Revelation 5

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).