En die nasies was vertoornd, en u toorn het gekom en die tyd van die dode om geoordeel te word en om die loon te gee aan u diensknegte, die profete, en aan die heiliges en aan die wat u Naam vrees, klein en groot, en om die verderwers van die aarde te verderf.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes a time when God will judge the dead and reward those who have been faithful to Him, including prophets and saints. It also mentions that God's wrath is coming against those who destroy the earth.
Explained for Children
Imagine a big game where everyone gets judged fairly for how they played. In this case, God is judging all the people who have lived and died, giving rewards to those who were kind and brave like the prophets, and punishing those who did bad things to our world.
Historical Background
This verse comes from the Book of Revelation, written by John around 96 AD. It was addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor, offering them hope and warning against oppression and false teachings prevalent during that time.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse encourages people to live with integrity and faithfulness, knowing that actions have consequences and that a day of reckoning is coming for all. It provides comfort to those who face injustice or suffer for their beliefs, reminding them of God’s justice.
The speaker is not explicitly named, but it's often understood as a response from the heavenly chorus to God's actions described earlier in the chapter.
What does 'thy wrath is come' mean in this context?
It means that the time has arrived for God’s anger against evil and injustice to be fully expressed, bringing about judgment on those who have done wrong.
How can this verse apply to daily life?
This verse encourages believers to live faithfully and justly, knowing they will receive rewards in the end and that their actions are part of a greater divine plan.
What is meant by 'destroy them which destroy the earth'?
It refers to God's judgment on those who harm or misuse the Earth, suggesting there will be consequences for environmental destruction and neglect.