John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 5. And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth , etc.] His right foot being on the one, and his left foot upon the other, as described in ( Revelation 10:2); lifted up his hand to heaven ; the Oriental versions read, his right hand; and so some copies, and the Complutensian edition: the man clothed in linen, ( Daniel 12:6,7), who is the same with the angel here, held up both his hands; the lifting up of the hand was a gesture used in swearing: (see Genesis 14:22); so the Jews say f303 , the right hand, or by the right hand, h[wby wz , this is an oath, according to ( Daniel 12:7); or whether the right hand or the left, is an oath, according to ( Isaiah 62:8).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - The apostle saw another representation. The person communicating thi discovery probably was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or it was to show his glory. He veils his glory, which is too great for mortal eye to behold; and throws a veil upon his dispensations. A rainbow was upo his head; our Lord is always mindful of his covenant. His awful voic was echoed by seven thunders; solemn and terrible ways of discoverin the mind of God. We know not the subjects of the seven thunders, no the reasons for suppressing them. There are great events in history perhaps relating to the Christian church, which are not noticed in ope prophecy. The final salvation of the righteous, and the final succes of true religion on earth, are engaged for by the unfailing word of the Lord. Though the time may not be yet, it cannot be far distant. Ver soon, as to us, time will be no more; but if we are believers, a happ eternity will follow: we shall from heaven behold and rejoice in the triumphs of Christ, and his cause on earth.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ ο 3588 T-NSM αγγελος 32 N-NSM ον 3739 R-ASM ειδον 1492 5627 V-2AAI-1S εστωτα 2476 5761 V-RAP-ASM επι 1909 PREP της 3588 T-GSF θαλασσης 2281 N-GSF και 2532 CONJ επι 1909 PREP της 3588 T-GSF γης 1093 N-GSF ηρεν 142 5656 V-AAI-3S την 3588 T-ASF χειρα 5495 N-ASF αυτου 846 P-GSM εις 1519 PREP τον 3588 T-ASM ουρανον 3772 N-ASM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
5. His hand. Add thn dexian the right, and see on ver. 2. On lifting the hand in swearing, see Gen. xiv. 22; Exod. vi. 8 (margin); Deuteronomy xxxii. 40.
