Revelation 2:26b-29 26. . . I will give to him authority over the nations, 27and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received from my Father, 28and I will give him the morning star. 29Let the one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Jesus offers two rewards to those who remain faithful and obedient. Both blessings are given in symbolic language that is difficult to interpret. Verses 26-27 quote from the Septuagint of Psalm 2:8-9. The early Christians understood this psalm to be messianic, since parts of it are cited multiple times in the New Testament. As the Son of God and Messiah, Jesus has authority over the nations because he was given it by the Father. This idea is echoed in Matthew 28:18 as Jesus was about to ascend and was sending his disciples out to be witnesses to the world. Any authority disciples have is an extension of Jesus’ authority and a gift from him. The type of authority most likely refers to spiritual authority to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). No force of evil can stand against Jesus and those who follow him. Nations (ethnōn), sometimes translated as “Gentiles,” probably has the broader idea here of all the people of the world.
The next two clauses of verse 27, quoted from Psalm 2:9, are more difficult to interpret. The image is of a shepherd tending sheep, but not with a stick but a strong rod of iron. A rod of iron could represent strength. It could also refer to how believers will judge the world along with Christ (Luke 22:28–30; 1 Corinthians 6:2). These verses should have given the Thyatiran Christians assurance in an adverse culture; “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
The meaning of the second reward, given in verse 28, is also difficult to interpret. The morning star is the last visible star before the sun rises. The image occurs later in 22:16 in reference to the coming King Jesus. The phrase could imply that the believers who stay true to their faith will receive the promise of Christ himself, “a star out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). The morning star could also be the forerunner of the great brightness of the sun, the promise of a bright new day. The phrase has an eschatological sense of better things in the future for those who obediently keep and follow Jesus’ will.
These verses use future tense verbs that promise victory. The question is when this victory can be experienced. Many believers suffer from persecution and hostility from governments and social pressure from ungodly cultures. Although victory may not seem forthcoming in this lifetime, the promise is sure of final victory when Jesus comes again. The believers in Thyatira and other ancient cities suffered greatly; some even lost their lives. However, many stayed true and set an example for us also to experience spiritual victory that gives peace and sustains us to the end. This letter ends like the others with a call to listen to the Holy Spirit and be faithful and steadfast in our faith.