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Revelation
Chapter Five
Revelation 5
In the next chapter we find the Lamb. A book was in the
right hand of Him who sat on the throne. It was counsels, wielded by His power.
Who could open them and bring them forth to execution? Who had the title to do
so? None in heaven or earth but One. The elders explained to the prophet who
mourned that the ways of God should be shut up, that the mighty One of Judah,
the true source of all promises to David, had prevailed to open it and loose
the seals. This was the Lamb, the rejected Messiah. He was more than this, as
the chapter goes on to shew; but He is this. The rejected Messiah was in the
midst of the divine throne; and within all the displays of providence and
grace-the living creatures and elders-stood a Lamb as it had been slain. He had
the fullness of power over the earth-seven horns-as of God, and the seven
Spirits of God for government, according to God's perfection, of all the earth.
When He has taken the book, the living creatures and elders fall down before
Him with golden censers full of the prayers of the saints. They are priests
here.
Now a new song is sung to celebrate the Lamb. What seemed His
dishonour and rejection on earth was the ground of His worthiness to take the
book. He who at all suffering and cost to Himself had glorified all that God
was, was able and worthy to unfold what made it good in the way of government.
It was not the government of Israel, but of all the earth; not merely earthly
chastisements according to God's revelation of Himself in Israel, but the
display in power of all God was in the whole earth. He who had glorified all He
was, and redeemed, by the gospel of what He was through His death, out of all
the earth, was the fit One to bring it forth in power. He does not yet come forth;
but His work is the worthy instrument, the divine motive, for the display of it
all. He can unlock the seals of God's ways and mysteries. I read the passage
thus:-" Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed to God, by thy blood, out of
every kindred, &c., and hast made them unto our God kings and priests, and
they shall reign over the earth." Thus it is not any particular class, but
the value of the act which is the motive of praise, and all being confided to
Him.
Here the angels come in to praise, not in the fourth
chapter. I can hardly doubt that a change in administrative order takes place
here. Until the Lamb took the book, they were the administrative power; they
were the instruments through which what the four living creatures symbolized
was exercised in the earth. "But unto the angels hath he not put into
subjection the world to come, whereof we speak." Hence, as soon as the
Lamb appears and takes the book, as soon as the idea of redemption is brought
in, the living creatures and elders are brought together, and the angels take
their own place apart. Like the living creatures before, they give no reason
for their praise. As the heads of creation as to their nature, they celebrate
with all creatures the title to glory of the Lamb and His own worthiness, ascribing
praise to Him that sits on the throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever. The
four living creatures, that is, all the exercise of God's power in creation and
providence, join their Amen, and the elders worship God in the excellency of
His being. But the living creatures and elders are joined (verse 8) in falling
down before the Lamb. I do not think they are meant to be distinguished in the
latter part of the verse, [1] but merge in the elders, symbolizing
different service but not now two classes. Verse 9 is the general fact; not
"they sung," but " they sing." This takes place in heaven;
but those named are in the mind in a general way. Thus the source of what
follows, the throne, and the persons engaged in heaven before God in all that
passes, are displayed: whence the judgment flows, who surround the throne of
God above, and who is in it, have been brought before us; the heavenly scene,
and choir, and assistants.
[1] That
is, "echontes" does not apply to elders only.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Revelation》
Revelation 5
Chapter Contents
A book sealed with seven seals, which could be opened by
none but Christ, who took the book to open it. (1-7) Upon which all honour is
ascribed to him, as worthy to open it. (8-14)
Commentary on Revelation 5:1-7
(Read Revelation 5:1-7)
The apostle saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the
throne, a roll of parchments in the form usual in those times, and sealed with
seven seals. This represented the secret purposes of God about to be revealed.
The designs and methods of Divine Providence, toward the church and the world,
are stated, fixed, and made a matter of record. The counsels of God are
altogether hidden from the eye and understanding of the creature. The several
parts are not unsealed and opened at once, but after each other, till the whole
mystery of God's counsel and conduct is finished in the world. The creatures
cannot open it, nor read it; the Lord only can do so. Those who see most of
God, are most desirous to see more; and those who have seen his glory, desire
to know his will. But even good men may be too eager and hasty to look into the
mysteries of the Divine conduct. Such desires, if not soon answered, turn to
grief and sorrow. If John wept much because he could not look into the book of
God's decrees, what reason have many to shed floods of tears for their
ignorance of the gospel of Christ! of that on which everlasting salvation
depends! We need not weep that we cannot foresee future events respecting
ourselves in this world; the eager expectation of future prospects, or the
foresight of future calamities, would alike unfit us for present duties and
conflicts, or render our prosperous days distressing. Yet we may desire to
learn, from the promises and prophecies of Scripture, what will be the final
event to believers and to the church; and the Incarnate Son has prevailed, that
we should learn all that we need to know. Christ stands as Mediator between God
and both ministers and people. He is called a Lion, but he appears as a Lamb
slain. He appears with the marks of his sufferings, to show that he pleads for
us in heaven, in virtue of his satisfaction. He appears as a Lamb, having seven
horns and seven eyes; perfect power to execute all the will of God, and perfect
wisdom to understand it, and to do it in the most effectual manner. The Father
put the book of his eternal counsels into the hand of Christ, and Christ
readily and gladly took it into his hand; for he delights to make known the
will of his Father; and the Holy Spirit is given by him to reveal the truth and
will of God.
Commentary on Revelation 5:8-14
(Read Revelation 5:8-14)
It is matter of joy to all the world, to see that God
deals with men in grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He governs the world,
not merely as a Creator, but as our Saviour. The harps were instruments of
praise; the vials were full of odours, or incense, which signify the prayers of
the saints: prayer and praise should always go together. Christ has redeemed
his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan. He has not only purchased
liberty for them, but the highest honour and preferment; he made them kings and
priests; kings, to rule over their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and
the evil one; and he makes them priests; giving them access to himself, and
liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What words can more fully declare
that Christ is, and ought to be worshipped, equally with the Father, by all
creatures, to all eternity! Happy those who shall adore and praise in heaven,
and who shall for ever bless the Lamb, who delivered and set them apart for
himself by his blood. How worthy art thou, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
of our highest praises! All creatures should proclaim thy greatness, and adore
thy majesty.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Revelation》
Revelation 5
Verse 1
[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.
And I saw —
This is a continuation of the same narrative.
In the right hand —
The emblem of his all-ruling power. He held it openly, in order to give it to
him that was worthy. It is scarce needful to observe, that there is not in
heaven any real book of parchment or paper or that Christ does not really stand
there, in the shape of a lion or of a lamb. Neither is there on earth any
monstrous beast with seven heads and ten horns. But as there is upon earth
something which, in its kind, answers such a representation; so there are in
heaven divine counsels and transactions answerable to these figurative
expressions. All this was represented to St. John at Patmos, in one day, by way
of vision. But the accomplishment of it extends from that time throughout all
ages. Writings serve to inform us of distant and of future things. And hence
things which are yet to come are figuratively said to be "written in God's
book;" so were at that time the contents of this weighty prophecy. But the
book was sealed. Now comes the opening and accomplishing also of the great
things that are, as it were, the letters of it.
A book written within and without — That is, no part of it blank, full of matter.
Sealed with seven seals — According to the seven principal parts contained in it, one on the
outside of each. The usual books of the ancients were not like ours, but were
volumes or long pieces of parchment, rolled upon a long stick, as we frequently
roll silks. Such was this represented, which was sealed with seven seals. Not
as if the apostle saw all the seals at once; for there were seven volumes
wrapped up one within another, each of which was sealed: so that upon opening
and unrolling the first, the second appeared to be sealed up till that was
opened, and so on to the seventh. The book and its seals represent all power in
heaven and earth given to Christ. A copy of this book is contained in the
following chapters. By "the trumpets," contained under the seventh
seal, the kingdom of the world is shaken, that it may at length become the
kingdom of Christ. By "the vials," under the seventh trumpet, the
power of the beast, and whatsoever is connected with it, is broken. This sum of
all we should have continually before our eyes: so the whole Revelation flows
in its natural order.
Verse 2
[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?
And I saw a strong angel — This proclamation to every creature was too great for a man to make, and
yet not becoming the Lamb himself. It was therefore made by an angel, and one
of uncommon eminence.
Verse 3
[3] And
no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the
book, neither to look thereon.
And none — No
creature; no, not Mary herself.
In heaven, or in earth, neither under the
earth — That is, none in the universe. For these
are the three great regions into which the whole creation is divided.
Was able to open the book — To declare the counsels of God.
Nor to look thereon — So
as to understand any part of it.
Verse 4
[4] And
I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book,
neither to look thereon.
And I wept much — A
weeping which sprung from greatness of mind. The tenderness of heart which he
always had appeared more clearly now he was out of his own power. The
Revelation was not written without tears; neither without tears will it be
understood. How far are they from the temper of St. John who inquire after
anything rather than the contents of this book! yea, who applaud their own
clemency if they excuse those that do inquire into them!
Verse 5
[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.
And one of the elders — Probably one of those who rose with Christ, and afterwards ascended into
heaven. Perhaps one of the patriarchs. Some think it was Jacob, from whose
prophecy the name of Lion is given him, Genesis 49:9.
The Lion of the tribe of Judah — The victorious prince who is, like a lion, able to tear all his enemies
in pieces.
The root of David — As
God, the root and source of David's family, Isaiah 11:1,10.
Hath prevailed to open the book — Hath overcome all obstructions, and obtained the honour to disclose the
divine counsels.
Verse 6
[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.
And I saw —
First, Christ in or on the midst of the throne; secondly, the four living
creatures making the inner circle round him; and, thirdly, the four and twenty
elders making a larger circle round him and them.
Standing — He
lieth no more; he no more falls on his face; the days of his weakness and
mourning are ended. He is now in a posture of readiness to execute all his
offices of prophet, priest, and king.
As if he had been slain — Doubtless with the prints of the wounds which he once received. And
because he was slain, he is worthy to open the book, verse 9, Revelation 5:9 to the joy of his own people, and
the terror of his enemies.
Having seven horns — As
a king, the emblem of perfect strength.
And seven eyes —
The emblem of perfect knowledge and wisdom. By these he accomplishes what is
contained in the book, namely, by his almighty and all-wise Spirit. To these
seven horns and seven eyes answer the seven seals and the sevenfold song of
praise, verse 12. Revelation 5:12 In Zechariah, likewise, iii. 9,
iv. 10, Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 mention is made of "the
seven eyes of the Lord, which go forth over all the earth." Which - Both
the horns and the eyes.
Are the seven spirits of God sent forth into
all the earth — For the effectual working of the Spirit of
God goes through the whole creation; and that in the natural, as well as
spiritual, world. For could mere matter act or move? Could it gravitate or
attract? Just as much as it can think or speak.
Verse 7
[7] And
he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the
throne.
And he came —
Here was "Ask of me," Psalms 2:8, fulfilled in the most glorious
manner.
And took — it
is one state of exaltation that reaches from our Lord's ascension to his coming
in glory. Yet this state admits of various degrees. At his ascension,
"angels, and principalities, and powers were subjected to him." Ten
days after, he received from the Father and sent the Holy Ghost. And now he
took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne - who gave
it him as a signal of his delivering to him all power in heaven and earth. He
received it, in token of his being both able and willing to fulfil all that was
written therein.
Verse 8
[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.
And when he took the book, the four living
creatures fell down — Now is homage done to the Lamb by every
creature. These, together with the elders, make the beginning; and afterward, Revelation 5:14, the conclusion. They are
together surrounded with a multitude of angels, Revelation 5:11, and together sing the new song,
as they had before praised God together, Revelation 4:8, etc.
Having every one —
The elders, not the living creatures.
An harp —
Which was one of the chief instruments used for thanksgiving in the temple
service: a fit emblem of the melody of their hearts.
And golden phials —
Cups or censers.
Full of incense, which are the prayers of the
saints — Not of the elders themselves, but of the
other saints still upon earth, whose prayers were thus emblematically
represented in heaven.
Verse 9
[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;
And they sing a new song — One which neither they nor any other had sung before.
Thou hast redeemed us — So the living creatures also were of the number of the redeemed. This
does not so much refer to the act of redemption, which was long before, as to
the fruit of it; and so more directly to those who had finished their course,
"who were redeemed from the earth," Revelation 14:1, out of every tribe, and tongue,
and people, and nation - That is, out of all mankind.
Verse 10
[10] And
hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And hast made them —
The redeemed. So they speak of themselves also in the third person, out of deep
self-abasement.
They shall reign over the earth — The new earth: herewith agree the golden crowns of the elders. The reign
of the saints in general follows, under the trumpet of the seventh angel;
particularly after the first resurrection, as also in eternity, Revelation 11:18; 15:7; 20:4; 22:5; Daniel 7:27; Psalms 49:14.
Verse 11
[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;
And I saw — The
many angels.
And heard —
The voice and the number of them.
Round about the elders — So forming the third circle. It is remarkable, that men are represented
through this whole vision as nearer to God than any of the angels.
And the number of them was — At least two hundred millions, and two millions over. And yet these were
but a part of the holy angels. Afterward, Revelation 7:11, St. John heard them all.
Verse 12
[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.
Worthy is the Lamb —
The elders said, Revelation 5:9, "Worthy art thou."
They were more nearly allied to him than the angels.
To receive the power, … — This sevenfold applause answers the seven seals, of which the four
former describe all visible, the latter all invisible, things, made subject to
the Lamb. And every one of these seven words bears a resemblance to the seal
which it answers.
Verse 13
[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.
And every creature — In
the whole universe, good or bad.
In the heaven, on the earth, under the earth,
on the sea — With these four regions of the world,
agrees the fourfold word of praise. What is in heaven, says blessing; what is
on earth, honour; what is under the earth, glory: what is on the sea, strength;
is unto him. This praise from all creatures begins before the opening of the first
seal; but it continues from that time to eternity, according to the capacity of
each. His enemies must acknowledge his glory; but those in heaven say, Blessed
be God and the Lamb. This royal manifesto is, as it were, a proclamation,
showing how Christ fulfils all things, and "every knee bows to him,"
not only on earth, but also in heaven, and under the earth. This book exhausts
all things, 1 Corinthians 15:27,28, and is suitable to an
heart enlarged as the sand of the sea. It inspires the attentive and
intelligent reader with such a magnanimity, that he accounts nothing in this
world great; no, not the whole frame of visible nature, compared to the immense
greatness of what he is here called to behold, yea, and in part, to inherit.
St. John has in view, through the whole following vision, what he has been now
describing, namely, the four living creatures, the elders, the angels, and all
creatures, looking together at the opening of the seven seals.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Revelation》
Chapter 5. The Lamb Takes the Scroll
Worthy to Take
the Scroll
Worthy to Open the Seals
I. A Scroll
Sealed by Seven Seals
II. Only the
Lamb Is Worthy
III. Praise God
and the Lamb
── Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of
The New Testament》
Chapter Five General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To examine what is revealed about the Lamb (Jesus) and what He has accomplished through His death 2) To consider the impact this scene would have had upon the persecuted Christians in Asia SUMMARY
The scene that began in chapter four continues. Whereas the theme ofchapter four can be stated as "God is on His throne!", the theme ofthis chapter may be called "Worthy is the Lamb!" John's attention is drawn to a scroll in the right hand of God. Writtenon the inside and on the back, it is sealed with seven seals. A strongangel proclaims "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose itsseals?" and at first there seems to be no one in heaven and earthdeemed worthy to open the scroll or look at it. This prompted John toweep (1-4). But one of the twenty-four elders tells him not to weep for Onedescribed as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (cf.Gen 49:9-10; Isa 11:10) has prevailed so to be able to open the scroll
and loose its seals. In the midst of the throne and of the livingcreatures and the elders, John sees a Lamb standing as though slain(i.e., Jesus - cf. Jn 1:29), with seven horns and seven eyes. Theseven eyes are explained as the seven Spirits of God sent out into allthe earth (cf. Zech 4:10). As seen before (cf. 1:4; 3:1; 4:9) theyrepresent the Holy Spirit, while the seven horns are indicative ofgreat strength (cf. Deu 33:17; 1 Sam 2:10). The Lamb is then seen astaking the scroll out of God's right hand (5-7). Taking the scroll prompts the four living creatures and twenty-fourelders to fall down before the Lamb. Each possessing a harp (perhapssymbolizing praise, Hailey) and golden bowls of incense which depictthe prayers of the saints, they sing a new song praising the Lamb asworthy to take the scroll. They proclaim His worthiness on the basisof being slain and redeeming by His blood those from every nation whoare made kings and priests to God who shall reign on the earth (cf.1:5-6; 1 Pe 2:9). The voices of many thousands of angels around the
throne then join in with their praise of the Lamb who was slain as worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing. Finally, every creature in heaven, earth, and sea join in with praise for both Him who sits on the throne (God) and the Lamb. Towhich the four living creatures say "Amen!" and the twenty-four eldersfall down and worship (8-14). This awesome scene should certainly encourage the faithful Christian. As stated by Summers: "Such a scene was calculated to bring new courage and new hope to the hearts of John's first readers, the persecuted Christians of Asia ; it brings the same cheer to Christian hearts in any age. Believing in the power of God (ch. 4) and the redeeming love of God (ch. 5), there is no enemy or force of evil which Christians need to fear. They can enter the conflict or endure the evil knowing that God is still on his throne; he has not laid aside his scepter; hehas not abandoned his throne to any other."
And what does the scroll represent? As Shelly says in his commentary: "This scroll is the book of the destiny of mankind. In it could