Commentary on Revelation 22:5

Revelation 22:5 states: "And there shall be no night there: and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever."

This verse encapsulates the glorious reality of the eternal state of God's people, emphasizing the light that God Himself provides and the permanence of their reign. It serves as a culmination of the divine promises made throughout the Scriptures.

1. No Night There

Matthew Henry remarks on the absence of darkness, indicating that night typically represents sin and suffering in the Bible. In the eternal state described in Revelation, the removal of night signifies the complete eradication of all forms of evil and despair:

• Spiritual Illumination: The concept of night often symbolizes ignorance and spiritual darkness. The eternal light signifies perfect knowledge and understanding of God's nature and His ways.
• Emotional Comfort: Night can also represent fear and loneliness. The absence of night brings profound comfort, assuring believers that they dwell in the perpetual presence of God.

2. Need No Candle

Albert Barnes provides insight into the necessity of created light, such as candles and the sun, which God designed for the earthly realm. He emphasizes:

• Divine Light Source: Unlike the temporal light of candles and the sun, God’s light is eternal and sufficient for the needs of His people. His light transcends physical limitations.
• Symbol of Divine Presence: The lack of need for artificial light suggests that the presence of God entirely suffices for guidance. It is a portrayal of a deeply intimate fellowship between the Creator and His creation.

3. For the Lord God Giveth Them Light

Adam Clarke elaborates on this pivotal declaration that God Himself will provide light. This emphasizes the nature of God as the ultimate source of illumination:

• God’s Character Displayed: This verse affirms God's radiant and glorious nature. His light is an expression of His holiness, love, and truth, illuminating the lives of the redeemed.
• Believers' Relationship with God: The light signifies guidance and nurture—a direct correlation to the believers’ intimate relationship with God, akin to the shepherd guiding his sheep.

4. Reigning Forever and Ever

The phrase "and they shall reign forever and ever" affirms the status of believers in the eternal kingdom of God.

• Eternal Reign: Matthew Henry notes that this reign is not just a future promise but a current reality for believers through their relationship with Christ, who has made them kings and priests (Revelation 1:6).
• Significance of Reigning: This reign involves authority, service, and stewardship. In the eternal state, believers will partake in the administration of God’s kingdom, reflecting His character and purpose.

5. Application for Today’s Believers

This verse has profound implications for contemporary believers:

• Hope in Trials: The assurance of no night encourages believers to persevere through trials and tribulations, as they hold onto the promise of eventual victory and eternal fellowship with God.
• Living in God’s Light: Believers are called to live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8), reflecting God’s light in their lives now, which prepares them for the eternal reality of His presence.
• Motivation for Evangelism: Understanding the glory of the eternal state should propel believers into action, sharing the hope of the Gospel so that others may also enter into the light of Christ.

Conclusion

Revelation 22:5 vividly illustrates the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the eternal joy awaiting believers. The text communicates not merely the absence of physical darkness but encapsulates the glorious reality of God’s kingdom where His presence provides everlasting light. Pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars can draw upon these timeless truths to teach the hope and comfort of the Gospel, encouraging believers to live in expectation of the eternal reign under God’s perfect illumination.