Chapter five is the most complete description we have in the scriptures of the premortal council wherein Christ was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer. Most Christian religions do not believe in a premortal life. If someone is willing to believe the Bible this chapter, in conjunction with Job 38:4-7 and Jeremiah 1:5 presents a chance to help them understand that we did live before we came to earth. (Ridges p. 425) Also John 9:2 and of course Abraham 3
Vs. 1
Right hand- see ATGQ 1:156 - It contains God's covenants
The book – See D&C 77:6-7 & 88:108-110
“Opistographi” A scroll with writing on both sides, nothing left out or to be added. See Ezekiel 2:9-10
“seal” – Anciently, royalty and government officials sealed their documents to prove their origin and ownership. the stamps or signets, they used to imprint the sealing was, were made from precious stones, ivory, or precious metals. The crafter inscribed an icon or image reflective of the owner. A member of the royalty or high level officials, kept such signets secure and close at hand. In many cases, they carried it on a ring that they would (wear) at all times. The intricate and complex nature of the design made signets difficult to forge. So, the receiver of a sealed document trusted that the sender was legitimate. Today we might say the document was on official letterhead, signed and notarized making the document legally binding. (Brandt p. 107)
We need to clarify here the difference between the view point of revelation that god has ordained future events and the false idea that individual salvation is predetermined and that therefore there is no individual agency. One of the powers ascribed to god is expressed by the Greek words prognosis, and proginosko. These words are respectively translated “foreknowledge” and “predestine” and catch the idea not only of knowing something beforehand, but of choosing someone beforehand. Paul understood that god, because of his foreknowledge, had marked or set the course of history through the use of individuals who would bring about his will (see rom. 8-9) that is, god ordered things through the means of sending down spirits when and where he chose. These spirits, without any other manipulation on the part of god, act in ways he knows. Thus, by selection of these souls, god can order the course of history while still maintaining agency.
(Draper, p. 53)
“The document is sealed with seven seals. The use of seals was common during ancient times to prevent adulteration of important papers and, more importantly, to prove their authenticity. The verb sphragizo, to provide with a seal, carried the idea of assured content and authenticity. But the idea of ownership was important because the owner protected the document. In John’s day, seals carried the mark of the owner who guaranteed the contents and was responsible for carrying out the agreements, if any, contained therein. Out of this grew the association of the seal with the idea of protection and safety. This forms the symbolic base of the use of the term by the early Christians. To be sealed by the Holy Spirit (see Eph. 1:13) meant more than being provided with a means of identification. It assured than an individual could endure to an eternal reward because, belonging to God, protective power would be given from above.
Archaeologists found in Israel a document such as John describes, dating from about the time the apocalypse was written. It was an important legal contract. Its discovery confirmed the belief that the Seer was making symbolic reference to a binding agreement or covenant. One such type of covenant was the Roman will, which also bore seven seals. Such testaments could not be administered until all the seals were broken. Only a person of authority could break the seals and execute the will.
Working from this imagery, John describes the heavenly search for a person with power to open the scroll and execute the demands contained therein. In this case the scroll is the primary symbol for the fullness of time, containing as it does the aggregate of God’s will concerning this earth. Unless someone is found who can minister the will of God, the purposes of this earth will fail.” (Draper, p. 53-54)
Vs. 3- Read this from a "Council in Heaven" perspective. See Abraham 3:22-28 and Alma 34:10.
Vs. 5 – Note in vs. 5 & 6 that Jesus is the Lamb and the Lion (Gen. 49:9-10-Judah is a lion's welp-cub). Of all the New Testament writers, only John called Jesus the Lamb of God, twice quoting John the Baptist & 28 times mentioning the Lamb in the book of Revelation. (Ogden p. 324-5)
“Root of David” (Is. 11:1) – the root provides spiritual water and nourishment and life to His people.
Vs. 6 – 12 horns=priesthood power, 12 eyes=power of seership, 12 Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth=12 apostles; an apostle is one who is sent forth.
Vs. 8 - incense
Vs. 9 – This verse teaches us why Jesus is worthy to open the book.
A new song because of a new covenant.
Every “kindred, tongue and people and nation” this order is presented 7 times in the Book of Revelation. Note significance of #4- Redeemed people from everywhere!
Vs. 10 – See D&C 88:17-20
Vs. 11 – that is a bunch of angels!
Vs. 12 – Note the “seven” praises.
Vs. 13 – Joseph Smith said, “Revelation 5:13 provides proof that John saw beasts in heaven and heard them praise God. I do not know what language they speak.” (UBR p. 73) John saw millions of saved beasts from millions of earths (TPJS p. 291-2)
Vs. 14 – what does “Amen” mean? One of a small number of Hebrew words which have been carried unchanged into English. It is a declaration of affirmation.
(ˈ)ä-ˈmen, (ˈ)ā-; ˈä- when sung\
a·men ( -m n , ä-m n )
interj.
Used at the end of a prayer or a statement to express assent or approval.
