Revelation - Chapter 4

Revelation 4.1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Revelation 4.2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Revelation 4.3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Revelation 4.4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4.5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4.6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. Revelation 4.7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. Revelation 4.8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4.9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, Revelation 4.10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Revelation 4.11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation : Chapter 4

The Heavenly Vision of God's Throne

Revelation chapter 4 transports the reader to the heavenly throne, offering a glorious vision witnessed by John. This majestic text describes God's throne room in vivid detail, including its appearance and the beings surrounding it. The chapter introduces the 24 elders, the four living creatures, and the ongoing worship in heaven. Themes such as the holiness of God, his sovereignty over creation, and eternal worship are highlighted.

Contemplation of Biblical Passages

We invite you to contemplate with us five biblical passages that relate to the grandeur of this heavenly vision in this sublime chapter.

Ezekiel 1:26-28

"Above the platform that was over their heads was something like a throne of sapphire, and on the throne-like figure was a figure like a man. [...] It was the appearance of the glory of the Lord. »

Ezekiel's vision of God's throne is similar to John's in Revelation 4, establishing a continuity in the prophetic visions.

Isaiah 6:2-3

"Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: [...] And they proclaimed to one another, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.'" »

The song of Isaiah's seraphim is similar to that of the four living creatures in Revelation 4:8, emphasizing God's holiness.

Daniel 7:9

"As I watched, thrones were placed, and an old man sat down. His clothing was white as snow, and his hair was white as wool. »

Daniel's vision of the Ancient of Days is echoed in the description of God on the throne in Revelation 4:2-3.

Exodus 19:16

“On the morning of the third day, there were thunder and lightning, a thick cloud covered the mountain, and a loud trumpet sounded. Everyone in the camp trembled. »

The natural phenomena associated with God's presence at Sinai are echoed in Revelation 4:5, indicating the divine presence.

1 Kings 22:19

"Micah continues: 'Hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven on his right hand and on his left.'"

This vision of God's throne is similar to John's in Revelation 4, showing the consistency of prophetic visions of the heavenly throne.