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 4:5b)

What do these creatures picture?  A vision reported by another prophet, Ezekiel, helps us to find the answer.  Ezekiel saw Jehovah enthroned on a celestial  chariot, which was accompanied by living creatures embodying  characteristics similar described by John.  (Ezekiel 1:5-11, 22-18)  Later, Ezekiel again saw 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 many 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 covenant, which represented Jehovah's throne.  From between these cherubs, Jehovah voice issued commandments to the nation. -  EXODS  25:22; PAlm 80:1. 

These four living creatures  are "in the midst  of the throne and around the throne."  Exactly what does this mean?  It could signify that they are positioned around the throne n such a way that one is standing in the middle of each side.  Thus, the translators of Today's English Version paraphrased the original Greek expression in this way: "surrounding the throne on the  on each of its sides>'  Alternatively, the expression could mean that the four living creatures  are in the central position in heaven where the throne is.  Likely, that is why the Jerusalem Bible renders the phrase:  "In the center grouped around the throne itself," The important thing os the closeness of the cheriubs to Jehovah's throne, comparable  to that of the cherubs that Ezekiel saw at each corner of Jehovah's organization organizational chariot.  (Ezekiel 1:55-22)  All of this harmonizes with the words of Psalm 99:1: "Jehovah himself has become king. . . . He is sitting upon the cherubs."  

John continues:  "And the first living creature is like a lion, and second living creature is like a young bull, and third living creature has  a face like a man's, and the fourth living creature is like a flying eagle."  (Revelation  4:7)  Why do these four living creatures look so different, one from another?  These distinctive  living creatures evidently highlight specific godly qualities.  First, there is the lion, a lion is used in the Bible as a symbol of courage, especially in the pursuit of justice and righteousness.  (Samuel 17:10; Proverva 28:1)  Thus, the lion well represents the godly quality of courageous justice.  (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14) The second  living creature resembles a young bull.  What quality does a bull bring to your mind?  To the Israelites the bull was a valuable possession because of its power. (Proverbs 14:4; see also 39:9-11.)   The young bull, then , represents power, dynamich energy as supplied by Jehovah. - PSALM 62:11; ISAIAH 40:26.

The third living creature has a face like a man's. This must represent godlike love, since on earth man alone was created in God's image, with the superlative quality of love.  ( Genesis 1:26-28; Matthew 22:36-40; 1 John 4:8, 16)  Undoubtedly, the cherubs display this quality as they serve around Jehovah's throne.  What now of the fourth living creature?  This one is like  a flying eagle in appearance.  Jehovah himself calls attention to the eagle's great vision:  "Far into the distance, his eyes keep looking." (Job 39:29)   Hence, the eagle well symbolizes farsighted wisdom.  Jehovah is the Source of wisdom. His cherubs exercise diving wisdom as they obey his commands. - PROVERBS 2:6; JAMES 3:17.

Next time: The Magnificence of Jehovah's Celestial Throne - Jehovah's Praised Ring Out

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