15:2 {3} And I saw {4} as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and {5} them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, {6} stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
(3) There are two parts of the narration: one, the confession of the saints glorifying God, when they saw that preparation of the judgments of God, to Re 15:3,4, another the vocation, instruction, and confirmation of those instruments which God has ordained for the execution of his judgments, in Re 15:5-8.
(4) This part of the vision alludes to the sea or large vessel or brass, in which the priests washed themselves in the entrance of the temple: for in the entrance of the heavenly temple (as it is called) in Re 15:5, is said to have been a sea of glass, most luminous and clear to the commodity of choice mixed with fire, that is, as containing the treasury of the judgments of God, which he brings forth and dispenses according to his own pleasure: for out of the former, the priests were cleansed of old: and out of this the ungodly are destroyed now in Re 4:6.
(5) That is, the godly martyrs of Christ, who shall remain faithful even in miracles to that beast; see Re 13:17, 14:9,10
(6) Glorifying God, from the particular observation of the weapons and instruments of God's wrath, floating in the sea of glass.
15:2 I saw as it were a sea of glass. In Re 4:6 the sea of glass, clear as crystal, was seen about the throne of God. It is the emblem of the calmness and purity of God's rule. Here the sea is
mingled with fire, a symbol always denoting judgments. This shows that the time for judgments, coming from the throne of God, has come.
And them that had gotten the victory over the beast. These are the redeemed of Re 14:1, who are there seen standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They now engage in triumphant songs over the approaching overthrow of their great enemy.
Having the harps of God. Musical instruments wholly dedicated to his praise.
15:2 The song was sung while the angels were coming out, with their plagues, who are therefore mentioned both before and after it, verse s 1 -
6. Rev 15:1 - 6 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire - It was before clear as crystal, Rev 4:6, but now mingled with fire, which devours the adversaries. And them that gained, or were gaining, the victory over the wild beast - More of whom were yet to come. The mark of the beast, the mark of his name, and the number of his name, seem to mean here nearly the same thing. Standing at the sea of glass - Which was before the throne. Having the harps of God - Given by him, and appropriated to his praise.
15:1-4 Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise is above heaven and earth.
