Revelation 4

VISION OF THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE (iv. and v.)

1 and the first voice, etc. See i. 10.

2 in the Spirit. Cp. i. 10; 2 Cor. xii. 1, 2; Ezek. xi. 1, 5.

One sat on the throne. The Eternal Father: cp. ver. 8; Dan. vii. 9.

3 sardine. “Sard,” or “cornelian.” The jasper and the sard, the last and the first stones in the breastplate (Exod. xxviii. 17, 20), represent the Divine splendour; but no form is described.

a rainbow round about the throne. The token of Divine mercy: see Gen. ix. 9-16; Ezek. i. 4, 28, and notes. It formed an arch over the throne. Cp. also x. 1.

4 seats. Rather, “thrones” (cp. i. 6; iii. 21). These “twenty-four elders” are probably representatives of the redeemed Church, in the character of a royal priesthood (see i. 6; v. 10). The most generally accepted view is that twelve represent the patriarchs, or heads of the tribes in the Old Testament Church; and twelve the apostles of the New; thus combining the Church of the past and of the present in one act of adoration.

5 the seven Spirits of God. See note on i. 4.

6 a sea of glass. An ocean-like expanse or firmament of transparent blue, before the throne; on which stood the four living creatures: cp. Exod. xxiv. 9, 10; Ezek. i. 22-26; Rev. xv. 2, and note.

four beasts. Rather, “four living creatures”; and so in all other places where these four beings are spoken of. The Greek word is different from that used in vi. 8; xi. 7, etc.; which denotes a wild beast. These living creatures closely resemble the cherubim; on which see Gen. iii. 24; Exod. xxv. 17-20; Isa. vi. 1, 2; Ezek. i. 5-11; x. 14.

full of eyes. Symbols of the highest intelligence: see note on Ezek. i. 15.

8. And the four beasts, etc. Rather, “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings apiece, around and within are full of eyes”: cp. the description in Isa. vi. 2, 3.

9 give glory, etc. This and the following verbs are future—“shall give . . . shall fall . . . shall worship . . . shall cast”: see R.V. The form of expression seems to denote constant repetition, through the several stages of the vision.

11 for Thy pleasure. Rather, “because of Thy will.” All things owe their existence to the will of God. The elders who here praise God the Creator, extol in v. 8-12 God the Redeemer; in whose worship all created things also join (v. 13, 14).