4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper
and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an
emerald.
See the study on Precious
Stones/ Biblical Gems in the back of this study for the significance of these
stones.)
...rainbow... This speaks of divine judgment. He who put the rainbow in the sky at
the time of the flood would again judge the world -- though this time He will not destroy
its inhabitants with a universal flood, but fire (II Pet. 3:7-12).
4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon
the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on
their heads crowns of gold.
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats...
In Biblical numerology, 24 is the number of the two churches (called- out) organizations
(Israel and the NT Church) which have been set on a hill for all to see.
...I saw four and twenty elders sitting... ?Jacob's sons and the
eleven disciples (the original 12 less Judas who was a devil from the beginning --
chosen to fulfill the Scriptures [Jn. 17:12; Jn. 6:70-71]) plus the Apostle Paul [Ro.
11:13]
...clothed in white raiment... i.e., the righteousness of Christ.
...and they had on their heads crowns of gold. For the believers rewards see I
Cor. 9:25; II Tim. 4:8; James 1:12; I Pet. 5:4; II Tim. 2:5.
4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and
voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven
Spirits of God.
And out of the throne... i.e., from Christ Jesus.
...proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices...i.e., those things
associated with divine judgment.
...and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne... The Word of God
is likened unto a lamp (Ps. 119:105), with light for all 7 ages of man. In the first 3
ages it was oral. In the 4th, 5th, and 6th ages it has been written. In the 7th age to
come, it will be both written and oral, for Christ the Word will be with us.
...which are the seven Spirits of God. Jesus said: "...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are
life" (Jn. 6:63)-- This holds true for all
7 ages; though during each age, the work of the Holy Spirit must necessary differ as per
the covenant of each age. The number 7 means final or complete, so this would speak of the
whole of the work of the Holy Spirit for the 7 ages that cover the time span allotted man.
4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto
crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full
of eyes before and behind.
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal... In the language of
prophecy, sea = the mass of people. On the earth, the "sea" is the mass of
people without any covenant with God. But this sea in heaven is like crystal: i.e., it
represents the redeemed / the purified: i.e., the righteous in Christ who had the dross
removed in this life.
...and in the midst of the throne... i.e., in Christ Himself. (Of all mankind, Paul
said, in Him we live and move and have our being; but for the born-again believers whose
bodies have become the temple of the Holy Spirit, there is an intimacy that the world
cannot know-- i.e., the mystery of our being in Christ and He in the Father [Jn. 17:21].
In vss. 6-11 Christ either occupies the throne in heaven and the throne on earth at the
same time -- or one throne that reflects both dimensions. This is not unusual for Him for
during His Visitation, He was in both dimensions at the same time [John 3:13]).
...and round about the throne, were four beasts... Four (4) is the number of the
earth.
...full of eyes before and behind. In that day "we shall know as we are
known" (I Cor. 1312), and all of the earth's creatures will be aware of God.
4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the
second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast
was like a flying eagle.
?Animals in heaven? Some read the Book of
Ecclesiates to say that animals have no eternal souls, others interpret the four beasts of
Revelation to say just the opposite.
4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings
about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about
him...Six (6) is the number of man. the six wings probably pertains to the fact that
God put all of the creatures of the earth under man's domain.
...and they were full of eyes within... i.e., understanding. These redeemed
creatures will be those who "will know even as they are known" (I Cor. 13:12).
...and they rest not day and night,...In his glorified body, man will be as Christ
in that he will have no need for sleep. Apparently, the animals will also have some sort
of a glorified body for they will also require no rest!
...saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty...These creatures will be speaking
from their quickened spirits and in perfect knowledge.,
...which was, and is, and is to come. Again, a title that belongs uniquely to
Christ Jesus, the Messiah.
4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and
thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
glory=admiration
honour=respect
thanks=gratitude
...to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,--more terms that
identify Christ Jesus.
4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down
before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast
their crowns before the throne, saying,
worship...We care for our neighbors, we have brotherly love for
our kin, we have matrimonial love for our mates, but we "worship" God.
...and cast their crowns before the throne...See verse 4:4. We will understand that
the ability and the desire to earn these crowns were gifts from God, and that what we
might have suffered to acquire these rewards pale in light of what Christ Jesus did for
us.
This is also another clue as to the element of time. The reward / crowns will not be given
until after the Rapture of the Church at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
...saying,
4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and
honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created.
Thou art worthy, O Lord...
-by virtue of creation
-by virtue of redemption
-by virtue of righteousness
-by virtue of grace and compassion
...for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The pleasure that Christ derived from a job well - done with His creation might soon grow
stale; but the pleasure He realizes from us who are made in His image and washed in His
blood will never wane. Of His pleasure, Jesus told us: "These
things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be
full."
Chapter Five
5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him
that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
right hand = power
book = ?a special book of judgment filled with the activities of those outside of
Christ or simply the judgments already written in the Word?
...written within... ?having to do with the book that John was commanded to write?
...and on the backside... ?the prophecies that were already written -- yet to be
fulfilled?
...sealed with seven seals. The understanding of this word is totally, absolutely
sealed from man, and will be until God is ready to reveal it.
5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud
voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
...I saw a strong angel... ?does this mean that
angels vary in strength? If so, what about other characteristics?
...proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book... ?-- i.e., its
understanding.
...and to loose the seals thereof? -- i.e., to execute judgment on evil men and
angels.
5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under
the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
This includes all of mankind. The Bible teaches that Man
is incapable of saving himself or of even judging himself apart from the Holy Spirit (When
we try to judge ourselves, we usually end up in a self-pity party), nor can man of himself
understand the Word of God or God's ways.
5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy
to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
The Law was given in order that man might be able to
understand that of himself he is unworthy and powerless so that he might reach out to Him
Who is worthy and Who has all power.
5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:
behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book,
and to loose the seven seals thereof.
...the Lion of the tribe of Juda...In the OT
those who were mighty in battle were referred to as lions. Here we see Christ referred to
as the Lion of Juda.
...of the tribe of Juda... i.e., the royal, priestly tribe of the Hebrew nation.
...the Root of David--i.e., the One Who established and undergirded David's reign.
...hath prevailed to open the book, His (Christ's) victories were not after the
flesh, but like unto our warfare wherein we struggle not with flesh and blood, but with
principalities and powers in the spiritual realm (Eph 3: 10). As a result, Christ is now
over all such powers -- not only as the Creator, but also as the Victor.
...and to loose the seven seals thereof. Christ is over all not only
because all power has been given unto Him, but also because He overcame all in opposition
to Him and His Church by His death on the cross. Consequently, He is now just and
the justifier of all who believe, and He is also justified in unleashing His
judgment on the unbelievers.
5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne
and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,
having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all
the earth.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and
of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain... --identifying
Christ
...having seven horns... i.e., having all power and authority.
...and seven eyes... i.e., all understanding. Both of these attributes belong to
God alone.
...which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. i.e., the
totality of the Spirit's work with man throughout the ages, but we need to remember that
God the Son and God the Spirit are One with God the Father.
5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that
sat upon the throne.
--He (Christ the Lamb) came to Him (Christ sitting on
the throne) --?Christ took the book out of His own hand? or does the Trinity come to play
here? or is this just referring to two of His "offices"?
5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four
beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them
harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
...the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell
down before the Lamb... All the creatures of earth who made it to heaven--with special
emphasis on the "24" elders--will fall down before their Lord. This indicates
that both churches (both "called-out bodies"--i.e., Israel and the Grace-Age
Church) will be glorified at the time.
...having every one of them harps...Harps are associated with singing and
festivity. ?Will this be the Wedding of the Lamb (Luke 12:36-40)? If so, we have another
element of time. Also, in the Old Testament, harps were associated with prophecy.
"Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the
sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with
psalteries, and with cymbals..."1Ch 25:1.)
...and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. The focus
will be on the golden vials filled with the prayers of the saints that make a pleasing
odor to the Lord. Consequently, it will be a time of remembering and praising God for what
He has done.
5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy
to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us
to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to
take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to
God by thy blood... The position that Christ will fill throughout eternity will not be
just one by right of ownership as Creator, but also one of purchase, having paid the
ultimate price of love.
...out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation... From every
kindred, every tongue, every people, and every nation Christ has redeemed "whosoever
will" to be a part of His Bride.
5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth.
This is another element of the time. We shall
reign on the earth as kings and priests. This speaks of the future: i.e., of the Kingdom
Age which will follow this first 3 1/2 years of Daniel's 70th Week.
5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many
angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was
ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
...the voice... With one voice the
angels will praise Jesus with no voice of dissent; hence, the devil and his fallen angels
must have already been booted out! (The "thousands of thousands" seem to be
referring to the Lord's Angels. The "ten thousand times ten thousand..." stands
for the two churches or called-out ones [Deut. 33:2, Jude 1:14] of Scripture [See Daniel
7:9-12].) In Scriptural numerology, 10 stands for God's full responsibility to man and
1,000 signifies a complete number. Hence, the first 10,000 could represent those gleaned
out of the Old Testament Hebrews by God's mercy [represented also by the first 12 of
the 24 elders], while the second 10,000 could represent those gleaned out of mankind
during the Age of Grace who are also represented by the second 12 of the 24 elders. In
numerology, "Times" means they have been merged together.)
5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and
glory, and blessing.
Saying with a loud voice... The newly-wed Bride
won't want to talk about anything but the Bridegroom!
...worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. At the cross Christ was slain to justify fallen man and by the
cross the angels who were loyal to Christ were justified in putting their faith in Him. By
His paying in full on the cross the penalty for the sin of the man that He had created,
Christ was also made to be just before all His creation--but for the Bride, this
will be its way of saying, "This is how much He loves me!"
5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on
the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them,
heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
...every creature which is in heaven...the
creatures in heaven at this time of which we are told are the beasts, the elders, and the
angels. These will all worship and bless the Lamb of God.
...and on the earth...This refers to the Jews on the earth under God's watch
care and probably to the Gentiles who will realize that the Church has been Raptured and
that Christ is Who the Bible says He is. If this is the case, then this refers to those on
the earth who refuse the mark of the beast though it will put their life in jeopardy to do
so.
...under the earth...Because Jesus took Paradise up to heaven with Him at the
time of His Visitation (Mt. 27:51-54 cf. II Cor. 5:8), only hell remains in Hades (the
place of departed spirits under the earth). That those in hell at the time should give God
glory agrees with Philippians 2:11-12. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of
things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (cf. Rom.
14:11.)
...in the sea...In prophecy, the sea is the mass of people on the earth. The
fact that the mass of people will bless the Lord could be seen as an element of time, for
such a world-wide praise will probably be caused by a global event: i.e., the return of
Christ from heaven with His glorified Bride and His angels to set up His kingdom for its
1,000 year reign.
5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and
twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
More than likely, this universal praise of God both in
heaven and on the earth will not take place until the Lord has weeded out that which is
profane from the "seed" that He will use to repopulate the earth after the
catatrosphic, apocalyptic events associated with the 1st 1/2 of Daniel's 70th Week.
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