Explanation: Revelation 4 contains the vision of God's throne in heaven. In the previous three chapters, the Lord dealt with the sins and the obedience of the church. This is in accord with the principle that "judgment must begin at the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17). Now, in this chapter, we see a vision of God on his throne, in his courtroom. His person, power, and privileges are set before us.
     John saw a door opened in heaven, and he herd a trumpet-like voice calling him up to that place to see things which would happen hereafter. He saw a throne set up. The one who sat on it was like a jasper (diamond) and a sardine stone (ruby). If these colors were blended they might give the appearance of a blood-red, crystal clear, sparkling gemstone. An emerald rainbow surrounded the throne. (All three of the gemstones mentioned here were part of the High Priest's breastplate). Around the throne were 24 elders, clothed in white, with crowns of gold, sitting on 24 thrones. Some think that these represent the 12 patriarchs and the twelve apostles. Others think that they represent the 24 courses of priests established by David. And from God's throne came lightning, thunder, and voices. There were 7 lamps which are the seven spirits of God, which many take to be a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit in the fullness of his glory (1-5).
     Before the throne was a sea of crystalline glass. This seems to be an ocean-like expanse analogous in its symbolism to the "molten sea" in the temple (Exodus 38:8; 1 Kings 7:23) which was a large basin whose waters were used for various purification rituals. Also, in Revelation 15:2 there is a reference to a "sea of glass mingled with fire." Purity is probably the chief reference in both of the Revelation passages. There may also be a reference to the depths of God's judgments, as spoken of in Psalm 36:6. Four living creatures were there which were filled front and back with eyes, indicating that nothing can be hidden from them. They had the appearance of a lion, a calf (or young bull), a man, and an eagle. These represent that which is dominant, strong, intelligent or wise, and majestic or swift in nature. In Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1:10) all four of these appearances reside in each of the living creatures individually, not separately, as here in Revelation. Without ceasing, they call attention to God, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." In response the 24 elders fall down and worship God, who lives forever, and they cast their crowns before him, and they say, "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" (6-11).
     [Sermons: William Still. Eric Alexander. D A Carson. Various. ]
     [Illustration: Today's painting represents John's vision in today's chapter. ]

     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. 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. ⁸ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest [they have intermission] not day and night, saying, holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come [the was, and the is, and the coming-one. ⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever [into the eons of the eons], ¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever [into the eons of the eons], and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 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.

---

Home | DAWN Archive

Tomorrow's Picture: TBA

     ADDITIONAL AD LIB MATERIAL: Prose, Poetry, Writers, Visual Artists, Music, DAWN, and ILLUMINATION. ILLUMINATION features a compact, Illuminated Bible. DAWN, the page you are presently visiting, features a new image and explanation daily.

Please Email Comments and Questions To

AD LIB ARTS EMAIL
copyright 2016, Scott Souza