(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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (9) And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth forever and ever, (10) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, (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.
I would speak with all possible reverence, on a subject so infinitely sublime, as the one contained in this Chapter; and desire, rather to propose all I have to offer, by way of inquiry, than in a single instance to speak decidedly. But I venture to believe, that as in this Chapter, in the second vision John was favored with, the Lord was about to commit to him, certain prophecies, which his Church would have unfolded and accomplished, in the different ages, from that time, to the consummation of all things; the Lord in this Chapter was preparing his servant's mind for that subject, by the solemn representation of what is here delivered. The Lord therefore begins with an account of the throne of God, similar to that of Isaiah 6:1, where all the sanctities of heaven are around. It is the Church in which God erects his throne, therefore we find Elders worshipping before the throne, and though the song they sing is not recorded here, yet it is in the next Chapter, ascribing their redemption to Christ, Revelation 5:9. Now this could not be the song of Angels, but men. Hence, those Elders are men.
And it is as evident, that this representation is to set forth that Church upon earth; for the sea of glass, like unto crystal, intimated the fountain opened for sin, and uncleanness, and which are needed not in heaven. And the seven lamps, figurative of the sevenfold gifts of God the Spirit, are specially for the Lord's people in this life. They are no longer required as principles of regeneration, and quickening in the state of perfection above. Not that the Holy Ghost through all eternity ceased his sweet influences, either to the Person of the glorious Head of his Church, or his members; but then not in a way as here below, of regenerating, illuminating, convincing, and converting mercy.
Concerning the Elders, and the four Beasts, there needs not to speak of them particularly. The Holy Ghost hath not thought proper to give the Church deeper views, into the mysteries of the kingdom, than is necessary, and to attempt lifting the veil higher, would be both presumptuous and unprofitable. It is enough for us to understand, that they belong to the Church of God: more than this, we need not.
But, Reader! here is enough to gratify our best intellectual faculties, and to employ our contemplation forever, in attending to the Hymn of Heaven, sung by the whole Choir, the Church. Oh! what unknown glories, in the holiness, greatness, and eternity of the whole Persons of the Godhead! This thrice repeating of Jehovah's holiness, is striking. All God's perfections and attributes, are standards of character, distinguishing the Lord from all his creatures. But yet, we never meet with any other prerogative of Jehovah, trebled as this is of his holiness. We do not say faithful, faithful, faithful, Lord God Almighty! I do not presume to explain. But I think it proper to notice it. Oh! for grace, to join the whole body the Church in the same hymn of praise, till we all come before the throne, in one full body of the redeemed, to praise God and the Lamb forevermore! Amen.