Revelation 6–16 (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 52b | WBC)

by David E. Aune

Publisher:

Word

, 1998

Overview

An advocate of source criticism and an expert in early Christian prophecy, David Aune examines the full range of secular and biblical literature in search of possible sources for the striking literary devices in Revelation—over three volumes and more than 1,500 pages. His mastery of an incredibly broad range of ancient writings enables him to compare every pericope of Revelation to the literary traditions of the ages that preceded its writing, and thus to evaluate the possible sources for the forms John employed to write his vision. Aune’s detailed introductory comments scrutinize the entire expanse of this mysterious book, providing a monumental treatment of Revelation’s textual history. He provides an expanded outline of all twenty-two chapters and focuses on the implications for the book of Revelation in such matters as:

• the use of chronological eschatological visions
• the recurring sets of sevens
• the paired angelic revelations beginning in 17:1 and 21:9
• the scenes in the heavenly throne room with their hymns
• possible connections between the scrolls in chapters 5 and 10

.

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Contents

Top Highlights

“3. The 144,000 as the Christian church inclusive of both Jewish and gentile Christians” (Page 442)

“Solving the Problem. In my view the innumerable multitude represents all Christians who have died, whether naturally or by martyrdom, before the completion of eschatological events, which conclude with the victory of the Lamb and his faithful followers (Rev 17:14). However, this group cannot represent all Christians for the simple reason that the 144,000 are still living on the earth under divine protection. The temporal setting of this vision is the future, emphasizing the heavenly reward enjoyed by those who were faithful to the point of death.” (Page 447)

“This statement suggests an exorbitant price for basic commodities during a period of famine caused either by drought or by war (about eight times the normal price for wheat and five-and-one-third times the normal price for barley) and indicates the relative value of wheat and barley.” (Page 397)

“The bow was not, however, a Roman weapon but one widely used in Greece, Anatolia, and the Near East, especially Parthia (Ramsay, Letters, 58). The bow (together with arrows) is used in the OT as a symbol for divine chastisement (Deut 32:42; Isa 34:6; Hab 3:9; Lam 3:12–13; Ps. 7:13–14). According to Deut 32:23–25 (perhaps reworked in Ezek 5:16–17), the arrows of the Lord cause the plagues of famine, plague, wild animals, and the sword. That these four plagues are mentioned specifically in v 8 suggests that they are the ‘arrows’ unleashed by the first cavalier. However, that the bow alone is mentioned here militates against the full relevance of these parallels.” (Page 394)

Product Details

• Title: Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 52B: Revelation 6–16
• Author: David E. Aune
• Series: Word Biblical Commentary
• Volume: 52B
• Publisher: Word
• Print Publication Date: 1998
• Logos Release Date: 2002
• Pages: 592
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Commentaries--Collected works; Bible. N.T. Revelation › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781418504052, 141850405X
• Resource ID: LLS:29.71.3
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-19T00:30:19Z

About David E. Aune

David E. Aune is Walter Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at the University of Notre Dame. In 2012 he was named the honorary president for life of the Chicago Society of Biblical research. He is the author of The New Testament in Its Literary Environment, Prophecy in Early Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World, and Apocalypticism, Prophecy, and Magic in Early Christianity: Collected Essays.