5:9 redeemed. The redemption price (Ephesians 1:7) was paid long ago on the cross, but the work of redemption will only be complete when Satan is cast out and Christ takes full possession of His inheritance. See Luke 21:28; Romans 8:22-23; Ephesians 1:13-14; Psalm 2:5-9.

5:9 nation. Christ said that “the gospel must first be published among all nations” (Mark 13:10), for He does have His elect in every ethnic and linguistic group. They will all be gathered before His throne following the rapture, singing the great song of redemption, as well as that of creation (Revelation 4:11).

5:10 kings and priests. Three times in Revelation (1:6; 5:10; 20:6), it is said that believers of this age will reign and minister with Christ as “kings and priests” in the coming age.

5:10 on the earth. “On the earth” is probably better rendered “over the earth.” The New Jerusalem will not descend to the earth until after the millennial age (Revelation 20:6; 21:2).

5:11 number of them. “Thousands” is myriads in Greek. This number is not given for quantitative calculation, but simply to stress that the angelic host, while finite (a third of them followed Satan—Revelation 12:4) is still so great as to be “innumerable” (Hebrews 12:22).

5:13 all that are in them. This incredible chorus of praise may well be heard throughout the universe, even by those still on earth. The last five Psalms (146–150) all begin and end with “Praise ye the LORD” [i.e., “Hallelujah”], and they reflect the spirit of the four praise choruses here at the throne (Revelation 4:11; 5:9, 12-13). Perhaps these psalms will actually be sung there.