Revelation for Beginners

SEVEN STARS (Ch. 1:16a)

May 22, 2010 on 6:57 pm | In REVELATION FOR BEGINNERS | Comments Off on SEVEN STARS (Ch. 1:16a)

This symbol is easier to understand because it is explained in verse 20—the 7 stars represent the 7 “angels” (literally “messengers”) of the 7 churches to be described in chapters 2 and 3. There is a representative for each of these 7 congregations and they are portrayed as in His right hand.

On the justice side, Exodus 15:6 speaks of His right hand as follows: “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemies in pieces.” But if it is administering justice on the enemies, it means deliverance (mercy) to His people. Note also Jesus’ words in John 10:28, 29: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

There is an interesting text in Job 38:31 where God asks Job, “Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades (literally “the 7 stars”)…? It implies God as the only one who can control and guide the 7 stars. So in Revelation, as long as God’s messengers/teachers/leaders/people choose to remain in those positions, no one can force them to abandon God against their will, no one can take them from His protecting care—He is too powerful. It also ensures that His messages will survive and accomplish their purpose through all the turmoil and trouble to come.