Revelation 5

CHAPTER 5

The Scroll and the Lamb (5:1-14)

1 Then John saw in God’s hand a book, or scroll,¹³ which was sealed with seven special seals. All the events and judgments that will take place at the end of the world were written in this scroll. These things were written on both sides of the scroll.

2-4 However, at first no one was found who was worthy to open the seals on the scroll; that is, no one was found in heaven or on the earth or under the earth¹⁴ who was worthy to bring to pass all the events and judgments written in the scroll. It seemed to John that God’s final purposes would not be fulfilled; therefore, he began to weep.

5 But there was someone who could open the seven seals of the scroll. That one was called the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David—namely, Christ Himself. Judah was the fourth of Jacob’s twelve sons; Jacob called him a lion’s cub (Genesis 49:9). At the time he gave the blessing to his sons, Jacob said: “The scepter will not depart from Judah … until he comes to whom it belongs”—that is, until Christ comes at the end of the world (Genesis 49:10). Christ was descended from Judah (Matthew 1:2; Luke 3:33). Therefore, Christ will receive the scepter of Judah; His kingdom will have no end.

Christ was also descended from King David (Matthew 1:6; Luke 3:31); therefore, He is called the Root of David. The prophet Isaiah called Christ the Root of Jesse¹⁵ (Isaiah 11:1,10; Romans 15:12). This is the Christ, the Messiah, who was worthy to open the scroll and bring the world to an end. He has triumphed over the world, over Satan, over death (see John 16:33). Only Christ is worthy.

6 Then John saw a lamb. Perhaps he was looking for a lion, the Lion of the tribe of Judah; but instead, he saw a lamb! What an amazing thing! The Savior of the world, the King whose kingdom will never end, was not a lion but a lamb! Not only that, He was a lamb that looked as if it had been slain. Christ has received His kingdom and authority not by power and force, but rather by His suffering and dying as a sacrifice to take away our sins (see Isaiah 53:3; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:14-15,28; 1 Peter 1:18-19 and comments).

According to John’s vision, this lamb had seven horns and seven eyes. The number “seven” has a special meaning in the Bible: it means completeness or fullness. The word “horn” in the Bible usually stands for power and authority. Therefore, the seven horns stand for complete power and authority. In the same way, the seven eyes stand for complete knowledge and wisdom. From this, we can understand that this lamb has all power and authority, and all wisdom and knowledge. The seven eyes are also seven spirits, or they represent the seven-part Holy Spirit (see Revelation 1:4; 4:5 and comments). One who has “seven spirits” has received the Holy Spirit in the fullest possible measure. We can understand, therefore, that this Lamb, Christ, has received the Holy Spirit without limit (see John 3:34).

7-8 When the Lamb took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before Him and worshiped Him. They each had a harp, which is a musical instrument especially used in worshiping God (Psalm 33:2). The incense in the golden bowls represents the prayers of believers (Psalm 141:2). Let us not doubt that God hears our prayers; our prayers constantly rise up before Him like incense.

9-10 The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders then sang a new song (Psalm 98:1). This song was a song of praise to the Lamb, who with His blood purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (see Mark 10:45; 14:24; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Ephesians 1:7 and comments). Those whom Christ has “purchased” He has made to be a kingdom and priests (see Revelation 1:6 and comment), and they will reign on the earth (verse 10). Some Bible scholars believe that this reign refers to the thousand-year reign of the saints which is to take place at the end of the world (see Revelation 20:4-6 and comment).

11-12 Then John saw over a hundred million angels worshiping the Lamb, Christ (Daniel 7:10). Christ not only is worthy to receive all of the things mentioned in verse 12; He has already received them. Christ has received power and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24), wealth (2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 3:8), strength (Luke 11:22), honor (Philippians 2:11), glory (John 1:14), and praise ¹⁶ (Romans 15:29). And all these qualities and virtues are made complete by the last thing of all—that is, praise. Praise is the one thing that we who have nothing can give to Him who has everything.

What a Savior we have! Let us never stop praising Him.

13-14 Think of this amazing revelation that John was given. John saw every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea praising God and the Lamb, Christ. Here on earth not everyone praises Christ. But when He comes in glory, every creature will bow down before Him and worship Him (see Philippians 2:9-11).