1:7 How are we to understand what John says here?
1:7 How are we to understand what John says here?
John is referring to Christ's second coming here which is the main theme of Revelation.
This is when Jesus comes back to earth at the end of the great tribulation to defeat Antichrist and his armies at the battle of Armageddon (cp Isa 63:1-6; Dan 7:13-14; Joel 3:1-21; Zech 12:4-9; 14:1-5; Mt 24:29-44; 2Th 1:7-9; Jude 14:15; Rev 19:11-21). "...every eye shall see Him" in Rev 1:7 means that Christ's second coming will be witnessed by the whole world (cp Zech 12:10; Mt 24:27, 29-30; Mk 13:24-26; Lk 21:25-28; Ac 1:9-11). "... and they also which pierced Him" refers to the Jews. They were responsible for Christ's crucifixion.
Jews living at this time will be filled with consternation at His coming (cp Zech 12:10; Mt 27:17-25; Jn 19:37; Ac 2:22-23; 3:12-15). "... and all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him" means that all the peoples of the earth will be plunged into mourning because Christ comes to judge His enemies and set up His millennial kingdom.
They fear punishment because of their sins (cp Gen 3:8-10; Mt 25:31-46; Rev 6:15-17; 11:18).