Revelation of John 4:6-9
4:6 a a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal: The most eye-catching part of ancient theaters was the glistening mosaic where the speaking orchestra was positioned to provide perspective (cp. 15:2-4 b).• The four living beings represent the whole created order.
• covered with eyes: This phrase probably indicates that they had knowledge or understanding. In the ancient world, figures were covered with a particular feature to emphasize that quality (e.g., statues of Artemis were covered with breasts to emphasize fertility). Cp. Ezek 1:18 c.
4:7 d These four creatures symbolize four types of beings: a lion represents wild animals, an ox represents domesticated animals, a human represents humanity, and an eagle represents the birds (cp. Ezek 1:10 e). These four figures are drawn from Ezek 1 f (cherubim) and Isa 6 g (seraphim). They probably represent the best of creation as worshiping God. Missing from this worldwide orchestra are fish, which ancient people associated with the evil sea (see Rev 21:1 h), and insects, represented by locusts in the evil kingdom (see 9:1-11 i).
4:8 j day and night: The four beings ceaselessly praised God’s basic characteristics: his holiness, his power (the Almighty), and his eternity (see study note on 1:4).
• Holy, holy, holy comes from Isa 6:3 k and is the highest worship affirmation in Scripture. To double something makes it emphatic; to triple it makes it ultimate.
Summary for Rev 4:9-11: 4:9-11 l The antiphonal chorus of twenty-four elders provides divine perspective on creation.
• The one sitting on the throne is typical Jewish indirection to avoid speaking God’s name.
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