Revelation Chapter 4

Revelation 4:1-3

Instructions to the seven Churches have been issued for edification and warnings of Gods chastisements and now John sees a vision of a door opening before him. The first voice he heard speaking to him was that of great power and authority similar to the powerful sound a trumpet makes. The voice tells John to draw in closer to Gods Spirit to see the visions of those things that are yet future.

After hearing this voice John was immediately overcome by the Holy Spirit and in this vision saw a throne was set in heaven and the Lord sat on it, Rev 1:10; Isaiah 6:1. John was not taken up to heaven, John 3:13, but was only caught up in the Spirit while he was on the isle of Patmos. God was being compared to a jasper and a sardine stone in all their splendor and beauty. On the Ephod that the Priest wore there were four rows of various stones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel being the sons of Jacob. The first stone was jasper representing Reuben being the first born and a sardine stone as being Benjamin the last son to be born. God is represented like these stones in vs. 3 as being the first and last as in Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

All the stones in between the jasper and sardine are those of Gods covenant he made with faithful Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 that have remained faithful and have endured all persecutions even to death that sleep in the grave, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. There are yet many that even now and up to the time of Jesus returning in the air for his Bride that will die a martyr’s death in that which will come hereafter as John sees in his visions.

The rainbow round about the throne of God is his covenant promise he made with Noah in Genesis 9:1-13 that from henceforth God will never destroy this earth with an actual flood, but the flood or power of Gods wrath during the seven trumpet sounds will either cause many to repent and have eternal life with the Father or be cast into the lake of fire with Satan, the beast and the false prophet. The rainbow is also described as being emerald that is green in color which symbolizes that same covenant God made with Noah is also for all who are living and growing spiritually as they remain grounded in faith that is Christ Jesus no matter what comes against them.

Revelation 4:4

John now sees twenty-four elders seated around the throne of God. The twenty-four elders in the heavenly sanctuary of God are responsible for worship, for the music of worship, and as such they stand as the gatekeepers of the house of God. The Elders in the Church here on earth are patterned after those in the heavenly realm, 1 Chronicles 24:7-19; 25:6-31; 26:12-19. These elders are clothed in white raiment which represents Gods glory in them and they have gold crowns upon their heads as they are Gods royal priesthood. The elders are representative of Gods chosen generations that he has called out of darkness into his marvelous light, 2 Peter 2:9 that are asleep in the grave and those who remain alive as God’s witnesses during the seven trumpet soundings before Jesus returns.

Revelation 4:5-8

Lightning’s, thundering and voices are that of the glory of God in all His power and authority. There are seven lamps of fire burning before the throne which are the seven spirits that are the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord found in Isaiah 11:2. The seven spirits of God are given to the seven churches in the beginning of Revelation as the seven churches are representative of all who are in Christ to stay inline with the will of God.

The sea of glass that is liken unto crystal before the throne of God symbolizes Gods holiness and purity as in Exodus 24:10 where God is revealed in all his glory to the people of Israel and in Ezekiel 1:22-28 Ezekiel saw a vision of Gods throne. It’s a place in our mind of peace and restful assurance in the presence of Gods full glory as we see him in all power and authority. God is our safe haven during times of persecution during the trials and tribulations we face as we always have the victory over Satan and his temptations, especially during the time of Gods wrath and the mark of the beast.

The four beasts around the throne are Seraphim that have six wings. Two wings to fly with, two wings to cover their feet and two wings to cover their faces. They fly around the throne of God singing his praises as they call attention to Gods attributes, Isaiah 6:1-3. The first beast was like a lion that represents Gods majesty and omnipotence. The second beast was likened unto an ox which is typical of faithful labor and patience. The third beast had a face of a man that indicates Gods intelligence and the fourth beast had a face like an eagle that represents supreme sovereignty. They give glory and honor and thanks to God who sits on his throne as only he alone is worthy of praise.

Revelation 4:9-11

The twenty four elders around the throne of God cast their crowns before the throne as they give praise, glory and honor to God. The crowns they lay down are the crowns of glory as they are the head of worship and praise to God in heaven. The earthly elders or pastor are given a crown of glory as they hold the office of leadership over the members that make up the body of Christ. It is their leadership through the Holy Spirit that helps to teach us about God through his word. Theirs is the greatest judgment for what proceeds out of their mouth, 1 Peter 5:1-5.

Genesis 12:1-3 (LEB)

The Call of AbramAnd Adonai said to Abram, “Go out from your land and from your relatives, and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you.The Call of AbramAnd Adonai said to Abram, “Go out from your land and from your relatives, and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you.2And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great. And you will be a blessing.2And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great. And you will be a blessing.3And I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse. And all families of the earth will be blessed in you.”3And I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse. And all families of the earth will be blessed in you.”

Genesis 9:1-13 (LEB)

God’s Covenant with Noah and HumankindAnd God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.God’s Covenant with Noah and HumankindAnd God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.2And fear of you and dread of you shall be upon every animal of the earth, and on every bird of heaven,Or “the sky” and on everything that moves upon the ground, and on all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they shall be given.2And fear of you and dread of you shall be upon every animal of the earth, and on every bird of heaven,Or “the sky” and on everything that moves upon the ground, and on all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they shall be given.3Every moving thing that lives shall be for you as food. As I gave the green plants to you, I have now given you everything.3Every moving thing that lives shall be for you as food. As I gave the green plants to you, I have now given you everything.4Only you shall not eat raw flesh with blood in it.“flesh with its life, its blood”4Only you shall not eat raw flesh with blood in it.“flesh with its life, its blood”5AndOr “only”; the same word that occurs at the beginning of v. 4 your lifeblood“your blood belonging to your life” I will require; from every animal“from the hand of every animal” I will require it. And from the hand of humankind, from the hand of each man to his brother I will require the life of humankind.5AndOr “only”; the same word that occurs at the beginning of v. 4 your lifeblood“your blood belonging to your life” I will require; from every animal“from the hand of every animal” I will require it. And from the hand of humankind, from the hand of each man to his brother I will require the life of humankind.6“As for the one shedding the blood of humankind, by humankind his blood shall be shed, for God made humankind in his own image.6“As for the one shedding the blood of humankind, by humankind his blood shall be shed, for God made humankind in his own image.7“And you, be fruitful and multiply, swarm on the earth and multiply in it.”7“And you, be fruitful and multiply, swarm on the earth and multiply in it.”8And God said to Noah and to his sons with him,8And God said to Noah and to his sons with him,9“As for me, behold, I am establishing my covenant with you and with your seed after you,9“As for me, behold, I am establishing my covenant with you and with your seed after you,10and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the animals, and every animal of the earth with you, from all that came out of the ark to all the animals of the earth.10and with every living creature that is with you — the birds, the animals, and every animal of the earth with you, from all that came out of the ark to all the animals of the earth.11I am establishing my covenant with you, that never again will all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, nor will there ever be a flood that destroys the earth.”11I am establishing my covenant with you, that never again will all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, nor will there ever be a flood that destroys the earth.”12And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I am making between me and you, and between every living creature that is with you for future generations.12And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I am making between me and you, and between every living creature that is with you for future generations.13My bow I have set in the clouds, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between me and between the earth.13My bow I have set in the clouds, and it shall be for a sign of the covenant between me and between the earth.

Exodus 24:10 (LEB)

And they saw the God of Israel, and what was under his feet was like sapphire tile work and like the very heavens for clearness.10And they saw the God of Israel, and what was under his feet was like sapphire tile work and like the very heavens for clearness.

1 Chronicles 24:7-19 (LEB)

And the first lot went out to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,7And the first lot went out to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,8the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,8the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,9the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin,9the fifth to Malkijah, the sixth to Mijamin,10the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,10the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,11the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shekaniah,11the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shekaniah,12the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,12the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,13the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,13the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,14the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,14the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,15the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Ha-Pizzez,15the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Ha-Pizzez,16the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Ezekiel,16the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Ezekiel,17the twenty-first to Jakin, the twenty-second to Gamul,17the twenty-first to Jakin, the twenty-second to Gamul,18the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.18the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.19These were their appointments for their service to come into the house of Adonai according to their custom by the hand of Aaron their father, as Adonai the God of Israel had commanded him.19These were their appointments for their service to come into the house of Adonai according to their custom by the hand of Aaron their father, as Adonai the God of Israel had commanded him.

Isaiah 6:1-3 (LEB)

Isaiah’s CommissionIn the year of the death of Uzziah the king, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and raised throne, and the hem of his robe was filling the temple.Isaiah’s CommissionIn the year of the death of Uzziah the king, I saw the Lord sitting on a high and raised throne, and the hem of his robe was filling the temple.2Seraphs were standing above him. Each had six wings:“six wings six wings for one” with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.2Seraphs were standing above him. Each had six wings:“six wings six wings for one” with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.3And the one called to the other and said, “Holy, holy, holy is Adonai of hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory.”“fullness of all of the earth glory him”3And the one called to the other and said, “Holy, holy, holy is Adonai of hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory.”“fullness of all of the earth glory him”

Isaiah 11:2 (LEB)

And the spirit of Adonai shall rest on him — a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and might, a spirit of knowledge and the fear of Adonai.2And the spirit of Adonai shall rest on him — a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and might, a spirit of knowledge and the fear of Adonai.

Isaiah 6:1 (LEB)

Ezekiel 1:22-28 (LEB)

NowOr “And” the likeness above the heads of the living creatures was an expanse like the outward appearance of awesome“terrible” ice“frozen water” spread out above their heads upward.“from to upward”22NowOr “And” the likeness above the heads of the living creatures was an expanse like the outward appearance of awesome“terrible” ice“frozen water” spread out above their heads upward.“from to upward”23And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight one toward the other;“each towards its sister” each had two wings covering them, and each had two wings covering their bodies.23And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight one toward the other;“each towards its sister” each had two wings covering them, and each had two wings covering their bodies.24And I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the voice of Shaddai,Often translated “Almighty” and when they moved“at their going” there was a sound of tumult like the sound of an army; when they stood still“at their standing” they lowered their wings.24And I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the voice of Shaddai,Often translated “Almighty” and when they moved“at their going” there was a sound of tumult like the sound of an army; when they stood still“at their standing” they lowered their wings.25And there wasOr “it was” a sound from above the expanse that was above their heads, and when they stood“at their standing” they lowered their wings.25And there wasOr “it was” a sound from above the expanse that was above their heads, and when they stood“at their standing” they lowered their wings.26And from above the expanse that was above their heads there was the likeness of a throne, looking like a sapphire,“the appearance of a stone of sapphire” and above the likeness of the throne was a likeness similar toOr “like” the appearance of a human on it, but above it.“from to above”26And from above the expanse that was above their heads there was the likeness of a throne, looking like a sapphire,“the appearance of a stone of sapphire” and above the likeness of the throne was a likeness similar toOr “like” the appearance of a human on it, but above it.“from to above”27And I saw something like the outward appearance of amber, something like the appearance of fire, with a covering around it, from the likeness of his loins and upward.“to above” And from the likeness of his loins and downward“to down” I saw something like the appearance of fire, and it was radiant all around.“brightness was for it around”27And I saw something like the outward appearance of amber, something like the appearance of fire, with a covering around it, from the likeness of his loins and upward.“to above” And from the likeness of his loins and downward“to down” I saw something like the appearance of fire, and it was radiant all around.“brightness was for it around”28Like the appearanceOr “likeness” of a bow that is in the cloud on a rainy day,“the day of the rain” such was the radianceOr “brightness” around it; thus was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Adonai. And I saw, and I fell on my face, and I heard a voice speaking.28Like the appearanceOr “likeness” of a bow that is in the cloud on a rainy day,“the day of the rain” such was the radianceOr “brightness” around it; thus was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Adonai. And I saw, and I fell on my face, and I heard a voice speaking.

John 3:13 (LEB)

And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — the Son of Man.13And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — the Son of Man.

1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (LEB)

Behold, I tell you a mystery: we will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,51Behold, I tell you a mystery: we will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,52in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.52in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.53For it is necessary for this perishable body to put on incorruptibility, and this mortal body to put on immortality.53For it is necessary for this perishable body to put on incorruptibility, and this mortal body to put on immortality.54But whenever this perishable body puts on incorruptibility and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: “Death is swallowed up in victory.54But whenever this perishable body puts on incorruptibility and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: “Death is swallowed up in victory.55Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?55Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 (LEB)

The Comfort of the Lord’s ReturnNow we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve as also the rest, who have no hope.13The Comfort of the Lord’s ReturnNow we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you will not grieve as also the rest, who have no hope.14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, thus also God will bring those who have fallen asleep through Jesus together with him.14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, thus also God will bring those who have fallen asleep through Jesus together with him.15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain until the Lord’s coming, will not possibly precede those who have fallen asleep.15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain until the Lord’s coming, will not possibly precede those who have fallen asleep.16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.16For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17Then we who are alive, who remain, will be snatched away at the same time together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air, and thus we will be together with the Lord always.17Then we who are alive, who remain, will be snatched away at the same time together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air, and thus we will be together with the Lord always.

1 Peter 5:1-5 (LEB)

Leadership and HumilityTherefore I, your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, andThe conjunction “and” is supplied here to make it clear that the following phrase refers also to the author of the letter and not to Christ also a sharer of the glory that is going to be revealed, exhort the elders among you:Leadership and HumilityTherefore I, your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, andThe conjunction “and” is supplied here to make it clear that the following phrase refers also to the author of the letter and not to Christ also a sharer of the glory that is going to be revealed, exhort the elders among you:2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not by compulsion but willingly, in accordance with God, and not greedily but eagerly,2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not by compulsion but willingly, in accordance with God, and not greedily but eagerly,3and not as lording it over those under your care“the portion”, but being examples for the flock.3and not as lording it over those under your care“the portion”, but being examples for the flock.4And whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“appears”) the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.4And whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“appears”) the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.5In the same way, younger men, be subject to the elders, and all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.5In the same way, younger men, be subject to the elders, and all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

2 Peter 2:9 (LEB)

then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to reserve the unrighteous to be punished atOr “until” the day of judgment,9then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to reserve the unrighteous to be punished atOr “until” the day of judgment,

Revelation 4:9-11 (LEB)

And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever“for the ages of the ages”,9And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever“for the ages of the ages”,10the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever“for the ages of the ages”, and put down their crowns before the throne, saying,10the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever“for the ages of the ages”, and put down their crowns before the throne, saying,11“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.”11“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.”

Revelation 4:5-8 (LEB)

And from the throne came out lightnings and sounds and thunders, and seven torches of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.5And from the throne came out lightnings and sounds and thunders, and seven torches of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.6And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, like crystal, and in the midst of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.6And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, like crystal, and in the midst of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.7And the first living creature was similar to a lion, and the second living creature was similar to an ox, and the third living creature had a face like a man’s, and the fourth living creature was similar to an eagle flying.7And the first living creature was similar to a lion, and the second living creature was similar to an ox, and the third living creature had a face like a man’s, and the fourth living creature was similar to an eagle flying.8And the four living creatures, each one“one by one” of them, had six wings apiece, full of eyes around and inside, and they do not have rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God All-Powerful,from (or an allusion to) Isa 6:3 the one who was and the one who is and the one who is coming!”8And the four living creatures, each one“one by one” of them, had six wings apiece, full of eyes around and inside, and they do not have rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God All-Powerful,from (or an allusion to) Isa 6:3 the one who was and the one who is and the one who is coming!”

Revelation 4:4 (LEB)

And around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders dressed in white clothing, and on their heads were gold crowns.4And around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders dressed in white clothing, and on their heads were gold crowns.