Revelation 5:6 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And I beheld, and lo, &c. Upon this I observed, in my vision, a new representation; in, or on, the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures Within the circle which they made round him; and in the midst of the elders Making a larger circle round him and them; stood a Lamb Αρνιον εστηκος, a lamb standing. He no more falls on his face; the days of his weakness and mourning are ended! He is now in a posture of readiness to execute all his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King; as it had been slain For sacrifice; bearing the recent marks of slaughter, in the wounds and blood on its throat and breast. And because he was slain, he was now worthy to open the book, (Revelation 5:9,) to the joy of his own people and the terror of his enemies. Nor was this lamb only represented as a sacrifice; but having seven horns and seven eyes Emblematical of perfect power and perfect knowledge, whereby he is able to accomplish what is contained in the book; namely, by his almighty and all-wise Spirit, even to reveal future events respecting the world and the church, and to accomplish all God's designs of providence and grace. To these seven horns and seven eyes answer the seven seals and the seven-fold song of praise, Revelation 5:12. In Zechariah, likewise, (Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10,) mention is made of the seven eyes of the Lord, which go forth over all the earth. Which (both the horns and the eyes) are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth They represent that divine wisdom and energy which operate everywhere; or that effectual working of the Spirit of God, which goes through the whole creation: and that in the natural as well as spiritual world. For could mere matter act or think? Could it gravitate or attract? Just as much as it could think or speak. And he came Here we have an instance of the accomplishment of the words recorded Psalms 2:8, Ask of me and I will give thee, &c: and took the book, &c. It is one state of exaltation that reaches from our Lord's ascension to his coming in glory, yet this state admits of various degrees. At his ascension, angels, and principalities, and powers, were subjected to him. Ten days after he received from the Father, and sent, the Holy Ghost. And now he took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne Who gave it to him as a signal of his delivering to him all power in heaven and earth. He received it in token of his being both able and willing to fulfil all that was written therein.