Chapter Fourteen/The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - Behold "Four Living Creatures"

 John now observes another feature. He writes: "And in the midst of the throne and around the throne there are four living creatures that are full of eyes in front and behind." - REVELATION 4:6b. 

What do these creatures picture? A vision reported by another prophet, Ezekiel, helps us to find another answer. Ezekiel saw Jehovah enthroned on a celestial chariot, which was accompanied by living creatures embodying characteristics similar to those described by John. (Ezekiel 1:5-11, 22-28) Later, Ezekiel saw again that chariot throne accompanied by the living creatures. This time, however, he referred to the living creatures as cherubs. (Ezekiel 10:9-15) The four living creatures that John sees must represent the cherubs of God-creatures of high rank in his spirit organization. John would not think it unusual to see cherubs positioned so close to Jehovah's person, since in the ancient tabernacle arrangement, two cherubs of gold were displayed upon the lid of the ark of the covenant, which represented Jehovah's throne. From between these cherubs, Jehovhah's voice issued commandments to the nation. - EXODAUS 25:22; PSALM80:1.

Next time: Chapter Fourteen/The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - Behold "Four Living Creatures" - Continue 

From the jw.org publications 

Chapter Fourteen/The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - Lamps of Fire and a Glassy Sea - Conclusion

 John see also a "glassy sea like crystal." What would this symbolize with regard to those invited into Jehovah's heavenly court? Paul spoke of the way that Jesus sanctified the congregation, "cleansing it with the bath of water by means of the word." (Ephesians 5:26) Before his death, Jesus told his disciples: "You already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you." (John 15:3) Hence, this glassy sea like crystal must represent the cleansing, recorded Word of God.  Those of the royal priesthood who came into Jehovah's presence must have been thoroughly cleansed by his Word.  

Next time: Chapter Fourteen/The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - "Behold "Four Living Creatures"!

From the jw.org publications 

Chapter Fourteen/The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - Lamps of Fire and a Glassy Sea

 What does John further see? This: "And there are seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, and these mean the seven spirits of God. And before the throne there is, as it were, a glassy sea like crystal." (Revelation 4:5b, 6a) John himself tells us the magnificence of the seven lamps: "These mean the seven spirits of God." The number seven symbolizes divine completeness; so the seven lamps must represent the fullness of the enlightening force of the holy spirit. How grateful the John class is today that it has been entrusted with this enlightenment, together with the hungry peoples of earth! How glad we are that each year over 2oo million copies of the Watchtower magazine continue to beam forth this light in more than a hundred languages! - PSALM 43:3.

Next time: Chapter Fourteen/The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - Lamps of Fire and a Glassy Sea - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications