Distinct biblical visions of life and judgment
Revelation 22 presents water of life from God's throne. Daniel 7 presents a fiery stream in a judgment vision. Neither passage explicitly identifies its stream with the other. Reading both images here supplies a comparison, not a Protestant confession that heaven and hell are one river received differently.
Scripture
- Revelation 22:1-5 — Life-giving water, the tree of life, and divine light.
- Daniel 7:9-10 — A fiery stream, a seated court, and opened books.
Primary sources
Revelation says:
Revelation’s water-of-life vision proceeds from God’s throne.
river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb
Passage context and translation
John sees the water of life in the new Jerusalem. This passage does not identify the river with Daniel's fiery stream.
Before the excerpt
Context summary: The previous chapter describes the new Jerusalem and divine light.
After the excerpt
Context summary: The vision continues with the tree of life, healing, and the absence of a curse.
Daniel’s separate vision says:
Daniel’s court vision includes a fiery stream before the Ancient of Days.
A fiery stream issued and came out from before him.
Passage context and translation
The fiery stream appears in the court vision before the Ancient of Days. No identity with Revelation's water of life is asserted.
Before the excerpt
Context summary: Thrones are placed and the Ancient of Days sits on a fiery throne.
After the excerpt
Context summary: Attendants stand before the court; judgment is set and the books are opened.