Chapter 4
Verses 1- 11 Read the Bible verses.
In John’s vision, he saw a door open in heaven. He heard a voice which sounded like a trumpet.
The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what will happen in the future.”
In a second, John was taken by the spirit into heaven. He saw a throne and a “person”, a “being” sitting on the throne.
This “being” was like a green jasper stone and a red sardius stone. There was a rainbow around the throne like an green emerald.
This being represented the Father–God Almighty.
Around the throne were 24 thrones. On each of the 24 thrones were 24 elders (overseers). They were dressed in white robes and had golden crowns. These could have been the 12 patriarchs (father leaders of the Hebrews) and the 12 apostles (disciples–not Judas–another took his place).
These probably are not angels as angels are not called elders anywhere else in the Bible. These elders talk with John in Rev.5:5 and Rev 7:13.
From the main throne flashed lightning and sounds of thunder. There were 7 lamps of fire burning before the throne. These 7 lamps were the 7 spirits of God.
In front of the throne was a big area like a “sea of glass“. It was sparkling like crystal. This “sea” seems to be the heavenly “laver” (Exodus 30:18-21). It was called the “molten sea” in Solomon’s temple (II Chronicles 4:2-6) This is the water that the priests washed in before they went to the altars with a sacrifice.
In the center and around the throne were living creatures “beings”. They were covered with eyes–front and back. These “eyes” represent intelligence, alertness, understanding, and knowing of what is going on.
The first of these creatures was a lion, then a calf (young ox), the 3rd had a face of a man, and the 4th was like a flying eagle.
The lion represents the king of the animal world. The young ox represents the chief of the tamed animals of John’s day. The face of a man represents people. The flying eagle is the king of the birds. All of creation is represented here.
All of creation is before the throne honoring God.
Each of the 4 creatures have 6 wings. The wings speak of quickness and humility (humble). Isaiah 6:1-3 These creatures covered their faces with two of their wings.
The creatures were so bright and shining with God’s glory they seemed to be on fire.
They praise God continually.