Meaning of Revelation 11:17

This verse from Revelation 11:17 captures a moment of triumphant praise offered by heavenly voices or the redeemed, acknowledging God's sovereign power and the inauguration of His reign. It signifies a pivotal point in the unfolding divine plan where God's ultimate authority, which has always existed and will always exist, is demonstrably manifested and asserted over the earthly realm, despite the ongoing struggles and opposition described in the preceding chapters. The declaration of thanksgiving is not merely an emotional outburst but a theological affirmation of God's inherent nature and His active intervention in history to establish His kingdom in its fullness.

Context and Background

Revelation 11 describes a series of events leading up to the establishment of God's kingdom. It includes the prophecy of the two witnesses, their persecution and death, and their miraculous resurrection and ascension. This event is followed by a great earthquake and the fear of those who witness these signs, leading to the recognition of God's power. The thanksgiving in verse 17 is a direct response to the realization that God's judgment and redemptive plan are actively in motion, culminating in His assumption of direct and visible rule. The phrase "the One who is and who was" (ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν) is a recurring epithet for God in Revelation, emphasizing His eternal, unchangeable nature, in contrast to the transient powers of the world.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty: The central theme is God's absolute and ultimate authority. His power is not merely acknowledged but is seen as actively taking hold, signifying a shift from a period of suffering and opposition to His established reign.
• Theological Thanksgiving: The praise offered is deeply theological, recognizing God's attributes of power and His faithfulness to His promises. It is a response of worship and adoration to the Creator and King of the universe.
• The Inauguration of God's Reign: This verse marks a significant point in the unfolding of God's kingdom. While God has always reigned in heaven, this signifies the commencement of His reign in a more tangible and visible way on earth, overcoming the forces arrayed against Him.
• Eschatological Hope: It points to the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes, offering a message of hope and assurance to believers that despite present tribulations, God's ultimate victory and reign are certain.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse offers profound encouragement and a call to worship. It reminds us that God is in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or overwhelming. The thanksgiving expressed here should be emulated, fostering a spirit of gratitude for God's unchanging nature and His active work in our lives and in the world. It calls us to trust in His power to bring about His purposes and to live in anticipation of His fully realized kingdom, where righteousness will prevail. This perspective helps believers to endure trials with faith, knowing that God's ultimate reign is assured.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This declaration echoes the Old Testament theme of God as King and Warrior who vindicates His people and establishes His dominion. Psalms often celebrate God's kingship (e.g., Psalm 93, 96, 97, 99). The prophetic books also speak of a future time when God's kingdom will be established universally. In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry proclaimed "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15), a theme that culminates in the eschatological vision of Revelation. This verse represents the ultimate fulfillment of these promises, the definitive establishment of God's sovereign rule.

Analogies

• A King Ascending the Throne: Imagine a rightful king who has been unjustly usurped or has been in exile, finally returning to claim his throne and rule his kingdom with undisputed authority. The thanksgiving is the joyous acclamation of his people upon his coronation.
• The Culmination of a Great Project: Think of a complex engineering feat or a long-awaited scientific breakthrough. The moment of success, when all the pieces fall into place and the intended outcome is achieved, is met with profound gratitude and recognition of the skill and power involved.
• The End of a War: After prolonged conflict, the definitive victory of the righteous side brings an end to suffering and the establishment of peace and order. The thanksgiving is for the cessation of hostilities and the triumph of justice.

Relation to Other Verses

• Revelation 1:8: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the One who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." This verse directly links to the description of God as "the One who is and who was," reinforcing His eternal nature and His ultimate authority.
• Revelation 19:6: "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.'" This verse describes a similar scene of heavenly worship celebrating God's reign, highlighting the continuity of this theme throughout Revelation.
• Psalm 93:1: "The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; the world is firmly established, it cannot be moved." This Psalm from the Old Testament anticipates the same certainty of God's reign that is celebrated in Revelation 11:17.
• 1 Corinthians 15:24-26: This passage speaks of Christ's reign until all enemies are put under His feet, with the final enemy to be destroyed being death. Revelation 11:17 signifies the beginning of this ultimate triumph where God's reign is fully established, leading to the abolition of death and sorrow.