Revelation’s Hymns: Commentary on the Cosmic Conflict (Library of New Testament Studies | LNTS)

by Steven Grabiner

Publisher:

Bloomsbury

, 2015

Overview

Revelation’s Hymns examines the hymnic pericopes in Revelation in light of the cosmic conflict theme. It considers this theme as integral to the development of Revelation's plot. Recognizing that critical studies give interpretative primacy to the political realities that existed at the time of Revelation’s composition, Grabiner responds to the need for an examination of the storyline from the perspective of issues that are of narrative importance.

Grabiner argues that the cosmic conflict is at the centre of the book's concerns, and attempts to determine the function of the hymns with respect to this. Previous examinations of the hymns have considered them as a response and/or parody to Roman liturgy, examples of God’s unquestioned sovereignty, or expressions of thematic overtones found throughout the book. While these approaches make a contribution to a greater understanding of the hymns, the relation to the ever-present conflict theme has not been explored. This study allows the hymnic sections to engage with the larger narrative issue as to who is truly the rightful sovereign of the universe.

Key Features

• Examines Revelation’s hymnic pericopes, including Revelation 4:8–11, 5:9–14, 7:9–12, 11:15–18, 12:10–12, 15:3–4, 19:1–8
• Argues these hymns constitute a key component in Revelation’s plot
• Demonstrates the role each hymn plays in the book’s “cosmic conflict” narrative

Contents

• Introduction
• Hermeneutical Stance
• Literary Considerations
• Conflict and Theodicy
• Hymnic Pericopes of 4:8–11, 5:9–14
• Hymnic Pericopes of 7:9–12, 11:15–18, 12:10–12
• Hymnic Pericopes of 15:3–4, 19:1–8
• Summary and Conclusion

Top Highlights

“A third conclusion of this study is that God must refute Satan’s charges in a way that is clearly recognized by the divine council.” (Page 224)

“The Hebrew conception of the heavenly temple, which serves as the location for the divine council, exerts a formative influence on John’s work. While not denying that the hymns contribute to the recognition that Rome is no equal to God’s sovereignty, this investigation pursues the idea that there is a more powerful antagonist to God’s rule, and that Rome or any earthly government is portrayed in Revelation as merely being the puppet of that adversary.” (Page 12)

“As the devil’s two allies and their armies are finally destroyed (19:20–21), he remains alone in the battle. This points to his role as both the instigator of the rebellion and the one whose final accusations must be silenced. His unmasking must come about through an exposure of his falsehoods that is accomplished by a revelation of who God is and how he acts.” (Page 40)

“A principal argument of this study is that the cosmic conflict theme contributes to all readings of Revelation, and that the hymns in particular are best understood against this backdrop.” (Page 2)

“One of the predominant settings within the book is the heavenly temple which contains the throne room.⁵⁸ Direct reference to the temple (ναός) occurs 16 times in Revelation (3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19 [2×]; 14:15, 17; 15:5, 6, 8 [2×]; 16:1, 17; 21:22 [2×]). This constitutes over one third of the NT references. Both the frequency of mention, as well as the strategic locations of the heavenly temple/throne room within the narrative, indicate that it is the focus of all divine activities. It is there that the heavenly council meets (4:2–11), the redeemed worship (7:9–12), and judgment arises (15:1–8).” (Page 31)

Product Details

• Title: Revelation’s Hymns: Commentary on the Cosmic Conflict
• Author: Steven Grabiner
• Series: Library of New Testament Studies
• Volume: 511
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2017
• Pages: 269
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible. N.T. Revelation › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Combat in the Bible; Theodicy › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9780567656766, 9780567656773, 0567656764, 0567656772
• Resource ID: LLS:REVELATIONSHYMNS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:41:44Z

About Steven Grabiner

Steven Grabiner is president of Outpost Centers International, an umbrella organization for non-profit organizations world wide. He studies at Yale University and the University of South Africa.