Revelation Chapter Five

let’s delve into the commentaries of David Guzik, A.R. Fausset, and Adam Clarke for Revelation 5:1-10. I’ll provide a verse-by-verse analysis and include thought-provoking questions for each verse.

Revelation 5:1

"And I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals." 1

 

David Guzik:

The scroll is full of solemn contents, sealed, and unusual as it was written on both sides, indicating a lot of information 2, and 3.

A.R. Fausset:

The scroll was full of solemn contents within, but it was sealed 4.

Adam Clarke:

The scroll was full of solemn contents within, but it was sealed 5.

 

Question: What of the scroll might be the significance of being written on both sides?

 

Revelation 5:2

"And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?’" 1

 

David Guzik:

The strong angel acts as God’s herald, asking who can open the scroll 2, and 3.

A.R. Fausset:

A chief angelic host proclaims who can open the scroll4. Adam Clarke: One of the chiefs of the angelic host proclaims who can open the scroll5.

 

Question: Why might the angel have needed to ask who is worthy to open the scroll?

 Revelation 5:3

"And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look into it." 1

 

David Guzik:

No one except Jesus was (and is) worthy to open the scroll 2 and 3.

A.R. Fausset:

Neither angels, men, nor devils, can fathom the decrees of God 4.

Adam Clarke:

Neither angels, men, nor devils, can fathom the decrees of God 5.

 

Question: What does this verse tell us about the nature of the scroll and its contents?

 

Revelation 5:4

"And I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it." 1

 

David Guzik:

John wept much because the world and the Church were likely to be deprived of the knowledge of the contents of the book 2, and 3.

A.R. Fausset:

John wept much because the world and the Church were likely to be deprived of the knowledge of the contents of the book 4.

Adam Clarke:

John wept much because the world and the Church were likely to be deprived of the knowledge of the contents of the book 5.

 

Question: Why might the inability to open the scroll cause such distress?

 

Revelation 5:5

"And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’" 1

 

David Guzik:

The elder refers to Jesus Christ, who sprang from the tribe of Judah and has prevailed to open the scroll 2, and 3.

A.R. Fausset:

The elder refers to Jesus Christ, who sprang from the tribe of Judah and has prevailed to open the scroll 4.

Adam Clarke:

The elder refers to Jesus Christ, who sprang from the tribe of Judah and has prevailed to open the scroll 5.

 

Question: What does the elder’s statement reveal about the identity of the one who can open the scroll?

 

Recap of commentaries

 Here is a combined summary of the two commentaries used on Revelation 5:

The scroll, written inside and on the back, is seen as a comprehensive message containing God’s complete and perfect plan. It’s sealed with seven seals, indicating that all must be opened before it can be read. Various interpretations exist for the scroll, such as the Old Testament, a title deed to Earth, or God’s final settlement of the universe’s affairs.

No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was found worthy to open the scroll except the Lamb, symbolizing Jesus. He is depicted as both a slain Lamb and a powerful figure with seven horns and seven eyes, indicating perfect power and wisdom. The Lamb’s taking of the scroll prompts worship from all beings in heaven, with the elders and living creatures playing harps and offering prayers.

The commentary concludes with a vision of every creature in heaven and earth praising God and the Lamb, acknowledging their eternal dominion and glory. This passage emphasizes the sovereignty of Christ and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the world. The scene culminates in a universal chorus of praise to both the Father and the Lamb. This passage emphasizes the sovereignty of Christ and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the world.

I hope this analysis helps you understand these verses better. Remember, the interpretations of biblical passages can vary, and it’s always beneficial to consider multiple perspectives. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further clarification!

 

Learn more by visiting these sites

 1 bible.oremus.org

2 blueletterbible.org

3 enduringword.com

4 ccel.org

5 studylight.org

6 christianity.com

7 ccel.org

8 biblegateway.com

9 biblehub.com

10 blueletterbible.org

11 truthaccordingtoscripture.com

12 bibleportal.com

13 stepbible.org

 Citations:

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Revelation 5

David Guzik :: Study Guide for Revelation 5

 

 

Revelation Chapter 4

This blog is not intended to be a complete commentary on Revelation. This blog is a summary of Rev chapter 4.  let’s delve into Revelation 4:1-11 with the insights from David Guzik, A.R. Fausset, and Adam Clarke.

Revelation 4:1

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must take place after this.”

Thought-provoking question: What could the open door in heaven symbolize?

David Guzik’s interpretation: John is called up into heaven, through a door standing open in heaven¹².

A.R. Fausset’s interpretation: John is called up into heaven, through a door standing open in heaven³⁴.

Adam Clarke’s interpretation: This appears to have been a visible aperture in the sky over his head⁵.

Comparison: All three commentators agree that the open door in heaven symbolizes an invitation for John to witness heavenly visions.

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Revelation 4:2

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”

Thought-provoking question: What could the throne set in heaven represent?

David Guzik’s interpretation: The throne in heaven is the seat of the Eternal Father, the Creator¹².

A.R. Fausset’s interpretation: The throne in heaven is the seat of the Eternal Father, the Creator³⁴.

Adam Clarke’s interpretation: The throne in heaven is not explicitly interpreted⁵.

Comparison: Guzik and Fausset interpret the throne in heaven as the seat of the Eternal Father, the Creator. Clarke does not provide a specific interpretation for the throne.

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Revelation 4:3

“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”

Thought-provoking question: What could the appearance of the one who sat on the throne and the rainbow around the throne signify?

David Guzik’s interpretation: The one seated on the throne is not explicitly described, focusing more on the surrounding glory and effulgence¹².

A.R. Fausset’s interpretation: The one seated on the throne is not explicitly described, focusing more on the surrounding glory and effulgence³⁴.

Adam Clarke’s interpretation: There is no description of the Divine Being, so as to point out any similitude, shape, or dimensions. The description rather aims to point out the surrounding glory and effulgence⁵.

Comparison: All three commentators agree that the description focuses more on the surrounding glory and effulgence than the person of the Almighty King.

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Revelation 4:4

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

Thought-provoking question: Who could the twenty-four elders represent?

David Guzik’s interpretation: The twenty-four elders are not explicitly interpreted¹².

A.R. Fausset’s interpretation: The twenty-four elders are not explicitly interpreted³⁴.

Adam Clarke’s interpretation: The twenty-four elders could be a reference to the smaller Sanhedrin at Jerusalem, which was composed of twenty-three elders; or to the princes of the twenty-four courses of the Jewish priests⁵.

Comparison: Clarke interprets the twenty-four elders as possibly representing the smaller Sanhedrin at Jerusalem or the princes of the twenty-four courses of the Jewish priests. Guzik and Fausset do not provide a specific interpretation for the elders. Because there are 24 elders (church overseers), I believe each tribe of Israel is represented as well as the 12 apostles of Christ Jesus.

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Revelation 4:5-11

“And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Thought-provoking question: What could the four beasts and their continuous praise of God symbolize?

David Guzik’s interpretation: The four beasts are not explicitly interpreted¹².

A.R. Fausset’s interpretation: The four beasts are not explicitly interpreted³⁴.

Adam Clarke’s interpretation: The four beasts are not explicitly interpreted⁵.

Comparison: All three commentators do not provide a specific interpretation for the four beasts. However, I find the creatures' not beasts interesting symbols. These creatures are covered with eyes both in front and behind. These all-seeing creatures see the past and future and nothing escapes their attention. 

I hope this brief overview of chapter 4 helps deepen your understanding of Revelation 4:1-11. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further clarification!

for a more detailed complete view visit these sources.

1blueletterbible.org2enduringword.com3blueletterbible.org4biblehub.com5studylight.org6resources.calvarycca.org7enduringword.com8blueletterbible.org9studylight.org10bibleportal.com11workingpreacher.org12bible.oremus.org13workingpreacher.org