Revelation 4

The Heavenly Worship ("The Throne Rules.")

1-6a John looks and sees an open door in heaven. The trumpet voice invites him up, and at once John is “in the spirit.” This is what he sees – both terrifying and glorious:

• One who looks like jewels seated on a throne, surrounded by a emerald rainbow – *VofV: Also a sign of the covenant with Noah in Genesis 19:11-16.
• 24 white-robed, crowned (Greek stephanos, indicating victory) elders sitting on 24 thrones around that throne. (VofV - 12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles = 24, representing the redeemed of all ages) 
• Thunder and lightning coming from the throne
• 7 flaming torches (7 spirits of God) in front of the throne
• A crystal sea in front of the throne

6b-11 Four living creatures on each side of the throne, looking like:

• 1 – Lion (VofV –Nobility)
• 2 – Ox (Strength)
• 3 – Human face (Wisdom)
• 4 – Flying eagle (Swiftness). Also see Ezekiel 1 and Ezekiel 10.

They all:

• Are full of eyes – front, back, and inside VofV: Nothing in God’s creation escapes their view (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13)
• Have six wings (See Isaiah 6:1-3)
• Never cease praising God, singing “Holy, holy, holy….”

When they praise God, the elders throw their crowns before the Throne, singing “You are worthy, Lord and God….”
From *Vision of Victory:An Expository Study of the Book of Revelation by Bill Bryan, 2002, page 31:

So great is the One that sits on the Throne that cherubim, the highest order of angels, humble themselves in reverence, awe, and adoration ascribing glory, honor, and thanksgiving to Him, the One who lives forever. Immediately, God’s covenant people of all time, the redeemed of the ages, cast their crowns before His throne and proclaim, “Worthy are Thou.”