This passage is the other bookend to chapter four that shows us God’s heaven, holiness, glory, throne, power, and His purpose for all eternity! Ancient speakers would often give exaggerated, glorious praise to their city or their capital, such as Rome or Athens or Jerusalem. Here, John is using such wording to describe God’s place—heaven—that can’t be exaggerated (Isa. 60; Rev. 15:1).
God’s purpose is also being revealed for His Church and a hope for us of things to come. All things are under Christ; His Rule is supreme in a glorified creation! He is the Deliverer and will deliver us! The climax of our eternal dwelling, New Jerusalem, unfolds before John in its lavish detail and splendor, the abode for the faithful, Heaven for all eternity, wonders surpassing wonders. This is a reflection of the Garden of Eden, our partnership and unstained relationship with God the Creator and Sustainer, and the central figure, Christ the Lamb as LORD—His radiant glory and the blessings He bestows upon us now as hope, and as reality when we are called home (Psalm 48; Ezek, chaps 40-48; Amos 9:13-15; Rom. 2:7, 5:2, 8:18-29, 11:36, 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:21; Col. 1:15-20, 27; 1 Thess. 2:12; 2 Thess. 2:14; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 5:1-10; 2 Pet. 1:19; 1 John 3:2; Rev. 11:15; and Tobit 13:9-18).
How do righteousness and holiness display God’s glory? How do you reflect the majesty and beauty of God? How should you?