The metaphor of a river of life is found in Ezekiel 47:1 and Zechariah 14:8. In Ezekiel the river flows out from the temple, in Zechariah it flows out from Jerusalem. Here it flows down the middle of the city. The fundamental point is that it flows from the throne of God. In Ezekiel and Zechariah it is possibly speaking of the gospel flowing out to the world. Here it is the living water of God continually refreshing the saved people of God.
The tree of life stood on each side of the river. In Genesis 3:22 man is banished from the tree of life, now that salvation is complete he is allowed to eat from it again. There is complete restoration. The reference to twelve months means that there will be a continual supply. There is also healing of the nations. Everything will be dealt with.
When Adam sinned God cursed the ground, amongst other things. There will now be no more curse. Instead the throne of God and the Lamb will be in the midst of the city and the people will serve Him.
Moreover, we will see Christ face to face, and His name will be on our foreheads. We will be completely Christlike, no vestige of sin left in our lives, just pure love and devotion to the Lord.
The Lord will be our light forever, and we will reign forever.
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