The Throne Established (The Number 24)
In the second verse of chapter 4, intimation is given that the throne was set in heaven. “Heaven” as we have seen elsewhere relates to the government of a realm. The throne is the symbol of kingship. In other words the new government established in the earth is a monarchy, the king having executive power, and not being merely a figurehead as is the custom today.
The association of the twenty-four elders with the one on the throne indicates that it is the throne of David that is set up. In 1 Chronicles 24. 3-5 it is recorded that the priesthood had twenty-four members appointed to the duties of the priesthood in an executive capacity and in Chapter 25 the appointment of 24 persons who should be attached to the musical service of the temple. In both of these cases we have a type of the saints in the age to come, associated with the worship centred in the great temple which will be erected, as an house of prayer for all nations.
We are instructed in the record of Daniel 2 that the little stone power which smites the image representing the kingdoms of men, itself becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth. It is a gradual process by which the Kingdom of God will supersede the kingdoms of men. It will be necessary for God to “break in pieces . . . all these kingdoms”.
Revelation 4. 5 indicates the fiery judgments of God going out into all the earth. That warfare is intended is shown by the use of thunders and lightnings. Zechariah chapter 6 also portrays the going forth of God’s judgments to the nations of the earth until at last all is quiet. The rebelliousness of men will be put down. David also uses such symbols indicating the outpouring of God’s wrath upon David’s enemies.
Further reference to the twenty-four Elders is made in Rev. 5. 8 which shows indisputably that they represent the immortalised saints. The difference in the scenes described is that chapter 5 depicts a time of peace and glory which is subsequent to the period of judgment described in chapter 4.
The Lightnings, Thunders and Voices
Some of the effects of the setting up of the throne will be the issuing forth of lightning and thunder. These are indicative of warfare against the nations. God will use Israel as His battle axe and weapons of war, for Jer. 52. 20 informs us “with thee will I break 6n pieces the nations”. God has fought against the nations in the past, and such an occasion is mentioned in 2 Sam. 22. 14-15. The Kingdom of God will not be established in a moment, but it will be accomplished by a continual process, as indicated in the second chapter of Daniel, where the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, grows and eventually becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth. The Divine direction of action against the nations is indicated not only in the Apocalypse but also in Zechariah 9. 13- 15, in the words “and made thee (Israel) as the sword of a mighty man, and the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south”.
Seven Lamps of Fire
The number seven when used in scripture indicates perfect unity or completeness. There is only one spirit of God, but His spirit will be sent forth through a multitude of redeemed ones, who though many yet act in unison in carrying out the will of God.
A Sea of Glass
The sea is used to indicate nations not only here but also in other parts of scripture. lsa. 57. 20 describes the present nations as a troubled sea, casting up mire and dirt. Our Lord also uses the simile of sea and waves roaring, thus describing the unsettled state of nations just prior to his coming. Other passages to examine are Ezek. 26. 3, Jer. 51. 42, Rev. 17. 15, 15. 2 and 1 6. 3 Whereas the nations at present are in a turbulent state, John beheld a calm sea, no longer stirring up mud.
Four Beasts ( Living Creatures)
Also associated with the throne were four “beasts”. Dr. Thomas in Eureka points out that in his opinion a better rendering would be “living ones or living creatures”. As they are saved to be situated round about the throne, they occupy the same area as the twenty-four elders. The living creatures symbolize another phase of the work of the saints, particularly that in which many of them will be occupied, namely the judging and overcoming of the powers of the nations.
Paul tells us in Eph. 2. 12 that those who espouse the hope of the Gospel, thereby become members of the Commonwealth of Israel. Indeed the Gospel is termed “the hope of Israel” (Acts 28. 20). Israel of old were a type of the kingdom of God in the millenial age. After a period of 40 years probation God used them as His battle axe, and weapons of war to break in pieces the seven nations of Canaan.
Their encampment in the wilderness, was comprised of four sections, each section comprised of three tribes, and the four companies each having a standard. The standards were a Lion, Calf, Eagle and a Man. Numbers chapter 2 shows that this was mainly for the purpose of their warfare with the nations against whom they were to come.
Another feature of the living creatures is that they were similar to the cherubim in the tabernacle. Cherubim had the body of a man, and the heads or faces were those as mentioned above. Each separate cherubim had four wings. These cherubim were an extension of the mercy seat, and made of beaten gold. Perhaps a better comparison for these creatures of the Apocalypse is Isaiah 6, where the seraphims each have six wings, and they cried, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory”: hereby prophesying the glorious end for which we look when the saints, united with Christ will take up the great duties of worship in the tabernacle and of administration throughout the earth.
“Full of Eyes”
The eye is the symbol of intelligence; at present the angels are those who go forth on missions assigned by the Father, having full and complete knowledge in those things to which they are entrusted. Those who shall be made like unto the angels, shall have somewhat similar duties in the age to come. The setting up of the kingdom and subjugation of the nations will be a work of time, and the saints will bear an honoured part in the mighty events yet to take place.
It may be good to summarize concerning the four faces.
The Man is the basis of God’s plan of salvation. “Thou modest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands” (Psa. 8. 6).
The Lion indicates the majesty and dominion of the lion of the tribe of Judah. Christ (with his brethren) will be established as the royalty of the age to come.
The Ox or Calf represents labour and sacrifice. This is certainly a phase of the careers of both Jesus and his brethren. “Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”
The Eagle symbolises eternal youth and freedom from mortal physical weakness. Like their leader the saints will become tireless, be possessed of effortless power, and unlimited motion. “They shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40. 31.
Worship and Thanks
It is not surprising to read in verses 9-11 of the glory, honour, and thanksgiving which will be given by the saints to him who will sit upon the throne, who will have made all things possible for them. Christ is the central figure of God’s creation; all things were made on account of him or for him. Truly in regard to the things of the new age he will have created or performed them. The son will have been glorified in his position of supremacy for a thousand years. Thereafter he shall hand over a perfected world to his Father; God shall be all in all.
The Solution