REVELATION 4
THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY THRONE ROOM
After recording the messages to the seven churches, John is shown an open door, leading to the heavenly throne room. A voice speaks to John, saying that he must be shown what will one day take place.
Upon the throne is a person who has the appearance of jasper and carnelian. These two gemstones, which are white and red, are possible representations of Jesus’ purity and the blood of His sacrifice.
Above the throne is a rainbow that appears to be made of emerald. This rainbow points to God’s covenant with Noah, where He promised never to wipe out humanity with another great flood (See Genesis 9). The gemstones also highlight Jesus’ role as the ultimate high priest. Previously, God instructed Israel's high priests to wear jasper, carnelian, and emerald along with nine other gemstones on their chest in a garment called a euphod (See Exodus 28).
Around the great throne are twenty-four additional thrones, seating twenty-four elders clothed in white garments and golden crowns. Scripture does not specify, but many believe that these twenty-four thrones are representative of the twelve sons of Jacob (twelve tribes of Israel) and the twelve disciples. These two groups symbolize God’s people from both the old covenant (before Jesus) and new covenant (since Jesus).
From the throne come flashes of lightning and thunder. In front of the throne are seven burning torches of fire and a sea of crystal glass. On each side of the throne are four living creatures, each with six wings and covered in eyes. These creatures, described as a lion, ox, man, and eagle, continually praise God and sing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” These beings resemble the cherubim described by the prophet Ezekiel (See Ezekiel 1, 10) but also share characteristics of seraphim (described in Isaiah 6), as they continuously worship God.
All beings give glory, honor, and thanks to the depiction of God on the throne. The twenty-four elders in the surrounding thrones fall down and cast their crowns before Him. They praise God and acknowledge Jesus as both the Creator and Savior of humanity.
