We are in the Throne Room of the Universe. [Contrast: Corporate Board Rooms, NORAD, Mission Control at Houston, Langley, Ft. Meade, the 4th Basement at Omaha.]
Now we will explore the “ultimate escrow closing”:
[1] “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a [scroll] written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.”
Books/scroll? Cf. Rev 10:2, 8-11; Eze 2:8-10; Eze 3:1-3 (Isa 34:16 ?).
(Books were scrolls prior to 2nd century a.d. A book with pages is known as a “codex.”)
Books:
Books opened: Dan 7:10ff
Scrolls were made from 8 x 10 inch sheets, joined horizontally. Written in narrow (3 in) columns; 2 1/2 in top & bottom margins; 3/4 in between columns. Rolled on a wooden roller. The Book of Jude, 2Jo & 3Jo, and Philemon each = 1 sheet. Romans, 11 1/2 feet long; Mark, 19 ft.; John, 23 1/2 feet; Matthew 30 feet; Luke and Acts, 32 feet; Revelation, 15 feet.
Papyrus, or bulrushes were 15 ft high, 6 ft under water, and thick as a man’s wrist. Pith was extracted and cut into thin strips with a sharp knife. Rows were laid out vertically and then horizontally. Moistened with Nile water and glue, they were pressed together, beaten with a mallet, and smoothed with pumice stone.
The front side, with horizontal grain, was called recto (where writing was normally done); back side (vertical grain), verso . A sheet written on the back was called an opisthograph, a sheet written behind. This was unusual since it was rougher and uneven.
A sealed book, with conditions on the exterior and sealed, suggests a title deed. Roman law required that a will be sealed with seven seals (as was illustrated in the wills left by Augustus and Vespasian).[Ethelbert Stauffer, Christ and the Caesars, trans. from the German, SCM Press Ltd., London,1955,pp 182-3.]
Review the Book of Ruth:
[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?”
Can man solve his own problems? Everyone wants a Utopia, but no one really knows how to achieve it. How do we end war, crime, evil, prejudice, injustice? In spite of our technological progress, the human race has never seen more suffering, nor been in greater peril, than it is right now.
The “Mystery of God” is about to unfold and the answers about to be revealed. But it requires special qualifications.
[3] “And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon”: It required a man—a kinsman of Adam. Only the appointed heir could open the will or title deed.
Goel = Kinsman-Redeemer/Avenger of Blood. [They reviewed the potential inventory in three places: heaven, in earth, and under the earth. Why?]
[4] “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon”: We may be confused; John was not. He understood and “sobbed convulsively (Rom 8:22-23).”
[5] “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof”: One of the elders explains (Cf. Jhn 15:15).
We are now approaching one of the greatest and most dramatic moments in The Revelation: the emergence of the Lamb in the center of the scene!
Lion: Jacob’s final blessing on his sons: Gen 49:8-10 (Cf. Hos 5:14; Heb 7:14; et al.)
Root of David: Isa 11:1, 10; Jer 23:5-6; Rom 15:12; Rev 22:16; Mat 1:1. He was the result of David’s line, yet He was the one who brought David (and the line) into existence! He used this paradox to baffle the Pharisees (Mat 22:41-46). In God’s covenant with David, his line was to rule over all the whole earth. (2Sa 7). This was confirmed to Mary (Luk 1:33). This fulfills the promise in Psa 2:8.
These two titles refer to the King of the Jews, the same title that Pontius Pilate posted over the cross. It is interesting that when Pilate wrote the epitaph to be posted on the cross, the particular wording he chose displeased the Jewish leadership and they asked him to change it. He refused. There are some interesting aspects to this incident that are not apparent in our English translations.
And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
Pilate refused to revise the epitaph he had composed. This may have more significance than is apparent in our English translations. The Hebrew is shown below: (Remember, it goes from right to left)
Yeshua HaNazarei v Melech HaYehudim:
Jesus the Nazarei and King of the Jews.
What we don’t notice in the English translation is that the acrostic made up of the first of each letter spells out Yahweh (YHWH)! If Pilate had rewritten it the manner that they had requested him to, it would not have spelled out the Name of God. Did Pilate realize this? Was it deliberate? Did he do it just to upset the Jewish leadership, which he realized delivered Him up for envy? [Cf. Mat 27:18; Mar 15:10]. Or was he beginning to suspect that there was more going on here than he previously realized?
When they requested a special guard for the tomb, he also responded with a enigmatic remark, “Make it as sure as you can.”3 What did he mean by that? Did he begin to suspect that Jesus really was who said He was? Was Pilate really surprised when Jesus was resurrected after three days? One wonders.
[Note: 24 titles were used of Jesus Christ in Chapters 1-3. These titles apply to Him in His present role and revealed to the Church. From now on we see Jewish titles emphasized. Israel is coming back to center stage as the end of human history approaches. All of earth’s history is moving toward a climax, and the key to it all is the nation Israel. Key Insight: Distinguish between Israel and the Church . Earthly promises (to Israel) are now to be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit is addressing physical descendants in the 73 references to Israel in the NT. (Rom 9:3-4, et al.). Cf. Dan 7:13-14. No 24 elders: they seem to be hidden from OT (Eph 3:3-7). Angels are not numbered, crowned, or enthroned. These elders are distinguished from the angels (Rev 5:8-11; Rev 7:11).
[6] “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain...”:
The Lamb = His First Coming; The Lion = His Second Coming (Jewish title: “Lamb” as John first introduces Him publicly.) In other places in the NT, the world is amnos, as in Jhn 1:29,36; 1Pe 1:19; Acts 8:32 (Isa 53:7).
Here it is the word that Jeremiah uses, “I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter,” Jer 11:19, arnion, This emphasizes, “as it had been slain .”
[Why was He not recognized? Luk 24:16; Jhn 20:14; Jhn 21:3, 12; Isa 52:14; Isa 50:6.
“Seven horns”: Symbol of power (Deu 22:17; 1Ki 22:11; Zech 1:18; Psa 75:4. Also, honor (1Sa 2:1-10; Psa 89:17, 24; Psa 112:9-10; Psa 148:14).
“Seven Eyes”: Seven Spirits of God (Zech 3:8-9; Zech 4:10). Note: He is to reign from Mt. Zion (Jerusalem). Cf. Psa 2:6.
[7] “And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne”: That’s real access! “It is finished”: tetelestai (Col 2:14; Jhn 19:30); “paid in full” (Heb 2:8).
Heaven is revealed to earth as the homeland of music. Here is the greatest chorus of praise the universe can ever hear. A buildup to the ultimate fortissimo!
[8] “And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden bowls full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”
Incense, odors = prayers (Rev 8:3-4; Psa 141:2). These are the prayers of God’s dedicated people. We, the redeemed, actually contribute to the work of redemption through our prayers! Prayer is God’s way of enlisting you in what He is doing (1Ti 2:1-4; Cf. “Thy Kingdom come”).
“Had taken” = aorist tense: completed action; once and for all.
First of three waves: the four living creatures and the 24 elders. He is worshipped for
Harps are instruments of praise throughout the Psalms. Just as the strings of a harp vibrate in harmony, so the whole of creation will vibrate in harmonious worship. (It is interesting that the Scriptures always allude to “10 strings.” The is particularly provocative in view of current physics which views all of creation on the basis of 10-dimensional strings!)
[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...”:
“Us” These are the redeemed (Cf. Rev 13:8).
“New Song”: very common in the Psalms (Psa 33:3; Psa 40:3; Psa 98:1; Psa 96:1; Psa 144:9; Psa 149:1). However, this is closer to Isaiah (Isa 42:9-10) which declares the new creation. One of the characteristics of Revelation are the “new” things:
New Name (Rev 2:17; Rev 3:12);
New Jerusalem (Rev 3:12; Rev 21:2);
New Song (Rev 5:9; Rev 14:3);
New Heavens (Rev 21:1)
New Earth (Rev 21:1)
...all things new (Rev 21:5).
The Greek has two words for new:
•; neos, new in point of time, but not necessarily in quality; a thing which has been recently produced but may be only a specimen of the previous.
•; kainos, new in point of quality; a thing the like of which has never existed before.
Our life in Christ brings a new joy, a new thrill, a new strength, a new peace—which Christless eyes have never seen nor ever can see.
[“Some churches tend to delete “by thy blood” from their hymnals (and sermons.) Perhaps that’s why the Lord isn’t going to embarrass them by taking them into heaven because they would have to sing about the blood up there.” J. Vernon McGee]
[10] “...kings and priests...”: Only three groups of people are both—Melchizedek (Heb 7:14ff); Jesus; Members of His Body (Rev 1:6; Rev 20:6).
This praise sums up the results for us in the death of Jesus Christ:
1) It was a sacrificial death; it had purpose in it. It was not an accident of history. (1Cr 15:1-4).
2) It was an emancipating death: He gave His life a ransom (lutron ) freeing us from the bondage of sin (Mark 10:45; 1Ti 2:6; Gal 3:13; 1Pe 1:19; 1Cr 6:20; 1Cr 7:23).
3) It was universal in its benefits: for every tribe, tongue, people and race (1Jo 3:16, et al.)
4) It was an availing death: three aspects are pointed out:
•; He made us Kings; He opened to us the royalty of sonship of God. Man’s humanity becomes clad with the royalty of God’s divinity.
•; He made us Priests. In the ancient world, only a priest had the right of approach to God. When a Jew entered the Temple, he could make his way through the Court of the Gentiles, through the Court of Women, into the Court of the Israelites; but into the Court of the Priests he could not go. Thus, and no further. Now the “veil has been rent.”
•; He has given us Triumph. His people shall reign upon the earth, and over themselves. (Jhn 16:33). Victory of self, victory over circumstance, victory over sin.
It is not in His character as the Eternal YHWH that He receives this worship, but as the Lamb that was slain (Mat 1:21; Phil 2:10).
Notice: The believers shall reign over the earth (Cf. 1Cr 6:2). Jesus promised His own that they would rule with Him (Mat 19:28; Luk 22:28-29; 2Ti 2:12; Cf. Rev 1:6; Rev 2:26-27; Rev 3:21; Rev 20:4-6).
[11] “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels...”: Now the chorus is joined by unnumbered angels. (The language is reminiscent of David’s great blessing in 1Ch 29:10-12.)
Angels have an intense interest in the details of the plan of God. They desire to “fasten their attention upon the Scriptures” (1Pe 1:10-12)!
[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: Psa 146; 147; 148; 149; 150. Their song includes seven great possessions:
1) Power (Mat 28:18; 1Cr 1:24; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:3; Mar 5:1-20, 25-29, 35-43). He is not one who can dream and never realize; plan but never achieve. He is able.
2) Riches (2Cr 8:9; Eph 3:8). There is no claim on Him which He cannot satisfy, no promise He cannot carry out.
3) Wisdom (1Cr 1:24; Jam 1:5). Both secrets and practical knowledge.
4) Strength (Psa 24:8; Mat 12:29; Luk 11:22) which can even disarm the powers of evil and overthrow Satan.
5) Honor (Phil 2:11; Psa 104:1; Psa 8:5; Cf. Heb 2:7, 9) before whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord indeed.
6) Glory (Jhn 1:14; Jhn 2:11; Jhn 11:4, 40; Jhn 17:5, 24) which is His alone.
7) Blessing (Psa 103:1-2)—the inevitable climax of it all: He pours this all out of us—you and me.
[13] “Every creature..”: Rom 8:19-22; Psa 148. [Animals? Hos 2:18; Eze 34:27; Isa 65:25; Cf. Rom 8:22.] What creatures are “under the earth”? Cf. Phil 2:10.
Note that God and the Lamb are here joined together: they both receive and share the praise.
[14] “And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever”: The duration of Father’s rule & Elders worship (3X: Rev 4:9-10). The last five Psalms refer to this scene: Psa 146; Psa 147; Psa 148; Psa 149; Psa 150.
In the next chapter we see our Kinsman-Redeemer (who is also our Avenger of Blood) begin taking possession of that which He purchased.
Psalm 2 is a “trialogue” between the three persons of the Godhead. Not “all things have been put under His feet” (Heb 2:8). His present occupation is as our Intercessor (Heb 8:1-2), but that is a temporary occupation (Heb 10:13).
The day is coming when every knee will bow, and every tongue shall confess, that Yeshua, Jesus Christ, is Lord.
There will be no exceptions. Some will do so gladly because they have appropriated the sacrifice of Jesus for their own eternal lives. Others will be forced to reluctantly confess His lordship. Those who scoff at His Scriptures, who ridicule Biblical morality, or persecute godly people will one day be made to see they are wrong and their lives have been wasted. When all the illusions—and delusions—upon which they based their lives have all been stripped away, they will have no choice but to join the rest of creation in openly confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord.
You will confess His lordship, and so will I. There are no exceptions. When that moment comes, will our hearts be filled with joy and gladness—or with regret? It is not a choice for the future, but a choice we must make today .
Homework for Chapter 6: Revelation focuses on four things out of place:
•; The Church, which ought to be in Heaven;
•; Israel, which should be in the Land promised;
•; The Devil, who ought to be in the Lake of Fire;
•; Christ, who is to be on His Own Throne reigning.
So now the “fireworks” begin (Mat 24, et al.)