English
So write what you have seen, and what is, and what is about to happen after these things. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are angels of the seven assemblies, and the lampstands are the seven assemblies.’
Interpretation
The author interprets the symbolic meaning of two previous images, incongruent with how they are typically intended in other texts, including later in this book. Stars are common symbols for angels, while lampstands may indicate anointed figures.
Parallels
Habakkuk
2.2 Then Yhwh answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.
LXX Daniel
2.29, 45 ‘You, O king, after you reclined upon your couch, saw everything that must happen at the end of the days, and he that reveals mysteries has disclosed to you what is about to happen. […] The great God has shown the king what will be at the end of the days, and the vision is precise, and the meaning of it trustworthy.’
3 Baruch
1.6 ‘I will disclose to you other mysteries greater than these.’