The reward of the redeemed--7:15-16. These who were before the throne of God and in his temple, renewed the dual kingdom-priesthood character of the church, it is said of both in chapter 1:6, 5:10. The demolition of the old temple only gave place to the new (Acts 7:47-49); and his priests then would serve in his temple day and night, and would be always before his throne, continually with none to make them afraid; and their God would dwell there. (2 Corinthians 6:16) In this new temple-state, having emerged from tribulation, they should hunger and thirst no more; neither sun nor heat would light on them (afflict them)--figures of speech to denote the calamities during the period of persecution as symbolized in the seals. The famine, pestilence and plagues, which prevailed during the period of persecution would all cease. The absence of all of these signified a state of victory over persecution.