13. His glorified form as man could be recognized by John, who
had seen it at the Transfiguration.
in the midst--implying Christ's continual presence and ceaseless
activity in the midst of His people on earth. In
Re 4:1-3,
when He appears in heaven, His insignia undergo a corresponding
change yet even there the rainbow reminds us of His everlasting
covenant with them.
seven--omitted in two of the oldest manuscripts, but supported
by one.
Son of man--The form which John had seen enduring the agony of
Gethsemane, and the shame and anguish of Calvary, he now sees
glorified. His glory (as Son of man, not merely Son of
God) is the result of His humiliation as Son of man.
down to the foot--a mark of high rank. The garment and girdle
seem to be emblems of His priesthood. Compare
Ex 28:2, 4, 31;
Septuagint. Aaron's robe and girdle were "for glory and beauty,"
and combined the insignia of royalty and priesthood, the
characteristics of Christ's antitypical priesthood "after the order of
Melchisedec." His being in the midst of the candlesticks (only
seen in the temple), shows that it is as a king-priest He
is so attired. This priesthood He has exercised ever since His
ascension; and, therefore He here wears its emblems. As Aaron wore
these insignia when He came forth from the sanctuary to bless the
people
(Le 16:4, 23, 24,
the chetoneth, or holy linen coat), so when Christ shall come
again, He shall appear in the similar attire of "beauty and glory"
(Isa 4:2,
Margin). The angels are attired somewhat like their Lord
(Re 15:6).
The ordinary girding for one actively engaged, was at the loins;
but JOSEPHUS [Antiquities,3.7.2], expressly
tells us that the Levitical priests were girt higher up, about the
breasts or paps, appropriate to calm, majestic movement. The
girdle bracing the frame together, symbolizes collected powers.
Righteousness and faithfulness are Christ's girdle. The
high priest's girdle was only interwoven with gold, but Christ's is all
of gold; the antitype exceeds the type.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible