And the four beasts said, Amen,— It was the custom in the temple worship for the singers to make pauses. "In every Psalm, (say the Talmudists,) the music made three intermissions. At these intermissions the trumpets sounded, and the people worshipped!"
Inferences.—It should fill us with unutterable joy, when we lift up our eyes to the throne of God, that we there discern the Lamb wearing the marks of slaughter. We should then gratefully remember his dying love; for it is his precious Blood which cleanses us from all sin, and emboldens our addresses to God, conscious as we are that our guilt is attended with great aggravations. Surely, had it been questioned with respect to the great atonement to be made for our transgressions, as it was with respect to the opening of these seals, Who is worthy to complete this gracious undertaking? we should have seen with unspeakable anguish, that none in heaven, or on earth, would have been found equal to the talk. But here likewise the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed. How divinely is he furnished for the high station that he sustains, and for all the glorious services assigned to him! What amazing power, what adorable wisdom is implied in the seven horns, and seven eyes, with which he is here delineated? and O! what love, in submitting to be slain, that he might redeem us to God by his blood! With the prayers of the saints, which come up before God as incense, may they ever mingle their most ardent praises for this divine condescension! And out of gratitude to their Redeemer, let them rejoice to see the glorious change in his humanity, from his humiliation and sufferings on earth, to his exaltation and reward in heaven: and let them ardently long for the happy season, when the full choir of the faithful, from every nation, and people, and tongue, shall unite in this joyful acclamation, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing.—In this world the faithful disciples of Christ are only a little flock; but when they stand together upon the heavenly mountain, they shall appear ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; and all the harmony of their voices, and all the ardour of their souls, inconceivably improved as all their powers will be, shall be united on this happy occasion. Form us, O Lord, we intreat thee, for this divine employment; and teach us, in some measure, to anticipate its pleasure in these regions below. Even now, in spirit and intention, we prostrate ourselves before thee, and lay down the crowns which faith, as it were, hath already received, at thy feet; giving glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, and celebrating the victories and honours of the Lamb.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, We have,
1. The prophetic volume, which was in the hand of him that sat on the throne, containing the events which in succeeding ages should befal his church. It was written within and on the back side, like Ezekiel's roll. Or, on the back side may be joined with the following clause, as sealed there with seven seals; not probably all on the outside; but as there were seven parchment rolls, one under the other, when the first seal was opened, and the volume unrolled, then the second seal and volume appeared. All things are known to God from the beginning; but they are inscrutable by us till they are accomplished, or he is pleased to reveal them to us.
2. The proclamation issued forth by a strong angel: Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? But no creature was found in heaven, earth, or hell, capable of penetrating into, or of foretelling the events of futurity. This is God's prerogative alone.
3. The grief of the apostle at finding no creature who dared essay the arduous talk. He wept bitterly that he could not gain a knowledge of the things contained in the book, apprehending them to be of signal importance.
4. One of the elders kindly observed his tears, and cheered his affected heart, saying, Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the mighty Lord and Saviour, the root of David, not only after the flesh his offspring, but, as God, the source of all honour and blessedness to his faithful people, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. Note; God's people often needlessly afflict themselves with fears: were their eyes more steadily fixed upon their great Redeemer, their tears never need to flow.
2nd, Behold the wonderful Personage appears, who is alone found worthy to unloose the seals, and unfold this sacred volume.
1. He is described as a Lamb that had been slain, and, by his own blood, having taken away the sins of the world, stood as our great High Priest, just before the throne, within the circle of the elders and the living creatures, as the great Intercessor for mankind, and especially for those that believe, pleading continually the oblation which he once offered in his own body on the tree. He had seven horns, denoting the perfection of his power and dominion as the universal King over his church, to protect his people, and push his enemies till he has consumed them: and his seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, represent the treasures of wisdom, grace, and knowledge, which, as the great Prophet, he possesses, and dispenses to all his ministers and members, according to their various wants. He came, as fully qualified in the virtue of his all sufficient merit, and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne, who readily gave it to him, acknowledging thereby, that he was worthy to unloose the seals, and reveal the mysterious contents.
2. Instantly all heaven resounds with praise; the church triumphant in heaven begin to sing, angels repeat the sound, and every creature joins the sacred choir, and echoes loud allelujahs.
[1.] The four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb with humble adoration, their hearts, like their golden lyres, tuned to their Redeemer's praise; and vials full of the most grateful incense, even the prayers of the saints, breathed before him their sweet perfume. United in sacred chorus, high they raised their voices, and uttered this most glorious song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; qualified fully for the discharge of thy mediatorial office; for thou wast slain for our transgressions, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, Satan, and death, and be restored to favour and communion with the Most High; and hast made us unto our God, now fully reconciled to us, kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth, exalted to the higher dignity and honour, and raised superior to all our spiritual enemies. Who can, without some glow of the same sacred rapture, read their song; or not long to join with them before the throne?
[2.] The angels, who, without the circle of the living creatures and the elders, in shining ranks innumerable compassed round the throne, joined their adorations, and cried, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
[3.] The whole creation echoes back the sound. All in heaven, earth, and sea, whether angels, the spirits of the just departed, or the living here below, creatures animate and inanimate, all, all utter forth their united praises, saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever! The same divine glory is ascribed to each of the sacred Persons, as being one in essence, and alike the objects of every creature's worship and adoration.
[4.] The four living creatures close with their solemn Amen; and the four and twenty elders, the representatives of the church, with humble prostration, fall down and worship him that liveth for ever and ever. Oh when shall I join this heavenly choir, and with them, in heart and lip, unite in these eternal praises of God and the Lamb!