Isaiah 44:6
4 They will sprout up like a tree in the grass, like poplars beside channels of water. 5 One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord,’ and another will use the name ‘Jacob.’ One will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and use the name ‘Israel.’” 6 This is what the Lord, Israel’s King, says, their Protector, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the first and I am the last, there is no God but me. 7 Who is like me? Let him make his claim! Let him announce it and explain it to me—since I established an ancient people— let them announce future events. 8 Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid! Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it? You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me? There is no other sheltering rock; I know of none.
Revelation 1:17
15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 17 When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 18 and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive—forever and ever—and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! 19 Therefore write what you saw, what is, and what will be after these things.
Notes and References
"... The threat of persecution and the promise of vindication shape John’s message also in Revelation (see Revelation, Book of). The death of believers for their witness (martyria) to Christ has already occurred, and for others it will occur (Revelation 2:10, 13; 6:9–11; 12:11; 17:6; 20:4). The book is introduced with a vision of the risen Christ, “the first and the last and the living one” (Revelation 1:18; compare Revelation 2:8). Since “the first and the last” is a title of God in Isaiah 44:6 and Isaiah 48:12 (compare Revelation 1:8; 21:6), the resurrection points to Christ’s participation in the eternal being of God and his rule over creation (Bauckham 1993 Theology, 54–58). More specific references to resurrection indicate the centrality of this theme in John’s thought. Jesus is introduced as “the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5). This phrase combines the idea that Christ pioneered for others the way to resurrection (compare Colossians 1:18; “firstfruits” in 1 Corinthians 15:20) with the language of Psalm 89:27, where the Davidic king is described as “my firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” By virtue of his resurrection Jesus is already establishing God’s rule over earthly powers (compare Revelation 5:3–5) ..."
Martin, Ralph P. Dictionary of the Later New Testament & Its Developments (p. 1451) InterVarsity Press, 1997