had taken = took. every . . . them = each one. harps. The texts read "a harp". Greek. kithara. vials = bowls. Greek. phiale. Word characteristic of Rev. Occurs twelve times ( App-10 ). odours = incense. Greek. thumiama. are. i.e. symbolize. prayers. App-134 . saints = the saints. Greek. hagios. See Acts 9:13 . read more
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.As Morris said, "Worship is reserved only for God (Revelation 22:9); that the Lamb is worshipped is evidence of his full divinity."[33] This verse has a very important bearing upon the mediatorial office of Christ, as revealed in the New Testament. Bruce was of the opinion that "the... read more
Revelation 5:8. Having every one of them harps, and golden vials,— Harps were a principal part of the temple music: vials were also of common use in the temple service; but they were not like those small bottles which we now call vials, but like cups, or little bowls, on a plate, in allusion to the censers of God in which the priests offered incense in the temple. These censers were a sort of cups, which, because of the heat of the fire burning the incense, were often put upon a plate or... read more
8. had taken—Greek, "took." fell down before the Lamb—who shares worship and the throne with the Father. harps—Two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Syriac and Coptic read, "a harp": a kind of guitar, played with the hand or a quill. vials—"bowls" [TREGELLES]; censers. odours—Greek, "incense." prayers of saints—as the angel offers their prayers ( :-) with incense (compare :-). This gives not the least sanction to Rome's dogma of our praying to saints. Though they be employed by God in some way unknown... read more
The worship of the Lamb 5:6-14 read more
This transfer triggered an outpouring of praise for the Lamb because it signaled that Christ would begin judging. While the four living creatures and 24 elders prostrated themselves in worship, only the elders had harps (lyres) and bowls. This is clear in the Greek text from the gender of hekastos, translated "each one." [Note: See Swete, pp. 79-80.] They used the harps to praise God in song (Psalms 33:2; Psalms 98:5). This is the only place in Scripture where angels praise God with harps.John... read more
5:8 having (i-19) 'Having' refers strictly only to 'elders.' read more
The Glory of the LambThe Church is shown that Christ is on her side. He has overcome by suffering. Now the future is for Him and His people, and He is worshipped with the Father.1-4. A roll of a book, covered with writing on both sides, signifying the full contents of God’s purposes for the future (cp. Ezekiel 2:9.), ’close sealed’ (RV) with seven seals, i.e. completely hidden from the knowledge of angels and men, rests on the outstretched right hand of ’Him that sitteth on the throne,’... read more
(8) And when he had taken . . .—Better, And when He took the roll, the four living beings and the twenty four elders fell before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden vials (or, censers) full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (or, the holy ones). It is not the Church alone which is interested in the revelation which will throw light on life’s mysteries and the delay of the kingdom: the whole creation groaneth, waiting for the reign of righteousness; and therefore the four... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Revelation 5:1-14
Vision of the Lamb (5:1-14)In the hand of the Almighty is a scroll, which no doubt contains the revelation that John is to receive. Like most important documents it is sealed. In fact, it has seven seals, and these can be broken only by someone with the authority to do so. Since the scroll will reveal matters of worldwide importance, the person to break these seals must be one who has authority over the world’s affairs. John weeps when it appears that no one in all creation can be found who is... read more