And when those beasts give glory ... - As often as those living beings ascribe glory to God. They did this continually Revelation 4:8; and, if the above explanation be correct, then the idea is that the ways and acts of God in his providential government are continually of such a nature as to honor him. read more
The four and twenty elders fall down before him ... - The representatives of the redeemed church in heaven (see the notes at Revelation 4:4) also unite in the praise. The meaning, if the explanation of the symbol be correct, is, that the church universal unites in praise to God for all that characterizes his administration. In the connection in which this stands here, the sense would be, that as often as there is any new manifestation of the principles of the divine government, the church... read more
Thou art worthy, O Lord - In thy character, perfections, and government, there is what makes it proper that universal praise should be rendered. The feeling of all true worshippers is, that (God is worthy of the praise that is ascribed to him. No man worships him aright who does not feel that there is that in his nature and his doings which makes it proper that he should receive universal adoration.To receive glory - To have praise or glory ascribed to thee.And honour - To be honored; that is,... read more
Revelation 4:1. The former vision which John saw, contained in the foregoing chapters, represented the state of the church at the time when the vision was given, or the things that then were, (Revelation 1:19,) and gave suitable directions to the churches, with their pastors, to encourage their faith and patience, and excite them to constancy and perseverance. Now the apostle records a second vision, in which the things were revealed to him that should be afterward, namely, to the end of... read more
Revelation 4:2. Immediately I was in the Spirit Even in a higher degree than before. “This phrase,” says Doddridge, “signifies to be under a strong and supernatural impulse, caused by the miraculous operation of the Spirit of God acting on the imagination, in such a manner as to open extraordinary scenes, which had not any exact external archetype. And it is much illustrated by the view presented to Ezekiel, when he sat in his house among the elders of the people, (Ezekiel 8:1,) who... read more
Revelation 4:3. He that sat was to look upon like a jasper Shone with a visible lustre, like that of sparkling precious stones, such as those which were of old on the high-priest’s breast-plate, and those placed as the foundations of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:19-20. If there be any thing emblematical in the colours of these stones, possibly the jasper (one species, at least, of which, according to Pliny, is milky white, and according to Daubuz, of a white and bright shining... read more
Revelation 4:4-5. And round about the throne In a circle; four and twenty seats Greek, θρονοι , thrones; and upon the thrones four and twenty elders Signifying, perhaps, the most wise, holy, and useful of all the former ages, whether of the patriarchal, Jewish, or Christian Church, Isaiah 24:23; Hebrews 12:1. In the number, there seems to be an allusion to that of the patriarchs and apostles, and they may be called elders, because the presidency of elders was common among the Jews.... read more
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
Revelation 4:8. And the four living creatures With an allusion to the seraphim represented in Isaiah’s vision; had each of them six wings about him Which they used in part to express their reverence and humility, and in part to show readiness and expedition in performing the orders and commands of God. See on Isaiah 6:2-3. And they were full of eyes within Bengelius reads κυκλοθεν και εσωθεν γεμουσιν οφθαλμων , round about and within they are full of eyes: round about signifying their... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 4:8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him - An emblem common to them all, denoting that, in reference to each and all the things here symbolized, there was one common characteristic - that in heaven there is the utmost promptness in executing the divine commands. Compare Isaiah 6:2; Psalms 18:10; Psalms 104:3; Jeremiah 48:40. No mention is made of the manner in which these wings were arranged, and conjecture in regard to that is vain. The seraphim, as seen by Isaiah, had each one... read more