The Song of the Lamb in Revelation 15
Quick Summary
The Song of the Lamb, found in Revelation 15:3-4, is a hymn of victory sung by those who have triumphed over evil. It echoes the Song of Moses from Exodus, linking deliverance in the Old Testament with the final victory in Christ. This powerful passage celebrates God's justice, holiness, and universal sovereignty.
Introduction
Songs play a central role throughout Scripture. From the jubilant song of Miriam after crossing the Red Sea to the Psalms of David, music has long served as a medium of divine praise and prophetic truth. Revelation, the Bible's final book, is no exception. It is rich with liturgy and song. Among these, the Song of the Lamb in Revelation 15:3-4 stands out as a bridge between history and eternity, a refrain sung by the faithful in the presence of God.
Before diving into the song itself, it's important to recognize its placement within Revelation. Positioned just before the final series of judgments (the seven bowls of God’s wrath), this song functions as a pause for worship and a reminder that God’s justice is not arbitrary but righteous and awe-inspiring.
Revelation 15:3-4 (NRSV)
“And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:
‘Great and amazing are your deeds,
Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations!
Lord, who will not fear
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your judgments have been revealed.’”
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of the Song of the Lamb
“They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb”
This introductory line intentionally pairs two songs: the Song of Moses from Exodus 15 and this new Song of the Lamb. The connection is profound. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery and into a covenant relationship with God. The Lamb (Jesus Christ) leads believers through the final exodus—out of sin and death into eternal life.
The dual mention underscores the continuity of God's saving work from Old to New Testament. Both songs are sung by a redeemed people who stand on the other side of deliverance, praising God for salvation.
“Great and amazing are your deeds, Lord God the Almighty!”
This line is filled with awe. It acknowledges the majesty of God's actions throughout history. Whether in the plagues of Egypt, the miracles of Jesus, or the unfolding of Revelation, God's deeds are not only powerful but astounding.
The title "Lord God the Almighty" echoes throughout Revelation (e.g., Revelation 1:8, 4:8) and serves to root this praise in God's absolute authority over creation.
“Just and true are your ways, King of the nations!”
Here, the focus shifts to God's character. Not only are His actions mighty, but His ways are morally perfect. God’s justice is not vengeance for its own sake; it is holy, restorative, and true.
Calling God the "King of the nations" moves the song beyond Israel to the entire world. This title affirms God's global kingship, foreshadowing the vision of every nation, tribe, and tongue worshiping Him (Revelation 7:9).
“Lord, who will not fear and glorify your name?”
This rhetorical question is both a confession and a prophecy. It acknowledges that the only reasonable response to God's justice and mercy is reverent awe and worship. The "fear" of the Lord here is not terror but reverence and recognition of divine holiness.
To glorify God's name means to honor who He is. Names in the Bible carry essence, not just identification. To glorify God's name is to glorify God Himself.
“For you alone are holy.”
This brief statement of exclusivity affirms God's uniqueness. Holiness is not simply moral uprightness. It is otherness. God is distinct from all creation. There is no one like Him.
This echoes Old Testament declarations like Exodus 15:11: "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness?"
“All nations will come and worship before you, for your judgments have been revealed.”
This line looks forward to the final fulfillment of God's kingdom. Worship will not be localized but universal. The unveiling of God's judgments leads not to despair but to worship. The nations come not because they are forced but because they are drawn by the revelation of truth and justice.
This passage resonates with Psalm 86:9: "All the nations you have made shall come and bow down before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name."
Theological Themes
Continuity of Redemption
By tying together the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb, Revelation affirms that salvation has always been God's work. The Exodus is mirrored in the cross; Pharaoh's defeat foreshadows Satan's downfall.
Worship in the Midst of Judgment
It is striking that this song appears right before the outpouring of the final plagues. Revelation often mixes scenes of judgment and worship, reminding readers that divine wrath and divine mercy are two sides of the same holy coin.
Global Scope of God’s Reign
The song proclaims that all nations will worship God. This expands the biblical vision from national Israel to a global people of God, united not by ethnicity but by faith in the Lamb.
Justice and Holiness
God's justice is emphasized throughout. But it is justice tempered by holiness and truth. This is not arbitrary punishment but righteous judgment that leads to worship.
The Song of the Lamb: Meaning for Today
In an age when justice often feels delayed or absent, the Song of the Lamb reminds us that God sees, God acts, and God is not indifferent. His ways are just. His judgments are true.
Believers today can join in this song not because life is easy, but because hope is real. Like the redeemed in Revelation 15, we can stand on the shore of our own Red Seas and sing. We sing not because evil has disappeared, but because it has already been defeated.
FAQ
Q: What is the Song of the Lamb in Revelation?
A: It is a hymn sung in Revelation 15:3-4 by those who have overcome evil. It praises God's mighty deeds, justice, holiness, and global reign.
Q: Why is it called the Song of the Lamb?
A: Because it is sung in honor of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who has conquered sin and death.
Q: What does it mean that it is also the Song of Moses?
A: The connection to the Song of Moses (Exodus 15) links the deliverance from Egypt to the ultimate deliverance in Christ, showing the unity of God's salvation story.
Q: What is the significance of nations worshiping God?
A: It reflects the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring salvation to all peoples, not just Israel.
Q: How can this song shape Christian worship today?
A: It calls the church to focus on God’s character—His justice, truth, and holiness—and to remember that worship includes both celebration and reverence.
