The Vision Of The Seven Seals.
Revelation Chapters 4 – 11
Chapter 4 - The Throne Scene
Everything up to this point has been an introduction leading to the curtain being pulled back so John can see the drama as it unfolds in heaven. From now on, in a rapid sequence, we will see vision after vision presented to assure persecuted Christians that the cause of Christ has not been lost.
Christ has never promised an easy time, so the struggle will perhaps be long and bitter but when the curtain falls at the end of the drama, complete assurance of victory will have been demonstrated.
Remember that although the kingdom (the church) is not a physical kingdom, its members dwell in this world, a very physical world. Therefore they are a part of the horrors of the wars, famines and pestilence that we will see and so from time to time our story will be side-tracked to give assurance and encouragement to those Christians caught up in this conflict.
God uses these horrors of war, famine and pestilence as His tools to bring judgement upon a wicked mankind (Ezek ), and to prove and test His children, providing for furthering their spiritual advancement.
As we study the book of Revelation also keep in mind the lessons we have learnt regarding the interpretation of apocalyptic literature. Numbers are not to be taken literally and animals, beasts and colours take on extra symbolic meanings. Remember the key we used in Chapter One – look for a similar example from other parts of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, and apply these examples to what we are considering within Revelation.
Rev 4:1 After these things.
"After this" "After these things" 'Meta tauta' This is an expression that John uses a lot to move his readers from one section to another. John is saying, after I have told you of Christ walking among the seven lampstands, after I have told you what He had to say to each of the seven churches, now I have another vision, another message for you.
Rev 4:1 The Heaven Opened.
"After this" "After these things" 'Meta tauta' This is an expression that John uses a lot to move his readers from one section to another. John is saying, after I have told you of Christ walking among the seven lampstands, after I have told you what He had to say to each of the seven churches, now I have another vision, another message for you.
Rev 4:1 The Heaven Opened.
“there was a door standing opened in Heaven.”
There are three reasons given for heaven being opened in the bible.
1) “the descent of the Spirit.” Mk
2) “the revelations of the glory of Christ.” John
3) “for visions.” Ezek 1:4
In this case, we find John is given a view or an insight into heaven for the purpose of delivering to him a vision. There are two ideas on how this may have appeared. Either John experienced the feeling that he was taken up into heaven or else he experienced the idea that he was looking through a window or an open door into heaven.
The latter idea seems to fit better because for the most part John appears to be viewing but not directly participating in the events as they unfold but we must not allow ourselves to think of John experiencing something like a movie because, although John could see the characters and hear them talking such as one would in a movie, John was also able to talk with them and interact with them to a certain extent.
(See the elder talking with John Rev 5:4;
Being under the influence of the Holy Spirit does not mean that a person is unaware of his immediate surroundings.
See Acts 7:54-56, “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”
Stephen was very aware of the angry Jews before him, their threats, and their insults then finally their stones, but he also saw his Lord standing at the right hand of God - Standing at the open door of heaven waiting for him.
Rev 4:1 Voice like a trumpet.
Notice what is said to John:-
“Come up here and I will show you what must take place after these things.”
John is invited to ‘come’ up into heaven and view what is about to take place in both heaven and on the earth.
Whose voice was this? This is the same voice as we found in Chapter One. And why should it not be Jesus Christ? Since He is going to be a central character in the Throne Scene, He is also the one who is inviting John to view the scene in heaven. John is not only invited to view God on His throne in heaven, he will get to witness the moment when God reveals His plan of redemption for all of mankind.
John says: - "And the first voice which I had heard."
See notes on Rev 1:10. This is the voice of Christ from Chapter One. It is Christ who is inviting John, and also us, to view this scene in heaven. Some have said that the first three chapters were not part of John's original vision but added in later. This idea is proved wrong by this short phase linking Chapter one with Chapter five.
John says: - "And the first voice which I had heard."
See notes on Rev 1:10. This is the voice of Christ from Chapter One. It is Christ who is inviting John, and also us, to view this scene in heaven. Some have said that the first three chapters were not part of John's original vision but added in later. This idea is proved wrong by this short phase linking Chapter one with Chapter five.
Rev 4:2 I was in the Spirit
As you can see, these two verses provide us with a very direct link back to Chapter One. In Rev 1:10 John heard a “voice like the sound of a trumpet” and when he turns he finds himself face to face with the glorified Jesus Christ. Again we find the voice like a trumpet and again we find John stating that he was “in the Spirit” He was in a vision or state of trance being led by the Spirit.
Some communicators explain that John saw the visions that we know at Revelation over the period of weeks or months which is why he returns to state “I was in the Spirit” a number of times. This explains how John was able to remember his visions and write them down later with such in depth detail. While this could be a possibility, there is no other evidence which leads us to confirm this conclusion, therefore I believe John saw the whole Revelation story as one great vision and then with the guidance of the Holy Spirit was able to recall and record the entire story later.
Rev 4:2 The Throne.
The Throne of God – Ezek 1:26-28
1) “I saw the Lord sitting on His throne and all the host of Heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left” 1 Kings 22:19
2) “God sits on His holy throne” Psalm 47:8
3) “The Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty” Isaiah 6:1
God is often presented as sitting on a throne. A throne is the seat of a ruler or king and a symbol of his power. In Revelation, the Throne of God is mentioned in almost every chapter.
When we consider the scene being presented by this chapter and the one that follows it is clear that this throne is not a seat as we would view an earthly throne. In verse 4 we find that this throne is surrounded by 24 other thrones of the 24 elders, later in verse 6 we see the throne is also surrounded by the living creatures. Perhaps we are considering a throne that appears the same which ever way it is viewed, more like a raised pedestal than a seat as we know it. In the description given by John in verse 3, we are given no description of God’s shape or form other than bright light and colours. Maybe God appears the same from any direction? That’s a thought to consider, isn’t it?
Rev 4:3 Shape of God.
John makes no attempt to describe God in any shape. He describes God in gem-like colours or the colours of the rainbow. This is common with other descriptions of God, which we find in the bible.
“Dwells in unapproachable light” 1 Tim
“Thou art clothed with splendour and majesty covering thyself with light as with a cloak.”
Psalm 104:2
Perhaps the idea here is as a rainbow appears after a storm. The message is ‘Don’t worry, God still rules!’ The stones jasper, sardius and emerald are all precious stones and they suggest the attributes of God such as splendour, majesty, purity, peacefulness and a covenanted relationship between God and man. This light also carries the idea of impressive appearance and unlimited power.
Remember how overcome John was when he met Jesus in Chapter One Rev 1:16. Well, that would have been as a side show compared to the appearance of God on His throne. Here is God, the one and only Almighty God, presented in all His glory, power and splendid majesty. To come face to face with the glorified Christ must have been a mind blowing, life changing experience, remember the effect it had on Saul/Paul, but to witness God on His throne would be the ultimate experience a Christian could ever hope for.
Rev 4:4 Twenty-four Elders on thrones.
It almost appears that these 24 elders were sitting on 24 thrones set in a circle around the great Throne of God.
The clothes they are wearing are white – symbol of rightness. Rev 19:8
The golden crowns they are wearing are – crowns of victory. Rev 6:1-2
The thrones symbolize they are joint heirs ruling with Christ. Rom
So here we see God’s redeemed on both sides of the cross. As we have already noted 12 means organised religion. There are 24 elders.
They are:-
12 from the Old Testament – 12 tribes of Israel.
12 from the New Testament – 12 apostles.
The 24 elders are representing the redeemed of both covenants united under Christ. Notice what they are holding in Rev 5:8-9. The bowls they are holding “are full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” In their song to the Lamb in Rev 5:9-10 the elders show who they represent when they acknowledge what Christ has done for the saints. “from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Rev 4:5 Decrees from the Throne.
The decrees of God came from the throne as flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. No attempt is made by John to translate this thunder and lightning so although other examples from the Bible describe God as talking like this, it is probably better to view this as symbols of God’s majestic power and glory rather than God’s speech.
Ex “indicating the presence and power of God.”
Rev 4:5 The Holy Spirit.
“There are seven lampstands of fire burning before the throne.”
In Rev 1:20 we saw the seven lampstands as being the spirit of the whole Church. Now in verse 5 we find that God’s spirit is also associated with these lampstands. Keeping in mind that seven is the symbolic number for completeness or perfection then seven spirits means the entire or complete spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.
I know that in the above passage there is some confusion between the seven spirits that we saw in the first description of the God-head of Rev 1:4 and the seven lamp stands which we saw in & . So what is the answer here?
The lamp stands of Chapter One being the Holy Spirit does not fit as the lamp stands appear to be angels connected to the seven Churches. Therefore should we take the lamp stands here as having the same meaning? It would fit, putting the Church into the throne room picture, but this then does this take away the purpose of the 24 elders representing the redeemed?
I see two possible answers here. First, we take the lamp stands here to be the Church. Not just the seven Churches of Chapters 2 & 3 but rather the entire Church. Secondly, we take the lamp stands to be the Holy Spirit who must be included in any picture of God. Put these together, the Holy Spirit working among the Churches, involved within the Church, and we will probably get some idea of who the lamp stands represent.
One last question – Can we apply this new conclusion back to Chapter One? I’ll leave that one to you; I haven’t worked it out yet.
Rev 4:6 The Sea of Glass.
Keep in mind here “as it were.” Not necessarily a real sea of glass but having the appearance of a sea of glass. Rev 15:2; Rev21:1.
Two Ideas:- (Rodgers)
1) John was separated from the seven churches by sea. Remember that he was in exile on the island of Patmos. In the same way, John saw the gap between himself and the throne of God as a sea. The idea being the gap between God and Christians. Notice in Rev 21:1 “the sea is no more” meaning that now the gap has been removed and Christians are in direct fellowship with God.
2) The word ‘sea’ can be translated as ‘lava’. In the Old Testament Tabernacle, the lava was used by the priests to wash themselves before they entered the Holy Place
. See the washing of Rev 7:14. This idea is weaker since the view described by John is clearly seen as a sea or ocean rather than a basin or vessel for washing in.
Three things symbolised:- (Barclay)
1) “Sea of Glass, like crystal.” The meaning here is preciousness.
Job 28:16-18 Gold, glass and crystal.
2) “Sea” The meaning here is immense distance.
There was a vast distance between the one who stood at the door of Heaven and the one who sat on the throne. Again, this also can be seen as the gap between God and man.
3) Dazzling purity. The light here is the light of God reflected off the glassy surface of the sea to giving crystal like appearance. Much like the reflection of the setting sun as it sets over the ocean. The light here is the idea of the purity of God.
The partition between God and man. (Eldred Echois)
"Sea of glass, like crystal" The partition between God and man is transparent; the way to salvation is as clear as crystal; it appears as an expanse stretching far and wide. This is probably an illusion to the curtain of the tabernacle which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
The partition between God and man. (Eldred Echois)
"Sea of glass, like crystal" The partition between God and man is transparent; the way to salvation is as clear as crystal; it appears as an expanse stretching far and wide. This is probably an illusion to the curtain of the tabernacle which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
Rev 4:6-9 The Four Living Creatures.
This is one of those parts of Revelation that is often misunderstood. Some have explained these creatures as being countries such as the Lion is England and the Eagle is the USA, but ideas like this do not fit into the context of this scene. Remember our key to understanding is to seek out parallel or similar verses and apply parallel or similar meanings. Therefore we should compare these verses with Ezekiel chapters 1 & 10.
Notice these similarities:-
1) In both cases, these beings are called “living ones or living creatures.”
Ezek 1:5 - Rev 4:6
2) In both cases, the number of beings is the same symbolic number of 4.
Ezek 1:5 - Rev 4:6
3) In both cases, the appearance of their faces is compared to a man, lion, bull and an eagle. Ezek - Rev 4:7
4) In both cases, they are associated with the Throne of God.
Ezek - Rev 4:6
5) In both cases, fire is associated with them.
Ezek - Rev 4:5
6) In both cases, they are covered with eyes.
Ezek ; - Rev 4:8
7) In both cases, there is a rainbow associated with their appearance.
Ezek - Rev 4:3
Ezek tells us that these living creatures are Cherubim. The living creatures found in Revelation appear to be arranged differently but they are similar enough for us to be sure that these creatures are also Cherubim.
(See also Isa 6:2 The Seraphim)
Symbolic Meaning (Rogers)
1) Lion means – supreme among the beasts. (The meat eaters.)
2) Bull means – supreme among the cattle. (The plant eaters.)
3) Eagle means – supreme among the birds.
4) Man means – supreme among all creatures.
In other words, the beauty, strength and greatness of nature are combined in these four living creatures. Remember the symbolic meaning of the number 4 is the world.
Do not be put off by their appearance. Like in the picture of the glorified Christ in Chapter One, the appearance of the living creatures probably relates as much to their spiritual qualities as to their physical appearance. More to the point we should be concerned with their purpose and what they are doing.
1) They are worshipping God.
2) They are guarding God – as if someone as powerful as God would need a body guard.
3) They are there – ready to serve God.
The focus of the text is not on who they are but on the fact and example of their worshipping God.
Rev 4:8-11 Praises and Glory to God.
The rest of Chapter Four is an example of the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures worshipping God.
4 living creatures – nature worshipping God. See notes on Rev 4:7-9.
24 elders – mankind worshipping God. See notes on Rev 4:4.
24 elders – mankind worshipping God. See notes on Rev 4:4.
The Song.
Rev 4:8-9 The Four Living Creatures.
“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty;
who was and who is and who is to come.”
God is glorified as being holy, omnipotent and eternal. After their example, He is glorified by holy men (Rev 4:9) in actions and signs () and by speech. The first part of their song of worship is confirming God as being Holy. The second part of their song uses a phrase that we have already seen in Rev 1:4 and Rev 1:8. In Chapter One, God uses this phrase to describe and identify Himself. Here the living creatures use it to acknowledge God’s eternal nature.
Rev 4:10-11 The 24 Elders Join in.
The 24 elders take up the example of the 4 living creatures. In their part of this song, three signs of honour and glory are given to God.
1) They prostrate or fall down before Him.
This is an attitude and posture of reverence.
2) They worshipped Him.
They acknowledged God and gave Him the glory he deserves.
3) They cast their crowns before Him.
In this way, they showed their subjection, that they only rule because of Him.
These elders, who have been made kings to reign with Christ, are willing to empty themselves of all self-glory before the majesty of God.
“Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for God didst create all things and because of thy will they existed and were created.”
The sum of their speech is that all glory must be given to God because he is the eternal beginning of all things. It is only through the will of God that all things, including the elders themselves, were created so therefore only God is worthy enough to receive the glory, honour and power due to Him.
Worship.
The worship in this chapter is focused towards God. In the Throne Scene, we see God in a central position upon His throne. His awesome demonstration of power captures our eye and demands our attention. In the final verses of this chapter, we see all those present throw themselves with great determination and single-minded purpose into the worship of God.
Here is an example to us today. Just as the Christians of the 1st century were encouraged to approach their worship with determination and purpose, we are also encouraged to do like-wise.
This scene, along with the one in chapter five, appears designed to set the stage for what follows. At the outset, we are shown the first guarantee of ultimate victory: God is on His throne! (Summers) The praise offered by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders reinforce the truth that the One on the throne (and therefore in ultimate control) is none other than the Lord God Almighty, Eternal and Holy, the Creator who holds all things together. He is therefore worthy of glory, honour and power! He is the one to revere, not man!
Revelation Notes by Mark Copeland pg 24.
In Chapter One after John’s opening remarks, we were introduced to the central character of this drama, Jesus Christ. We saw Him walking among the seven lampstands, which we then identified as the seven churches.
In Chapters Two and Three, John went on to write seven letters delivering a message from Jesus Himself to each of these churches. These letters warn and encourage each church as well as giving us an insight into the spiritual condition of each of these seven churches.
These letters also gave us an insight into how Satan works within the churches. It is important to keep in mind and apply the lessons from these letters to our churches today. They are equally applicable to us today as they were to the seven churches in the first century.
In Chapter Four we picked up the story from Chapter One. A door or view is opened up into heaven. God is on His throne guarded by the 4 living creatures and surrounded by the 24 elders. Both of these groups are seen praising and worshipping God.
So here is an outline of the story so far:-
The Seven Churches of Asia.
The Introduction Rev 1:1 – 3:22
The Vision of the Son of Man. Rev 1:9-20.
Letters to the Seven Churches. Rev 2:1 – 3:22
Ephesus – “The church who lost its first love.” Rev 2:1-7
Smyrna – “Tribulation to come.” Rev 2:8-11
Pergamum – “Satan’s Throne.” Rev 2:12-17
Thyatira - “Where Jezebel is.” Rev 2:18-29
Sardis – “The sleeping church.” Rev 3:1-6
Philadelphia – “Saved from the hour of testing.” Rev 3:7-13
Laodicea – “The Lukewarm Church.” Rev 3:14-22
The Vision of the Seven Seals. Rev 4:1 – 11:19
The Throne Scene Rev Chapter 4
Chapter 5 - The Lamb and the Sealed Book. Rev 5:1-14.
The Throne Scene Rev Chapter 4
Chapter 5 - The Lamb and the Sealed Book. Rev 5:1-14.
In this chapter we continue with the same scene as in Chapter Four but now we are introduced to the sealed book and discover the only one worthy enough to open it.
This chapter can be divided into two sections. In the first four verses, we see God introducing His word in the form of a sealed book and then through the rest of the chapter we meet and identify the one who is found worthy enough to step forward and open this book.
Rev 5:1 God Introduces the Sealed Book.
“I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne”
1) “A book” A rolled up scroll. Until the 2nd century AD, all literary work was written on scrolls.
‘A scroll was a roll of parchment or papyrus, used especially for writing a document. An ancient book or volume is written on such a roll.’
(Microsoft Bookshelf 1994 edition.)
Heb 10:5-7; Luke 4:17, 20.
2) The Book of Revelation would occupy a roll 15 feet long (4.5m app.).
Mark took a roll 19 feet long (5.7m app.).
John 23 ½ feet long (7.1m app.).
Matthew 30 feet long (9.1m app.).
Luke and Acts 32 feet long. (9.7m app.).
See also Notes on “John was instructed”
3) “written on the front and on the back.”
Ezek 2:9-10; Zech 5:1-3.
A scroll was made of papyrus, an expensive substance, normally written only on one side. The reverse side had a rough surface due to the reed material the papyrus was made out of. If a person had a large amount to write then he would use the reverse side.
In this case, the meaning is – full of meaning and importance. A double-sided scroll is known as an ‘Opisthograph.’
Opisthograph – a manuscript or slab inscribed on the back as well as the front.
Chambers’s Twentieth Century Dictionary.
4) “sealed with seven seals.”
Under Roman law a person’s will was sealed with a seal. In this case, there are seven seals meaning even greater secrecy. Keep in mind the symbolic meaning of seven that adds greater meaning and importance to the ‘book.’
Note:- This is similar to Ezek 2:9-10 where Ezekiel was handed a scroll from God. In Revelation, John’s scroll is different in that his scroll was sealed.
The importance of this ‘book’ can be seen by the fact that it was held in the right hand of God clearly showing us that this ‘book’ came from God. Secondly, it was written in a most uncommon manner both inside and on the outside. Lastly, we can see the great importance placed upon this ‘book’ by the fact that it was sealed, not just with a single seal but with no less than seven seals.
(See Rev 10:8-11 The Little Book.)
Rev 5:2-3 The Cry of a Strong Angel.
“Strong Angel” - indicates that this is no ordinary angel.
“Strong Angel” - indicates that this is no ordinary angel.
We see this term again in Rev 10:1 & . Possibly this is the same angel.
This is not necessarily just a physically strong angel, the word ‘strong’ as used here, can also be taken to mean one of great power or even authority. There appears to be different levels of authority within the ranks of angels. We see the angel Gabriel, sent by God to announce the birth of Jesus. Later, in Rev 12:7-12, we will see the angel Michael, in command of the mighty army of God, driving Satan’s army out of heaven. Although we are not told whom this strong angel is we can be in no doubt that this angel holds a higher position among the angels of heaven.
“Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?”
The cry goes out in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth to find somebody who was worthy enough to take this book from the hand of God and open it.
“....who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Suggesting that if there was any such person, that he was desired to come, and do it; and it seems, that he must not only be one of power and ability, but of dignity and authority, a person of greatness and worth, from whence his ability arises; as he ought to be that can engage his heart to draw nigh to God, and take a book out of His right hand, this mysterious book of the Revelation.
John Gill – Online Bible.
Suggesting that if there was any such person, that he was desired to come, and do it; and it seems, that he must not only be one of power and ability, but of dignity and authority, a person of greatness and worth, from whence his ability arises; as he ought to be that can engage his heart to draw nigh to God, and take a book out of His right hand, this mysterious book of the Revelation.
John Gill – Online Bible.
Rev 5:4 John Wept Bitterly.
A search went out for someone worthy enough to take this book from the right hand of God and open it. No one was found. No angel came forward; neither did the living creatures make a move. “No one was found in heaven, on the earth or under the earth who was able to open the book and break its seals.”
When it seemed that there was no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth who was worthy enough for God to reveal His mysteries too, John was devastated. He wept bitterly. Why would John have had this reaction?
The scroll in the right hand of God represents God’s eternal plan. It symbolises God’s purpose for the entire universe throughout all of history and especially for all creatures in all ages into eternity. This scroll is pictured as being closed, sealed with seven seals. The closed scroll indicates that the Plan of God remains unrevealed, unexecuted, with God’s purposes not being realised and His plan not being carried out.
When no one is found who is able to open the scroll, John wept because he realised that while the scroll remains unopened God’s plan will not be fulfilled. Without the scroll opened there could be no protection for God’s children in the times of testing ahead, no judgements on the persecuting world, no triumph of the church under the leadership of Christ, and no future inheritance for the saints of the new heaven and the new earth.
He was comforted by one of the elders who told him to watch what would happen next.
(Idea was taken from) More Than Conquerors – William Hendriksen.
Rev 5: 5-7 Christ, the Lamb Comes Forward to Take the Book.
1) He was identified by the elder:-
a) “the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah.”
Gen 49:9-10 Judah is a lion’s whelp. Jacob as an old man and nearing the end of his life summoned all of his sons to him and laid a prophecy upon each of them in turn. For Judah, Jacob spoke of him as being the whelp or offspring of a lion. Jacob also prophesied that the ruler’s staff would always remain with Judah and his descendants until Shiloh (Christ) comes.
b) “Root of David.”
Isaiah 11:1, 10 Root of Jesse.
Isaiah proclaimed that the Messiah would come from the root of Jesse. Who was Jesse?
Matt 1:6 Jesse was the father of King David.
One of the strong themes running through the Old Testament is the preserving of the line leading to Jesus. In these first two points of identification, the line from Abraham to Jesus was mentioned. In the first, a link was established with Judah, one of the sons of Jacob, who was the father of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. In his prophecy Jacob links Judah to Christ when he says “…until Shiloh comes.”
In the second point, a link is made with King David when a statement is made very similar to the prophecy made by Isaiah in Isaiah 11:1, 10. The difference being that here the elder shows the line of Christ running through King David whereas Isaiah shows the line running through King David’s father, Jesse.
c) “has overcome.” Christ overcame on the cross. Of course, this is the very foundation stone of Christianity that Jesus died for the sins of all mankind then overcame death on the cross.
2) He was identified by John:-
a) “the Lamb of God.”
John A term that John used in his gospel to describe Jesus. Is 53:7 “Like a lamb led to slaughter.”
Notice that this point of identification is linked to both the Old and New Testaments. That powerful prophecy from Isaiah 53 clearly shows Jesus being lead to the cross and His death, uttering no word of defence and giving no resistance.
In the New Testament in the Gospel of John, we see Jesus approach John the Baptist who was baptising in the river. Remember John’s statement when he looked up and saw Jesus coming towards him. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. What made John make such a claim? No doubt the Spirit of God put these words into John’s mouth. Now it is interesting to see here in Revelation the account of another John witnessing God handing to Jesus the very plan of salvation John the Baptist was talking about.
b) “seven horns.”
Perfect strength or power. Dan 8:7
It is interesting to see how the strength of an animal is symbolised by its horns. In Daniel when the ram’s horns were shattered he lost his power. Later in our study of the book of Revelation, we will meet other beasts whose power is symbolised by their horns.
c) “seven eyes.” Similar to Zec 3:9 &
This has a link back to the picture of Christ in His glorified state whom we saw in Chapter One. There we saw eyes burning like fire, here we see seven eyes. There is much the same meaning as both these images showing qualities of great wisdom, perfect knowledge or omniscience.
d) “which are the seven spirits of God, sent forth into the world.”
The Holy Spirit sent out by Jesus.
John 14:15-17 & 26.
3) Christ’s action.
He came forward and took the book out of the right hand of God, His Father.
Christ stands as Mediator between God and both ministers and people. He is called a Lion, but he appears as a Lamb slain. He appears with the marks of his sufferings, to show that he pleads for us in heaven, in virtue of his satisfaction. He appears as a Lamb, having seven horns and seven eyes; perfect power to execute all the will of God, and perfect wisdom to understand it, and to do it in the most effectual manner. The Father put the book of his eternal counsels into the hand of Christ, and Christ readily and gladly took it into his hand; for he delights to make known the will of his Father; and the Holy Spirit is given by him to reveal the truth and will of God.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
Rev 5:8-14 A New Song.
The old song was that of Rev 4:8 & 11.
The new song is a song of redemption.
Rev 5:8-10 This caused a general joy among all kinds of creatures. First are the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders, who are described as having harps and golden vials (bowls) of incense. The harp was for praise, and the incense was for prayer. They fell down in a worshipping posture before the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and sung a new song of redeeming love to Him.
In their song they attribute the worthiness of Jesus Christ, to come forward, take the book and open its seals. They declare their redemption purchased from God, by His blood, out of all nations of the earth. They acknowledge the honour done them by Jesus Christ, in making them kings and priests of God; and express their assurance that they shall reign with Him on earth.
-12 Next an innumerable company of angels join the living creatures and elders, in a doxology, an ascription of glory to Jesus Christ.
-14 Finally, “every creature in heaven and earth, upon it, and under it, and in the sea,” are introduced as giving glory both to Him that sat upon the throne (God) and to the Lamb (Jesus Christ).
The whole song is closed by the living creatures saying “Amen,” and by the elders prostrating themselves, and worshipping the living and eternal God.
Online Bible - John Gill’s Expositor.
Notice this song is sang in three parts.
1) In verse 8 it is sung by the 4 living creatures and the 24 elders.
2) In verse 11 the angels join in.
3) In verse 13 every living thing joins in.
The meaning here is that Jesus is over all things.
The Throne Scene.
These two chapters are often over looked in the study of Revelation because they at first seem fairly easy to understand and do not appear to contain a great amount of content. To think this is a mistake because when we consider the over all context of the entire book we see a strong theme of Christians facing terrible persecution and Christ coming to their aid by conquering those who are opposing the saints.
Where Chapter Four and Chapter Five fit into this context is that they present us with:-
1) The scene of a powerful, omnipotent God on His throne. The meaning here is - God is powerful, He is in control of all things.
2) God is worshipped by all those who are in heaven. This is an example we all have a great need to follow.
3) There is only one who was found worthy enough to carry out God’s command. This person is God’s one and only Son, that is Jesus Christ.
4) Jesus Christ, the centre character in our story is given his instructions from God, concerning the redemption of mankind.
5) Just like God, Christ is shown to be worthy of our worship.
What we must get out of these two Chapters is where our focus should be. It is interesting to view the thrones scene and identify the many characters involved, particularly the living creatures, but to put all our focus on this would be missing the most important point these Chapters make.
This is where our focus should always be - worshipping God and His Son Jesus Christ. To fail to do this, would be like the Church at Ephesus where they lost their first love. To fail to do this is failing to for fill one of the most important duties of a Christian
Overview:- The Story so Far.
We are still in the Throne Scene of chapter four. We have a view into Heaven where we see God upon His throne. We see the 4 living creatures and 24 elders who are surrounding God worshipping Him.
God is holding a sealed book or scroll in His right hand. A call goes out to find someone who is worthy enough to break the seven seals and open the book.
At first, no one worthy enough is found and then finally a Lamb steps forward to take the book. We are given seven points by which we can identify this Lamb as Jesus Christ, the only one found worthy enough to open the book.
One key lesson that we can gain from these two chapters is in worshipping God.
Notice:-
Rev 4:8:- Ceaseless Praise.
:- Fell down before God.
:- Kept saying Amen.
Fell down and worshipped.
In a play by George Bernard Shaw, Don Juan says, “Heaven is all right of course, but for meeting old friends and acquaintances you can’t beat hell.”
Microsoft Bookshop 94.
There is a powerful, if not terrible truth to these words. While most people say they would like to go to Heaven, they might prefer hell if Heaven is anything like the picture we see in Chapters Four and Five. Many people are so concerned only with themselves that they would find ceaseless praise of God and the lamb to be intolerable. They find worship on earth, a foretaste of Heaven, to be just as intolerable.
But worship was the deepest need of the seven churches and worship is the deepest need we have today. It is only through the worship of God that true Christianity can find fulfilment.
So below is an outline of the story so far:-
The Seven Churches of Asia.
The Introduction Rev 1:1 – 3:22
The Vision of the Son of Man. Rev 1:9-20.
Letters to the Seven Churches. Rev 2:1 – 3:22
Ephesus – “The church who lost its first love.” Rev 2:1-7
Smyrna – “Tribulation to come.” Rev 2:8-11
Pergamum – “Satan’s Throne.” Rev 2:12-17
Thyatira - “Where Jezebel is.” Rev 2:18-29
Sardis – “The sleeping church.” Rev 3:1-6
Philadelphia – “Saved from the hour of testing.” Rev 3:7-13
Laodicea – “The Lukewarm Church.” Rev 3:14-22
The Vision of the Seven Seals. Rev 4:1 – 11:19
The Throne Scene Rev Chapter 4
The Lamb and the Sealed Book. Rev Chapter 5
