Revelation 5

The Scroll and the Lamb (“The Lamb Reigns!”)

1-3 John sees a scroll in the right hand of the one on the throne, sealed with seven seals. A mighty angel asks loudly, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?” *VofV – depending on the commentator, this book “symbolizes the things that are to occur,” “God’s eternal purpose,” or “the destiny of men.” Only divine power can reveal what is in it.
4-5 John weeps because they don’t find anyone to open the scroll, but one of the elders tells him that the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, can open the scroll because he has conquered. “Lion of Judah” refers to a prophecy of Judah’s descendant in Genesis 49:9,10. Root of David - the Messiah was to be a descendant of David – Isaiah 11:1,10.
6-10 John sees among the elders a slaughtered Lamb with 7 horns and 7 eyes (the 7 spirits). He takes the scroll, and the creatures and elders fall before him, holding harps and bowls of incense (prayers of the saints). They sing a new song: You are worthy, you were slaughtered to be a ransom for the people, making them a kingdom and priests of God to reign on earth. The Lamb has been slain but now lives. VofV – 7 horns represent total power; 7 spirits represent ceaseless and perfect vigilance on behalf of his people.
11-14 John sees and hears myriads – thousands – of angels singing “Worthy is the Lamb…,” joined by every creature under heaven. The creatures say “Amen!” and the elders worship. VofV – from Hendricksen’s More Than Conquerors – “All the universe praises God and the Lamb because of their work in creation and redemption.”
*From Vision of Victory – Revelation study guide compiled by Bill Bryan.