Monday, March 27, 2023

God Sharing His Glory with the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:11

Rev 21:11, speaking of the New Jerusalem, reads:

 

It has the glory of God (ἔχουσαν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ) and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. (NRSV)

 

Here, the New Jerusalem has the glory of God; in other words, God is sharing HIs glory with something (or, more properly, something else). As Harrington noted:

 

Because of its heavenly origin, it reflects the divine glory. For that matter, it is filled with the presence of God (vv. 22–23). See Isa 60:1–2; Ezek 43:2. (Wilfrid J. Harrington, Revelation [Pagina Series 16; Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2008], 213)

 

Such should give pause to those who misread Isa 42:8 as if it means God will never share his glory ever (instead, the context is about false gods and idols).