Revelation

Chapter Overview

Revelation chapter five continues directly from the throne room vision of chapter four. In the right hand of the One on the throne, John sees a scroll sealed with seven seals, and a search begins throughout heaven, earth, and under the earth for someone worthy to open it. When John weeps because no one is found worthy, an elder points him to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who turns out to appear as a Lamb who was slaughtered. This chapter completes the transition from Yeshua the Intercessor to Yeshua the Judge, and it closes with the whole of creation joining in worship of the One who alone is worthy.

Revelation 5:1

Next I saw in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals;

Now, John begins to describe a scene much like the closing on a house today. In the right hand of God (the One seated on the throne) is a scroll which represents the deed to all of creation. This deed is like the deed we receive when our home is completely paid for, and it signifies ownership. This scroll has writing on both sides but it has seven seals which prevent it from being read. As we have seen before, the number seven speaks of holiness, and this scroll is completely sealed so that there is no peeking at its contents.

Revelation 5:2 & 3

and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" But no one in heaven, on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.

In this passage, a search is started for someone who could open the scroll. Sadly, angels (those in heaven), men (those on the earth), or demons (those under the earth) could not open it or even sneak a peek at its contents.

Revelation 5:4

I cried and cried, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.

We might ask ourselves why John would weep so much over the opening of a scroll. The opening of the scroll is the start of the judgment, cleansing, and renewal of the earth. We are told elsewhere that all of creation waits in anticipation of this, and it seems that no one can open the scroll and start the process. This would be very sad, as all of creation would be stuck in this fallen state.

Revelation 5:5

One of the elders said to me, "Don't cry. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Y'hudah, the Root of David, has won the right to open the scroll and its seven seals."

In the midst of the sadness, an elder points to the hope. He explains that Yeshua has triumphed and can open the scroll. To be released from the grip of sin and death, the price had to be paid. Just like the deed to a home, you get the deed when the price is paid. Yeshua paid the penalty for sin, which is death, and therefore all of creation belongs to him.

Revelation 5:6

Then I saw standing there with the throne and the four living beings, in the circle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been slaughtered. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the sevenfold Spirit of God sent out into all the earth.

Now, John sees the Lamb of God. The picture is of a lamb with blood mixed into its white coat. This is evidence that the price had been paid, but this lamb is special, as it has seven horns and seven eyes. The seven horns represent complete power, as the lamb overcame all sin and death for all of the world, and the seven eyes represent all-seeing knowledge, so that there was no sin hidden from the lamb. This lamb paid the entire debt for all of creation and therefore is worthy to take the deed (scroll) and open it.

Revelation 5:7 & 8

He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. When he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb. Each one held a harp and gold bowls filled with pieces of incense, which are the prayers of God's people;

Yeshua (the Lamb) takes the scroll from the Father, and the worship begins. The creatures and the elders worship the Lamb. It is remarkable how they are holding bowls full of our prayers. Did you catch that? This passage says that the bowls they are holding contain the "prayers of the saints." If you know Christ, then your prayers are included in that incense.

Revelation 5:9 & 10

and they sang a new song, "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals; because you were slaughtered; at the cost of blood you ransomed for God persons from every tribe, language, people and nation. You made them into a kingdom for God to rule, cohanim to serve him; and they will rule over the earth."

Now the song from the living creatures and the elders changes. Throughout the Old Testament, a "new song" celebrated a new act of deliverance or blessing. This passage explains how the Lamb, that is Yeshua Messiah, purchased people by his blood. That is why Yeshua would rightly receive the deed that is the scroll and be able to open it. We are also told here of our purpose, as Christians, which is to "be a kingdom and priests to serve our God." The passage ends with more good news, as it says that we will reign on the earth. We can take comfort now and during difficult times in that fact, and even rejoice and praise God during the storms of this present time.

Revelation 5:11 & 12

Then I looked, and I heard the sound of a vast number of angels - thousands and thousands, millions and millions! They were all around the throne, the living beings and the elders; and they shouted out, "Worthy is the slaughtered Lamb to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise!"

Now, the angels join in, and what a celebration it must be. John describes how the angels are so numerous, but it is striking that he describes them as singing in a single voice. Their song also tells of how Yeshua is worthy because of his sacrifice.

Revelation 5:13 & 14

And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea - yes, everything in them - saying, "To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb belong praise, honor, glory and power forever and ever!" The four living beings said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshipped.

Now, all of creation joins in on the celebration and worship. We see that all of creation now acknowledges Yeshua Messiah and his sacrifice. The image from this chapter is of a celebration continuing to grow as we watched it start with the four living creatures and the elders and build until this passage, where all of creation is involved.