Bible Commentary

Revelation 11:17

Revelation 11:17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Saying, We give thee thanks. The only instance in the Apocalypse of the use of this verb. It is found in , , and , but in none of the ether Gospels, though frequently in the Epistles.

"The elders" are peculiarly indebted to God, since the establishment of his kingdom is the victory of the Church. O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; the Almighty. Omit "and art to come" (Revised Version), with א, A, B, C, P, Andreas, Arethas, Primasius, Syriac, Armenian, etc.

(cf. ; ). Perhaps the future is purposely omitted, since God's "coming" is now an accomplished fact (cf. also ). Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned; because thou hast taken thy great power, and didst reign (Revised Version).

God never ceased to reign, though for a time he abrogated his power. This power he has now reassumed, and the elders thank him for it, for it is the assurance of the end of the suffering of the Church of God.

So in the elders declare that he is worthy to receive the power which he now visibly exercises. It has, indeed, been exercised before. The preservation of the Church set forth in the visions of the seals, and the punishment of the ungodly shown under the trumpet visions, are effected by means of this power; but now that power is visibly exercised.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Revelation 11:17

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Revelation 11 — OverviewRevelation 11 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this chapter we have an account, I. Of the measuring--reed given to the apostle, to take the dimensions of the temple, ver. 1, 2. II. Of the two witnesses of God, ver. 3-13. III. Of the sounding of the…Revelation 11 — OverviewRevelation 11 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeRevelation 11:1, The two witnesses prophesy; Revelation 11:6, They have power to shut heaven, that it rain not; Revelation 11:7, The beast shall fight against them, and kill them; Revelation 11:8, They lie unburied;…Revelation 11 — OverviewRevelation 11 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter contains the order to measure the temple of God; an account of the two witnesses, their prophesying: and power, their slaying, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, with what followed upon it; and the…Revelation 11:1-19Revelation 11:1-19 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONRevelation 11:1-19Revelation 11:1-19 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe cause of right on earth. "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is…Revelation 11:14-19Revelation 11:14-19 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet, which is ushered in by the usual warning and demand of attention: The second woe is past, and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Then the seventh…