![]() This is not a problem, however communication of symbolic meaning is more important than logical consistency throughout Revelation. The seven spirits of God are symbolically described two different ways in two consecutive chapters (as seven torches in 4:5 and seven eyes in 5:6). Symbolic apocalyptic visions defy all attempts at perfect systematization. These references raise an important question: Why does John replace an expected reference to the Holy Spirit with a reference to seven spirits of God? What does this mean? He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. These seven spirits appear three more times in Revelation: Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits, before his throne, and from Jesus Christ. In Revelation 1:4–5, John gives what appears to be a Trinitarian greeting from God, the Spirit, and Jesus but in place of the Spirit he highlights the “seven spirits before his throne.” Is 6:2– 3 / Rev 1:4, 8 11:17 16:5.Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Email LinkedIn * Six wings: like the seraphim of Is 6:2.ĭ. Since the second century, these four creatures have been used as symbols of the evangelists Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John, respectively. Calf: traditionally translated “ox,” the Greek word refers to a heifer or young bull. * Lion,calf,human being,eagle: these symbolize, respectively, what is noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest in creation. Covered with eyes: these suggest God’s knowledge and concern. Four living creatures: these are symbols taken from Ez 1:5– 21 they are identified as cherubim in Ez 10:20. * A sea of glass like crystal: an image adapted from Ez 1:22– 26. The seven spirits of God: the seven “angels of the presence” as in Rev 8:2 and Tb 12:15. * Flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder: as in other descriptions of God’s appearance or activity cf. * Twenty-four elders: these represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles cf. ![]() * Much of the imagery here is taken from Ez 1 and 10. * The ancients viewed heaven as a solid vault, entered by way of actual doors. Along with the twenty-four elders, they praise God unceasingly in humble adoration ( Rev 4:8– 11). Universal creation is represented by the four living creatures ( Rev 4:6– 7). He reverently avoids naming or describing God but pictures twenty-four elders in priestly and regal attire ( Rev 4:4) and God’s throne and its surroundings made of precious gems and other symbols that traditionally express the majesty of God ( Rev 4:5– 6). * The seer now describes a vision of the heavenly court in worship of God enthroned. They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming:īecause of your will they came to be and were created.” e Who was, and who is, and who is to come.” dĩWhenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,ġ0the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne and worship him, who lives forever and ever. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.ħThe first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a human being, and the fourth looked like an eagle * in flight.ĨThe four living creatures, each of them with six wings, * were covered with eyes inside and out. * Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.Ħ c In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal. b 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald.ĤSurrounding the throne I saw twenty-four other thrones on which twenty-four elders * sat, dressed in white garments and with gold crowns on their heads. a A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne satģone whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian. * 1After this I had a vision of an open door * to heaven, and I heard the trumpetlike voice that had spoken to me before, saying, “Come up here and I will show you what must happen afterwards.”Ģ * At once I was caught up in spirit.
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