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The Son of man is seen standing in the midst of the seven lampstands and holding in
His right hand the seven stars. Revelation itself tells us what these represents.
"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in His right hand, and the seven
golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven
lampstands which thou sawest are the seven churches."
We cannot help feeling that any attempt to "explain" this inspired explanation is apt to
mislead. If the angels are not angels as the rest of the angels in this book, then the
explanation given to John needs an inspired solution.
Two passages of Scripture seem to be referred to under the symbol of the seven
golden lampstands. Exodus 25: 31-40, which speaks of the six-branched lampstand in
the tabernacle, and Zech. 4: 2. We ought to note, in passing, that Solomon, who like
Moses received a pattern to work by, has ten golden lamps instead of seven
(I Kings 7: 49).
The seven lamps link the vision of Rev. 1: to wilderness times rather than the
kingdom of peace. Zech. 4: refers to the lampstand of gold, with its seven lamps, as
bearing a light in a day of small things. Connected with these seven lamps, and
supplying them with oil, are two olive branches. Rev. 11: 4 uses the symbol as of the two
witnesses. From this we gather that the seven assemblies constitute the Lord's witnesses
in a corrupt day. In their midst stands the Son of man, and watching over them are
angels, who are held responsible for their charges.
The description given of the Son of man is parallel with the description given in
Daniel 10:, so that if the Apostle had wanted to make us connect the subject matter of
Rev. 1: with things distinctly to do with Israel, he could not have done it better. In order
that the parallel may be clearly seen, we put the two descriptions together:--
Dan. 10: 5, 6, 8-14.
Rev. 1: 13-17.
Behold, one--a man.
A Son of man.
Clothed in linen.
Clothed with a garment to the foot.
Loins girded with fine gold of Uphaz.
Girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His body was like the beryl.
His head and hair like wool and snow.
His face as the appearance of lightning.
His eyes as lamps of fire.
His eyes as a flame of fire.
His feet like polished brass.
His feet like fine brass.
His voice like voice of a multitude.
His voice as the sound of many waters.
There remained no strength in me: for my
comeliness was turned in me into corruption. . . .
And when I saw Him I fell at His feet as one dead.
then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face
touched the ground.
And behold a hand touched me, which set me
He laid His right hand upon me.
upon my knees and the palms of my hands.
Fear not, Daniel.
Fear not.
I am come to make thee understand what shall
Write the things which thou hast seen. . . . the
befall thy people in the latter days.
seven stars are. . . .
Shut up the words and seal the book to the time of
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear. . . .
the end (12: 4).
and keep those things that are written, for the time is
at hand (1: 3).