iona's Bible Study Notes on Revelation 5

iona's Bible Study Notes - Revelation Chapter 5

Again, chapters 4 and 5 are introductory to Chapters 6-22.

The book or scroll in v. 1 is in the "right hand," which is always is a symbol of God's strength and justice. Writing on both sides emphasizes the fullness of the judgments of the Tribulation as we shall see.

J. Hampton Keathley, III writes: In the chapters that follow, the breaking of the seals results in the out-pouring of the judgments described in Revelation. This clearly shows that the seven-sealed book contains prophecies of all the judgments necessary to bring rebellious man to his knees, defeat Satan's kingdom, restore the kingdom of the earth under the visible authority of God, and to reestablish man as God had originally intended before the fall and the invasion of the tyrant, Satan. Gen 1:26-28

"Sealed up" is katasfragizw from kata meaning "down" and sfragizw, "to seal." This compound verb means "tightly sealed, firmly sealed," and so, "very hidden, very secure." "Seven" is the number of perfection or completeness.

Why seven seals?

The Roman Custom: Making a will involved a testator and seven witnesses. There was a seal for each witness. Also, a very reliable friend was chosen who would, for a coin, purchase the property for the family. Thus the property would be be "owned" by the reliable friend, however, at the death of the testator, the reliable friend would return the property to the rightful heirs. A long scroll of parchment was used. The writer would begin writing then stop, roll up the parchment enough to cover his words, and seal the scroll with wax. He would then resume writing, stop, seal another portion, and so on until the entire scroll was sealed with seven seals. Thus, the scroll would read one section at a time after each seal was broken.

In the analogy, the Lord Jesus is the reliable Friend who has purchased our redemption and is now opening the seals which provide us with our inheritance. Here, He is reclaiming that which was lost by Adam. Further, this procedure was used to keep unauthorized persons from opening the seven-sealed scroll. Only a "worthy" person, the one with the right credentials, could open the seals, read the inheritance, and give it to the inheritors.

The Jewish Custom: Criswell points out that if a Jewish family were to lose its property or possessions by some kind of misfortune or distress, their property could not be permanently taken from them (the Old Testament law of jubilee and the kinsman redeemer protected them against this). However, their losses were listed in a scroll and sealed seven times. Then the conditions necessary to purchase back the land and their possessions were written on the outside of the scroll. When a qualified redeemer could be found, who could meet the requirements of reclamation (a kinsman redeemer like Boaz as in the story of Ruth), the one who had taken the property was required to return it to the original owner.

The "strong angel" who loudly proclaims, rather than merely asks "who is worthy...?" There is urgent need. This is probably Gabriel.

John is weeping in v. 4 because the redemption of the earth cannot proceed without cleansing. The inheritance cannot be given to the heirs until the seals are broken.

Jesus is the Lion of Judah and the Root (progenitor) of David . Isa 1:11

Jesus as the Lion and the Lamb
Lion                                                                                 Lamb
2nd Coming                                                                      1st Coming
Majesty                                                                             Meekness
Sovereign                                                                          Savior
Judge                                                                                 Judged
Government of God                                                            Grace of God

Seven Horns: Omnipotence; Seven Eyes: Omniscience; Seven Spirits: Omnipresence

"Overcome" is the Greek verb nikaw which means "to win a victory, come off victorious, to conquer, be victorious over one's enemies." Certainly, Jesus has overcome!

Although the Lamb looks as if slaughtered, He is standing. He is risen!

The scene with Christ and with the titles given Him (5:5) shows that He has laid aside His role as intercessor and advocate for the church (which is now with Him in heaven) and is taking up a new work on behalf of Israel, to fulfill Israel's kingdom promises. He is about to undertake His role as King and Judge. Note that it is when the Lion/Lamb takes the scroll that the actions of worship immediately follow.

Prayers of the saints. The bowls are golden, prayer has great value. The bowls are full, prayers will be genuine and full of praise.

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