Revelation 12:12-17 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell in them… 1. By this exhortation of others that are in heaven to rejoice likewise, we see, that the saints of God think it not enough for themselves to rejoice at the prosperity of Christ and His Church; but they exhort, and would have all others to join herein with them, that as God is all in all, so He may of all and by all be praised and glorified. 2. We see the contrary disposition of the godly and wicked; that which is matter of joy to the one is of sorrow to the other, and on the contrary; which was seen at Christ's birth or first coming, and shall beat His record. 3. By the denouncing of a woe to the inhabiters of the earth, we see when it shall be well with the godly then it shall be woe to the wicked. 4. Whereas it is said that the devil was come down to them in great wrath, we see — (1) Who is the author of all unjust wrath and malice. (2) As they who serve God get His loving favour, but they who are Satan's slaves get nothing but his wrath as their recompense in the end; being first their tempter, next their accuser, and at last their tormentor. 5. It is said that he comes in great wrath, because his time is short; which, as it is a comfort to the godly, so it should be a lesson of wisdom: as he is busy in doing ill, so should they be in doing good, because their time is short here, yea, and most uncertain. (William Guild, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. |
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