The
Days

of the

Seventh

Angel

Book 4:
The Great Controversy

Study Notes

on the

Book of Revelation

Steven E. Behrmann

© by Steven E. Behrmann

Albany Edition

Volume 4 (of seven volumes)

The reason for the use of an older version is two-fold: The first reason for the author, at least; is lifetime familiarity. The second is that the King James Version is very "literal," and therefore seems to honor more consistently than some, word uniqueness, something especially important in the study of the Apocalypse.

Table of Contents

Introduction 4

The Great Conflict Vision of Revelation 12 6

Synonymic Parallels in Revelation 12 13

Introduction to Synonymic Parallels 18

Synonymic Parallels A--M 19-197

Study Guide 198

Introduction

This is the fourth volume of a series of studies on the book of Revelation. If the reader is unacquainted with the first books a few recommendations are necessary from the author's perspective before one enters into this study. It is the hope of the author, of course, that any reader will start with the first volumes since they contain the keys and interpretational tools that are used in the subsequent studies. Order in studying the Revelation is very important. But if this specified order cannot be observed I would like to offer a few comments.

First is that this is not a professional work, nor does it pretend to be. Human error will often find its way into this document. For these I indulge the reader's patience as the editing procedure continues.

Second, this is not intended to be a commentary on every verse or topic in the book of Revelation. The purpose of this writing as stated at the outset is different than this. The focus of these pages is not to be a comprehensive commentary, in that many others have done a more exhaustive and better job of that already. The aim is to concentrate on troublesome passages or additional concepts that in the author's opinion are overlooked by other commentators or that are missed by many students of the book.

Third, this book is not written with the general public in mind. Anyone is more than welcome to examine the following pages, but this work is written primarily to Seventh-day Adventist Christians who I believe need to have a better self-understanding of the awesome messages to found in the last-day book of Revelation.

Reading the following pages presupposes also an understanding of the principles of proper prophetic interpretation (hermeneutics) covered in the original books. The reader is encouraged to refer to them.

This volume is largely made up of charts classifying certain literary devices known as "synonymic parallels" introduced and promised in the earlier volumes. What these are is explained briefly a few pages later, but they will make the most sense to the reader who has been introduced to them previously.

The Revelation is a marvelous book. More importantly, it informs us as to the very days in which we live. It tells us that in the days of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God will be completed as he has spoken unto his servants the prophets. These days are upon us. We must find ourselves prepared. We must overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony. We must find the Faith of Jesus through the study of His Word, especially the last great book of Revelation.

The Great Conflict Vision of Revelation 12

Not only does the book of Revelation find its physical center (near verse 10) in chapter 12, but the literary and thematic structure of the book finds its center here also. Some of the chiastic evidences of this are supplied elsewhere.

This chapter also represents a watershed of Christian history as well as giving general details of the entire history of the world and the Plan of Salvation, from the fall of Lucifer and the fall of man in Eden, down to the final conflict between Satan's seed and the seed of the woman in the remnant hour of earth's dramatic close.

Without doubt this chapter has to be one of the greatest ever written for in its only seventeen short verses we find a general yet accurate sketch of the entire drama of human and divine history. Included are foundational explanations of the entrance of sin, the cross and its meaning, the whole controversy between Christ and Satan, the plots and counter-plots, and merging interplay between the natural and the supernatural worlds and the reason and motive behind the events that have effected and written human history. Without this chapter, even the Gospels of Christ would be less understood. Without this chapter, we might understand very little of the great controversy motif and the floodlight this casts upon the meaning of human existence, past, present, and future.

These amazing verses seem so strange and simple, one moment sounding elementary; a woman with a child, another moment baffling and enigmatic; a beast with seven heads and ten horns. But the reader must not be fooled. Every word is chosen carefully, no phrase is wasted, and upon investigation is found to be as obviously pregnant as the woman. In these few short verses are found nearly 150 parallels which, according to analysis provided in the surrounding pages are not only related to the neighboring sections, but are related in entirety to all the sections of the book of Revelation. This cannot be by accident, but is rather open evidence of a divine hand and a level of inspiration that surpasses human understanding or devising.

The following is not commentary regarding every verse or phrase, though this could in most instances be provided. This passage is quite clear to any student of prophecy in its general outline and details. However, a few observations are necessary to provide additional background that is not addressed distinctly or at all in other conservative commentaries. These are addressed according to their headings in the following notes:

The Woman Clothed with the Sun as a Heavenly Sign

The figure of the woman clothed with the sun is first and foremost a prophetic symbol. However, due to the work of Dr. Ernest Martin, some very interesting details emerge astronomically.

Indeed the first verse of Revelation 12 denotes that this woman is presented as "a great wonder or sign in the heaven or heavens." Now while the Bible is not interested in promoting the Babylonian science of astrology, Martin is probably correct in supposing that the greatest events of history, such as the coming of Christ to the world, would come in a precise time and in a precise way, for this is the way God does things.

It is known that God spoke to wise men, Chaldeans, and astrologers when Jesus appeared on earth the first time. And though it is inappropriate for Christians to in any way ascertain guidance from the stars and to make any judgments relative to them, the stars in their vast courses are under his control. Christ's coming was not to be a selfish manifestation only to the chosen people, but its purpose and message was to be directed to the whole world. It would be like God to give even the heathen a glimpse, through their own glasses, of his coming and his supremacy and divinity.

Martin, in the book, The Star that Astonished the World, makes the case that there were several significant astronomical irregularities occurring at the very time of the expected advent of promise. These irregularities included conjunctions of major planets, movements of significant planets around Regulus (the King Star), and the ordering and appearance of constellations and zodiacal configurations, which would have aroused great attention among astronomers at the time. This is not impossible to prove in that established astronomical tables and computerized astronomy make it possible to review these events with incredible accuracy.

In essence, among many other observations, Martin shows that along with the certain astronomical events leading up to the calculated time of Christ's birth one can presume on some particular deductions. The most striking is of course the possibility that the birth of Christ can be dated according to this very passage in Revelation together with the writings of Josephus, the Gospel narratives, and their relation to such definable historical dates; namely the lunar eclipse typically used to identify the approximate time of the death of Herod the Great.

According to astrological reckoning, Jesus was born of a virgin, therefore his birth would necessarily come under the sign of Virgo, the only like sign in the zodiacal cycle. He then calculates the time of Jesus birth according to when the configuration of the sun passing through Virgo with the moon at her feet could occur, and finally narrows the time down to one day, even a half-hour period when this occurs most satisfactorily. According to calculations that are verifiable with computer-generated astronomical tools, the time proposed is early evening, Sept. 11, 3 B.C.

Martin offers another interesting fact related to this date. According to his reckoning this is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish Civil New Year, the day when kings took office and began their reign.

What also is compelling about these observations is that they fit perfectly the demands of the 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 as well as the observations of Luke that Jesus was "beginning to be about 30 years of age," at his baptism in A.D. 27 (the year which the prophecy demands if tied to the beginning of the 2300-day prophecy of Daniel 8).

Martin does not make a case regarding the 2300 day/year prophecy, but his findings unwittingly confirm it. His observations are also quite convincing for the most parts as they relate to other events transpiring at Christ's birth. Of course, the special star, which guided the wise men he believes to be ascertainable through astronomy, the case of which is not convincing or proven, for this star was likely divine and angelic. But the unique astral events of the time did, no doubt, call attention to some great event that made the world astir with interest at the time. That great event was the coming of the seed of the woman, the appearance of the Son of Man of Daniel, the star of Bethlehem, and the Messianic son of David. (Please refer for more information to my book, The Clock of the Heavens).

Two 1260-Year Periods

It has been addressed in previous sections that the 1260-year period of Revelation 12:6 cannot refer to the 1260 years of papal supremacy ALONE because:

1. This would make a half-millennium gap between the ascension (vs. 5) and the fleeing of the woman (vs. 6). Though this is possible in the narrative the fact is also noted that----

2. The dragon, which in vs.4 persecutes Christ, is the PAGAN Roman Empire which was in existence at the time of Christ and that persecuted the church by the multiplied thousands, long before the ascendancy of Papal Rome, ca. 538 A.D.

Therefore it seems more consistent to define two principle applications of the 1260 years. The first is consistent with verse 6 and includes the atrocities of pagan Rome and the ten persecutions of Christians by the empire, the national and earthly pawn and counterpart of the dragon. Second then, one, which is consistent with the traditional and definable period of bloodshed, and dominance of Rome in its Papal phase, from A.D. 538-1798.

As we have shown previously, both of these periods have starting points of powers that in their allotted space of history both persecute God's people. The first goes to the desert, the second goes to the mountain wilderness. There is, of course, overlap of these two periods.

A second time in the same chapter, but on the other side of the central chiastic acme, (vs. 10-14) the same persecution theme is reiterated almost exactly, but this time with a parallel and confirming expression, "time, times, and half a time," which when reckoned correctly also adds up to 1260 years. The woman flees, but finds here deliverance from the earth, and is connected to the last-day remnant church that came into being after 1798.

Therefore, in more than one way, God has made it possible to reckon these prophecies. But the result is still the same, prophecy is accurately fulfilled, and the times of the prophecies are corroborated.

The Woman in the Sun is not Mary

Some, especially those immersed in the doctrine of Mariolotry, see in the woman the Virgin Mary; the mother of Jesus now believed to be in heaven. That Mary is included in the picture there can be no doubt for she was the human mother of the one "caught up to the God and to His throne."

But the fact is that the church of God, the faithful in ALL ages is what the portent really signifies. There are parallels and inferences that point to this.

For instance, the theme of much of the chapter is taken from Genesis 3, and especially from the protoevangelion of verse 15. In the chapter are references to:

• The original serpent, that is, the serpent in the tree in the Garden of Eden.

• Eve, who was told that her "seed" (Gen 3:15; Rev 12:17) would be at odds with the serpent's seed.

• Twelve stars, partly symbolic of twelve tribes and the Jewish and pre-Christian dispensation, etc.

The woman is pictured as living in Eden and then continues to live down to the last remnant of time in Ch. 12:17. Neither Eve nor Mary is immortal, and neither according to Bible truth is alive today. No woman has lived 1,260 years. They represent the "seed" of church of God through the centuries, pure and incorrupt. Even as the counterpart in the book of Revelation, the great whore, is not designated as a certain person (well, maybe Jezebel) but is seen to clearly represent the false church through the ages, so the woman standing in the light of glory represents the delicate and comely woman, that daughter of Zion, the church.

The Fatima visions of the last century popularized the idea that the woman of Revelation 12 is Mary. However, this cannot be for the above reasons, and because even the Fatima visions say nothing of a moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars, and so on.

Satan or an Empire?

The serpent can be both Satan and the Roman Empire or false power because of the law of heavenly counterparts. And like the serpent in Eden, Satan speaks through his earthly representative. For Satan was really not the serpent, but he used the serpent as his guise. Thus we find the terrible beast in Revelation 13 who is much like the one (the Red Dragon) in Revelation 12:4, and who also has seven heads and ten horns only in the latter case owing to the development of history the horns now have crowns and have become monarchies and defined nations. But Satan is still behind the mask, for the dragon is the power behind the beast, and he speaks blasphemy and falsehood through the beast (13:6). He (Satan) is the supernatural Father of sin and deception, and his envoy on earth, is the "man of sin," principally, the Roman church and its pontiff, the earthly agent of deception.

Overcoming by the Word of Their Testimony

"The blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." This phrase is to be understood in a "legal" setting, i.e. "the word of their testimony." The picture is clearly one of legality having all the courtroom elements. Satan, is the accuser, who acts as prosecuting attorney. God is judge. Michael is advocate. The "heavens" are the jury. The faithful overcome through blood (Salvation through Christ) and through the convincing testimony they give (argument; they have the testimony of Jesus). They win their case by appealing to Christ's blood and through the wisdom and life granted them from the Holy Spirit. They outwit the prosecution.

"The casting down of Satan as an accuser of the brethren in heaven was accomplished by the great work of Christ in giving up his life." 7BC 973

CHIASTIC STRUCTURE

IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

(Credits to Mr. Takayuki Yoda)

A Prologue

a John and the Angel (1:1-3)

b The coming Jesus (1:4-8)

c John's commission to the Churches (1:9-20)

B The Seven Letters (2:1-3:22)

Promises to the Church as it exists in the World

C The Seven Seals opened in Heaven (4:1-7:17)

a Christ praised around the throne as the only one strong enough to break the seals (4:-5:14)

b The judgment commences: The opening of the Seals (6:1-17)

a' Christ praised around the throne by the 144,000 as the only One through whom there is Salvation (7:1-17)

D The Seven Trumpets (8:1-11:19)

a The trumpets sound (8:1-9:21; 11;15-19)

b The seven thunders roar and the bitter book eaten (10:1-11)

c The two witnesses slain and resurrected (11:1-14)

E The Great Controversy between Satan and Christ through His

Church (12:1-17)

a Satan attempts to devour the virgin's child (12:1-5)

b The woman flees into the wilderness (12:6)

c Satan is cast out of heaven

b' The woman flies into the wilderness (12:14)

a' Satan pursues the virgin & the remnant of her seed

(12:15-17)

D' The Seven Last Plagues (13:1-16:21)

c' The two beasts, one mortally wounded and healed (13:1-18)

b' The seven angel's cry out and bless the patient (14:1-20)

a' The plagues are poured out (15:1-16:21)

C' The Seven Angel's Survey the Judgment on Earth (17:1-20:10)

a The fall of Babylon and the kings of the earth (17:1-18:24)

b Christ praised by the multitude as the King of Kings (19:1-6)

a' The fall of Satan and the kings of the earth (19:17-20:10)

B' The New Jerusalem (20:11-22:5)

Fulfillment of the promises made to the Church as it will exist in heaven

A' Epilogue (22:6-21)

a' John and the Angel (22:6-9)

b' The coming Jesus (22:10-15)

c' John's commission to the Churches (22:16-21)

Synonymic Parallels in Revelation 12

WHAT ARE SYNONYMIC PARALLELS?

Synonymic Parallels are literary parallels found throughout the entire book of Revelation. They are similar words or ideas that thematically relate to each other.

Words with opposite meanings are called antonyms. Examples are "black and white," "hot and cold," "fast and slow." Contrarily "synonyms" are words that have similar meanings such as "moist and wet," "tired and exhausted," "black and ebony." As these words and ideas reoccur throughout the book they constitute such parallels.

Synonymic Parallels is an expression I have invented for these word-sisters, or word-cousins found in the document. The same word may not be repeated, but a similar related word or idea occurs at least once (sometimes many times) in each section of the book.

To give an example from the book of Revelation let us refer to the parallel idea: "Eastern Orientation." This title is referring to several words or ideas in the book that relate to the eastern compass direction in biblical times. In the beginning section, the Seven Churches, the first material half mentions "Paradise," the garden known by all as the garden planted "eastward in Eden." The complimenting other half of the churches provides us with "the morning star," or the "star of the east." The pattern continues through the book. In the next section, the Seven Seals, we find the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," the flag or standard that stood on the eastern side of the Israelite encampment. The next section does not give us the exact same things but a similar idea, an angel with the Seal of God "ascending from the east," or the "sun-rising." In later sections follow the altar of sacrifice and the court of the Gentiles, things known to be situated on the eastern side of the temple complex. The parallels continue through the book. When these parallels are classified or tallied they often result with the number seven or some multiple of seven. For instance, the forms water is found in is probably intended to result in this way: sea, lake, river, fountain (well or spring), rain, snow, hail; that is: seven water sources.

The choice of words is often so efficient as to utilize the same word or expression for a separate parallel idea. For example, the ideas given for the eastern direction above also often seem thematically related with the idea of something that "lies foursquare," or is "four-dimensional." Paradise is taken from the Persian word for a "four-walled garden." Therefore a foursquare figure is inferred. The standard for the eastern tribe of Judah also is associated with the foursquare arrangement of the tribal encampment. The seal seen from the angel of the east comes in the context of the angels standing at the four-corners of the earth, another four-dimensional symbol. The court of the Gentiles on the east side of the temple was arranged in a square. Foursquare objects appear right up to the New Jerusalem that lies foursquare, with an eastern side. While not all foursquare objects are related to the eastern direction, a foursquare object nevertheless appears in each section if the observer is careful enough to search for it.

The study of these parallels helps in interpretation in many ways. It helps one find meaning from the symbol, or it helps by processing comparisons with other sections of the book and thus elucidating the text. Examples have been given of this in the previous volumes, and continue through the series. The use of these parallel ideas tightens the range of interpretation and proves the literary unity of the book. The study of these parallels has provided excitement and fascination to this author in meditation on Revelation's themes. They are an indication of the divine inspiration of the book.

NOTE OF EXPLANATION:

It will seem, no doubt, that too much emphasis is placed on parallels in this volume. However, such an emphasis is justified because the understanding the meaning of the symbols and the overall intent of the book of Revelation is bound up in the relationship of its words. The amazing construction of chapter 12 is beyond adequate comment. Suffice it to say that every word and every expression is so well chosen and so efficient as to communicate several thematic ideas with sometimes just one word. Revelation 12 has to be one of the greatest documents ever written when analyzed in its setting. It is like no other.

Below the chapter is written with the parallel ideas in parentheses. It seems that this central chapter is a matrix from which the ideas throughout the book spring. At least, it certainly is a gravitational center that draws together the rest of the book and thematically unifies and summarizes the document as a whole. Its inspirational and literary merits cannot be adequately expressed.

Parallel Types in Revelation 12

Rev. 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder (divine manifestation; sign) (sign or mark) in heaven; (heaven; firmament; place) a woman (a vessel, lamp)(the church) clothed (clothed; dressed) with the sun (garments and types of garments)(dazzling brightness)(heavenly luminary)(pure; holy)(white)(white garments)(hot), and the moon (unclean; immoral--that is repudiating such)(impure; spotted; unclean) under (beneath; under) her feet (tread underfoot)(position of shame; dishonor)(purity--woman repudiating such is), and upon her head (headgear) a crown (honor)(victory; symbol of) of twelve (twelve) stars: (white stones; precious stones)

Rev. 12:2 And she being with (in the midst--lit. "having in the womb") child (offspring-children) cried, (loud voice) travailing in birth (suffering; torment), and pained (labor, work) to be delivered. (to create; begin)

Rev. 12:3 And there appeared another (another; a second) wonder in heaven; and behold a great (great; large) red (fire; burning with fire)(hot)(purple and scarlet color) dragon (eastern orientation), having seven (seven) heads (wise; having knowledge; wisdom) and ten (ten) horns (kings)(paleness)(the beast; its composition--mixed and mingled), and seven crowns (gold; diadems) upon his heads.

Rev. 12:4 And his tail drew (to surround; circumvent--"surei") the third part (fraction; part)(three; a third) of the stars (angels)(great multitude; crowd)(innumerable number) of heaven, and did cast (to throw or cast)(descending from heaven) them to the earth (earth): and the dragon stood (standing position) before (position before) the woman which was ready to be (prepared, about to be) delivered, for to devour (eating; swallowing)(harm; or destroy)(wound; pierce) her child as soon as it was born. (create, bring forth)

Rev. 12:5 And she brought forth a man (humanity) child, who was to rule (rule or reign) all (all; every)(complete; fullness) nations (nation; kingdom)(absolute authority) with a rod (judge; measure)(symbol of authority) of iron (made of iron)(sharp; pointed)(object in hand): and her child was caught up (ascending up)(snatch away; steal) unto God (God the father), and to his throne. (four-dimensional)(symbol of authority)(high place; mountain)(place to sit; sitting position)

Rev. 12:6 And the woman fled (to depart; leave)(fear) into the wilderness (barrenness; nakedness), where she hath a place (dwelling place; habitat)(hidden; unknown; that is a hiding place) prepared of God, that they should feed (eating; food) her there a thousand (thousand) two hundred (hundred) and threescore (six--x 10) days. (unit of time)(day)

Rev. 12:7 And there was war (war) in heaven: Michael (Hebrew name)(personal name)(name; designated title)(likeness; image (means: who is like God) and his angels fought against the dragon (malodor [?] cf. notes); and the dragon fought and his angels (evil powers),

Rev. 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more (Not found; missing)(prohibition) in heaven.

Rev. 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, (outside; without) that old (first; beginning) serpent, called the Devil, (Greek name) and Satan, which deceiveth (deception; falsehood) the whole (again; complete; full) world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice (public proclamation) saying in heaven, (personal encounter; heavenly voice) Now is come (accomplished and present reality) salvation, (healing remedy)(commercial exchange) and strength, (might, strength) and the kingdom of our God, and the power (authority) of his Christ (Jesus Christ)(sweet smelling): for the accuser of our brethren (companion)(church leaders; prophets) is cast down, which accused (reflexive punishment; accuser stands accused) them before our God day and night. (continual, eternal)(night; cold)(darkness; blackness)

Rev. 12:11 And they overcame (overcome; conquer) him by the blood (purple; scarlet color) of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (truthful words)(wisdom); and they loved (love; strong desire) not their lives (life quality)(air; wind, spirit)(something beloved, valuable, or precious) unto the death. (martyrdom)(death and dying)(the dead)(killing; murder)

Rev. 12:12 Therefore rejoice, (celebration) ye heavens, (heaven; firmament) and ye that dwell in them. Woe (sorrow; mourning) to the inhabiters of the earth (earth-dwellers) and of the sea! (in the sea)(much water)(flat, broad surface; also perhaps the desert also; 12:6) for the devil is come down unto you, (falling; descending) having great wrath (fierceness, wrath), because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (short time)(little; small)

Rev. 12:13 And when the dragon saw (optical discernment) that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted (suffering; torment) the woman which brought forth the man child.

Rev. 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings (duality) of a great eagle, (swiftness) that she might fly (form of locomotion) into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, (calculation; measuring) from the face (face; forehead) of the serpent.

Rev. 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth (proceeding from the mouth) water (water)(drink; beverage) as a flood after (following; behind) the woman, that he might cause her to be carried (ride or be carried) away of the flood. (thunderous sound)

Rev. 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened (to open) her mouth, (thunderous sound; earthquake) (Subterranean; deep) and swallowed up (drink)(close; shut) the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (opening; doorway)

Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant (last; remnant)(fullness; maturity) of her seed (offspring; plant) (fruit-sweet taste)(root, also bitter taste--seed), which keep (detention; imprisonment) the commandments (made of stone)(inscriptive writing)(servanthood; obedience) of God (works, deeds), and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (written documents)(word of God; scriptures)[Jesus].

Introduction to Synonymic Parallels

How to Read the Tables

A title is given to each parallel idea that repeats itself in various ways throughout the Revelation document.

The first column lists the section or subsection that is represented. These sections each consist of a first part and a second part that roughly mirror each other (a, b). The second column numbers and classifies each of the 13 subsections.

The third column provides a listing of the most obvious parallels in abbreviated form as they occur in the text of each section.

The fourth column lists short explanatory notes and textual references. These also direct the reader to further notes of clarification in the footnotes immediately following many of the parallels.

While the reading of these might seem ponderous and is not generally expected, the reader is encouraged to labor through a few of these to appreciate the beautiful harmony that exists throughout the book of Revelation. The presentations of these are by no means final or infallible and the reader is welcome to improve or disagree with this writer's assessment. However, these parallels have been traced as a result of thousands of hours of meditation and study and can in many cases be confidently justified. These parallels have been an invaluable source of information needed for interpretation. Studying these greatly increases one's understanding of the Book of Revelation.

Synonymic Parallels

A to M

(Parallels "P-Z" are presented in Volume 7)

(89 listed in present volume)

About to happen; Ready; Prepared

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Time is at hand; The devil is about to throw some of you into prison	(1:3)(2:10) μελλει, used twice in the verse (about to suffer; about to be thrown into prison)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	things ready to die; hour of temptation; about to spew out of mouth	(3:2,10,16) Coming quickly (3:11)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Lamb prepared and able to open book, Horses ready to break forth upon the earth	(5:5) (The parallel is not easily found in this section; perhaps it can be seen in the "Come" expressions of the 4 living creatures)*
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	That should be killed	(6:11) about to be killed. Also the four winds are on the verge of blowing (7:1 ff)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Yet to sound: prepared for hour, day, etc.	(8:13)(9:15)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	About to write; about to sound; third woe comes quickly	(10:4,7; 11:13)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Ready to be delivered; about to rule; Place prepared	(12:4, 5,6)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Harvest of the earth is ripe (ready)	(14:15) "dried up"
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Grapes fully ripe; Way of the kings of the east prepared	(14:18)(16:12)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Beast about to ascend	(17:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	His wife hath made herself ready	(19:7)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Prepared as a bride	(21:2)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Time is at hand	(22:10)

About to happen; Ready; Prepared; Immanent

*2a The expressions "Come" ερχου, and the variants which render "Come and See!") are imperatives, which announce to the reader that an event of importance is about to occur. Especially does the traditional translation (KJV) "Come and See" give this force. Come! Look! The root, ερχομαι, means "to take place" or "happen," and the command as it were, releases the horses that are "prepared" to "GO!" and rush over the earth.

Also in 4:1 we find the expression that would translate in effect, "What is about to take place after this." That is, that which is about to happen, or is on the verge of happening.

Absolute Power; Acting at Will

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	The Almighty	(1:8) Also the Alpha and Omega; the prince of the kings of the earth, having dominion, etc. ( 1:5,6)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Key of David; opening and shutting what no man can	(3:7) Also ruling all nations (2:26,27); the firstborn of creation (3:14) etc.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	For thy pleasure they are and were created; Almighty	(4:11) Not the pleasure of delight but the pleasure of the will. Note: Greek word θελημα used here. (4:8) Lord God Almighty
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	How Long, O Lord, holy and true	(6:10) Word translated Lord is actually despot; δεσποτης; one who exercises absolute and usually ruthless authority.
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Bound angels released; Strong angel with foot on land and sea	(9:15)(10:1-3) Note: foot on land and sea represents universal prerogative over the earth. Cf. significance of under the feet.
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Power to cause plagues, as often as they will	(11:7) The Almighty (11:17)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Rule all nations with a rod of iron; Now is come....authority.	(12:5)(12:10) Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ.
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Power given beast over all kindreds, tongues, and nations	(13:2,4,5,7) Similarly the second beast exerciseth authority causing all to receive mark, forbidding commerce unless it is received, etc.
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Almighty, all nations shall come and worship; king of nations	(15:3,4)(16:14)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Woman reigneth over kings of earth but King of Kings overcomes her	(17:18, 14) Will and power is given over to the beast as well. Dominion over the cosmos changes hands until the Lamb comes and reigns.
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth	(19:7)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	*Alpha and Omega*	(21:6) Also Satan is bound and later defeated and judged by God. The thirsty have absolute freedom to drink all they wish (21:6)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	The Lord God Almighty	(21:22) Kings and nations are all subservient (21:24,26)

Absolute Power; Acting at Will

Concerning this parallel-----

Complete and absolute dominion is a theme throughout the book. Universal dominion has been sought by the evil powers of the cosmos throughout Salvation History.

Satan fights for it in Rev. 12 but is overcome by Michael who is to "rule all nations with a rod of iron." The heavenly voice declares that "salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ" (vs. 10) has come.

Earthly superpowers claim it (Babylon reigns over the kings of the earth) but are also overcome by the Lamb who is King of Kings. Finally in the new earth, all the kings of the earth bear honor and tribute into the New Jerusalem, symbolic of being subservient forever to the Almighty.

Typical terms for this idea are:

(1) παντακρατωρ, "all power" trans. "Almighty"

(2) All authority; i.e. "rule all nations," and "authority over all peoples, kindreds, tongues, and nations,"

(3) And perhaps one of the most significant examples in 6:6 where God is called a "despot;" "a ruler with absolute power and authority," (Webster's Seventh Collegiate Dictionary) acting at will, able to command as he wishes.

Accomplished; Present Reality

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	The one which is; and was; and is to come; Alpha and Omega, etc.	(1:4,8) Jesus is the one who is and is always in the present; who is alive forever more, etc. (1:17,18)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Behold I stand at the door and knock	(3:20) present tense.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	For thy pleasure they are and were created	(4:11) i.e., they are being and have been created. In addition the Lamb is found who has overcome and is worthy to open the book (5:5 ff.)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	The great day of his wrath is come. . .	(6:17) Also the censer is cast down (8:5) signifying a finished work.
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	One woe is past	(9:12) fulfilled; accomplished
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Thy wrath is come and the time of the dead. . . . and that thou shoudest give	(11:18)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Now is come. . .	(12:10)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	The hour of his judgment is come; Babylon is fallen	(14:7)(14:8)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Voice saying, "it is done."	(16:17)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Babylon is fallen, is fallen	(18:2)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Rejoice. .. For the marriage of the Lamb is come . . .	And the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, Salvation, power (is) unto the Lord our God, etc. (19:1-7)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	A voice saying, "It is done."	(21:6)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	He that is unjust, etc.	(22:11) Close of probation; time has come. Note use of this verse with the "It is done" passages in EGW)

Accomplished/ Present Reality

Notable are the numerous expressions of something that is "realized" and "accomplished" at the present, such as 14:6, "the hour of His judgment is come."

Air, Wind; Spirit; Breath

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Spirit	(1:10) plus several refs.
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Spirit	(3:1,6) plus several refs.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	In the spirit	(4:2)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Wind	(7:1)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Air	(9:2)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Spirit of life from God	(11:11)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Lives	(12:11) ψυχην
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Power to give life to the image of the beast	(13:15) The Spirit (14:13)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Air; spirits	(16:17)(16:13,14)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Carried away in the spirit; spirits	(17:3)(18:2)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Spirit of prophecy	(19:10)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Carried away in the spirit	(21:10)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	The Spirit and the bride	(22:17)

Air, Wind, Spirit, Breath

Concerning this parallel---

Several references are made to the spirit, the wind, the atmosphere, and the breath of life. The focus is upon the unseen and invisible, yet animated force.

(1) The Spirit (Holy Spirit)

(2) The wind (ανεμος)

(3) Air (αερ)

(4) The breath of life (11:11) (πνευμα, ψυχη)

(5) Life, as a quality, a state of existence

(6) The heavens, space

(7) The mid-heaven, the atmosphere

Angels; Heavenly Messengers

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Angel of the church of . . .	(SEVERAL REFERENCES OMIITTED HERE AND BELOW DUE TO MULTIPLICITY)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Angel of the church of . . .
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Strong angel, many angels	(5:2)(5:11)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Many Angels	(7:11)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Angel of the pit, A mighty angel	(9:11) (10:1)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	The angel stands	(11:1)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Stars, 1/3	(12:4) Stars=angels
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Another angel, etc.	(14:1 ff)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Seven angels	(17:1 ff)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Another angel	(18:1)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	A mighty angel	(18:21)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Angel coming down from heaven	(20:1)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Angel	(22:6,8,16)

Angels

• Revelation is the book of angels (ca. 67 occurrences). (NT 175) It may be that textual criticism or lost transmission of the text has removed 3, which would make 70 (10 X 7)

4 That stars are angels can be determined by Rev. 1:20 where the seven stars are equated with seven angels.

Another (a second)

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Second death	(2:11)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Another burden	(2:24)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Another horse	(6:4) red horse.
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Another angel	(7:2) from the sunrising; another angel stands at the altar also in (8:3)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Another angel coming down from heaven	(10:1)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Must prophesy again	(10:11) again, a second time.
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Another wonder in heaven	(12:3)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Another beast; Another angel	(13:11) (14:6,8,9,15)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Another angel; Another great wonder in heaven	(14:17,18; 15:1)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Another angel coming down from heaven	(18:1)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Alleluia, a second time	(19:3)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Another book opened	(20:12)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	One side and on another (?)	(22:3) tree of life; a second; a sapphire (21:19) (?)

Another (A second)

"Another" (an other) does not always mean "second" but it sometimes does. For example in 2:24 where "Thyatira" is spared an "other " burden, they are not inferentially spared all burdens, but they are spared an additional burden. In those sections where "another" does not necessarily mean "second" in the context, there is certain to be found something else which is second or something which repeats again a prior object or form.

Ascending; Rising Up

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Pergamos	(2:12) meaning of name; Pergamos; tower, height, elevation: therefore "rising up."1
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	The morning star	(2:28) rises in the east, the rising; the morning.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Come up here	(4:1)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Ascending from the east; smoke ascended	(7:2)(8:3)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	smoke ascended	(9:2)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Beast that ascends; "saints" ascend in a cloud	(11:7)(11:12)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Caught up to God	(12:5)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Beast ascends from the sea, smoke of torment ascends	(13:1)(14:11)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	rising of the sun; east	(16:12)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Beast that shall ascend	(17:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Smoke rose up	(19:3)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Army goes up onto the breadth of the earth	(20:9)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Morning Star	(22:16) and sun and moon?

Ascending: Rising Up

1a Pergamos according to Uriah Smith and other commentators means "elevation, " "height," or "ascent." In addition, in this section Jesus is featured as the "resurrected" Lord. The sun, a risen object, is mentioned, rising to its acme. (1:16)

2b East= lit. the "sun-rising"

7a ανεβησαν= They "rose up."

Authority: Dominion

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Dominion	(1:6) κρατος
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Power over the nations	(2:26) εξουσια
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Lamb is worthy to receive power	(5:12) κρατος; in addition the riders on the horses are given ability to carry out their mandates. (6:1ff)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Power is given to fourth horse and rider	(6:8) εξουσια
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Given power as scorpions, etc.	(9:3,3,10,19)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Power to shut heavens, power over waters	(11:6) εξουσια
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Power of his Christ	(12:10) εξουσια
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Dragon which gave power, First beast has power, power over fire	(13:4,5,7,12) (13:12)(14:18) εξουσια
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Power over these plagues	(16:9) εξουσια
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Receive power as kings; angel having great power	(17:12,13)(18:1) εξουσια
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	*God omnipotent reigneth; King of Kings*	(19:6, 16)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Second death hath no power	(20:6) εξουσια
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Right to the tree of life	(22:14) εξουσια

Authority; Dominion

• General authority, sovereignty, rulership is what is traced here.

Principle word; exousia;
εξουσια

Authority: Symbols of--

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Keys (of hell and death); Throne; Sword	(1:18) Also crown, στεφανος (2:10); THRONE (1:4; 2:13) Throne refs. too scattered and numerous to list in all the foll.. sections, SWORD(1:16)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Key of David; reins; rod of iron; crown	(3:7)(2:23)(2:27)(3:11)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Crowns; A sealed book, seals	(4:4)(5:1 ff.)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Seals; Seal of the living God	(6:7,9,12)(7:3)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Key (of bottomless pit)	(9:1) Crowns (9:7)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Sealing of book; a rod	(10:4)(11:1)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Diadems(crowns); rod of iron; Horns	(12:3,5) Throne (12:5) (12:3)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Throne; Mark; Crown (diadems)	(13:2)(13:17)(13:1) etc.
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Bridle	(14:20)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Horns; Angel with brightness and strength	(17:3)(18:1)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Many crowns; rod of iron: Key and chain	(19:12,15) (20:1) White horse (19:11)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Great White Throne	(20:11)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Seal; Reed	(22:10)(21:16) Commandments; gates, etc. may also have authoritative significance.

Authority: (Symbols of)

(The following represents an approximate list:)

1. keys

2. thrones

3. a sword

4. reins

5. rod

6. seal

7. diadems

8. mark

9. bridle

10. horns

11. brightness (18:1)

12. strength [physical]; (18:10)

13. robes, garments

14. names, titles (King of Kings, etc.)

Barrenness, Desolation

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Patmos	(1:9)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Poor, blind, and naked	(3:17,18)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	(famine conditions)	(6:5,6)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	famine	(6:8)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Bottomless pit	(9:1,2) αβυσσος, the void (Gen1:2)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Bottomless pit	(11:7)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Wilderness	(12:6,14) desert.
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Zion	(14:1) baldness1
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Naked	(16:15)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Wilderness, desolate, naked	(17:3,16)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	desolate	(18:19) ερμηομαι
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Bottomless pit	(20:1,3)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	(no more curse)	(22:3) The curse includes all things brought by sin, desolation, death, sorrow, pain---New earth well watered by river of life (see Zech.)

Barrenness; Desolation

1a Patmos probably means "rocky" or "barren." In reality the modern island is found to be desolate and fitly represents such, an appropriate place for exile.

5a Zion has one of its root meanings "baldness." The International Dictionary of the Bible gives possible (sayon), "dry place," "parched ground." Vol. 4, p. 959.

Before (Position)

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Seven Spirits	"which are before his throne (1:4) (ενωπιον) is the principle word throughout this section)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Before the Father and angels; Before your feet	(3:5) shall confess name(3:9) i.e. shall worship.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Before the throne	(4:5,6,10) also eyes before and behind (4:6)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Before the throne; before the Lamb	(7:9)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Altar before God	(9:13)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Before the God of the earth	(11:4)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Before the woman	(12:4)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Fire from heaven before men; before angels and the lamb	(13:13) (14:10)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Remembrance before God	(16:19)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Stood afar off	(in view of; before; μακρωθεν)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Before feet; wrought miracles before him	(19:10,20)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Stood before God	(20:12)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Before the feet of the angel	(22:8)

Before (position)

Though such prepositions under, over , behind, and before are common words in most any typical text of writing, the writer of Revelation uses them at times quite intentionally. Here the position of "before" denotes prominence and notability as well as a description of location. The sense is sometimes as in the Old Testament, "in the face of," or "before the face of."

Bitter Taste

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Smyrna	(2:8) myrrh, bitter to taste1
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Lukewarm water	(3:16) sulphurous water2
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Root, wine	(5:5; 6:6) roots associated with bitterness in the Bible. 3 Also wine that has been "destroyed."
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Unripe figs	(6:13)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Waters made bitter, wormwood	(8:11) (like blood; polluted)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Little book becomes bitter when swallowed	(10:9,10) καλαμος, reed. Smelled sweet but tasted bitter. (?)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Seed	(12:17) Fruit turns bitter around the seed. Some seeds themselves bitter, even poisonous. (apple)4
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Firstfruits, wine of wrath	(14:4, 10)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Blood, wine of wrath	(16:6,19)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Wine of wrath	(18:3) myrrh? (18:13)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Wine of wrath of God	(19:15)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Lake of fire and brimstone	(20:14; 21:8)5 Dead Sea, etc.
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Root	(22:16) Reed ?(21:15 ) cross.6 (Water is pure, nothing bitter in new earth)

Bitter Taste

1 Myrrh though sweet-smelling had a bitter taste. Cf. "Smyrna," (Churches section)

2 Laodicea had both mineral springs (nearby; Hierapolis) and warm water because of its need to be supplied remotely via an aqueduct. Certainly, most anyone can relate to the taste of sulfurous or even "warm" water as being unpleasant.

3 Hebrews 12:15 speaks of the "root of bitterness" (ριζα πικριαν). Bitterroot is a modern term, namely for a Rocky Mountain herb.

2b "untimely"= the word is open to translate: "pre-mature," or "late."

3a Wormwood is always associated with bitterness. Dt. 29:18, Jer 9:15 KJV; 23:15 KJV; Lam 3:19; Amos 6:12 KJV; Prov. 5:4. But it was not poisonous, cf. IDB, Vol. 4, pp. 878,879.

4 I have read about a man in the modern era that ate too many apple seeds and died. The inner part of many seeds is bitter, or especially that part of the fruit next to the seed or pit.

5a Wine is described as both "sweet" and "bitter," for freshness or fermentation can make the difference, for the word "wine" is given for both types.

Note: One will notice that the sweet and bitter objects are near if not identical to each other as often as possible; Thus: Warm water, or cold (drinkable) water, pure wine and impure wine, honey and bitterness in the stomach, ripe or unripe figs, myrrh vs. dead flesh, hyacinth (sweet-smelling flower) vs. brimstone; burning sulfur, etc.

6 The mention of the "reed" is probably significant. As concerning Jesus on the cross; according to Matthew (RSV) "took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed , and gave it to him to drink." Matthew 27:48. (Mark; the same; Luke no record). John: "A bowl full of sour wine stood there; so they put a sponge full of the wine on hyssop and held it to his mouth." (19:29) --Psalm 69:21 "They gave me also gall for my meat; . . . and vinegar to drink." KJV

A Blessing or Promise

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Blessing on reader; promises to overcomers	(1:3)(2:7,11,17)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Promises to overcomers	(2:26-29; 3:5,12,21, etc.)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Rainbow; Blessing	(4:3) sign of God's covenant promise; Blessing (5:12,13)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Promise of no more hunger, thirst, heat, tears; Blessing	(7:15-17)(7:12)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Rainbow	(10:1)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	24 Elders give thanksgiving	(11:17-18)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Loud voice from heaven celebrating Michael's victory and overcomers blessed	(12:10-12)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Blessing on the righteous dead	(14:13)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Blessed is he that watcheth	(16:15)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	*Called, chosen, and faithful blessed (?)*	Called, chosen, and faithful are recognized as victorious with the lamb (17:14) ??
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Blessed are they which are called	(19:9)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	*Voice from heaven promising fellowship and the end of the curse*	(21:3-5) ?
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Blessed are they that do his commandments	(22:14)

A Blessing or Promise

There are seven distinct "Blesseds" in the book of Revelation:

(1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14)

Books; Written Documents

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Write it in a book	(1:11)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Book of life	(3:5)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	A book	(5:1,2,3,4,5,8,9)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Heaven departed as a scroll	(6:14) βιβλιον; book
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Little Book	(10:2 ff) βιβλιδαριον
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Little Book	(10:8,9,10)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	The Testimony	(12:17) See Deut. 4:45 and 6:17)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Book of Life	(13:8)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Tabernacle of the Testimony	(15:5) The term probably includes both the commandments within the ark and those in the side of the ark.1
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Book of life	(17:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Testimony of Jesus	(19:10) i.e. the prophetic writings.
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Books; Book of life	(20:12,15)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Book, Lamb's book of life	(21:27; 22:7, 9, 10, 18,18, 19) (Book: Seven times here)

Books; Written Documents

Books in this case were always "scrolls."

Brilliant, Bright, Dazzling

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Face like sun	(1:16)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Morning Star	(2:28)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Lightning, God on throne	(4:3,5)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Lightnings	(8:5) also sun-rising ? (7:2)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Face like sun	(10:1) Also meteoric object (8:10)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Lightnings	(11:19)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Woman standing in the sun	(12:1)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Fire from heaven	(13:13)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Lightnings	(16:18)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Bright angel	(18:1) Earth lightened with his glory
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Angel standing in the sun	(19:17)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	City having the glory of God	(21:11)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Bright and Morning Star	(22:16)

Brilliant; Bright; Dazzling

In every section is found something of extreme brightness:

1. The figure of God on his throne

2. The figure of Jesus (chapter 1)

3. The morning star

4. The sun itself, in its rising and its zenith

5. Lightning

6. Bright angels with glory

7. The holy city

8. Precious stones (also gold and burnished metal)

9. Meteor-like objects

10. Lamps

11. woman in the heavens

12. White apparel of angels, saints

13. An angel in the sun

14. Fire from heaven

Calculation; Numbering; Measuring

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	White stone	(2:17) ψηφον; a psephon was a counting or judgment stone; from ψηφιζω--to calculate. (cf. 13:18)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Laodicea	(judging the people)(3:14 ff.); Also rule with rod? (2:27) Footnote: rod as a measuring rod.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Three measures of barley for a denarius.	(6:6)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Great multitude which no man could number	(7:9) Also "Joseph" means --"to add" (7:8)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	And I heard the number of them	(9:16) Also hour, day, month, and year requires calculation.
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Rise measure the temple . . . rod	(11:1 ff.)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	*(Time, times, and half a time)*	(12"14) rod of iron a judging instrument (12:5)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast	(13:18) to calculate
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	1,600 stadia; about the weight of a talent	(14:20)(16:21)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Judgment; double unto her double	(17:1) cf. to former Babylon---Dan. 5--weighed in the balance and found wanting; (18:6)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	In righteousness doth he judge; rod	(19:11,15)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Measure city, gates, wall	(21:15) Also great judgment theme in chapter 20; Also army with incalculable number---sand of sea (20:8)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Measuring the height of the wall; add and take away	(21:17)(22:18,19)

Calculation; Numbering; Measuring

1b On the rod of iron refer to the parallel on "Iron; Ferrous Material."

Celebration; Rejoicing

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	A wedding	(2:12) Pergamos. "gamos," Gr. for "wedding." Feast-type festivity in Near-Eastern culture.
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Have supper	(3:20) Referring to the relaxed and festive evening meal. δειπνον.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Worship around God's throne; harps, etc.	(Chapters 4 and 5). Harps (5:8)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Great multitude in white robes and palms in hand	(7:9 ff.)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	*Army (of locusts) rushing to battle*	(9:9) Battle preparation or hype in eastern culture. Refer to the dervishes, etc. Also American Indians.
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Rejoicing, making merry, sending gifts	(11:10)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Heavenly inhabitants rejoice over Satan's expulsion	(12:12)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	144,000 singing with harps	(14:1-3)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Victorious throng on the sea of glass singing with harps	(15:1-4)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Woman with cup; drunken revelry with paramours, etc.	(17:2,4,6; 18:3,7 etc.) Lives riotously and deliciously.
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Rejoicing throng; wedding supper of the Lamb, great supper of God	(19:1-9)(19:17 ff.)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Bride prepared for husband; wedding	(21:2,9)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Victory procession; servants feeding Lord at a feast	shall bring glory and honor of nations into it (21:24); servants shall serve, i.e. λατρευω, meaning both "worship" and "serve" as a waiter at a table.

Celebration; Rejoicing

3a In ancient times an army did not attack or prepare for attack quietly. The screams and war whoops were in themselves intended to strike fear to the opposing army, as well as to give psychological courage to the aggressors. Going to battle was treated as a celebration, especially by the Moslems and the Dervishes.

7b Rev. 22:3

Church Leaders: Apostles and Prophets

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Priests; Apostles; messenger (angel)	(1:6)(2:2)(several refs.)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Messengers; prophet	(sev. refs.); prophetess (2:20)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Elders; Priests	(4:4 ff.)(5:10)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Servants of God; elders	(7:3)(7:11,13)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Star	(9:1) cf. section on Stars- morning star.
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Servants the prophets; witnesses; elders	(10:7; 11:10))(11:3 ff.)(11:16)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Stars (crown of 12); the brethren	(12:1)(12:10)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Elders	(14:3)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Moses the servant of God; prophets	(15:3)(16:6)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	The called, chosen, and faithful	(17:14)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Prophets; brethren	(18:24)(19:10)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Priests of God and of Christ; apostles	(20:6) cf. vs. 4; (21:14)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Holy prophets; His servants; brethren the prophets	(22:6,9)

Church Leaders

Approximately seven designations or titles: Priests, Apostles, Elders, Prophets, Servants of God, the Brethren, Angels (stars; messengers).

Clothed; Dressed; Covered

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Clothed in a garment down to the foot	(1:13) ενδυω, ποδηρη
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Clothed with white raiment; mayest be clothed	(3:5)(3:18) περιβαλλω
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Clothed in white raiment	(4:4)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	White robes given to them; clothed in white robes	(6:11; 7:9,13)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Clothed with a cloud	(10:1)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Clothed in sackcloth	(11:3)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Clothed with the sun	(12:1)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	(garments) are spotless; (144,000)	Inferential. (14:5) They are "without fault." αμωμοι ; lit. without spot, blameless referring to robes.1
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Clothed with pure and white linen	(15:5) ενδυω; Note evidence also for white stones.2
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Arrayed in purple	(17:4)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Clothed in linen; arrayed in fine linen; clothed in vesture; horses clothed	(18:16; 19:8, 13,14) vs. 14 ενδυω
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Prepared as a bride	(21:2) κοσμεω
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Garnished with precious stones	(21:19) κοσμεω; Also wall is "built up" with jasper, lit. "dressed" ενδωμησις, derived from ενδυω. vs.21:18. (dress material)

Clothed; Dressed

Seven Types of Garments:

(1) ποδηρη

(2) στολη

(3) ιματιον

(4) the sun

(5) a cloud

(6) precious stones (garment of; city?)

(7) sackcloth (haircloth)

Also accessory: belt, breastplate

Seven Types of "Fabric"

(1) wool

(2) sackcloth (goat's hair)

(3) linen

(4) silk

(5) "cloud"

(6) "light"

(7) "stones"

1 Likewise the bride has clean and washed garments in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, though the garment is not mentioned; "that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph 6: 26,27.

2 Some significant manuscripts have the angel's dressed in white stones (λιθον) rather than linen (λινον). Linen is probably the better choice textually and sensically.

7b Better evidence supports "εν;" "in;" and δωμαω, "to build." Vincent, p. 572.

Cold; Frigid Temperature

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Snow	(1:14) Hades (1:18)(see note on darkness)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Cold water	(3:15)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Night	(4:8) Also perhaps in reference to "crystal" (ice) in 4:6.
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Night; springs of water	(7:15,17)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Fountains (springs or wells) of water	(8:10)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Hail	(11:19)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Night	(12:10)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Fountains; night	(14:7; 14:11)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Fountains of water; hail	(16:4)(16:21)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Bottomless pit (?)	(17:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Sea (?)	(18:15,17) + several refs. in previous sections.
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Sea; crystal, fountain of the water of life; night	(21:1)(21:11)(21:6)(20:10)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Night; water of life	(21:25; 22:5)(22:1,17)

Cold

1a On Hades see "Subterranean," Josephus on "Hades."

2a Barclay sees the possibility of κρυσταλλον referring to "ice," for it is the Greek word for it. This would make the opposites: "hot" and "cold" in juxtaposition again. See William Barclay, Revelation of John, Vol. 1, p. 156.

• In addition there are other places where one finds "hot and "cold" in a similar common, much like sweet and bitter. As in the above ("lamps of fire," next to a sea of "ice"), also in 15:2 a sea of glass (here glass only but in chapter 4 "glass like crystal"---i.e. "ice") mingled with fire; (hot mixed with cold, Laodicea, etc.)

Commercial Exchange; Buying and Selling

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Release from sins by blood	(1:5) Fornication, "to sell" (2:14)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Buy of me gold. . . .	(3:18) Also fornication (2:20)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Redeemed (Bought) to God; wheat and barley for money	(5:9) grain is weighed and sold in a commercial transaction (6:6)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Issachar; Salvation	Issachar lit. means "hire," or "wages." (7:7) (7:10)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Fornication	(9:21)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Reward	wages (11:18); to servants the prophets and saints
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Salvation	(12:10) Salvation is based on the greatest transaction of all; redemption through Christ's blood.
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	No man might buy or sell	(13:17) Fornication (14:8)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	(Waters dried up)	(16:12) that is, no buying or selling; Fornication (17:2) -- division perhaps comes after 17:1,2.
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Merchants, cargo, fornication a symbol of commercial exchange	(thematic in whole section)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Merchants and their wares stand afar off`	(18:15 ff.) Also Salvation (19:2), and Fornication (19:2)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Freely (without cost); reward or wages for works inferred	(21:9)(20:13)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Freely; Reward for works	(22:17)(22:12)

Commercial Exchange; Buying and Selling

1a πορνεω, "fornication" means literally, "to sell."

Companionship; Brotherhood

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Who also am your brother and companion	(1:9) Fraternity, mutual society; transcending blood relationships1 Companion=συγκοινωνος
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Philadelphia	(3:5) "brotherly love." Compound of philos; love and brother; adelphos.
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Elders (24)	(4:4) πρεσβυτεροι, term naturally infers brotherhood. See Jn 8:9 where term is used of elder brother2
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Their fellowservants; also and their brethren	(6:11) Also 144,000 are a group derived from twelve tribes; brothers (ch. 7)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Army	(9:16) Comrades in arms. United under their king, Abaddon. Another homogenous group.
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Two witnesses	(11:3 ff.) Others as well could qualify in this sec; such the elders (11:16); the servants the prophets (10:7) elsewhere called brethren (22:9)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	The brethren	(12:10)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Elders, 144,000	(14:1-3)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Gathering of the 3 unclean spirits	(16:13,14) This group is politically and ecumenically united. The "gather" to the battle.
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Those with him (King of kings)	(17:14) The called, the chosen. Also (18:4) "fellowship" in her sins.
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren	(19:10)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Gog and Magog; twelve sons of Israel, bride and husband	(20:8)(21:12)(21:2)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Of thy brethren the prophets	(22:9)

Companionship; Brotherhood

1a This listing looks for banding in groups; the fellowship however that is beyond blood relatives such as a church, and army, thus any solidarity of disciples, or homogenous group.

• However several human and familial (blood) relationships are mentioned in Revelation also and likely constitute another parallel as well (7X):

(1) Father,

(2) Mother

(3) brother, brethren

(4) Children (son; daughters (harlot)

(5) Kindred, tribe, (family)

(6) husband

(7) wife; bride

2a "Now the elder son was in the field" (πρεσβυτερος); Luke 15:25

Complete, Finished, Ended

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Omega, last, end	(1:8)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	The Amen	(3:14) cf. also (3:2) "works not yet complete" and the remnants or ends in Thyatira (2:24) and Sardis--"things that remain" (3:2)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Book that is full	(5:1) book on both sides written; therefore probation history ended and complete1
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Should be fulfilled	(6:11) i.e. the number of saints lacking in full number to be killed; also theme of casting down of censer (8:2-5)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	First woe completed	(9:12) "first woe is passed" απηλθεν, "went away"
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Mystery of God finished; testimony finished	(10:7; 11:7) Also events of seventh trumpet mark the completion of worldly history
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Remnant	(11:17)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Judgment is come	(14:7) Time is expired; judgment is come.
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Seven plagues fulfilled; It is done	(15:8; 16:17)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Words of God fulfilled	(17:17)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Scene of completed judgment	(19:1-8) Amen; (19:4); waiting period of holy bride is complete as is for the "remnant" of the wicked (19:7,8,21), etc.
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Thousand years finished; It is done	(20:5; 21:6)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Omega, end, last	(22:13)

Complete, Finished, Ended

• The completeness here considered is the "expiration of time" or the "completion of action" in time. Another completeness, fullness of quantity, is considered in another parallel.

Continual; Without Rest

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Patient Endurance; Toil without fainting	(1:9)(2:3) "hast patience, and . . . hast labored, and hast not fainted"
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Be Watchful; Word of patience	(3:2) Continual vigilance; (3:10)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Creatures rest not day and night	(4:8)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Serve him day and night in his temple	(7:15)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Men seek death (repose) but cannot find it	(9:6)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Witnesses not allowed to rest in graves	(11:9)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Saints accused day and night by Satan	(continually; 12:10)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	No rest day or night	(14:11)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Wicked blaspheme and suffer	(16:9-11 etc.) Also the eternal existence of God's person is often emphasized (15:7; 16:5)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Names written from the foundation of world; Babylon thinks she will never	(??)(17:8 ff.)(18:7)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	smoke rises up forever	(19:3)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Day and night forever and ever	(20:10)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Gates always open; no night	(21:25)

Creation; Firsts; Beginnings

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Alpha and Omega, beginning. . .	(1:8,11) Greek text omits "the beg." from vs.8 and Alpha and Omega from vs. 11. In any case Alpha =creation1
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Firstborn of creation	(3:14)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Thou hast created all things	(4:11)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Word of God	(5:9) cf. John 1:1=creative word. Also the significance of seal of the God who always lives, i.e. Sabbath.
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Works of their hands; Created things	(9:20) that is, the creations of their hands, in this case lifeless idols, a derisive contrast to God's creation. (also created things; creatures 8:9)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Who created heaven, etc.	(10:6)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Birth. . . brought forth a child	(12:5)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Worship him who made the heavens, etc.	(14:7) (also foundation of the world ;13:8)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Great and marvelous are thy works	(15:3) cf. the Psalms where this phrase denotes creatorship.2
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	The foundation of the world	(17:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Word of God	(19:13) Also perhaps reflected in the craftsmen of 18:22)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Behold, I make all things new	(21:5)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Alpha and Omega, beginning, first	(22:13)

Creation, Firsts, Beginnings

The importance of Christ's creatorship as a theme in the Book of Revelations cannot be over-emphasized.

1a cf. 3:14. The beginning of the creation of God.

2b The designation: "word of God," especially in the Johannine writings cannot be separated from creatorship. "In the beginning was the word . . . all things were made by him. . . " John 1:1-3)

5b Psalms 8:3,6; exp. 92:4,5 (A psalm for the Sabbath), 102:25; 139:14, etc.)

Darkness; Blackness

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Hades (hell)	(1:18) Hades was thought to be dark; the underworld. See description of Josephus.1
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	The deep places	(2:24) The Deep is synonymous with the αβυσσος, "over the face of the deep" Gen. 1:2. The underworld.2
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Night; a black horse	(4:6)(6:5)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Hades; black as sackcloth	(6:8)(6:12)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Sun and air darkened by smoke of pit	(9:2) The pit or bottomless pit=the αβυσσος. Darkness, void.3
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Sackcloth; Bottomless pit	(11:3)(11:7)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Night	(12:11)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Night	(14:11)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Kingdom full of darkness	(16:10)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Bottomless pit; smoke; (ebony wood)	(17:8)(18:9)(18:12) "most precious wood" was probably ebony. Coupled here with ivory. (cf. Ezek.27:15)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Light. . . shall be seen no more; dust, i.e. ashes, soot.	(18:23)(18:19) On the dust, please note Ezekiel 27:30; parallelism)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Night; Bottomless pit	(20:10)(20:3)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Night	(no night)(21:25; 22:5)

Darkness; Blackness

There are at least seven examples:

(1) Hades

(2) The Deep

(3) Night

(4) Sackcloth/hair

(5) Smoke

(6) The Bottomless Pit (αβυσσος)

(7) Most Precious Wood (ebony)

___________________________________________

1a Josephus: "Hades . . . is . . . a subterranean region wherein the light of this world does not shine . . . it cannot be but there must be in it perpetual darkness."-----The Works of Flavius Josephus, "An Extract out of Josephus's Discourse to the Greeks Concerning Hades," Whiston translation (Philadelphia: The John C. Whiston Co., n.d., page 901 (Philadelphia: John E. Potter and Co., n.d., pages 743,744.

2 "the deep places"= Gr. βαθος

3 αβυσσος = Without form and void; emptiness, darkness

6a Ezekiel 27:15 "They brought thee a present horns of ivory and ebony." (Tyre)

Day; Daytime Light

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Lord's day; ten days, days of Antipas	(1:10; 2:10, 13)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Morning	(2:28)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	day and night	(4:8)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Great day of wrath; serve day and night	(6:17)(7:15)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Day shown; those days; hour and day	(8:12)(9:6)(9:15)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Days of the voice; day	(10:7)(11:3,6,9,11)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	1260 days; day and night	(12:6)(12:10)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Day and night	(14:11)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Battle of the great day of God Almighty	(16:14)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	In one day	(18:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	(?)	Broken pattern—(?) Poss. mistranslated in vs. 17 or 19 (hr. in both) because day and hr. are both used in prev. section in 18 vss. 8,10.
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Day and night	(20:10)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Gates not shut at all by day	(21:25)

Day

Day= the time period as well as "light."

The Dead; Those Who Have Died

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Fell as one who is dead	(1:17) ως νεκρος
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Thou art dead (Sardis)	(3:1)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	No man under the earth	(5:3)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Souls under the altar	(6:9)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Voice from the four horns of the altar	(9:13)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Dead bodies	(11:8,9)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	They loved not their lives unto death	(12:11)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Blessed are the dead	(14:13)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Another angel from the altar	(14:18)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Blood of the martyrs	(17:6)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	In her was found the blood of prophets.... and all the slain	(18:24)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Dead are judged, sea, death, and hell give up dead	(20:12-14)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	No more curse (death), prophets and those in book of life rewarded	(22:3 ff)

The Dead

• The dead, as in those already dead. The concept of "death," its curse and its evil power is a slightly separate line of thought.

• The dead are usually remembered and represented by the symbols of:

(1) the altar

(2) blood

(3) the books of record

Death and Dying

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Hell and Death; faithful unto death; second death	(1:18)(2:10,11)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Kill with death	(2:23)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Those (men) under the earth	(5:3,13)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Death and Hell	(6:8)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Seek death and death shall flee	(9:6)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Killed; Dead bodies; sackcloth; men slain	(11:7,8)(11:3)(11:8,13)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Loved not lives unto death	(12:11)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Wounded to death; killing with the sword	(13:3)(13:10) The dead in the Lord (14:13)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Blood of dead man; slaying of saints and prophets	(16:3)(16:6)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Death and famine and mourning	(18:8)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Those slain on the earth	(18:24)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Second death; death and hell; no more death	(20:6,14; 21:9)(20:13,14)(21:4)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	No curse, No murderers	(22:3,15)

Death and Dying

• Death, the fact and reality, its unwelcome presence, is what is represented in the accompanying list of parallels. Death is even personified in some passages.

As the greatest enemy, and as the most significant fruit of evil in the cosmos, death and dying appear often in the Apocalypse.

The new order of conditions at the end of the book restores the Edenic condition of "no more death." (21:4)

Deception; Falsehood

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Hast found them liars	(2:2) that is; those claiming to be apostles
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Which do lie	(3:9) Those claiming to be Jews; Also Jezebel, a false prophetess who practices seduction (2:20)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Rider on white horse, Judah	(6:2)(5:5) Note the meaning of the white horse1 and the history of the patriarch, Judah.2
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Judah	Tribe of (7:5) See above.
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Sorcery	(9:21)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	*Those that destroy or corrupt the earth*	(11:18) Also may note the deception experienced in the bitter disappointment of (10:1-11)3
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Devil that deceives the whole world	(12:9)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Two Blasphemous powers who practice	(13:1-8) Blasphemes, overcomes the saints. (13:14) Second beast deceives the earth
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	False prophet	(16:13)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Blasphemous Babylon makes nations drunk	(17:3 ff)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	By her sorceries all nations deceived	(18:23)(19:20)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Devil, which deceived them; Sorcerers & all liars	(20:10)(21:8)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Those making lies; loving falsehood	(21:27)(22:15)

Deception: Falsehood

1 Cf. note on the white horse, "Seven Seals" section.

2 Judah was the one chiefly responsible for selling Joseph and the consequent deception of Jacob. The Greek forms of his name "Judas" is significant also. His betrayal of his brother is typological of the later Judah (Judas, gr. spelling). Judah also was notorious for his practice of deception in the case of Tamar.

6a Blasphemy is clearly an equivalent to the highest form of deception, claiming divinity when one is not divine.

Depart; Leave

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Forsaken first love	(2:4)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Shall go out no more	(3:12)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Went out another horse that was red	(6:4) εξηλθον, lit. "went away," another horse.
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Heavens departed as a scroll	(6:14)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Death shall flee from them; First woe went away	(9:6)(9:12)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Second woe "went away"	(11:14)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Went away to make war; woman fled into wilderness	(12:17)(12:6)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Angel came out of the temple	(14:15)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Angel came out of temple; another out of altar	(14:17,18) Also the islands fled away (16:20).
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	"Come out of her, my people"	(18:4)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Fruits...are departed from thee	(18:14)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	From whose face earth and heaven fled away	(20:11)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	*Take away part of book of life; Water proceeds out*	(22:19)(22:1) Which, if either here is not certain. Also the gates are not shut daily, i.e. won't go out by day.1

Descent From Heaven; Coming Down

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Manna	(2:17) (1:14) Note Johnannine reference to Jesus, the living bread which came down from heaven; Jn 6:51.
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	New Jerusalem	....which cometh down out of heaven (3:12)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	*Lightnings*	(4:5) that is; fire from heaven.
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Stars of heaven fell unto the earth	(6:13) lightnings ? (8:5)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Hail, An angel come down from heaven	(8:7)(10:1)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Rain, hail	(11:6,19)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Stars of heaven (1/3) cast to the earth	(12:4)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Fire come down from heaven	(13:13)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Great Hail	(16:19)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Another angel come down from heaven	(18:1)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Angel come down from heaven	(20:1) At least the first verse of ch. 20 belongs in actuality to the previous section.2
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	New Jerusalem; fire from heaven	"...coming down from God out of heaven." (21:2); fire from heaven (20:9)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	(The city)	(21:23, etc.)

Descent From Heaven

Seven: Snow, Manna, city, hail, fire/lightning, angels, stars

6b In the section of the Laments an angel comes down from heaven (18:1,2). This angel (20:1) also comes down from heaven, and is the literary counter-part of the first.

Detention; Imprisonment; To Hold

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Into prison	(2:10)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Hold fast. . .	(2:25; 3:11)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Sealed book	(5:1)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Bondman (slave)	(6:15) contrasted to free man. Also winds are "held" (7:1)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Key opens pit; four angels bound at the great river Euphrates	(9:1)(9:14)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Power to shut heaven	(11:6)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	"Keep" commandments	(12:17) τηρεω; meaning "to guard, or keep."
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Captivity; bondslave	(13:10)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Keeping (watching) his garments	(16:15)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Prison (hold) of every foul spirit and prison (cage) of every despised bird	(18:2)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Bondslaves; beast is taken (captured)	(18:13)(19:20) πιαζω
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Satan bound. . . and loosed from his prison	(20:2,7) δεσμεω, to bind
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	*Don't seal; gates not shut*	(22:10)(21:25) Complete freedom; no detention.

Detention: Imprisonment

2b Hades was also considered a prison. Cf. Vincent, p. 433

4 τηρεω, "guard or keep," is even a root for another name for a prison, τηρησις, (Acts 4:3; 5:18)

Dishonor, Shame; Discomfiture

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	All kindreds shall wail because of him	(1:7)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Blot out name; wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked	(3:5)(3:17)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Wept because no one found worthy	(5:4)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Call for rocks and mountains to hide them from the face of God	(6:16)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Men shall seek death and death shall flee from them	(9:6)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Clothed in sackcloth; dead bodies left unburied	(11:3)(11:8,9)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Devil thrown outside, loses place in heaven	(12:9) Also the moon is under feet of woman (12:1)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Tormented in the presence of the holy angels and the lamb	(14:10)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Outside the city; Walk naked and see shame	(14:20)(16:15)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Shall make her desolate and naked	(17:16)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Cried and cast dust on their heads	(18:19)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Not found in book of life cast into lake of fire; heaven and earth flee from face	(20:15)(20:11)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Outside are dogs and sorcerers etc.	(22:15) See comments on 14:20. Outside was where all the unclean, wicked, etc. were.

Dishonor; Shame; Discomfiture

4 According to Eastern custom, to be beneath the feet was a position of subservience, or worship. A conqueror put his foot on the neck or back of his enemies. They were represented on his footstool, where he put his feet. Even today, to lift the heel against someone indicates disfavor and repudiation.

Divine Manifestation; Theophany

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	A Revelation	(1:1) αποκηλυψις; in the spirit (1:10); a mystery (1:20)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	Morning Star	(2:28) See chapter on the morning star, i.e. Urim and Thummim. Also the key of David (3:7)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Door opened in heaven, in spirit, Storm theophany	(4:1,2,5)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Storm theophany	(8:5) lightnings, thunderings, voices
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	the vision	(9:17)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	A mystery, storm theophany	(10:7)(11:19)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	A great wonder	(12:1) σημειον
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Miracles, signs	(13:14) σημειον
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Another wonder in heaven	(15:1) (same as above)
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	A mystery	(17:7)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	The Spirit of Prophecy	(19:10)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Voice from heaven	(21:3) a Bath Kol. Several of these voice manifestations throughout the book)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	A Prophecy	(22:7,10,18)

Divine Manifestation; Theophany

Several examples are given of direct revelations from God:

(1) αποκηλυψις, a revelation

(2) a vision

(3) a sign (σημειον)

(4) a voice (from heaven, etc.)

(5) a prophecy

(6) a mystery

(7) a pillar of fire (shekinah)

(8) a bright stone

(9) a storm (lightning, thunder, etc.)

A Door or Opening (Having)

Section Title	Section #	Parallel /Text	Explanation/footnote
The Churches 1:1 - 2:17	1a	Hell (Hades)	(1:18) Keys. Footnote re: Hades as a prison house. a revelation (1:1)
The Churches 2:18 - 3:22	1b	A open door	(3:8)
The Seals 4:1 - 6:6	2a	Door opened in heaven	(4:1)
The Seals 6:6 - 8:5	2b	Dens (caves); Hades	(6:15)(6:8)
The Trumpets 8:6 - 10:3	3a	Key of bottomless pit	(9:1,2)
The Trumpets 10:4 - 11:19	3b	Mouth	(11:5) + other passages; Also heaven can be opened and shut (11:6; 19:11 etc.)
The Great Controversy 12:1 -17	4	Earth opened her mouth	(12:16)
The Plagues 13:1 - 14:16	5a	Mouth	(13:5,6)
The Plagues 14:17 - 16:21	5b	Temple opened; Babylon	(15:5)(16:19) Babylon literally means "Gate of god."
The Laments 17:1 - 18:12	6a	Babylon	(17:5)
The Laments 18:13 - 19:21	6b	Babylon	(18:21)
The Restoration 20:1 - 21:15	7a	Gates	(21:12,13)
The Restoration 21:16 - 22:21	7b	Gates	(21:21,25)

A Door or Opening

(1) Hades

(2) A mouth

(3) The temple

(4) City (gate)

(5) Heaven

(6) Earth (chapter 12, mouth of...)

(7) Bottomless pit, the underworld; (Tomb? [ch. 11?])

__________________________________________

1a Cf. Vincent's Word Studies, p. 433. Also note Matthew 16 where the "gates of hell" cannot withstand the resurrected Lord.

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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Book 4: The Great Controversy part a

Introduction

First is that this is not a professional work, nor does it pretend to be. Human error will often find its way into this document. For these I indulge the reader's patience as the editing procedure continues.

The Great Conflict Vision of Revelation 12

CHIASTIC STRUCTURE

IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

(Credits to Mr. Takayuki Yoda)

A Prologue

Section #

Absolute Power; Acting at Will

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Accomplished; Present Reality

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Air, Wind; Spirit; Breath

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Angels; Heavenly Messengers

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Ascending; Rising Up

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Authority: Dominion

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Bitter Taste

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Bitter Taste

A Blessing or Promise

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Calculation; Numbering; Measuring

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Celebration; Rejoicing

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Clothed; Dressed; Covered

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Cold; Frigid Temperature

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Commercial Exchange; Buying and Selling

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Commercial Exchange; Buying and Selling

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Companionship; Brotherhood

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Complete, Finished, Ended

Continual; Without Rest

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Creation, Firsts, Beginnings

Darkness; Blackness

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Darkness; Blackness

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The Dead

Death and Dying

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Deception; Falsehood

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Depart; Leave

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