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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 5:1-5

Hitherto the apostle had seen only the great God, the governor of all things, now, I. He is favoured with a sight of the model and methods of his government, as they are all written down in a book which he holds in his hand; and this we are now to consider as shut up and sealed in the hand of God. Observe, 1. The designs and methods of divine Providence towards the church and the world are stated and fixed; they are resolved upon and agreed to, as that which is written in a book. The great... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 5:5

5:5 And one of the elders said to me: "Stop weeping. Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has won such a victory that he is able to open the book and its seven seals." We are now approaching one of the most dramatic moments in the Revelation, the emergence of the Lamb in the centre of the scene. Certain things lead up to it. John has been weeping because there is none to whom God may reveal his secrets. There comes to him one of the elders, acting as the messenger of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders said unto me ,.... The Ethiopic version reads, "one of these elders"; that is, one of the four and twenty elders that were round about the throne; not the first of the four and twenty books of the Old Testament; nor the patriarch Jacob, because of the prophecy concerning Shiloh, Judah's son, which stands in Genesis 49:10 , nor Moses, who spoke of the Messiah as the great prophet of the church; nor John the Baptist, who pointed out the Lamb of God; these are all... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 5:5

The Lion of the tribe of Juda - Jesus Christ, who sprang from this tribe, as his genealogy proves; see on Matthew 1:2 ; (note), Matthew 1:3 ; (note) and Luke 3:23 ; (note). There is an allusion here to Genesis 49:9 , Judah is a lion's whelp; the lion was the emblem of this tribe, and was supposed to have been embroidered on its ensigns. The Root of David - See Isaiah 11:1 . Christ was the root of David as to his Divine nature; he was a branch out of the stem of Jesse as to his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-5

The government of God. "And I saw," etc. Concerning the government of God, observe— I. THAT IT IS CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO A VAST PRECONCERTED PLAN . There was a book, seven pieces of parchment rolled together, and each one sealed, in the hand of him that "sat on the throne." The Almighty never acts from impulse or caprice, but ever from plan or law. And this plan is truly vast, wonderfully comprehensive. It is "written within" and on the "back side." This book... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-7

The sealed book. The homily must be based upon the interpretation. For our guidance we take the view which regards this sealed book as a title deed, the background of the figure being found in Jeremiah 32:6-16 . It is the title deed of the purchased possession—the redeemed inheritance—which noone has a right to touch or open but him to whom it belongs; concerning whom it may be said, "The right of redemption is thine to buy it." Concerning "the Lamb," this is recognized by the song of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14

Continuation of vision. In the preceding homily we noted that the apostle records five songs. We have already referred to two of them. We now have the three remaining ones before us. 1 . The third song is the new song—of redemption. Creation being effected, what is to be done with it? Of what events is earth to be the scene and the witness? and what are the developments which Providence has in store? See. In the right hand of him who sits upon the throne there is a book—a roll,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14

The adoration of the Lamb. The theophany of Revelation 4:1-11 . is continued in this. We are permitted to see more of the high court of heaven, and to witness the purpose of its session, the centre of its adoration, and the transactions in which its members share. We have surveyed the throne and him that sat thereon, the rainbow above the throne, the crystal sea, the burning torches, the elders and the cherubim, and their worship of God. But now the vision is enlarged, and we behold the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not . One of the elders, as representing the Church (see on Revelation 4:4 ), bids St. John to take heed to him who was about to disclose to some extent the future of that Church. There is, of course, no indication that any particular individual is signified, though some have striven to identify the elder. Thus De Lyra mentions St. Peter, who was already martyred; others, referred to by De Lyra, say St. Matthew, who, in his Gospel, declares... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 5:5

The mediatorial power of Christ. "And one of the elders saith," etc. St. John is first shown Christ as Head of his Church, ruling here on earth. This his first vision. Then he is transported to heaven, and sees the throne set there, and its attendants and their worship. Then the coming forth of the Son of God, and the representation of his mediatorial sovereignty. But first there is the vision of the throne of God, for he is the Source and End of all authority. God was and shall be "all in... read more

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