Revelation Chapter 5
| 1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. | I the right hand of God was a book. It was sealed with seven seals. This is this book (scroll) that we are concerned with in this chapter of Revelation. | |
| 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? | A mighty angel cried out, "Who is worthy to unseal the scroll?" This scroll of prophecy would remain unknown until someone could be found who is worthy. This exercise was for John's understanding, for Heaven already knew who was worthy to unseal the scroll. | |
| 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. | No person (human) in Heaven, on earth, or in Hell was worthy to open the book - not even to look upon it. This shows that there are people in Heaven already, just as there are in Hell. It also proves that believers do not become "little gods", for they are still not worthy to do as Jesus alone can do; they are not worthy even to look upon the book in God's hands. | |
| 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. | John sobbed when he realised that no one would come forward to open the scroll. He must have reflected upon this as he considered his own person. Did he breakdown because he saw his own unworthiness too? | |
| 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. | One of the twenty-four elders comforted him by encouraging him to look upon Jesus. Jesus, as the Lion of Judah and Root of David (Messiah), the Perfect Man, had the power to open the scroll. He is victorious through His blood which was spilt for sinners. | |
| 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. | John turned to see the Lion, but instead he saw the Lamb. This Lamb is Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. The Lamb appeared to have seven horns and seven eyes. These represent the power of the Holy Spirit as He ministers throughout the earth. On the whole the vision may refer to the fact that the seven churches of Christ have received the message of salvation. They were responsible, through the Holy Spirit, to spread the good news about the Lamb! | |
| 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. | The Lamb, probably now in human form, came and took the scroll from God's hand. This means also, that He alone could read, interpret, and broadcast the message contained within the scroll. | |
| 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. | Immediately the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures took golden harps and vials full of aroma. The aroma depicts the prayers of the saints. Our prayers are never forgotten before God. | |
| 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; | They sang a new song to the Lamb of God. They praised Him because He was worthy to open the scroll and reveal its contents. They worshipped Him as the Saviour of the whole world. This salvation was not for the elect few but for all men on earth. | |
| 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. | They praised Him for making them spiritual kings and priests ready to inhabit the New Jerusalem. They will reign with Him on earth throughout the Millennium and on the New Earth. | |
| 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; | This worship caused the countless numbers of saved souls already in Heaven to rejoice also. | |
| 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. | They sang of Christ's death, power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing. How could they honour Him this way if He were not God? | |
| 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. | John heard the universal worship of the whole of creation. Every part of creation that took breath or was a living creature of any kind sang praise to the Godhead. Notice that such praise is eternal. It appeared as though the whole of nature rejoiced in God. The inhabitants of Heaven will never tire in worshipping the Lord. | |
| 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. | The four angelic beings sang their Amen to the song of creation. The twenty-four elders bowed before God to worship Him again. |