Revelation 4:4,5 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And round about the throne In a circle; four and twenty seats Greek, θρονοι, thrones; and upon the thrones four and twenty elders Signifying, perhaps, the most wise, holy, and useful of all the former ages, whether of the patriarchal, Jewish, or Christian Church, Isaiah 24:23; Hebrews 12:1. In the number, there seems to be an allusion to that of the patriarchs and apostles, and they may be called elders, because the presidency of elders was common among the Jews. Or, as Bishop Newton thinks, the allusion is to the princes of the four and twenty courses of the Jewish priests: and if so, these four and twenty elders must be considered as representing the Jewish Church. Indeed, their harps, and golden vials full of odours, (Revelation 5:8,) seem to intimate their connection with the ancient tabernacle service, in which such things were wont to be used. Sitting In general; but falling down when they worshipped; clothed in white raiment A habit resembling that of the Jewish priests, and emblematical of their purity; and on their heads crowns of gold In token of their being made kings as well as priests unto God. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, voices The usual concomitants of the divine presence, representing the awful majesty of the one true God, the King of Israel; and also emblematical of the revelations about to be given, and of the commotions and convulsions about to take place in the world and in the church. See on Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:19. And there were seven lamps of fire, &c., which are the seven spirits That is, which represent the various gifts and operations of God's Holy Spirit. See on Revelation 1:4.