Revelation 5

‘Chap. V. Ver. 1—14. A sealed book is exhibited, which the Lamb prevails to open, and receives the praises of the universe. —We must guard against supposing the book seen in the right hand of the Almighty in any degree resembling our modern books. The books of the ancients were generally, as this was in particular, composed of skins of parchment rolled together. “* Conceive (says Mr. Re) of seven skins of parchment, written upon one side, and rolled up, suppose on wood. At the end of every skin a seal is affixed on the back [or outside] side, so that the contents of it cannot be read till the seal is opened,” or broken; and every fresh seal that is opened, or broken, we may add, as it liberates a fresh sheet, or skin, will be found to contain the delineation of a new scene, till the whole are exhibited to the prophet’s view.

This book being understood to contain the fates both of the church and of the world, must naturally excite an intense interest; and St. John being promised an insight into futurity, of course felt regret and disappointment on finding that the book was sealed up from view; and its being in the hands of the Almighty, plainly intimated that the knowledge of future events is the prerogative of God. A mighty angel now comes forward, to demand if there were any one able or worthy to break the seals, and to open the book to view; but, alas! no one was found in heaven or earth, who was able or worthy to perform the task, which was emblematical, and implied a worthiness to be admitted into the secret decrees of the Almighty, and ability to put them in execution.

One of the elders observing our apostle weep, consoles him with the information, that there is one person coming forward, whose merits were equal to the honour, and his abilities to the work. “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root (as well as offspring) of David,” he is worthy—he is able. The apostle looks with eagerness to see this “Lion,” and, behold, the appearance of “a Lamb—a lamb as it had been slain:” even “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.” ((John 1:29).) Of this Lamb it is distinctly noted, that he had “seven horns and seven eyes,” that is, a fulness both of power and of knowledge, in consequence of the Holy Spirit being communicated to him without measure.

((John 3:34).) But it is in consequence of his sufferings and atonement, that the Son of God is exalted to the government of the church and of the world—of earth and heaven. ((Philippians 2:7-11).) “His providence unfolds the book, And makes his counsels shine, Each opening leaf, and every stroke, Fulfils some great design. There he exalts neglected worms, To sceptres and a crown: Anon, he turns the following leaf, And treads the monarch down.”—Watts’s Lyrics.

Notes on the verses

Chap. V. Ver. 1. Written within and on the back side, sealed, &c.—Grotius, Lowman, Fuller, &c. remove the comma thus: “Written within, and on the back (or outside) sealed,” &c. We suppose there might be seven sheets or skins of parchment; the first rolled (as was common) on a piece of wood and sealed, a second rolled and sealed on this, a third on that, and so forth, till all were sealed; the opening of each seal would then liberate one skin, containing the delineation of a distinct scene. “*no one.”? So in ver. 4. Ver. 3. And no man.—Doddridge and Woodhouse, “into it”—or Ver. 4. To look thereon.—Doddridge and Woodhouse, “*therein.”? Ver. 5. The Lion of the tribe of Juda.—See (Genesis 49:9-10).—The root of David.—See (Revelation 22:16); and compare (Isaiah 11:10).; Ver. 6. In the midst of the throne, &c.—i.e. in the front of it, between that and the sea of glass.—A Lamb.—(An emblematical representation of our Saviour’s high priesthood.—Seven horns.—As a horn is the emblem of power, and seven the number of perfection, the seven horns may denote the almighty power of Jesus Christ.—Seven eyes.—His infinite knowledge and wisdom; and especially “the treasures of wisdom” laid up in him to be communicated to the church by “the seven Spirits of God,” i.e. the Holy Spirit.) Ver. 8. And when he had taken.—Doddridge and Woodhouse read “received.” —The four beasts.—[As it is evident, that “the four living creatures” join “having redeemed,” or rather “lead,” the worship of the Lamb, as led them to]