The Basics

Setting

After John has recorded the words of Christ to the seven churches, the scene now shifts to the heavenly throne room of God. Chapter 4 describes God as one who sits on the throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures. Chapter 5 introduces the scroll and the Lamb who is the only one worthy to open the scroll. This vision is an important introduction to the subsequent chapters. As we get a glimpse of God and the Lamb in heaven, we know that God, as the sovereign Judge and Redeemer, will surely prevail.

Key Verse

“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, I heard saying: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!’” (5:13).

Did You Know…?

1. Writing inside and on the back (5:1): “Like the stone tablets of the OT covenant law (Ex 32:15; see Eze 2:9-10).” ^13/1931

2. Seals (5:1): “The importance attached to seals in the East is so great that without one no document is regarded as authentic… In many cases the seal consisted of a lump of clay, impressed with the seal and attached to the document, whether of papyrus or other material, by strings. In other cases wax was used.” ^6/601

3. Seven horns (5:6): “The horn is an ancient Jewish symbol for power or strength (cf. Dt 33:17).” ^13/1931

4. Harp (5:8): “An ancient stringed instrument (not the large modern harp) used especially to accompany songs (Ps. 33:2).”^13/1931

5. New Song (5:9): “Cf. 14:3; Ps 33:3; 96:1; 144:9; Isa 42:10. In the OT a new song celebrated a new act of divine deliverance or blessing”.^13/1931

Observation

Outline

(4:1-8a)

(4:8b-11)

(5:1-5)

(5:6-7)

(5:8-14)

Key Words/Phrases

General Analysis

1. Fill out chart E at the end of this lesson and compare the five hymns. Record your observations on the progression and organization of the hymns.

2. What common subjects link the two chapters together?

Segment Analysis

4:1-8a

1a. What was the appearance of the One sitting on the throne like? (cf. Eze 1:4,26-28)

1b. What proceeded from the throne? What do these represent? Read also 8:5; 11:19; and 16:18.

1c. See Lesson 2, question 5 for the meaning of the seven lamps and seven Spirits of God.

2. Why is it necessary for John and for us to know that God sits on the throne?

3a. What was the appearance of the twenty-four elders?

3b. Who might the twenty-four elders represent?

4. Who might the four living creatures represent?

5. What spiritual qualities does the appearance of the four living creatures suggest?

5a. Lion (cf 5:5; Mic 5:8)

5b. Ox (cf. Prov 14:4; 1Tim 5:17-18)

5c. Man (cf. Mt 8:17; 9:35-36; 12:17-21; Heb 2:18; 4:15-16)

5d. Flying eagle (cf. Ex 19:4; Isa 40:31)

5e. Six wings (cf. Ps 18:10; Isa 6:2; Ezek 11:22)

5f. Full of eyes around and within (cf. Mt 6:22-23; 1Cor 2:10-15; Eph 1:17-18)

4:8b-11

6a. What do the twenty-four elders do as the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to God?

6b. What could this action represent?

7. According to the hymn of the twenty-four elders in verse 11, why is God worthy of all glory, honor, and power?

8a. From your study of God on His throne, what impresses you the most?

8b. How should you worship and live your life in view of what you have learned about God?

5:1-5

9. What does the opening of the scroll represent? Read Jer 36:1-6; Zech 5:1-4; Ezek 2:9-10; Rev 10:7.

10. Why did John weep much when he realized that no one can open the scroll?

11. What titles are given to Christ, and what do these titles mean? (cf. Gen 49:9-10; Isa 11:1,10; 55:3,4; Jer 23:5; Lk 1:32,33; Rom 15:12; Rev 22:16)