And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
In, х epi (G1909)] - '(lying) upon the right hand,' etc.: upon His open right hand lay the book. On God's part there was no withholding of His future purposes in the book: the obstacle to unsealing it is stated, Revelation 5:3 (Alford).
Book - rather, as the ancient form of books, and the writing on the back side require, 'a roll.' The writing on the back implies completeness, so that nothing needs to be added (Revelation 22:18). The roll, 'the title deed of man's inheritance' (DeBurgh), redeemed by Christ (cf. Jeremiah 32:11-14), contains the successive steps by which He shall recover from its usurper possession of the kingdom already 'purchased' for Himself and His elect. However, no portion the roll is unfolded and read; simply the seals are successively opened; giving final access to its contents as a perfect whole, when the events symbolized by the seals shall have been past; then Ephesians 3:10 shall receive its complete accomplishment, and the Lamb reveal God's providential plans in redemption in their manifold beauties: a theme for all-satisfying and adoring praise through eternity. The opening of the seals means the successive steps by which God in Christ clears the way for the final reading of the book at the visible setting up of Christ's kingdom. Compare, at the grand consummation, Revelation 20:12; Revelation 22:19. None is worthy to do so except the Lamb; for He alone has redeemed man's forfeited inheritance, of which the book is the title deed. The question (Revelation 5:2) is not, Who should reveal the destinies of the Church (this any inspired prophet might do)? but, Who has the WORTH to give man a new title to his lost inheritance? (DeBurgh.)
Sealed with seven seals, х katesfragismenon (G2696)] - 'sealed up,' etc. Seven (divided into four, the worldwide number, and three, the divine) often recurs, expressing completeness. Thus, the seven seals, representing all power given to the Lamb; the seven trumpets, by which the world-kingdoms are overthrown, and the Lamb's kingdom ushered in; and the seven vials, by which the beast's kingdom is destroyed.