Commentary on Revelation 10:9

Revelation 10:9 states:

"So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, 'Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth, it will be sweet as honey.'" (ESV)

Introduction

This verse is part of a pivotal moment in the book of Revelation, where John, the author, has an encounter with an angelic being who presents him with a little scroll. The act of eating the scroll serves as a powerful symbol of receiving prophetic revelation. The text is rich in meaning, resonating with themes of prophecy, judgment, and the duality of God’s word.

Contextual Background

In the larger context of Revelation, we find John in a series of visions that unveil God's plan for the end times. This particular chapter bridges the gap between the trumpet judgments and the subsequent pouring out of the bowls of wrath, highlighting the necessity of understanding and internalizing God’s word.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry

Henry refers to the scroll as representing the message of God's eventual triumph over evil. He emphasizes the necessity of both the sweetness and bitterness of the message John receives. The sweetness represents the joy of understanding God's promises, while the bitterness signifies the distress that comes from witnessing the suffering and judgment that must precede those promises. He notes:

“The word of God is sweet to believers, as it contains the promises of grace; yet it is bitter to those who reject and disobey it.”

Albert Barnes

Barnes expands on the symbolic nature of the scroll. He interprets the act of eating it as a metaphor for internalizing God's word, suggesting that true comprehension of prophetic revelation comes with both joy and pain. He writes:

“To taste the sweetness of the gospel, one must also endure the bitterness of its truths concerning sin and judgment.”

This dual experience underlines the responsibilities placed upon believers to bear witness to God's truth, even amidst trials.

Adam Clarke

Clarke offers a detailed exploration of the terms "sweet" and "bitter." He suggests that the sweetness could represent the joy of communion with God and the assurance of salvation, while the bitterness may reflect the challenge of proclaiming this truth to a rebellious world. Clarke states:

“Every true servant of God will find that the message which is a source of joy to him often brings sorrow to others.”

Clarke also highlights the importance of obedience, noting that the consumption of the scroll is an essential step in John's prophetic ministry.

The Spiritual Meaning

The spiritual implications of Revelation 10:9 are profound. It invites believers to reflect on the nature of God's word and its impact on their lives. The command to 'eat' the scroll serves as a directive to absorb the teachings of Scripture fully. Here are several key insights:

• The Call to Prophetic Responsibility: This verse illustrates the idea that receiving God's message involves active participation. Believers are called not just to hear but to internalize and share the word.
• The Nature of God's Message: The duality of sweetness and bitterness encapsulates the multifaceted nature of divine truth. The gospel promises hope and restoration while also revealing the severity of God's judgment.
• Courage in Proclamation: As the passage unfolds, it emphasizes the need for courage among believers to proclaim the whole gospel, including difficult truths that may not be well-received.

Conclusion

Revelation 10:9 serves as a compelling reminder of the bittersweet journey of faith. The insights from respected commentaries deepen our understanding of this verse, affirming its relevance for pastors, students, theologians, and scholars. Within the tension of joy and sorrow found in this passage, believers are encouraged to embrace their call to embody and proclaim the fullness of God's word.