REVELATION 5

CONTEXT: Before we get into the specifics of chapter 5, a brief refesher on the Book of revelation itself. It is written in a style with lots of allegory, metaphor, and symbolism used to describe historic and prophetic events. This should never be confused for actual/literal descriptions of historical events. With that in mind, Matthew Henry comments on Chapter 5 as follows: In the foregoing chapter the prophetical scene was opened, in the sight and hearing of the apostle, and he had a sight of God the Creator and ruler of the world, and the great King of the church. He saw God on the throne of glory and government, surrounded with his holy ones, and receiving their adorations. Now the counsels and decrees of God are set before the apostle, as in a book, which God held in his right hand; and this book is represented, I. As sealed in the hand of God (v. 1-9). II. As taken into the hand of Christ the Redeemer, to be unsealed and opened (v. 6 to the end).

When I read chapter 5, I see a natural break at v.1-10 and v.11-14. The KJV begins v.11 with And I beheld, while most modern versions use Then I looked. In either instance, there is an implied pause in the previous action The Scroll and the Lamb or Seven Seals, and a new act of Exalting the Lamb.

Reading v.11-12 makes perfect sense, angles exalting or glorifying the Lamb of God, after all, is that not we all will be doing in eternity. It is v.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…, our text for today where folks go what, who, how?

First, the end of v.13 is a doxology Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Some verses that support this are: Psalm 19:1, Psalm 66:4, Nehemiah 9:6, Romans 1:20, Revelation 4:11

As for every creature glorifying Him, Matthew Poole’s Commentary has a plain explanation: The meaning of the several phrases here used, is not to be strictly and particularly examined; the sense of them all in general is, to show the consent of all the angels and glorified saints, and of the whole church, in giving praise unto God, and particularly to the Lord Jesus Christ, (the Lamb), for the work of man’s redemption; and their particular consent, that Christ is to be worshipped as the Father; and the consent and acquiescence of the whole creation in the counsel and purpose of God, and in the work of his providence, constituting Christ as the King, Priest, and Prophet of his church. And though inanimate creatures, or sensitive creatures, cannot speak, yet they are also said to join in these praises, as the glory of God shineth in them, and they, by him, shall be freed from that vanity under which they groan, Romans 8:19-21, and enjoy something of the liberty of the sons of God; and shall all be subject and obedient unto Christ in their respective stations and orders, Philippians 2:9,10, and fulfil his will in the execution of his counsels and purposes in the government of the world, in order to the preservation of his church.

Although we are in the last book of the Bible it helps to remember back at the beginning of the Bible, and the creation story, Genesis 1 ends v.31 with  And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Note how God says everything was very good, not just okay or so-so, but very good (Implied perfection). I love John Gill’s comments here: the phrase may be expressive not only of the goodness of everything God had made, as it was in itself, and in its use; but of his complacency, and delight therein, every thing being made for himself and for, his pleasure, Revelation 4:11.

Should we be confused or even surprised that all creation one day brings, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever, absolutely not? In fact just the opposite, for the faithful true believer we should be amazed if that which God created perfectly for His glory did not finally claim victory and praise Him, the Lamb who sitteth on the Throne.