Revelation 4:4-6a Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
John’s vision continues with describing the beings around the throne of God. First are 24 elders sitting on 24 thrones. These symbolize places of honor. Why the number 24? One possibility is that each elder represents one of the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 disciples. This number does not imply that these elders are the actual patriarchs or disciples. Whoever these are or whatever they represent, their white clothing symbolizes purity. The golden crowns represent high honor fit only for royalty. Those who accept Christ are “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). God’s throne was not only brilliant to look at but also the sound would cause anyone to fall in fear. The seven lamps and seven spirits represent the perfection of God and God’s presence. God is light and God’s lamps shine forth his holy character. The whole scene is one of awe and wonder. Nothing like this exists on the earth. All of the four people in the Bible who saw God’s throne fell down in worship. When we see the holy God in splendor, our lives will be changed. When we look upon Christ, do we see the same wonder? Or, are we blinded by the darkness of this world?
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