REVELATION CHAPTER
FOUR
“The basic
structure of the vision is chronological. After seeing the Father and the Son
in heaven (Rev. 4–5), the vision of the history & destiny of
the world begin to unfold for John. He sees the 1st 5 seals (or 1st 5,000
thousand years of history) in rapid-fire, in encapsulated form. Then he sees
the opening of the 6th seal, which includes the restoration of the gospel. ( Rev. 6:12–7:17.)
“After that, John
sees the 7th period of a 1000 years, with great judgments poured out upon the
earth, including Armageddon (Rev. 8–9,
11, 16), which eventually lead to the utter overthrow of Babylon (17–18) and make way for the 2nd coming of him who is
King of kings and Lord of lords (19). Immediately following that, John sees Satan bound &
Christ reigning for 100 years (20:1–6), a last great battle between the forces of
righteousness & evil (20:7–10), & the final judgment (20:11–15). Finally, a new heaven & a new earth are
brought forth. (21:1–22:5.)” ( Gerald Lund, “Seeing the Book of Revelation as a Book of Revelation,” Ensign, Dec. 1987, 52).
Chaps. 4 and 5 begins what appears
to be a pattern. Every time the vision is about to turn to a description of
plagues, destruction, war, or turmoil, that description is prefaced with a
portrayal of what the righteous will attain, in order to give them hope and
remind them of what can be theirs. (Clyde J.
Williams)
Vs. 1 – After this= A new scene in the
Revelation- A door was opened into (JST) heaven. The Greek word thura (door), as used here, suggests a
double or folding door such as the entry to a Roman manor or Jewish Great
house. (Draper) Joseph Smith taught "could you gaze into heaven five
minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was
written on the subject." (TPJS p. 324) The first voice was that of the
Savior.
Come up hither – To the Holy of Holies or the throne room in
heaven. Why?-Is. 48:1-5
Vs. 2 – “One sat on the
throne.” This phrase, or one close to it, occurs 12 times in the Book of
Revelation. It almost always seems to have reference to the Father. Note from
D&C 137:3 that both the Father and the Son sit on the throne and in 132:49
there is a throne being prepared for Joseph Smith and all the exalted. (132:19)
Vs. 3 – Jasper and
Sardine stones are the first & last stones on the High Priest’s
breastplate. Jesus is the 1st and the last. Jasper stones are mostly green, a
sign of life. Red is symbolic of the blood of the lamb. Rainbow – See the BD definition of Rainbow, also Ezek. 1:26-28
"It is interesting, though,
that the throne of judgment is surrounded by a rainbow. For the ancients, this
symbol is rich in meaning. It harks back to the original rainbow that God
placed in the sky after the Flood-a time when God's judgment came upon the
earth because of its wickedness. The rainbow, however, was the symbol not of
God's judgment bur rather of his mercy, in promise that he would never flood
the earth again. In a similar manner, the Lord seeks to reassure John and his
audience that although his judgments must come upon the earth and its
inhabitants, the Saints can take comfort in the fact that God's great mercy
will temper the demands of Justice. (Gaye Strathern, Revelation: John's Message of Comfort and Hope" in "The
Testimony of John the Beloved" 27th Sperry Symp. p. 288-89)
Emerald is the 4th
stone on the breastplate- a symbol for the tribe of Judah
Vs. 4 – Note that the
JST places the 24 seats (see foot note =thrones) in the midst of the temple throne. The Gk word
used for the seats is the same word used for God's throne. (thronos) This is the
first time we use D&C 77- 24 dead elders from the 7 churches = D&C 77:5
Vs.
5
Lightings and Thunderings =Power of God - Ex. 19:16 & Mosiah 27:18.
Anciently lamps were small ceramic bowls filled with oil and a wick. JST says
these lamps are the 7 servants of God.
Vs. 6 – Sea of glass
–D&C 77:1; 130:6-11- The earth, in its sanctified, immortal, & eternal
state.
4 Beasts – See D&C 77:2 &
3; Eyes before and behind – See
D&C 77:4- Similar to beasts in Isaiah 6:1-3 & Ezekiel 1:5-14
BEASTS
In
this verse and elsewhere, John speaks of two types of beasts in Revelation: he
envisions actual living creatures (Greek zoon) that exist in heaven (4:6-9);
5:6-14); 6:1-7: 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4), and he speaks of other beasts (Greek
therion), referring both to earthly beasts as well as to symbolic or fantastic
beasts (6:8; 11:7; 13:1-18; 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2, 10, 13; 17:1-18; 19:19-20;
20:4, 10). The word beast used in this passage could more accurately be
translated “living creature,” In fact, the choice of the KJV translators to use
the word best is particularly unfortunate, since these creatures are living,
dynamic beings filled with intelligence and glory.
Joseph
Smith suggested that the four beasts “lived on another planet than ours. (Ehat
& Cook, Words of Joseph Smith, p. 171) The four beasts in this passage in
Revelation are actual beasts that exist in heaven. “John saw the actual beast
in heaven, showing to John that beasts did actually exist there....“John saw
curious looking beasts in heaven; he saw every creature that was in heaven,-all
the beasts, fowls and fish in heaven,-actually there, giving glory to God....“I
suppose John saw beings there of a thousand forms, that had been saved from ten
thousand times ten thousand earths like this,-strange beasts of which we have
no conception: all might be seen in heaven. The grand secret was to show John
what there was in heaven. John learned that God glorified Himself by saving all
that His hands had made, whether beasts, fowls, fishes or men; and He will
glorify Himself with them.”(HC 5:343-44) (UBRevelation, p. 61)
“The four beasts were four of the
most noble animals that had filled the measure of their creation, and had been
saved from other worlds, because they were perfect: they were like angels in
their sphere. We are not told where they came from” (HC 5:343–44).
Vs.
7 – FOUR
BEASTS
|
BEAST
|
CHARAC-TERISTIC
|
TRIBAL
REPRESENTATION
|
|
ORDER
|
|
LION
|
NOBLEST
|
|
EAST
|
WILD
|
|
OX (CALF)
|
STRONGEST
|
EPHRAIM
|
WEST
|
DOMESTIC
|
|
MAN
|
WISEST
|
REUBEN
|
SOUTH
|
MANKIND
|
|
EAGLE
|
SWIFTEST
|
DAN
|
NORTH
|
FOWL
|
Vs.
8 – “In the book of Revelation, John speaks of a particular set of “beasts” in
the presence of God singing praises to him (see Rev. 4:8). John speaks of them
as having many eyes (representing knowledge, perhaps omniscience) and wings
(power to move and act). It is curious that John highlights these heavenly
creatures as having six wings. It is generally understood that in his
apocalypse, John always uses numbers with intent. Thus, the question must be
asked, why do these angels in the presence of God have six wings? The answer is
unclear in the text. However, the number six is a standard symbol for
incompleteness or some deficit. Knowing that these beings are in the presence
of God and possess the knowledge that they do, we cannot see the employment of
the number six here as a negative symbol. It may simply be a representation of
their interim state as celestial heirs awaiting resurrection, which may explain
the sense in which they are “incomplete.” (Gaskill, p. 58) See Isaiah 6:2-3 (TPJS
p. 288-291)
Vs.
10 – Cast their crowns before the throne – An acknowledgement of their love,
dependence, humility, and that their authority comes from HE who sits upon the
throne. We will go on worshipping God
forever and ever! We will never need to be coaxed. (NAM, Ensign, May 1997)
Vs.
11 – thou art worthy – “fully qualified”-D&C 88:19-20 for why the earth was
created.
“We will go on praising [the Lord] for ever and
ever! … We will never need to be coaxed” (NAMaxwell “From Whom All Blessings Flow,” Ensign, May 1997, 12).
REVELATION
CHAPTER FIVE
Chapter 5 is the most complete description we have in
the scriptures of the premortal council wherein Christ was chosen to be our
Savior & Redeemer. Most Christian religions do not believe in a premortal
life. This chapter, in conjunction with Job 38:4-7 and Jeremiah 1:5 presents a
chance to help understand that we did live before we came to earth. (Ridges p.
425) Also John 9:2 and Abraham 3
Vs.
1 -Right
hand- “Showing favor to the right hand
or side is not something invented by man but was revealed from the heavens in
the beginning. … There are numerous passages in the scriptures referring to the
right hand, indicating that it is a symbol of righteousness and was used in the
making of covenants” (ATGQ, 1:156–57; Mosiah 5:9–12; 26:23–24; Alma 5:58; Helaman 3:30).
The book –D&C 77:6-7- “The first seal contains the
things of the first thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand
years, and so on until the seventh” & 88:108-110.
Opistographi-A
scroll written on both sides, nothing left out or to be added. Ezek 2:9-10.
“seal” – Anciently, royalty and government officials
sealed their documents to prove their origin & ownership. The stamps or
signets, they used to imprint the sealing 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 & close at hand. In many cases, they carried it on a ring that they
would always wear. The intricate & 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 & 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 & the false idea
that individual salvation is predetermined & that therefore there is no
individual agency. One of the powers ascribed to God is expressed by the Greek
words prognosis, & proginosko. These words are respectively translated
“foreknowledge” & “predestine” & 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 (Rom. 8-9) that is, God
ordered things through the means of sending down spirits when &where he
chose. These spirits, without 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)
Vs.
2 - The strong angel may refer to
Gabriel (Noah) whose name translates “God is my strength”. Others believe it
was Michael. JST adds “& heard him” after “saw” “worthy” from the Gk. “axios” =deserving.
“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. Gospel
writers frequently emphasized that Jesus was a descendant of David. Later in
Rev. 22, Christ declared, “I am the root & the offspring of David. A root
provides lifesaving nourishment to a plant. Jesus does the same to all who
accept Him as their Savior. (John 15:1-8 & Isaiah 11:1; 53:2)
Vs. 6- "slain" from Greek
"sphazo" meaning "the
act of sacrificing." Note JST- 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.
Jesus is referred to as a Lamb nearly 30 times.
A central
message of Revelation 5 is that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the only
One worthy to fulfill the work of God, which is represented by the book sealed
with seven seals (see verses 1–4, 9, 12–13). Revelation 5 depicts several groups worshipping Christ,
declaring His worthiness in song (see verses 8–14). For further explanation of Jesus Christ’s
worthiness, see John 5:22, 27, 30; Hebrews
7:26.
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!
“Before the time when Christ shall reign personally upon the
earth, the elect of God among every kindred, … having first believed the
restored gospel, will go to the temples of God and receive the ordinances of
exaltation whereby they qualify to become kings and priests” (BRM, CR, Apr.
1969, 144).
Vs. 10 – See D&C 88:17-20; Rev. 1:5-6
Vs. 11 – that is a bunch of angels! One
Hundred Million plus thousands and thousands
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.
A modern replica of an
ancient papyrus scroll sealed with multiple clay seals. Sealing an ancient
document identified its owner and his authority, made the document legally
binding, and protected it from unauthorized disclosure. Jesus Christ’s role as
the only person worthy to open and read the sealed book highlights His
authority as the executor of God’s plan of salvation.
