! May we each be found faithful to His Word when this prophecy become reality!
