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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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