Revelation 21:24
By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to think of this new Jerusalem as just a place for individuals, but this verse highlights that "nations" (meaning redeemed peoples from all backgrounds) will walk in its light. It also reveals a profound reversal: instead of earthly kings bringing their glory to themselves and their kingdoms, they will bring their "glory and honor" into this heavenly city, signifying their submission and offering of all they have to God.
The vision of the New Jerusalem continues, shifting focus from its divine construction to its inhabitants and their interaction with its glorious light. The previous verses described the city itself, emphasizing its perfection and the absence of any impurity. Now, John reveals that all the redeemed nations will live within this radiant city, bringing their treasures and acknowledging God's supreme glory.
Imagine a world where every nation, every tongue, is united. What does that look like in God's eternal city?
Revelation 21:24 speaks of 'nations' walking in the light of the New Jerusalem. While some older translations include 'of them which are saved,' the most reliable ancient texts omit these words. This isn't about selecting which nations are saved, but rather describing the redeemed people as nations. Think of it like this: every tribe, language, and people group that God has redeemed will be present in this glorious city. They won't be indistinguishable masses; their unique identities, preserved and perfected, will contribute to the city's splendor. They walk 'in the light of it,' meaning they live within and benefit from the divine presence that illuminates the New Jerusalem.
What happens to earthly power and prestige in the presence of ultimate glory?
The verse also mentions 'the kings of the earth' bringing their 'glory' into the city. This imagery is powerful. It suggests that all that was considered great, valuable, and honorable on earth will be recognized, acknowledged, and ultimately devoted to God in the New Jerusalem. It's not that earthly kings will rule there in the same way, or that worldly possessions will be brought in literally. Instead, it signifies the ultimate submission of all earthly authority and honor to God's supreme reign. Their crowns, their treasures, their achievements—all find their true purpose and highest expression when laid at the feet of Christ, the King of Kings.
Understand the original words
ethnos · Greek Noun
Large ethnic or linguistic groups of people; in the Old Testament, it often refers to those outside the covenant, but in the New Testament, it refers to all peoples to whom the gospel is extended.
Revelation 21:24 echoes Isaiah's ancient prophecies of restoration, offering a stark contrast to the destruction and exile experienced by the people of God, and re-framing earthly glory as ultimately subservient to God's eternal kingdom.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy of Jerusalem's Restoration
Isaiah prophesies a future glory for Jerusalem, envisioning nations and kings coming to its light and bringing their wealth and honor.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem is destroyed by the Babylonians, and many of its people, including royalty and leaders, are exiled. This marks a period of deep national shame and loss.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows some Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking a partial restoration of the city.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, with Jewish kings often acting as client rulers. This period is marked by political tension and the presence of earthly powers.
pulpitRevelation 21:24: "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
Verse 24. - And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the nations shall walk by means of her light. Omit "of them which are saved." The description, following that of Isaiah, makes use of earthly symbolism; but it is not, therefore, to be supposed (as Afford) that there will be hereafter a real earth with…
pooleRevelation 21:24: "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
And the nations of them, which are saved shall walk in the light of it; all that go to heaven shall be thus happy. And the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it; and such kings of the earth as shall come into heaven, shall see all their honour and glory swallowed up in the glory and honour of that place and state; and…
It's easy to think of this new Jerusalem as just a place for individuals, but this verse highlights that "nations" (meaning redeemed peoples from all backgrounds) will walk in its light. It also reveals a profound reversal: instead of earthly kings bringing their glory to themselves and their kingdoms, they will bring their "glory and honor" into this heavenly city, signifying their submission and offering of all they have to God.
The vision of the New Jerusalem continues, shifting focus from its divine construction to its inhabitants and their interaction with its glorious light. The previous verses described the city itself, emphasizing its perfection and the absence of any impurity. Now, John reveals that all the redeemed nations will live within this radiant city, bringing their treasures and acknowledging God's supreme glory.
The vision of the New Jerusalem continues, shifting focus from its divine construction to its inhabitants and their interaction with its glorious light. The previous verses described the city itself, emphasizing its perfection and the absence of any impurity. Now, John reveals that all the redeemed nations will live within this radiant city, bringing their treasures and acknowledging God's supreme glory.
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c. AD 64-70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Temple
Jerusalem and its Temple are destroyed by the Romans during the First Jewish-Roman War. This event brings immense sorrow and signifies the end of an era.
c. AD 95— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is written by the Apostle John, likely while in exile on the island of Patmos, offering a vision of future hope and ultimate victory.
"By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it," — It's easy to think of this new Jerusalem as just a place for individuals, but this verse highlights that "nations" (meaning redeemed peoples from all backgrounds) will walk in its light. It also reve…
