Revelation 4:7 ESV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 4:1-7

We have here an account of a second vision with which the apostle John was favoured: After this, that is, not only ?after I had seen the vision of Christ walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks,? but ?after I had taken his messages from his mouth, and written and sent them to the several churches, according to his command, after this I had another vision.? Those who well improve the discoveries they have had of God already are prepared thereby for more, and may expect them. Observe, I.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 4:7

And the first beast was like a lion ,.... And this figure expresses the strength of the ministers of the word, the lion being the strongest among beasts, Proverbs 30:30 , to do the work they are called to, to endure hardness, as good soldiers of Christ, and to bear the infirmities of the weak; and also it denotes their courage and boldness in preaching the Gospel of Christ, without fearing the faces of men, or of being afraid of their revilings: and the second beast like a calf ; or... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 4:7

The first beast was like a lion - It is supposed that there is a reference here to the four standards or ensigns of the four divisions of the tribes in the Israelitish camp, as they are described by Jewish writers. The first living creature was like a lion; this was, say the rabbins, the standard of Judah on the east, with the two tribes of Issachar and Zabulon. The second, like a calf or ox, which was the emblem of Ephraim who pitched on the west, with the two tribes of Manasseh and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:1-11

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:1-11

The high court of heaven. If the portions of this book hitherto considered have had their difficulties, those on which we now enter are far more beset therewith. But the solemn sanctions given to the reading and study of this book send us, in spite of its difficulties, to the earnest examination of its sayings, certain that in them, even in the most mysterious of them, there lies a message from God to our souls. May he be pleased to make that message clear to us. This fourth chapter gives... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:2-11

Man's higher sphere of being: (2) Spiritually entered. "And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne," etc. We need not suppose that the supermundane world appeared to John's bodily eye in the forms in which it is here presented. It was a mental vision and nothing more, and a mental vision is often more real, more significant, more impressive, than a material. Commentators of this book have treated these objects as those which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:6-8

The song of the living creatures. Here is represented the praise of the Divine Name by the universal creature life. The highest, the cherubic forms, speak for all. It is a representative song. "All thy works praise thee, O God;" "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." I. THE SONG OF THE UNIVERSAL CREATURE - LIFE IS A CEASELESS SONG . "They have no rest day and night" That which is represented is that which should and which shall be. It is the ideal.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:7

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. (Upon "beast" ( ζῶον ), see on Revelation 4:6 . For the signification, see also above on Revelation 4:6 .) Whether there was any difference in the forms as a whole, or whether the difference consisted chiefly or solely in the thee, cannot be certainly known. Each being is symbolical of some class or some quality of which it is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 4:7

And the first beast was like a lion - A general description has been given, applicable to all, denoting that in whatever form the divine government is administered, these things will be found; a particular description now follows, contemplating that government under particular aspects, as symbolized by the living beings on which the throne rests. The first is that of a lion. The lion is the monarch of the woods, the king of beasts, and he becomes thus the emblem of dominion, of authority, of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Revelation 4:6-7

Revelation 4:6-7. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal Wide and deep, pure and clear, transparent and still. Both the seven lamps of fire and this sea are before the throne, and both may mean the seven Spirits of God, the Holy Ghost; whose powers and operations are frequently represented both under the emblem of fire and water. We read again, Revelation 15:2, of a sea as of glass, where there is no mention of the seven lamps of fire; but, on the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 4:1-7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 4:7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 4:7

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:2-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:6-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 4:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 4:7

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Revelation 4:6-7

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