Revelation Chapter 4

VERSE 2 “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.”

AFTER THESE THINGS:

As was pointed out in our previous post, it is likely that Verse 2 should begin -“After these things I was immediately in the spirit,” which seems to fit the context better.

I WAS IN THE SPIRIT:

Compare Rev 1:10. We have here another strong connection between introductions to the Churches and the Seals. “In the Spirit” represents John’s presence as being NOT literal, but rather “in mind,” (the mind of the spirit, the new creature.)

“Sometimes, when the due time for unveiling prophecy arrives, the faithful are rewarded with understanding in an abrupt and unanticipated manner. Thus the faithful John class is compared to

(1) Daniel the beloved, who beseeched the Lord for enlightenment concerning a prophetic vision (Dan. 10:11–14; 12:8);

(2) The early disciples, who queried the Master on the meaning of his parables (Matt. 13:36; Luke 8:9);

(3) The Bereans of old, who daily and diligently searched the Scriptures (Acts 17:11); and

(4) And those that laboriously search for truth as for “hid treasures” (Prov. 2:3, 4). The Keys of Revelation

 AND BEHOLD:

Possibly a reminder of the same word in Verse 1, thus suggesting that the focus of our beholding should be an effort to understand the heavenly power and plan which will be directing the whole scenario of the Seals.

A THRONE SET IN HEAVEN:

A throne represents an established authority of judgment. Though this authority is NOT visible to the human eye, it functions as the very foundation of all Christian hope and trust.

“The inferred jet like ascent of John, and his being deposited within the heavenly court, heightens the sense of anticipation.

What spectacle, first and foremost, will attract his attention?

Quickly John’s gaze was riveted upon a marvelous throne chair in heaven that, for the moment at least, occupied central importance in the vision. Hence the fourth and fifth Chapters of Revelation are referred to as “The Throne Scene.”

Note that the Apostle does not say he beheld one seated upon a throne in heaven; rather, he first beheld a throne . . . and then one seated thereon. Perhaps he entered the spacious throne room either from the rear or in such a manner that, initially, he was unaware of any occupant upon the throne. Only subsequently did he behold the one sitting on the throne.

In the next verse (Verse 3) John paints a word picture of this most important personage eternal in both the heavens and the earth, for he beholds a symbolic portrayal of Jehovah as Emperor over all, a Being of unsurpassed greatness and, certainly, of far more transcendent importance than the chair upon which He sits.

There is an important lesson here for the John class; namely, that order, authority, and power do exist above (in Heaven), although at present, to all outward appearance, they seem to be inoperative (here on earth). Despite the disdainful disregard and often relentless persecution of the saints down through the Gospel Age, and despite the perversion and miscarriage of justice in matters both civil and religious, the predominance of evil is both temporary and illusory. The fact that this chair is already established, set in heaven, provides a foundation for faith and an anchor for hope.” (The Keys of Revelation)

AND ONE SAT ON THE THRONE:

He is un-named; however His identity is obvious. In NOT naming Him, the Giver of Revelation is spared the need of symbolizing Himself.

 What could possibly symbolize the Great I AM?

 However, some of His QUALITIES can be symbolized.

“The one that sat on the throne was without a doubt, Jehovah. His personage is not described here because he lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has seen nor can see (1 Tim 6:16). This throne represents God’s power and the right that he has to rule over the universe, and all that is in it. He has and is the ultimate authority above all, even Christ, who will turn the kingdom back over to him at the end of the millennium. There are at least two other places that show this throne in visions that have similar beings involved. One of these is found in Isaiah Chapter 6 and context, and the other one is found in Ezekiel Chapter 1 and context.”

Revelation is full of praise to God, because they both see God enthroned in splendor Pas 9:7, 11:4, 45:6, 47:8 etc.

That we have to look up into the heavens to see this throne implies that we need to look up to reverence God who is on the throne. He is not someone that we can stand face to face with and carry on a conversation with, as if we were equals. Only through prayer and the throne of grace are we able to do that. The throne is more than likely higher up than the other things that are seen in the vision, which again says the same thing, in that God is above all else. The Revelation scene does not show us that he is higher, but we get that from the Ezekiel account.

“And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings. Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, {was} a figure with the appearance of a man.” (Ezek 1:25-26)

We will see how the various qualities of Great I AM are symbolized in our next post when we take a look at Verse 3