Revelation 4:4-6a 4Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, and on their heads golden crowns. 5And from the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.
John’s vision continues with describing the beings around the throne of God. His attention moved to notice 24 elders sitting on 24 thrones. The thrones symbolize places of honor. The number 24 is symbolic, but what it represents is unknown, with many theories offered. One possibility is that the elders represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 disciples. This number does not imply that these elders are the actual patriarchs or disciples but more symbolic of the whole people of God, the first covenant and the new covenant. Another possibility is a veiled reference to 1 Chronicles 24:3–19, where David divided the leaders of worshiping priests into twenty-four divisions. The elders around God’s throne also seem to be key leaders in the worship of God. These elders are mentioned at other points in Revelation (5:5; 7:13-14), particularly with the primary job of worshipping God.
Whoever these beings are or whatever they represent, their white clothing symbolizes purity or holiness, which is required to be in the presence of God. 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 the sound from it would cause anyone to fall in fear and deep respect. The scene recalls the theophany of Exodus 19:16-19. The seven lamps and seven spirits in front of the throne represent God’s perfection and presence. The seven spirits could refer to seven aspects of God’s Spirit mentioned in Isaiah 11:2. God is light, and God’s lamps shine forth his holy character. The sea of glass has background in Ezekiel 1:22
The whole scene is one of awe and wonder. Nothing like this exists on the earth. 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?