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“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.”
–Revelation 11:17
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Annotation: The heavenly chorus gives thanks for God’s sovereign reign, recognizing His authority and power.
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Note: Thankfulness is deeply connected to acknowledging God's reign and His eternal authority.
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."
This verse is a declaration of gratitude and praise to God for His sovereign reign, particularly in light of His actions in the world. Let's break it down:
1. "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty"
This is an expression of thanksgiving and praise directed toward God. The title "Lord God Almighty" highlights God’s supreme authority, power, and sovereignty. "Almighty" underscores His absolute power over all creation, and "Lord" affirms His position as the ruler and master of everything.
2. "The One who is and who was"
This phrase refers to God's eternal nature—He is ever-present, existing throughout all time. The phrase echoes the name of God given to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM", indicating that God is unchanging, timeless, and eternal. In the context of Revelation, it reflects God’s enduring reign over all of history, both in the past ("who was") and in the present ("who is").
3. "Because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign"
This part acknowledges that God has exercised His divine power in a decisive way, and now He has begun to fully establish His reign. The phrase "have begun to reign" is a key part of the eschatological theme (relating to the end times) in Revelation. It refers to God’s final victory over evil and His sovereign rule, particularly following the judgment that is unfolding in the book of Revelation. Although God’s reign is eternal, this moment marks the public manifestation of His reign as the world moves toward the fulfillment of His kingdom.
In Revelation, this declaration of God's reign is tied to the coming of His kingdom and the final triumph over all forces of evil, sin, and death. God's great power and authority are now fully exercised, and He begins to rule openly, ushering in the fulfillment of His promises.
Overall Meaning:
Revelation 11:17 is a praise and thanksgiving for the sovereign power of God, particularly in the context of His eschatological reign. The verse acknowledges that God has always been sovereign (past and present), but now, in this moment, His reign is being manifested in a new, powerful way.
It’s a moment of worship in recognition of God’s ultimate authority, especially as the world moves closer to the fulfillment of His kingdom at the end of time. This verse marks the beginning of God's reign in a new way—a reign of justice and righteousness that will prevail forever. It underscores the certainty of God's victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
This verse is part of a larger passage that celebrates God’s victory over the forces of evil and anticipates the fulfillment of His purposes. It's a powerful reminder that despite the chaos or suffering in the world, God’s reign is secure and certain, and His victory is assured.
Additional Information:
Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>
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