Offenbarung 15:5

So Rev 11:19; compare Rev 16:17. "The tabernacle of the testimony" appropriately here comes to view, where God's faithfulness in avenging His people with judgments on their foes is about to be set forth. We need to get a glimpse within the Holy place to "understand" the secret spring and the end of God's righteous dealings. behold--omitted by A, B, C, Syriac, and ANDREAS. It is supported only by Vulgate, Coptic, and PRIMASIUS, but no manuscript.

Observe, I. How these angels appeared - coming out of heaven to execute their commission: The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened, Rev 15:5. Here is an allusion to the holiest of all the tabernacle and temple, where was the mercy-seat, covering the ark of the testimony, where the high priest made intercession, and God communed with his people, and heard their prayers. Now by this, as it is here mentioned, we may understand, 1. That, in the judgments God was now about to execute upon the antichristian interest, he was fulfilling the prophecies and promises of his word and covenant, which were there always before him, and of which he was ever mindful. 2. That in this work he was answering the prayers of the people, which were offered to him by their great high priest. 3. That he was herein avenging the quarrel of his own Son, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose offices and authority had been usurped, his name dishonoured, and the great designs of his death opposed, by antichrist and his adherents. 4. That he was opening a wider door of liberty for his people to worship him in numerous solemn assemblies, without the fear of their enemies. II. How they were equipped and prepared for their work. Observe, 1. Their array: They were clothed with pure and white linen, and had their breasts girded with golden girdles, Rev 15:6. This was the habit of the high priests when they went in to enquire of God, and came out with an answer from him. This showed that these angels were acting in all things under the divine appointment and direction, and that they were going to prepare a sacrifice to the Lord, called the supper of the great God, Rev 19:17. The angels are the ministers of divine justice, and they do every thing in a pure and holy manner. 2. Their art…

15:5-6 God’s Tabernacle implies God’s presence (see John 1:14); even the plagues have their source in God’s presence. Christ’s sacrifice (Matt 27:51; Mark 15:38; Heb 6:19-20; 10:19-20) removed the veil between God and humanity (see Exod 26:31-35; Lev 16). Now those who do not belong to Christ experience the full force of God’s presence (see Rev 20:11-15; Isa 13:4-12; Zeph 2:1-3; Mal 3:2-3). • white linen: Linen, a symbol of purity, was also worn by the priests when performing their duties (see Exod 28:39-43; Lev 16:4, 23; see also Ezek 9:2-3; Dan 12:6-7). The function of these angels is not intercession; they are agents of judgment. The linen therefore represents the purity and justice of God’s judgment. • The gold sashes across their chests probably symbolize their divine mission as ministers of justice on God’s behalf (cp. Rev 1:13).