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.
'Aleph (') A B, Vulgate, Coptic, Syriac, read, 'As it were a sea of glass.'
Like unto crystal - not imperfectly transparent as the ancient glass, but like rock crystal. Contrast the turbid "many waters" on which the harlot "sitteth," (Revelation 17:1-18.) Compare Job 37:18. Primarily, the pure ether which separates God's throne from all things before it, symbolizing the 'purity, calmness, and majesty of God's rule' (Alford). But see the analogue in the temple, the molten sea before the sanctuary (note, Revelation 4:4). There is in it depth and transparency, but not the fluidity and instability of the natural sea (cf. Revelation 21:1). It stands solid and clear. God's judgments are "a great deep" (Psalms 36:6). In Revelation 15:2, it is a "sea of glass mingled with fire." There is symbolized the purificatory baptism with water and the Spirit, of all made "kings and priests unto God." In Revelation 15:2, the baptism with trial is meant. Through both all the king-priests have to pass in coming to God. His judgments, which overwhelm the ungodly, they stand firmly upon, able, like Christ, to walk on the sea as if solid glass.
Round about the throne - one in the midst of each side of the throne.
Four beasts rather 'living creatures' х zooa (G2226)]: "beasts " Revelation 13:1; Revelation 13:11 is different х theerion Four beasts - rather, 'living creatures' х zooa (G2226)]: "beasts," Revelation 13:1; Revelation 13:11, is different х theerion (G2342)]: symbol of the carnal man, who, by rebellion, loses his true glory, as lord, under God, of the lower creatures: degraded to the level of the beast.