Revelation 5

Let’s look at John’s vision of the scroll with seven seals and of every creature in heaven and earth worshipping God.

The Scroll

Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

A scroll written on both sides indicates the fullness of it. It is similar to the scroll that Ezekiel saw (Ezekiel 2:9-10) filled with lamentation, mourning and woe. The contents of this mysterious scroll are not given. Later we see that its seven seals are divine punishment.

Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Who can reveal the secrets within the scroll?

Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Many theories abound, but no man is worthy to reveal the secrets. All we understand about the book is the contents of its seals beginning in Revelation 6, not what is written in the book itself.

Revelation 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Are we so desirous to understand God's word?

Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Only Jesus can reveal the secrets. Let's see what He has to say.

Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

This pictures Jesus as an innocent little sacrificial Passover Lamb, living yet slain, a symbol of a different kind of leadership to that of beast-like worldly human governments. The horns of a more mature ram on a little lamb, symbolize God’s omnipotence (Deuteronomy 33:17; 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 48:25; Zechariah 1:18; Daniel 7:24; 8:20) and seven symbolizes perfection. The eyes symbolize God’s omniscience, as they run to and fro throughout the whole earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). The seven Spirits express perhaps the fullness of the Holy Spirit or the seven angels in the seven churches, apostled or sent forth into all the earth (Zechariah 3:9; 4:10).

Revelation 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Jesus takes the book from God the Father.

Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Our prayers are symbolized as incense, a pleasant odor in heaven.

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Our songs on earth are often imperfect, so we need a new song, not with doubtful human words but pure. This will be sung by resurrected saints from everywhere.

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Remember: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9)

The Myriad

Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Myriad, in some translations, literally means ten thousand and figuratively a very large number.

Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Who else is worthy? None of us.

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

How is this possible to see except as an awesome vision?

Revelation 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.