[:en]THE THRONE IN HEAVEN (vs. 1-11)
John heard the voice of Christ sounded like a trumpet. The Holy Spirit gave John vision which cannot be seen with mere human eyesight. The 24 elders represented the 12 tribes in the Old Testament and the 12 apostles in the New Testament. They symbolize all – both Jews and Gentiles – who were redeemed of the Lord, worshiping Him.
Lightning and thunders are significant events in heaven. When God gave the people His laws at Mount Sinai, there was lightning and thunder. It reflects God’s power and His majesty (Ps. 77:18)
Glass was very rare in the New Testament and crystal clear glass was virtually impossible to find. The glass highlights both the magnificence and holiness of God.
The “four living creatures” represent the attributes of God. The animal-like appearance of the 4 creatures are lion, ox, man and flying eagle. It symbolizes God attributes as follows: lion- majesty and power; ox- faithfulness; human – intelligence, and eagles – sorereignty. Prophet Ezekiel also saw these four similar creatures in his visions (Eze. 1:5-10) The “Seven Spirits” is another name for the Holy Spirit. Seven lamps are equated with the one Spirit.
This chapter points out that all creatures in heaven and in earth will praise and honor God because He is the creator and sustainer of everything.
“You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things by your will. They were created and have their being. (v. 11)[:]