For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
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Bede
AD 735
fountains: That is to say, to the company of the saints, who are the fountains of heavenly doctrine. The vision of God itself may also be signified, "in Whom are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;" according to this that David says, "As the hart longeth for the fountains of waters, so longeth my soul after Thee, O God."
tears: When the fulness of immortal bliss is gained, all sorrow will be at once consigned to forgetfulness. For, "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted." The vision of the white-robed multitude may also be understood of the present time, when "we are saved in hope," and "hoping for that which we see not, in patience wait for it." <a
the Lamb: He says, that the Lamb is in the midst of the throne, in that he had said above, that "the Lamb received the book from Him Who sitteth upon the throne;" and teaches that the Church is one throne for the Father and the Son, in which one God, the undivided Trinity, dwells through faith.
The Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, God and man, shall rule literally, to the fountains of life of waters; shall bless them with everlasting happiness. (Witham)
He represents the happiness of the saints, under the idea of being exempt from all the wants and evils of this life. For we are not able, according to truth itself, to conceive the happiness that is prepared for us; wherefore we must content ourselves with considering what it is not, rather than what it is. He, nevertheless, seems to compare heaven to a temple or palace, in which we observe ministers and servants all in their proper order, his counsellors (if we may be allowed the expression) and friends seated in presence of their prince, and the souls of the just singing the praises of the Most High. (Car.)
