ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Revelation 4

4:1–22:5 “Things that shall take place after this”: Christ’s defense of his church and destruction of its enemies. Having identified the strengths and weaknesses of the seven Asian churches, which represent “all the churches” (2:23), Jesus speaks again. He summons John “in the Spirit” to heaven, to receive visions that portray the future working out of his victory on the cross. The ultimate victory will come in the new heaven and earth at the end of history.

Rev. 4:1–8:1 John receives a heavenly vision of God on his throne and of the slain Lamb, whose triumph qualifies him to open a scroll and execute God’s future purposes for history. As the Lamb opens the scroll’s seals, John sees images of God’s instruments of judgment and of the saints who will receive salvation.

Rev. 4:1–5:14 These visions begin with a door standing open in heaven, leading to a vision of God on his throne receiving ceaseless worship, and of the Lamb, who receives from him a mysterious sealed scroll.

Rev. 4:1–2 the first voice . . . like a trumpet. Compare 1:10. In heaven, John sees a throne, with one seated on it, adored by his heavenly attendants as “our Lord and God” (4:11; compare Isa. 6:1–5; Ezek. 1:26–28).

Rev. 4:3 John describes God’s glory in bright colors—jasper, carnelian, rainbow, emerald. The jewels mentioned in Revelation (compare 21:19–20) are not meant to be interpreted individually but together represent God’s splendor and majesty. John does not precisely describe the Almighty’s visible features (compare Isa. 6:1–6; Ezek. 1:26–28). Perhaps he had no words to describe what he saw.

Rev. 4:4 On twenty-four thrones sat twenty-four elders. Their number may reflect the orders of priests serving in the OT temple (see 1 Chron. 24:7–19). More likely they symbolize the unity of God’s people. This includes OT Israel (led by the heads of the 12 tribes) and the NT church (led by the 12 apostles). Their thrones look like the ones in God’s heavenly court in Dan. 7:9–10 (compare Rev. 20:4). Some interpreters believe that these elders are angels, and that therefore they do not include themselves among the redeemed in 5:8–10.

Rev. 4:5 Lightning, rumblings, and thunder display the terrifying splendor of God’s glory, as at Mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16).

Rev. 4:6–8 The peaceful sea of glass often appears in prophetic visions of God’s throne room (Ex. 24:10; Ezek. 1:22; Rev. 15:2). It is the “floor” of heaven and the “ceiling” of the created universe. Four living creatures have the features of cherubim (full of eyes; lion; ox; man; eagle) and seraphim (six wings; “Holy, holy, holy”). Previous prophets also saw these creatures (Isa. 6:2–3; Ezek. 1:10, 18).

Rev. 4:9–11 God’s receiving of power does not suggest that an omnipotent being can become stronger. Rather, the strength of his creatures is used to honor him.