Rev 6:9-11 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 6:9-11: 6:9-11 In counterpoint to the world’s destructive ways (6:1-8 ), the fifth seal introduces Christian martyrs who ask how God intends to deal with evil. 6:9 Rather than follow the world’s destructive ways, the martyrs gave their lives for the word of God .

Summary for Rev 6:9-11: 6:9-11 ^a In counterpoint to the world’s destructive ways (6:1-8 ^b), the fifth seal introduces Christian martyrs who ask how God intends to deal with evil. 6:9 ^c Rather than follow the world’s destructive ways, the martyrs gave their lives for the word of God.
6:10 ^d The martyrs shouted to the Sovereign Lord because they trusted in his power to redress their grievances.

• how long: Is God slow to act? Will justice be done? God does act decisively (see 6:12-14 ^e); his wrath (6:16-17 ^f) must be understood in terms of justice, fairness, and righteousness (see Exod 34:5-7 ^g; Neh 9:17 ^h; Pss 103:8 ⁱ; 145:8 ^j; Joel 2:13 ^k; Jon 4:2 ^l; Rom 2:6-11 ^m).

• avenge our blood: This cry for God’s justice follows the pattern of imprecatory (vengeance) psalms (see Pss 6:3 ⁿ; 74:10 ^o; 79:5 ^p; 80:4 ^q; 137:1-9 ^r). It also reflects the covenant curses of Deut 28:53-57 ^s; 32:35 ^t (quoted in Rom 12:19 ^u).
6:11 ^v A white robe is symbolic of the martyrs’ victory and of God’s full acceptance.

• they were told to rest: Death is a state of rest (cp. John 11:11-12 ^w) in which martyrs await God’s justice.

• the full number: Only God knows how many Christians will be martyred before the end. In his sovereignty, God will fulfill his purposes through his children who are martyred and will vindicate them at the appropriate time.

• brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi; this term refers to people, both male and female, who are members of the same family.