Saturday 06 September 2014

Background

Each new section of the book of Revelation begins with areference to something being opened, and here it is a door inheaven, after which the seer of the revelation is invited to comeand see what the future holds. However, before that is shown him,today's passage is but the beginning of a two chapter-longdescription of the heavenly scene, punctuated by the praises beingoffered by those who are there in the presence of God.

Apart from God the other characters are twenty-four eldersseated on thrones and four living creatures. The latter aredescribed in detail (verse 7) - one like a lion whom we can assumerepresents wild animals, one like an ox standing for domesticanimals, one like a human, and one like an eagle. Four is thesymbolic number which represents the earth, as for example when wespeak of the four points of the compass, the four winds or the fourseasons; it is fair to assume that these four are intended to beunderstood as offering the praise of all creation.

Most likely the 24 elders represent the 24 priestly divisions of1Chronicles 24 for they likewise worship and present thepeoples' prayers; but other interpretations are possible.

The description of God emphasises beauty and power. The rainbowis a symbol of God's mercy (see Genesis 9:13-17). The writer appears to somedegree to be drawing on the vision of God in Ezekiel chapter 1 for this whole scene. In thatchapter the four living creatures each have four faces representingthe same creatures we meet here, and there it is the wheels ofGod's chariot throne rather than the creatures that are "full ofeyes" (v. 7) or all-seeing.

To Ponder

• Does the kind of picture of heaven offered here prove helpfulto you? How does it differ from the kind of description you mightlike to find?

• How do you find it helpful to picture God?

• The words of verses 8 and 11 (and similar cries in chapters 5,7, 15 and 18) have found their way into many church liturgies andhymns. Do you find such language helpful in praising God, or how doyou prefer to do so?