Revelation 6:11; Rest Yet For A Little Season
Revelation 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Their prayers contrast greatly to that of Stephen in Acts 7:60.
Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
It calls for vengeance rather than for the forgiveness Stephen sought for his oppressors. It is tempered by an acknowledgement that the martyrs’ cause rests with the one who is “holy and true” [Beckwith], but this prayer follows the pattern of the “imprecatory” psalms of the OT such as Psalm 74:9-10.
Psalm 74:9-10 We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
This is a psalm of deep contemplation in times of great affliction and distress when the psalmist asked if God is still on the throne, controlling the affairs of the earth, especially the well-being of His people. Indeed, God is still on the throne even amidst overwhelming wickedness of men that seemed to have seated God on His throne.
The psalmist felt “abandoned” by God because his desolation is so acute. There seemed no redress. No way out of the immense trouble. He reasoned that perhaps it is due to God’s anger with His people for their sins, yet does God cast His people off forever? Is it possible for a totally backslidden Christian to lose his/her salvation? The answer is no! The psalmist appealed to God’s covenant (v20a), that God keeps His promises, especially when His people are jealous for His name. Yet, they seemed to be fighting a losing battle against the enemies of God!
The enemies ran riot in God’s sanctuary (v3-8). There seemed to be no law to curb them. No sign of any relieve for God’s people. The wicked is described as “nabal”, the epitome of foolishness in men (v8,22).
Notice that God’s people are referred to as turtledove (v19). The turtle-dove is a name of endearment for one beloved, Song of Solomon 2:12 “The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”
This psalm is filled with the Hebrew imperatives showing the deep agony of the psalmist plea to God for deliverance. These are remember (v2,18), lift up (v3), have respect (v20), arise, plead, remember (v22). Will God hear? He will certainly for He is still on the throne.
May all His suffering saints wait upon Him. Amen.