ACC ~ Revelation 19 v4 - 5

THE ELDERS AND CREATURES JOIN IN THE PRAISE OF THE ANGELS. OECUMENIUS: The elders and the living creatures say “Amen,” signifying their agreement with the doxology that was proffered by the holy angels. For when rendered from the Hebrew into the Greek, “Amen” means γέυοιτο [“let it be”]. It says, “Praise our God, you small and you great.” By “small” he refers to those who are greater in holiness; by “great” he refers to those who are outstanding in holiness. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19.1-5.

GOD ACCEPTS THE PRAISE OF HIS ELECT. PRIMASIUS: When [the voice] commands that this [praise] be done and then it is reported that [such praise] was given, it indicates that [God] has accepted the praise of his elect as pleasing, indeed, giving his approval to the praise that had been given and indicating that it is to be perpetual. The “great” in the church are those of whom the apostle said, “We speak wisdom among the perfect,” and of whom the Lord said, “Whoever teaches men so shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” The “small” are those of whom it is said, “As babes in Christ, I have given you milk to drink, not solid food.”COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19.5.

EVEN CHILDREN ARE GREAT WHEN THEY PRAISE GOD. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: The throne of God is the seraphim and the cherubim. Whether these be great or small in their accomplishments, all are urged to praise God according to their abilities. However, I think that also those who are small in age and children who are not yet grown shall be great when they sing to God who has done such great things. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 19.5.

THE CHURCH SINGS “HALLELUJAH” ON THE LORD’S DAY. BEDE: The church worships her Lord not only with her lips but also with the affection of the highest devotion. The words Amen and Hallelujah can be interpreted, for they refer to faith or to the truth and praise of the Lord. However, out of reverence for the holiness of the original language, the use and authority of these words is preserved. The church continues to sing Hallelujah on the days of the Lord and throughout the period of Quinquagesima because of the hope of the resurrection, which in the praise of the Lord is future. … It says “the small and the great,” because to be small in natural abilities does not matter if one’s heart and tongue are full of the praise of the Lord. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 19.4-5.

Rev