![[20240501-RevelationHeader.jpg]]
![[The Lamb Takes the Scroll 5.1-7#^e3cddf]]
After the incredible scene of the throne room in Heaven from [[Revelation Chapter 4|chapter 4]] the focus turns to a scroll. ***What, if any, significance is it that the scroll was in the right hand of God?*** When referred to metaphorically, the right hand frequently refers to power or control. When the patriarchs blessed their children, they often used their right hand to confer them ([[Genesis 48.17-20|Genesis 48:17-20]]). This adds context to the question of the strong angel regarding the need for someone worthy to open the scroll.
***What is the significance of the writing being on the inside and on the back of the scroll?*** There can be a number of things this could likely point us to. First, scrolls were rare and usually only one side was written on. This could point to a complete and important message or that the writer had a lot to say. It could also be designed to draw our attention to the Ten Commandments. The tablets were written on both sides, front and back ([[Exodus 32.15|Exodus 32:15]]). Additionally, this scroll is similar to a book of judgment that the prophet Ezekiel was given.
> [!bible] **Ezekiel 2:9-10 NKJV**
>
> **9** Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. **10** Then He spread it before me; and there was writing on the inside and on the outside, and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe.
The scroll itself was sealed with *seven seals.* ***What does that tell us about the scroll?*** In ancient times important documents and decrees were often sealed shut. In the Old Testament, the stone set at the lion’s den where Daniel was sentenced was sealed by the king’s signet ring to signify that this was a binding judgment ([[Daniel 6.17|Daniel 6:17]]). Another example we can find in Scripture is when the chief priests and Pharisees requested that the tomb that Jesus was buried in be sealed to prevent His disciples from accessing the tomb and removing the body ([[Matthew 27.62-66|Matthew 27:62-66]]). From these passages it is possible to conclude that the scroll was given by God’s authority and unchangeable, and its message was only for those authorized to read it.
***What does it mean that the scroll was sealed with seven seals?*** One thing we have to ask is, ***Were there literally seven seals or does the number seven have a symbolic meaning?*** It could simply be that there were seven literal seals. ***What might the number seven mean symbolically?*** In Scripture the number seven when used symbolically often represents completion, perfection, and totality (consider God’s resting on the seventh day after completing the work of Creation in [[Genesis 2.1-3|Genesis 2:1-3]]).
The Bible says that a *strong* angel proclaiming with a loud voice asks the question who is worthy. There was a period of time that past with. no responses and John began to weep. **Why did John weep?** It could have been that he knew the significance of that moment. One of our group suggested that it might have been a type of intercession (cf. [[Revelation 5.8|Revelation 5:8]]).
The elder responded to John and told him who was worthy: the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David. He has prevailed to open the scroll. John looks and sees a Lamb that looked like it had been slain but was now standing and alive reach out and take the scroll. This Lamb also had seven horns and seven eyes which represented the seven spirits of God sent into the earth.
The Lion, the Root, and the Lamb are the same person. These are references to Jesus. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah refers to Messianic prophesies ([[Genesis 49.9-10|Genesis 49:9-10]], [[Micah 5.8|Micah 5:8]]). The Root of David, along with the seven-fold Spirit of God, are connected in another Messianic prophesy ([[Isaiah 11.1-10|Isaiah 11:1-10]], Jesus also used this title in [[Revelation 22.16|Revelation 22:16]]). John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” ([[John 1.29|John 1:29]]). The Apostle Peter described Jesus’ death like that of a lamb slaughtered to remove sin being foreordained before the foundation of the world ([[1 Peter 1.19-20|1 Peter 1:19-20]]). ***How did Jesus prevail to open the scroll?*** He conquered death, the devil, and the grave and has the keys of Hades and Death ([[Romans 6.9|Romans 6:9]], [[Hebrews 2.14-15|Hebrews 2:14-15]], [[Hosea 13.14|Hosea 13:14]], [[Isaiah 25.8|Isaiah 25:8]], [[Revelation 1.18|Revelation 1:18]]). This links back to verse 3 which speaks of *heaven*, *earth*, and *under the earth*.
***What does the scroll contain?*** To answer this we consider the following:
> [!quote] George R. Beasley-Murray
> There has been much speculation as to the nature of the scroll in the hand of God. Of the suggestions that have been advanced, two are especially noteworthy: one that it is a double inscribed contract deed, the other a testament or will. The former goes back to ancient time, when contracts were written on tablets, wrapped round with clay, on the outside of which the nature of the contract was briefly stated. When papyrus or parchment was introduced, fundamentally the same procedure was used, and the document was sealed with seven seals. A related procedure took place with the writing of a will, in that a will was sealed by seven witnesses, and after the death of the testator it was opened, when possible, in their presence.
>
> <cite>George R. Beasley-Murray, [“Revelation,”](https://ref.ly/logosres/nbc?ref=Bible.Re5.1&off=2&ctx=1+~There+has+been+much+speculation+as+to+) in _New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition_, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1434.</cite>
Both of these views are noteworthy. The first, that the scroll represents a title deed relates to the idea that God delegated authority over the earth to humanity who then lost it during the fall ([[Genesis 1.26|Genesis 1:26]]). The authority was given over to the satan (who when tempting Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus did not dispute ownership at that time - [[Luke 4.5-8|Luke 4:5-8]]).
The second, that this was a will, sealed by seven witnesses and opened after the death of the testator is plausible. This was now a pronouncement of God’s will regarding His covenant promises of justice and judgment. Jesus lived for the will of God and died in His will and rose again triumphantly according to His will. Therefore Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth and, as a result of His death and resurrection, under the earth ([[Matthew 28.18|Matthew 28:18]], [[Philippians 2.8-11|Philippians 2:8-11]]).
***What are the significance of the seven horns and the seven eyes?*** In Scripture, horns often represent authority and power. If seven represents complete or perfect and horns represent authority or power then the seven horns means that Jesus has all power or all authority, that He is omnipotent. The seven eyes, which we are told are the seven spirits of God sent throughout the earth, in a similar manner represent that Jesus sees everything–He is omniscient. There is nothing hidden from His sight nor able to deliver from His power ([[Hebrews 4.13]], [[Deuteronomy 32.39]]).
![[Worthy is the Lamb 5.8-14#^5eab5e]]
***What is the significance of the harps and golden bowls of incense?*** The harps likely represent praise or worship, while we are told that the bowls of incense represent that prayers of the saints. ***What might that imply about the relationship between praise and prayer?*** At least as portrayed in this heavenly scene, it appears that prayer and praise work together. One thing that can be observed is that the prayers of the saints are like incense in heaven.
> [!todo]- For Further Study: Incense and Prayer
> Read [[Exodus 30.1-10|Exodus 30:1-10]] and [[Psalm 141.1-2|Psalm 141:1-2]]. How do these passages inform our understanding of how incense is connected to prayer, especially as it relates to this passage in Revelation.
The elders then sang a new song declaring that Jesus was worthy and then they explained why. ***Why did the elders declare Jesus to be worthy to open the seals?*** According to their song, it was His sacrifice on the cross. He redeemed, or bought from slavery, the church out of bondage to sin (cf. [[1 Peter 1.18-19|1 Peter 1:18-19]], [[Romans 6.12-14|Romans 6:12-14]]). This scene was also prophesied by Isaiah ([[Isaiah 51.11|Isaiah 51:11]]). ***Who was redeemed by the blood of Jesus?*** People from every tribe, language, people, and nation. ***Why does that matter?*** Because God loves the whole world and wants to share life with people no matter their heritage, gender, or bloodline (cf. [[John 3.16|John 3:16]]). ***What was the purpose for this redemption?*** They were redeemed to God, in other words to be in relationship with Him. The result is that the redeemed have become kings and priests to serve God and reign together with Him on the earth.
In verse 11, the angels join the elders in their praise. They echo the original declaration that Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is worthy. ***What did the angels and elders declare that Jesus was worthy to receive?*** He was worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing. ***How might we interpret these things as we worship Jesus?***
- We offer to Him our obedience as we recognize His authority.
- We offer to Him our material wealth in generous giving.
- We offer to Him our thinking and defer to His wisdom.
- We offer to Him our service as we use our strength to do good works in His name.
- We offer to Him our recognition as we consider Him worthy of honor.
- We offer to Him the credit for all of the good things He has done in our lives for our good and His glory.
- We offer to Him our praise as we bless His name for who He is and all He has done for us.
Then, in verse 13, all of creation joins the elders and the angels in honoring Jesus. The final part of the song magnifies God on the throne and the Lamb, forever and ever.
The chapter concludes with the four living creatures, the church (as represented by the elders), the angels, and creation all worshipping God together.
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[[Studies]] | [[Revelation]] | [[Revelation Chapter 4]] | [[Revelation Chapter 6]]