REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 6 - Verse 15

Verse 15. The universal consternation: And the kings of the earth, etc. The design of this and the following verses, (Re 6:15-17) in the varied language used, is evidently to denote universal consternation and alarm —as if the earth should be convulsed, and the stars should fall, and the heavens should pass away. This consternation would extend to all classes of men, and fill the world with alarm, as if the end of all things were coming.

The kings of the earth. Rulers—all who occupied thrones.

The great men. High officers of state.

And the rich men. Their wealth would not secure them from destruction, and they would be alarmed like others.

And the chief captains. The commanders of armies, who tremble like other men when God appears in judgment.

And the mighty men. Men of great prowess in battle, but who feel now that they have no power to withstand God.

And every bondman. Servant—doulov. This word does not necessarily denote a slave, compare Barnes "Eph 6:5"; See Barnes "1 Ti 6:1"; See Barnes "1 Ti 1:16"

but here the connexion seems to demand it, for it stands in contrast with freeman. There were, in fact, slaves in the Roman empire, and there is no objection in supposing that they are here referred to. There is no reason why they should not be filled with consternation as well as others; and as this does not refer to the end of the world, or the day of judgment, the word here determines nothing as to the question whether slavery is to continue on the earth.

And every freeman. Whether the master of slaves or not. The idea is, that all classes of men, high and low, would be filled with alarm.

Hid themselves in the dens. Among the caves or caverns in the mountains. See Barnes on "Isa 2:19".

These places were resorted to for safety in times of danger. Compare 1 Sa 13:6 1 Sa 24; Jud 6:2; Jer 41:9

and Jos. Ant. book xiv chapter xv, Jewish Wars, book i chapter 16.

And in the rocks of the mountains. Among the crags or the fastnesses of the mountains —also natural places of refuge in times of hostile invasion or danger. See Barnes on "Isa 2:21".

See also:

 See Barnes "Re 6:16, seq.

{d} "said" Re 9:6; Hos 10:8; Lu 23:30