Revelation Chapter 4
VERSE 6 continued, “Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.”
The Common Version translation of the words “four beasts” (Greek zöon) and “four living creatures” (Hebrew chai, Ezek. 1:5) should be rendered more properly “four beings” or “four living ones.”
In Ezekiel (Chapters 10, 11, and 41) they are also styled “cherubims”; in Isaiah (Chapter 6), “seraphims.” However, the terms “seraphim” and “cherubim” are synonymous, having a direct etymological connection. Wherever mentioned as such in Scripture, these four living ones are essentially the same beings. Any seeming discrepancy of detail merely accentuates various aspects of their operation, and was intentionally inserted by the Holy Spirit for reasons peculiar to the scene and the theme of each vision.
In their activity throughout Holy Writ, the four living ones occupy a unique and most honored position in their association with Deity. In Verse 6 there is a deep significance to the expression “in the midst of the throne.” Surely the four beings are not within the chair itself, for God is the sole occupant of that chair. Rather, these four entities play a most important role at the very core of the symbolic vision, that is, “in the midst of” the throne scene. Their close proximity to the seat of Jehovah implies a direct and significant relationship.
For a proper understanding of Verse 6, it is essential to review the symbolic vision of God that Moses and the nobles of Israel saw at Mount Sinai (Exod. 24:9,10). There they beheld a paved work (or pavement) of sapphire, which upheld God’s throne. Described as “the body of heaven in his [its] clearness,” the platform resembled a large block or flooring of ice, and it was the color of the sky throughout; indeed, it was as though the platform were frozen atmosphere, the body (firmament—see Gen 1:6–8) of heaven in its clearness.
Additional information is furnished by the Prophet Ezekiel, who reveals the supporting function of the four living ones; namely, the heavenly floor or platform upon which the Creator’s throne stood was, in turn, supported from beneath by four symbolic cherubim. (See Note at bottom of page.)
“And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the color of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. . . . And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne” (Ezek. 1:22, 26). The Keys of Revelation
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NOTE: The lively action and HIGHLY FIGURATIVE TERMINOLOGY used in describing the cherubim and their actions SHOULD NOT be understood to indicate that they represent actual living personalities—literal spiritual beings or “super-angels”—who somehow support God’s throne. Emphatically not!
Jehovah is thoroughly capable of sustaining His work and doing His entire good pleasure. “I am God, and there is none else” (Isa. 46:9). He needs no helping hand. What the cherubim do represent are the four basic attributes of character that underlie ALL of God’s actions and upon which His throne or government is established.
We will continue once again with Verse 6 in our next post.
VERSE 6 continued, “Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.”
The Common Version translation of the words “four beasts” (Greek zöon) and “four living creatures” (Hebrew chai, Ezek. 1:5) should be rendered more properly “four beings” or “four living ones.”
In Ezekiel (Chapters 10, 11, and 41) they are also styled “cherubims”; in Isaiah (Chapter 6), “seraphims.” However, the terms “seraphim” and “cherubim” are synonymous, having a direct etymological connection. Wherever mentioned as such in Scripture, these four living ones are essentially the same beings. Any seeming discrepancy of detail merely accentuates various aspects of their operation, and was intentionally inserted by the Holy Spirit for reasons peculiar to the scene and the theme of each vision.
In their activity throughout Holy Writ, the four living ones occupy a unique and most honored position in their association with Deity. In Verse 6 there is a deep significance to the expression “in the midst of the throne.” Surely the four beings are not within the chair itself, for God is the sole occupant of that chair. Rather, these four entities play a most important role at the very core of the symbolic vision, that is, “in the midst of” the throne scene. Their close proximity to the seat of Jehovah implies a direct and significant relationship.
For a proper understanding of Verse 6, it is essential to review the symbolic vision of God that Moses and the nobles of Israel saw at Mount Sinai (Exod. 24:9,10). There they beheld a paved work (or pavement) of sapphire, which upheld God’s throne. Described as “the body of heaven in his [its] clearness,” the platform resembled a large block or flooring of ice, and it was the color of the sky throughout; indeed, it was as though the platform were frozen atmosphere, the body (firmament—see Gen 1:6–8) of heaven in its clearness.
Additional information is furnished by the Prophet Ezekiel, who reveals the supporting function of the four living ones; namely, the heavenly floor or platform upon which the Creator’s throne stood was, in turn, supported from beneath by four symbolic cherubim. (See Note at bottom of page.)
“And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the color of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. . . . And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne” (Ezek. 1:22, 26). The Keys of Revelation
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
NOTE: The lively action and HIGHLY FIGURATIVE TERMINOLOGY used in describing the cherubim and their actions SHOULD NOT be understood to indicate that they represent actual living personalities—literal spiritual beings or “super-angels”—who somehow support God’s throne. Emphatically not!
Jehovah is thoroughly capable of sustaining His work and doing His entire good pleasure. “I am God, and there is none else” (Isa. 46:9). He needs no helping hand. What the cherubim do represent are the four basic attributes of character that underlie ALL of God’s actions and upon which His throne or government is established.
We will continue once again with Verse 6 in our next post.
