Revelation 10:9

And I went to the angel and said, "Give me the small scroll." "Take it and eat it," he said. "It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey."

Study Bible

And I went to the angel
This phrase signifies John's active obedience and willingness to approach the divine messenger. The Greek word for "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) means "messenger," indicating a being sent by God to deliver His message. In the context of Revelation, angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humanity, emphasizing the importance of divine communication and the need for human receptivity to God's word.

and asked him to give me the little scroll
The "little scroll" (βιβλαρίδιον, biblaridion) is a diminutive form of the word for book or scroll, suggesting something small yet significant. In biblical times, scrolls were the primary medium for recording important texts, including Scripture. The act of asking for the scroll indicates John's desire for understanding and revelation, a model for believers to seek God's wisdom earnestly.

He said to me, 'Take it and eat it.'
The command to "take" (λαβὲ, labe) and "eat" (φάγε, phage) the scroll is symbolic of internalizing God's word. Eating the scroll represents the process of fully absorbing and integrating divine truth into one's life. This imagery echoes Ezekiel 3:1-3, where the prophet is also instructed to eat a scroll, signifying the consumption of God's message to proclaim it faithfully.

It will make your stomach bitter
The "bitter" (πικρανεῖ, pikranei) experience in the stomach suggests the challenging and sometimes distressing nature of God's revelations. While the word of God is life-giving, it also contains messages of judgment and calls for repentance, which can be difficult to digest. This bitterness reflects the reality that following God's will often involves trials and tribulations.

but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey
The sweetness "as honey" (ὡς μέλι, hōs meli) in the mouth highlights the initial delight and joy found in receiving God's word. Honey, a symbol of pleasure and satisfaction in ancient cultures, represents the immediate gratification and spiritual nourishment that comes from engaging with Scripture. This duality of sweetness and bitterness underscores the complexity of the Christian journey, where joy and suffering coexist in the pursuit of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives visions and instructions from God through angels.

2. The Angel
A mighty angel who stands with one foot on the sea and one on the land, symbolizing authority over the earth. He holds the little scroll.

3. The Little Scroll
A small book or scroll that John is instructed to eat. It symbolizes the message of God that is both sweet and bitter.

4. The Act of Eating the Scroll
A symbolic act representing the internalization of God's message, which has both delightful and distressing aspects.

5. The Vision
Part of the larger apocalyptic vision given to John, revealing God's ultimate plan and the unfolding of end-time events.

Teaching Points

The Dual Nature of God's Word
God's message can be both sweet and bitter. It brings joy and hope but also challenges and convicts us. As believers, we must be prepared to embrace both aspects.

Internalizing Scripture
Like John, we are called to "eat" or internalize God's word. This means meditating on it, understanding it deeply, and allowing it to transform our lives.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecy is not just about predicting the future but also about revealing God's truth. It can be comforting and unsettling, urging us to align our lives with God's will.

Faithfulness in Delivering God's Message
Even when God's message is difficult, we are called to be faithful in sharing it. This requires courage and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The Sweetness of Obedience
Obeying God's word brings sweetness to our lives, even when the message itself is challenging. Trusting in God's plan leads to ultimate joy and fulfillment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the experience of John eating the scroll compare to Ezekiel's similar experience, and what does this teach us about the nature of prophetic revelation?

2. In what ways can God's word be both sweet and bitter in our personal lives today?

3. How can we effectively internalize Scripture in our daily routines, and what impact should this have on our actions and decisions?

4. What are some modern-day challenges we might face when delivering God's message, and how can we overcome them?

5. Reflect on a time when obeying God's word brought both joy and difficulty. How did you navigate that experience, and what did you learn from it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 3:1-3
Similar to John's experience, Ezekiel is instructed to eat a scroll, which is sweet in his mouth. This connection highlights the prophetic tradition of internalizing God's word.

Psalm 119:103
Describes God's words as sweet to the taste, emphasizing the delight found in divine revelation.

Jeremiah 15:16
Jeremiah finds joy and delight in God's words, yet also experiences the burden of carrying a difficult message.