Revelation 10:8

Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, "Go, take the small scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land."

Study Bible

Then the voice
The phrase "Then the voice" refers to a divine communication, a recurring theme in Revelation where God or His messengers communicate with John. The Greek word for "voice" is "φωνή" (phonē), which can mean sound or utterance. This voice is authoritative and commands attention, signifying the importance of the message being delivered. In the biblical context, a voice from heaven often indicates divine revelation or instruction, underscoring the heavenly origin and authority of the message.

that I had heard from heaven
This phrase emphasizes the source of the voice, which is heaven, the dwelling place of God. The Greek word for "heaven" is "οὐρανός" (ouranos), symbolizing the divine realm. The repetition of hearing the voice from heaven suggests continuity and consistency in divine communication, reinforcing the idea that the message is not of earthly origin but is divinely inspired and authoritative.

spoke to me again
The word "again" indicates a continuation or repetition of communication, suggesting that God’s messages are persistent and intentional. The Greek verb "λαλέω" (laleō) means to speak or talk, often used in the New Testament to denote the act of conveying important truths or commands. This repetition highlights the importance of the message and the need for John to pay close attention to what is being communicated.

saying, 'Go, take the small scroll
The command "Go, take" is an imperative, indicating urgency and action. The Greek word for "take" is "λαμβάνω" (lambanō), which means to receive or seize. The "small scroll" (Greek: "βιβλαρίδιον," biblaridion) is a diminutive form of "βιβλίον" (biblion), meaning a book or scroll. This suggests that the scroll is of significant but specific content, possibly containing a particular revelation or prophecy that John is to internalize and proclaim.

that lies open in the hand of the angel
The scroll "lies open," indicating that its contents are accessible and meant to be read or understood. The Greek word for "open" is "ἀνοίγω" (anoigō), which means to open or reveal. The angel, a messenger of God, holds the scroll, symbolizing divine authority and the transmission of God’s message to humanity. The open scroll signifies transparency and the readiness of God’s revelation to be received and understood by John.

who is standing on the sea and on the land
The angel's stance "on the sea and on the land" symbolizes authority over all creation, both the chaotic and the stable. The sea often represents chaos or the unknown in biblical literature, while the land represents stability and order. This imagery underscores the comprehensive authority of the angel, and by extension, the message of the scroll, over all aspects of creation. It signifies that the revelation contained within the scroll has universal significance and impact.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Voice from Heaven
This is the divine voice that John hears, instructing him to take the small scroll. It signifies God's direct communication and authority.

2. John the Apostle
The recipient of the vision and the one instructed to take the scroll. He represents the faithful servant receiving divine revelation.

3. The Angel
A mighty angel standing on the sea and the land, symbolizing authority over the earth. The angel holds the small scroll, which is central to this passage.

4. The Small Scroll
An open scroll held by the angel, representing a message or revelation from God that John is to receive and internalize.

5. The Sea and the Land
Symbolic of the entire earth, indicating the universal scope of the angel's authority and the message of the scroll.

Teaching Points

Divine Instruction
God communicates directly with His servants, providing guidance and revelation. We must be attentive to His voice in our lives.

Symbolism of the Scroll
The scroll represents God's word and His plans. We are called to internalize and act upon His revelations.

Authority of God's Messengers
The angel's stance on the sea and land signifies God's ultimate authority over creation. We should trust in His sovereign control.

Obedience to God's Commands
John's willingness to take the scroll demonstrates obedience. We are encouraged to respond faithfully to God's instructions.

Universal Scope of God's Message
The message of the scroll is for all creation, reminding us of the global impact of God's word and our role in sharing it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to take the scroll reflect our responsibility to engage with God's word in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we discern and respond to the "voice from heaven" in our personal spiritual journey?

3. How does the symbolism of the angel standing on the sea and land encourage us to trust in God's authority over our circumstances?

4. What parallels can we draw between John's experience with the scroll and our own experiences of receiving and internalizing God's word?

5. How can we apply the lessons from this passage to enhance our obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling God's purposes for us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 2:8-3:3
This passage parallels John's experience, where Ezekiel is instructed to eat a scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God's message.

Revelation 5:1-5
The scroll in the hand of the one on the throne, which only the Lamb can open, connects to the theme of divine revelation and authority.

Jeremiah 15:16
Jeremiah speaks of finding God's words and eating them, which brings joy and delight, similar to John's experience with the scroll.