Revelation 5:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The twenty-four living creatures and the four elders, having harps and golden bowls, sing a new song. The prophecy of the Old Testament, joined with the New, points to the Christian people singing a new song, that is, publicly proclaiming their confession of faith. It is new that the Son of God became man. It is also new that He was delivered to death by men. It is new that He rose on the third day. It is new that He ascended into heaven in the flesh. It is new that He granted men remission of sins. It is new that He set the seal of the Holy Spirit upon men. It is new that they received worship through public supplication and await the Kingdom of endless promises.

The elders are those who pleased God in the Old and New Testaments and who offer thanksgiving to the Lamb of God, our Redeemer, for the whole world. The new song is the one sung by those taught by the Holy Spirit. They have been enlightened from all nations and tribes and freed from the letter of the Old Testament. Of them Scripture says that they will reign in the land promised by the Lord to the meek.

This song is new because it is sung in honor of God incarnate, and before the Incarnation it had not yet been performed. What was this song? You are worthy to accomplish this salvation for men. You are the One who was slain for us and by Your blood redeemed many under heaven. It is said quite beyond dispute: "from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." For He did not acquire all for Himself, since many died without believing. He acquired those from among all who are worthy of salvation. The prophet spoke similarly: "Arise, O God, judge the earth, for You shall inherit among all the nations" (Ps 81:8). Clearly, however, this does not mean all nations without distinction.

In the harmonious truth of both Testaments Christ granted us a new song. He remained from the beginning the same Word, yet was born by a new birth from the Virgin. In a new manner, being God, He clothed Himself in man. By His own will He was delivered to those who killed Him, and wondrously He rose from death. When He willed to ascend above the heavens, He sent the Holy Spirit and called the nations. By all these deeds He granted the called Church a new song, that she might sing it in harmony and await the coming of the Judge in firm hope. Thus we may "walk in newness of life" (Rom 6:4). For this He said: "If anyone wishes to be My disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Lk 9:23).

All creation, enslaved by man to vanity, groans and longs for its liberation (cf. Rom 8:19-22). At the opening of this mysterious book it hopes to receive news of the defeat of the universal enemy, corruption and death. The harps are the melodious hymnody of their souls. The bowls full of incense signify their holy life. Souls that have been freed from attachment to earthly things and have cleaved to heavenly things will become kings, for they truly reign over themselves and over all beings. They will become priests who unceasingly offer sacrifices of praise. They reign not only in heaven. Their kingdom begins even during life on earth.