Offenbarung 22:1

THE RIVER OF LIFE: THE TREE OF LIFE: THE OTHER BLESSEDNESSES OF THE REDEEMED. JOHN FORBIDDEN TO WORSHIP THE ANGEL. NEARNESS OF CHRIST'S COMING TO FIX MAN'S ETERNAL STATE. TESTIMONY OF JESUS, HIS SPIRIT, AND THE BRIDE, ANY ADDITION TO WHICH, OR SUBTRACTION FROM WHICH, SHALL BE ETERNALLY PUNISHED. CLOSING BENEDICTION. (Rev. 22:1-21) pure--A, B, Vulgate, and HILARY 22, omit. water of life--infinitely superior to the typical waters in the first Paradise (Gen 2:10-14); and even superior to those figurative ones in the millennial Jerusalem (Eze 47:1, Eze 47:12; Zac 14:8), as the matured fruit is superior to the flower. The millennial waters represent full Gospel grace; these waters of new Jerusalem represent Gospel glory perfected. Their continuous flow from God, the Fountain of life, symbolizes the uninterrupted continuance of life derived by the saints, ever fresh, from Him: life in fulness of joy, as well as perpetual vitality. Like pure crystal, it is free from every taint: compare Rev 4:6, "before the throne a sea of glass, like crystal." clear--Greek, "bright."

The heavenly state which was before described as a city, and called the new Jerusalem, is here described as a paradise, alluding to the earthly paradise which was lost by the sin of the first Adam; here is another paradise restored by the second Adam. A paradise in a city, or a whole city in a paradise! In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction. And here observe, I. The river of paradise. The earthly paradise was well watered: no place can be pleasant or fruitful that is not so. This river is described, 1. By its fountain-head - the throne of God and the Lamb. All our springs of grace, comfort, and glory, are in God; and all our streams from him are through the mediation of the Lamb. 2. By its quality - pure and clear as crystal. All the streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are clear, salutary, and refreshing, giving life, and preserving life, to those who drink of them. II. The tree of life, in this paradise. Such a tree there was in the earthly paradise, Gen 2:9. This far excels it. And now, as to this tree, observe, 1. The situation of it - in the midst of the street, and on either side the river; or, as might have been better rendered, in the midst between the terrace-walk and the river. This tree of life is fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God. The presence and perfections of God furnish out all the glory and blessedness of heaven. 2. The fruitfulness of this tree. (1.) It brings forth many sorts of fruit - twelve sorts, suited to the refined taste of all the saints. (2.) It brings forth fruit at all times - yields its fruit every month. This tree is never empty, nev…

22:1-2 This part of John’s vision of the city deals with God’s provision of water and food for his people (cp. Exod 16:4, 22-24; Ezek 47:1-12; John 4:10; 6:32-35). Although God originally made a “garden of delight” (Eden) for Adam and Eve, they disobeyed him and lost it (Gen 2–3). Now Eden is refashioned and united to the celestial city as God’s marvelous gift for his faithful people. 22:1 the water of life: See 7:17; John 4:10-15; cp. Exod 17:1-7; Isa 55:1; Ezek 47:1-10; Zech 14:8.