Revelation 4:1-11

Symbols

In Revelation Four we are taken into heaven to see the throne of God. The scene is rather fantastical, which isn’t to say that it isn’t an accurate description of God’s throne. Whether this description be literal or symbolic there is for sure a great deal of symbolism contained here. Let’s dig a bit deeper.

The One sitting on the throne had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. We know that God can literally appear in whatever form He chooses. He might appear as a burning bush, an angel, a whisper, or anything in between. It seems strange that He chooses here to appear with colors that resemble semi precious stones. While jasper can appear as red, yellow, brown, green, or blue it is predominantly red. Carnelian is a deep red. Together they might remind one of earth, and for sure of blood. The One enthroned in heaven appeared to John clothed in the colors of mankind’s home and the color of our redemption.

A rainbow shaped like an emerald encircled the throne. Of course the rainbow is the symbol of the first covenant of salvation by which Noah and his family was saved. We should be aware that while we are only able to see portions of the arc when we look at a rainbow; in fact, the full arc is a perfect circle.

Twenty-four other thrones with twenty-four elders? Both the old and new covenants are represented here. The covenant with Israel would be represented by the twelve patriarchs for whom the twelve tribes are named. The new covenant would be represented by the twelve disciples of Christ. (Yes, one did take Judas’ place.)

Seven lamps representing the seven spirits of God? This can also be translated the seven-fold Spirit of God. It is a reference to Isaiah 11:2 where we are told concerning Messiah:

 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—

      the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

      the Spirit of counsel and of power,

      the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord make up the Spirit of the Lord. That may seem like six spirits but when they combine they create something other than themselves. The seven spirits make up the Spirit of the Lord.

The sea of glass clear as crystal? The sea represents mankind in scripture. In heaven it is clear and pure.

The four living creatures have long been associated with the four gospels. Though there is disagreement concerning which creatures correspond with which gospels here are my favorite connections. (Which just happen to agree with St. Augustine of Hippo.)

Matthew - Lion - Matthew seemed to be written more for the Jews and Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Also, Jesus is born into the world as the King of the Jews to be worshipped by Magi from the East.

Mark - Human - Unlike Matthew or Luke the gospel of Mark does not focus on the kingly or priestly aspects of Christ but simply on His time and works as a man among us.

Luke - Ox - Luke focuses on Christ in connection with the priestly office. It starts with Zachariah performing his priestly duty in the temple. It tells of Jesus being dedicated in the temple. It brings the news of His birth to shepherds who tended sheep. Sheep and Oxen are both major players in the sacrificial duties of the priests.

John - Eagle - The eagle soars above the clouds and is said to be able to look directly into the sun. Those who spend much time in John’s gospel discover that this incredible book indeed takes us places and shows us things beyond the mortal veil.

It is this very John who was given this magnificent vision and heard the very words of worship around the throne. 

“Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,

who was, and is, and is to come.”

 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,

      to receive glory and honor and power,

      for you created all things,

      and by your will they were created

      and have their being.”