Definition: And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really complex passage from Revelation 15:2. It’s a pretty rich and symbolic verse, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: This verse describes a dramatic scene of victory and celebration after the final battle against evil. Let’s unpack it: 1. “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire” : Think of it like a massive, swirling vortex of shimmering glass – incredibly bright and colorful. The “as it were” part suggests this is happening right now , in the midst of a battle. "Glass" represents something pure and beautiful, but also potentially dangerous (like illusions or deception). "Fire" symbolizes the power and intensity of God's wrath against evil. 2. “And them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name” : This is where it gets really interesting. “The beast” : This refers to a powerful figure in the Book of Revelation, often interpreted as Satan or the embodiment of evil. It represents opposition to God. “His image” : This suggests that Satan was originally a created being, but through his rebellion, he became something like Satan – a representation of evil and temptation. “His mark” : This refers to a symbol or sign of the Lamb of God - Jesus Christ. It's a reminder of God’s victory over evil. “The number of his name” : This is the most significant part – it’s referencing the name of Jesus Christ, which is often understood as the ultimate authority and divine power. 3. “[and] having the harps of God” : This is the key image. The "harps" are musical instruments. They're not just any harps; they represent God’s praise, worship, and triumph. They’re being played with a powerful and resounding sound. Putting it all together – A Possible Interpretation: The verse describes a final, glorious victory where the forces of good (represented by the "victory over the beast" and his image) have decisively defeated Satan. The sea of glass is a representation of God’s judgment and power. It's overwhelming and beautiful, but also potentially dangerous if not controlled. The harps are the sound of God’s praise and triumph. They are incredibly loud and clear, demonstrating that God has won. Overall Message: This verse paints a picture of a complete and triumphant victory against evil. It signifies that God's ultimate rule and power will be demonstrated through His judgments and ultimately, through the glorious sound of His praise. It’s a message of hope and assurance - that even in the midst of darkness, there is always victory for good. Important Note: Different interpretations exist about what this verse means. Some see it as a literal depiction of a battle, while others interpret it symbolically as representing the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of Revelation? Discuss potential interpretations or meanings beyond what I’ve provided?