Revelation Part 17

Encircling the throne are 24 elders, seated on thrones of their own, clothed in white garments and wearing golden crowns. Much debate surrounds their identity, but several details stand out: angels do not age, angels are never crowned, and thrones are never promised to them. The elders most likely represent redeemed humanity—perhaps a combined picture of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles, the Old Covenant and the New, or the fullness of the priestly order (since there were 24 priestly courses in Israel’s temple service). Their garments symbolize righteousness and their crowns represent reward, yet they continually cast those crowns before the throne, acknowledging that all glory and honor belong to God alone. 

From the throne itself proceed flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, echoing the scenes at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16–18) when God descended in glory. These signs remind us of His awesome holiness and the fearsome reality of His presence. Before the throne burn seven lamps of fire, identified as the seven Spirits of God representing the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 11:2 reminds us that the Spirit of the Lord is full of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. This Spirit equips the saints to serve as kings and priests, exercising authority with godly wisdom. 

Stretching out before the throne is a sea of glass, clear as crystal, reflecting the glory of God like a vast mirror of precious gems. It may symbolize both the separation between the holy God and His creation, and the calm stability of His reign compared to the chaos of earth. In Ezekiel 1:22 a similar expanse is described as “awesome crystal,” reinforcing the consistency of this vision throughout Scripture. 
 
Around the throne are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind, symbolizing complete perception and vigilance. Their forms recall the standards of the tribes of Israel—lion (Judah), ox (Ephraim), man (Reuben), and eagle (Dan)—and echo Ezekiel’s vision of the cherubim (Ezekiel 1) as well as Isaiah’s vision of the seraphim (Isaiah 6). Each represents a facet of God’s creation and authority: the lion symbolizes majesty and courage, the ox strength and service, the man intelligence and relationship, the eagle swiftness and heavenly perspective. These creatures never rest, day or night, continually declaring: 

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (Revelation 4:8). 

Their ceaseless worship emphasizes God’s eternal nature and perfect holiness. 

In response, the 24 elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship, casting their crowns at His feet. Their anthem resounds: 

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11). 

Here is the essence of worship—acknowledging God as Creator and Sustainer of all. Every breath, every star, every nation, every life exists by His will. 

This vision of the throne of God is not given for curiosity but for encouragement and perspective. It reminds us that beyond the turmoil of the earth lies the steady, unshakable throne of heaven. It calls us to join in heaven’s worship, to remember that our prayers rise like incense before this very throne (Revelation 5:8), and that Christ Himself intercedes for us there. From this throne, the Lamb will take the scroll and open the seals, setting in motion the judgments and redemption of the end of the age. This vision of the throne and an understanding of God’s sovereign power give us the context and perspective for everything that follows in Revelation. 

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.