"This chapter is particularly touching when one realizes that by this time (95 BC) John has long been the only Apostle remaining from the Church which Jesus established in the Holy Land. He was told he would tarry (see John 21:21-23 & D&C 7:3) but, as far as we know nothing had yet transpired with respect to that promise. He is now an old man, likely in his nineties, and a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos. Imagine his feelings when he is told that he would yet prophesy before the nations and carry out a great mission among the people of the earth! We know that he was translated and has not yet died, rather, has continued assisting with the work of the Lord here on earth. He will continue to do so until the 2nd Coming, at which time he will be resurrected." (Ridges, p. 438)
Vs. 1 – The mighty angel may be Adam. See D&C 88:110-112 which shows the battle at the end of the millennium, which is a different context than this verse.
| MIGHTY ANGEL | STAR |
| Descends of his own accord | Fell to the earth |
| Possesses the book | Had to have help with the key |
| Brilliant light emanates from face | Thick black smoke |
| Governs cosmic phenomena (cloud, rainbow, sun | Drove the demonic horde |
| Prince of Light | Prince of Darkness |
| Revealer of Truth | Prince of Lies |
Taken from Draper p. 113
The rainbow is a symbol of God's promise to Enoch that Zion will again return to the earth . see JST Gen. 9:21-23. (Brandt p. 215)
Vs. 2 – The Greek designates the hand as the “right” hand
Setting your foot upon something represents conquest. See Josh. 10:24. All earth is subject to this angel.Vs. 3 – The seven thunders are “7 angels reciting what will happen in each of the 7 seals. (Possibly dispensation leaders-Brandt) See also D&C 88:109 (vs. 95-112)to see about angelic power.
Vs. 4 – This is the only place in Revelation where John is forbidden to disclose what he sees or hears. There are other places where prophets are commanded to not write all that they see; Dan. 12:4; 2 Nephi 27:22; Ether 3:22-23, 27-28.
It appears from the added and clarifying knowledge revealed to Joseph “Smith that the seven thunders which here utter their voices are the seven angels reciting in some detail that which is to be in each of the thousand year periods of the earth’s temporal continuance. In the very nature of things, lest men become as God, knowing the end from the beginning, John was forbidden to record these hidden things.
It also appears that John’s vision prefigured what is to be when the events occur and that the promised proclamations shall yet be made when the hour for Millennial peace actually arrives. (DNTC 3:505) See also Isaiah 11:9 and Alma 12:9-11.
Vs. 5 – Some translations say right hand. (NIV)
Vs. 6 – “time no longer” may refer to the fact that there is no more time to repent, or there will be no more delay, or to the start of the millennium. See D&C 88:110.
Vs. 7 – According to D&C 88:112 Michael is the 7th angel. The message of this verse is in the day when Michael sounds his trump we will know all that has been revealed to prophets.
Vs. 9 – See D&C 77:14 again. Two additional cross references for this verse are found in Ezek. 2:7-3:3 and Jer. 15:15-18. Eating up the book was internalizing his mission call. We are told to Feast upon the Words of Christ.
Vs. 10 – Could this be a reference to the fact that our responsibilities are both sweet and bitter? We live in a great and a dreadful day. Look at Jer. 18:18-20; 20:2-9 for a comparison between John and Jeremiah.
Vs. 11 - In June Conference 1831, Joseph stated “that John the Revelator was then among the 10 tribes of Israel
