Revelation 5

The Lamb Who is worthy (vs. 1-7)—This chapter introduces us to “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,” the “Lamb as though it had been slain” (vs. 5-6). Though He had already spoken earlier in the book, Jesus appears again, risen, and all powerful. He is alive! That is a message John’s readers needed as desperately as knowing (chapter 4) that Jehovah still sat upon His throne, and had abdicated to no one.

The chapter begins with the One on the throne holding a scroll, “written inside and on the back”—full of the revelation of God—and “sealed with seven seals”—very, very important (v. 1). Yet, no one “in heaven or on the earth or under the earth” was found “worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals” (v. 2). Who knows the future of God’s people? John was very disheartened because of this—he wanted to learn of the destiny of those who remained on the earth. One of the 24 elders spoke to him, however, and comforted him by telling him that “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (v. 5). The Lamb, “as though it had been slain” (v. 6) appears “in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures.” He has seven horns (absolute power) and seven eyes (He sees all). The seven spirits of God represent ceaseless and perfect vigilance on behalf of His people. The Lamb knows His people, knows what they are going through, and is perfectly capable of providing everything they need. He took the scroll “out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne” (v. 7). He had already told John (chapter 1) that He held the fate of the churches in His hands, and now that fate is to be revealed. And only He is able to do it.

But again, He is alive, and what a wonderfully comforting thought that is. And to know that it is He who holds the key to our future, and not the human powers of this world.

Praise of the Lamb (vs. 8-14)—The remainder of the chapter records endless praise of this worthy Lamb. The four living creatures and 24 elders fall down before Him, worshipping Him (v. 8), singing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth” (vs. 9-10). The ASV says that He has made “them to be…a kingdom and priests,” and that “they reign upon earth,” i.e., using the 3rd person, rather than the 1st person as the KJV and NKJV do. Either way, God’s people will be victorious—through the blood of the Lamb. In verse 11, and innumerable host of angels—“ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands”—worshipped Him, also announcing the worthiness of the Lamb to receive all glory and power. Then in verse 13, “And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them” gave praise and laurels to this Lamb: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!'" The four living creatures confirm this (v. 14), and the 24 elders, which, again, represent the redeemed of all ages, continue to worship Him “who lives forever and ever.” If He does, then we will.

This chapter once again illustrates the great statement that ends the book of Psalms: “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). That is exactly what happens in Revelation 5. Before He opens the seven sealed book, it is only right to give Him the honor, glory, and exaltation that is His due.