Revelation 4:8
Verse
Context
Worship of the Creator
7The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Vance Havner
A.W. TozerLeonard RavenhillLeonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The four beasts had each of them six wings - I have already observed, in the preface to this book, that the phraseology is rabbinical; I might have added, and the imagery also. We have almost a counterpart of this description in Pirkey Elieser. chap. 4. I shall give the substance of this from Schoettgen. "Four troops of ministering angels praise the holy blessed God: the first is Michael, at the right hand; the next is Gabriel, at the left; the third is Uriel, before; and the fourth is Raphael, behind him. The shechinah of the holy, blessed God is in the midst, and he himself sits upon a throne high and elevated, hanging in the air; and his magnificence is as amber חשמל, (chashmal), in the midst of the fire, Eze 1:4, On his head is placed a crown and a diadem, with the incommunicable name (יהוה Yehovah) inscribed on the front of it. His eyes go throughout the whole earth; a part of them is fire, and a part of them hail. At his right hand stands Life, and at his left hand Death; and he has a fiery scepter in his hand. Before him is the veil spread, that veil which is between the temple and the holy of holies; and seven angels minister before him within that veil: the veil and his footstool are like fire and lightning; and under the throne of glory there is a shining like fire and sapphire, and about his throne are justice and judgment. "The place of the throne are the seven clouds of glory; and the chariot wheels, and the cherub, and the living creatures which give glory before his face. The throne is in similitude like sapphire; and at the four feet of it are four living creatures, each of which has four faces and four wings. When God speaks from the east, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of a Man; when he speaks from the south, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of a Lion; when from the west, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of an Ox; and when from the north, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of an Eagle. "And the living creatures stand before the throne of glory; and they stand in fear, in trembling, in horror, and in great agitation; and from this agitation a stream of fire flows before them. Of the two seraphim one stands at the right hand of the holy blessed God, and one stands at the left; and each has six wings: with two they cover their face lest they should see the face of the shechina; with two they cover their feet lest they should find out the footstool of the shechinah; and with two they fly, and sanctify his great name. And they answer each other, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. And the living creatures stand near his glory, yet they do not know the place of his glory; but wheresoever his glory is, they cry out and say, Blessed be the glory of the Lord in his place." In Shemoth Rabba, sec. 23, fol. 122, 4, Rabbi Abin says: "There are four which have principality in this world: among intellectual creatures, Man; among birds, the Eagle; among cattle, the Ox; and among wild beasts, the Lion: each of these has a kingdom and a certain magnificence, and they are placed under the throne of glory, Eze 1:10, to show that no creature is to exalt itself in this world, and that the kingdom of God is over all." These creatures may be considered the representatives of the whole creation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
about him--Greek, "round about him." ALFORD connects this with the following sentence: "All round and within (their wings) they are (so two oldest manuscripts, A, B, and Vulgate read) full of eyes." John's object is to show that the six wings in each did not interfere with that which he had before declared, namely, that they were "full of eyes before and behind." The eyes were round the outside of each wing, and up the inside of each when half expanded, and of the part of body in that inward recess. rest not--literally, "have no rest." How awfully different the reason why the worshippers of the beast "have no rest day nor night," namely, "their torment for ever and ever." Holy, holy, holy--The "tris-hagion" of the Greek liturgies. In Isa 6:3, as here, it occurs; also Psa 99:3, Psa 99:5, Psa 99:9, where He is praised as "holy," (1) on account of His majesty (Rev 4:1) about to display itself; (2) His justice (Rev 4:4) already displaying itself; (3) His mercy (Rev 4:6-8) which displayed itself in times past. So here "Holy," as He "who was"; "Holy," as He "who is": "Holy," as He "who is to come." He showed Himself an object of holy worship in the past creation of all things: more fully He shows Himself so in governing all things: He will, in the highest degree, show Himself so in the consummation of all things. "Of (from) Him, through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." In Isa 6:3 there is added, "the whole EARTH is full of His glory." But in Revelation this is deferred until the glory of THE LORD fills the earth, His enemies having been destroyed [BENGEL]. Almighty--answering to "Lord of hosts" (Sabaoth), Isa 6:3. The cherubim here have six wings, like the seraphim in Isa 6:2; whereas the cherubim in Eze 1:6 had four wings each. They are called by the same name, "living creatures." But whereas in Ezekiel each living creature has all four faces, here the four belong severally one to each. See on Eze 1:6. The four living creatures answer by contrast to the four world powers represented by four beasts. The Fathers identified them with the four Gospels, Matthew the lion, Mark the ox, Luke the man, John the eagle: these symbols, thus viewed, express not the personal character of the Evangelists, but the manifold aspect of Christ in relation to the world (four being the number significant of world-wide extension, for example, the four quarters of the world) presented by them severally: the lion expressing royalty, as Matthew gives prominence to this feature of Christ; the ox, laborious endurance, Christ's prominent characteristic in Mark; man, brotherly sympathy with the whole race of man, Christ's prominent feature in Luke; the eagle, soaring majesty, prominent in John's description of Christ as the Divine Word. But here the context best suits the view which regards the four living creatures as representing the redeemed election-Church in its relation of ministering king-priests to God, and ministers of blessing to the redeemed earth, and the nations on it, and the animal creation, in which man stands at the head of all, the lion at the head of wild beasts, the ox at the head of tame beasts, the eagle at the head of birds and of the creatures of the waters. Compare Rev 5:8-10, "Thou hast redeemed us by Thy blood out of every kindred . . . and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth"; and Rev 20:4, the partakers with Christ of the first resurrection, who conjointly with Him reign over the redeemed nations that are in the flesh. Compare as to the happy and willing subjection of the lower animal world, Isa 11:6-8; Isa 65:25; Eze 34:25; Hos 2:18. Jewish tradition says the "four standards" under which Israel encamped in the wilderness, to the east, Judah, to the north, Dan, to the west, Ephraim, to the south, Reuben, were respectively a lion, an eagle, an ox, and a man, while in the midst was the tabernacle containing the Shekinah symbol of the Divine Presence. Thus we have "the picture of that blessed period when--the earth having been fitted for being the kingdom of the Father--the court of heaven will be transferred to earth, and the 'tabernacle of God shall be with men' (Rev 21:3), and the whole world will be subject to a never-ending theocracy" (compare DE BURGH, Exposition of Revelation). The point of union between the two views given above is: Christ is the perfect realization of the ideal of man; Christ is presented in His fourfold aspect in the four Gospels respectively. The redeemed election-Church similarly, when in and through Christ (with whom she shall reign) she realizes the ideal of man, shall combine in herself human perfections having a fourfold aspect: (1) kingly righteousness with hatred of evil and judicial equity, answering to the "lion"; (2) laborious diligence in every duty, the "ox"; (3) human sympathy, the "man"; (4) the contemplation of heavenly truth, the "eagle." As the high-soaring intelligence, the eagle, forms the contrasted complement to practical labor, the ox bound to the soil; so holy judicial vengeance against evil, the lion springing suddenly and terribly on the doomed, forms the contrasted complement to human sympathy, the man. In Isa 6:2 we read, "Each had six wings: with twain he covered his face (in reverence, as not presuming to lift up his face to God), with twain he covered his feet (in humility, as not worthy to stand in God's holy presence), and with twain he did fly [in obedient readiness to do instantly God's command]."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him,.... As the seraphim in Isa 6:2 with two of which they might cover their faces as they did, testifying thereby their reverence of God, when in his presence; and with the other two cover their feet, signifying their sense of their sinfulness, weakness, and imperfection, in their conversation, even in their best works, and in the ministry of the word; and with the other two fly about, as denoting their readiness to minister the word and ordinances, to visit the members of the church, and do all good offices of love and service to them that lie in their power: and they were full of eyes within; to look into the sin and corruption of their own hearts, which is a means of keeping them humble amidst all their attainments, gifts, and graces, and of qualifying them to speak aptly of the cases of others; and they have eyes within, to look into and consult their own experience; for besides the word of God, which lies before them, they have a testimony in themselves of the truth of the doctrines of the Gospel, which they do well to attend unto; and they have these inward eyes to look into that treasure which God has put into their earthen vessels, in order to bring out of it things new and old. And they rest not day and night; they give up themselves to the ministry of the word, and prayer; are wholly in these things, meditate on the word continually, and preach the Gospel in season, and out of season: saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come; living under a continual sense of the holiness of God, Father, Son, and Spirit; and how necessary holiness is in themselves, who bear the vessels of the Lord, and in the churches and house of God; taking care that all their doctrines are according to godliness, and serve to promote holiness of life and conversation; and also under a sense of the power of God, and of their need of it, to carry them through their work, and make their ministry successful; and of the eternity and immutability of God, which is a wonderful support unto them amidst all the difficulties and troubles that attend them. The word "holy" is three times used here, as by the seraphim in Isa 6:3; and in some copies it is repeated six times, and in others nine times, as in the Complutensian edition.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have considered the sights that the apostle saw in heaven: now let us observe the songs that he heard, for there is in heaven not only that to be seen which will highly please a sanctified eye, but there is that to be heard which will greatly delight a sanctified ear. This is true concerning the church of Christ here, which is a heaven upon earth, and it will be eminently so in the church made perfect in the heaven of heavens. I. He heard the song of the four living creatures, of the ministers of the church, which refers to the prophet Isaiah's vision, Isa 6:1-13. And here, 1. They adore one God, and one only, the Lord God Almighty, unchangeable and everlasting. 2. They adore three holies in this one God, the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these are one infinitely holy and eternal Being, who sits upon the throne, and lives for ever and ever. In this glory the prophet saw Christ, and spoke of him. II. He heard the adorations of the four-and-twenty elders, that is, of the Christian people represented by them; the ministers led, and the people followed, in the praises of God, Rev 4:10, Rev 4:11. Here observe, 1. The object of their worship, the same with that which the ministers adored: Him that sat on the throne, the eternal everliving God. The true church of God has one and the same object of worship. Two different objects of worship, either co-ordinate or sub-ordinate, would confound the worship and divide the worshippers. It is unlawful to join in divine worship with those who either mistake or multiply the object. There is but one God, and he alone, as God, is worshipped by the church on earth and in heaven. 2. The acts of adoration. (1.) They fell down before him that sat on the throne; they discovered the most profound humility, reverence, and godly fear. (2.) They cast their crowns before the throne; they gave God the glory of the holiness wherewith he had crowned their souls on earth and the honour and happiness with which he crowns them in heaven. They owe all their graces and all their glories to him, and acknowledge that his crown is infinitely more glorious than theirs, and that it is their glory to be glorifying God. 3. The words of adoration: they said, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power, Rev 4:11. Observe, (1.) They do not say, We give thee glory, and honour, and power; for what can any creature pretend to give unto God? But they say, thou art worthy to receive glory. (2.) In this they tacitly acknowledge that God is exalted far above all blessing and praise. He was worthy to receive glory, but they were not worthy to praise, nor able to do it according to his infinite excellences. 4. We have the ground and reason of their adoration, which is threefold: - (1.) He is the Creator of all things, the first cause; and none but the Creator of all things should be adored; no made thing can be the object of religious worship. (2.) He is the preserver of all things, and his preservation is a continual creation; they are created still by the sustaining power of God. All beings but God are dependent upon the will and power of God, and no dependent being must be set up as an object of religious worship. It is the part of the best dependent beings to be worshippers, not to be worshipped. (3.) He is the final cause of all things: For thy pleasure they are and were created. It was his will and pleasure to create all things; he was not put upon it by the will of another; there is no such thing as a subordinate creator, that acts under and by the will and power of another; and, if there were, he ought not to be worshipped. As God made all things at his pleasure, so he made them for his pleasure, to deal with them as he pleases and to glorify himself by them one way or other. Though he delights not in the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn and live, yet he hath made all things for himself, Pro 16:4. Now if these be true and sufficient grounds for religious worship, as they are proper to God alone, Christ must needs be God, one with the Father and Spirit, and be worshipped as such; for we find the same causality ascribed to him. Col 1:16, Col 1:17, All things were created by him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8 day and night: The four beings ceaselessly praised God’s basic characteristics: his holiness, his power (the Almighty), and his eternity (see study note on 1:4). • Holy, holy, holy comes from Isa 6:3 and is the highest worship affirmation in Scripture. To double something makes it emphatic; to triple it makes it ultimate.
Revelation 4:8
Worship of the Creator
7The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Anahiem Talk on Revival
By Leonard Ravenhill12K1:12:33RevivalISA 6:5MAT 14:13JHN 2:13ACT 2:4REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response from the congregation by asking if anyone wanted to be saved or healed. When no one responded to the question of salvation, a woman raised her hand when asked about healing. The preacher then brings a boy with a deep shoe onto the platform and declares himself as Jesus' ambassador. The congregation is asked to pray, and everyone participates, demonstrating unity. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to know God and do exploits, rather than being consumed by worldly distractions like watching sports on TV. The sermon concludes with a reference to Isaiah 6:7-8, where the prophet Isaiah is cleansed and commissioned by God.
Holy Man of God
By Vance Havner8.7K27:50Men Of God2KI 2:92KI 4:9MAT 5:48MAT 6:331TH 4:13HEB 12:14REV 4:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker shares his personal experience of being moved by the words of the Bible, specifically from the 15th chapter of the First Corinthians. He encourages the audience to go the extra mile in prayer, Bible study, and communion with God. The sermon also includes anecdotes about mountain preachers and their passionate question, "How far have you gone?" to challenge listeners to evaluate their commitment to their faith.
(The Chief End of Man - Part 10): Application - Saved Unto the Worship of God
By A.W. Tozer6.5K52:18Chief End of ManMAT 6:331PE 2:2REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worship and how we are created and redeemed to worship God. He applies these truths to the Church, describing it as a company of people who are called to be a royal priesthood and a holy generation. The preacher also addresses the experience of someone who has missed out on the fellowship of the church and the truth it offers, highlighting the need for surrendering to the cause of the gospel. He concludes by urging listeners to prioritize becoming a purified soul through surrendering to God's spirit. The sermon references 1 Peter and emphasizes the significance of worship and surrendering to God.
Sense of the Holy
By A.W. Tozer3.8K36:40HolinessEXO 3:4PSA 51:10ISA 6:1MAT 22:37LUK 5:8ROM 3:23REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenge of expressing and understanding the divine. He emphasizes that what Isaiah saw and experienced was beyond human comprehension and cannot be adequately described. The preacher highlights the importance of feeling the presence of God rather than trying to intellectually understand it. He also emphasizes the need for personal cleansing and confession before being able to effectively serve God. The sermon encourages listeners to have a humble and willing heart to be used by God, rather than relying on theological knowledge or pride.
Holiness of God
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K58:39Holiness1CH 16:29EPH 5:271TH 1:21TH 3:101TH 3:131TH 5:23REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a revelation of God's holiness and majesty. He challenges the congregation to examine their priorities and idols, urging them to turn from worldly pursuits and serve the living God. The preacher highlights the need for sanctification and a missionary heart, as well as the expectation of the return of Jesus Christ. He also emphasizes the significance of worshiping God in the beauty of holiness, drawing inspiration from the example of the disciples and the elders in the book of Revelation.
Woe Is Me, I Am Undone - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K1:07:59SinfulnessISA 6:5MAT 6:33EPH 5:271PE 1:15REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the best in the Christian life rather than settling for what is merely good. He highlights the need for God's intervention in the current critical hour of America's history and the necessity of experiencing a visitation of the Holy Ghost. The preacher describes a three-fold vision of height, where one sees the Lord high and lifted up, which has the power to transform a person's life. He also discusses the role of suffering in the life of a prophet and contrasts the achievements of men in science with the intimate walk that believers can have with God.
(Beginning a New Year) Looking in Three Directions
By Zac Poonen2.0K54:20ISA 35:4MAT 6:331CO 11:31HEB 12:1REV 4:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a servant of the Lord who faced opposition from a high official because his family members had embraced a simple lifestyle. The official tried to intimidate the servant by sending a police officer to the church. However, the servant, who was in prayer, told the officer to wait as he was talking to God. The speaker then encourages the listeners to examine themselves in three areas: looking up to God, looking inward to judge themselves, and looking outward to serve others. He emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on God and being prepared for Christ's return.
The Body of Christ and Communion
By Francis Chan1.9K47:07Communion1CO 4:1EPH 2:19REV 4:8REV 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing ourselves as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. He mentions the early church's practice of kissing one another as a symbol of unity and emphasizes the need for believers to be united as one body. The preacher also highlights the worship that is happening in heaven, with angels and elders praising God continuously. He encourages believers to join in this worship and reminds them that their true identity is found in being a dwelling place for God by the Holy Spirit.
The Centrality of Prayer
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:11:09PrayerISA 6:1MAL 4:6MAT 4:10MAT 6:9MAT 22:37ROM 8:15REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sanctifying God and accepting what He has done. The commandments in both the Old and New Testaments are related to the holiness of God. Jesus summarizes the commandments by stating that the most important one is to love God with all our heart, mind, strength, and soul. The preacher explains that sin entered the world and caused disintegration and void, but God did not give up and restored the earth to make it habitable again.
(Compilation) Facts on Revival
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K13:01PSA 51:10ISA 6:3ROM 8:262CO 7:10EPH 5:27PHP 3:31TH 5:23HEB 12:14JAS 4:8REV 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to pay the price for revival, to sanctify their whole lives, and to seek a deep, speechless form of worship. It recounts the impact of past revivals where individuals fully surrendered to God, leading to transformation and the spread of revival. The importance of being a prophet, seeing what others don't, and suffering for the sake of others is highlighted. The sermon challenges listeners to seek purity, holiness, and a God-filled personality, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit in true evangelism and revival.
Behold the Lord - Kwasizabantu Choir
By Erlo Stegen1.1K03:00REV 1:17REV 4:8REV 5:12
This sermon exalts the Lord who sits on His throne, radiating with glory and power, emphasizing His sacrifice for all mankind and His victory over death and darkness. It calls for continuous praise and worship to Jesus Christ, the King of heaven and earth, declaring His worthiness as the Son of God.
Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3
By John Piper1.1K06:53PSA 50:2PSA 90:2PSA 96:4PSA 145:3ISA 6:3JHN 14:6ROM 11:331TI 1:171PE 1:16REV 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and accessibility of God's infinite value, making Him the ultimate standard. The speaker challenges the audience to be passionate not only for God's holiness but also for His supreme, infinite value, which will uproot worldly joys and misconceptions about the gospel.
The Revolution of the Love / Die Revolution Der Liebe - Part 8
By George Verwer1.1K16:21PSA 24:7ISA 6:1MAT 6:33ROM 12:1EPH 5:27REV 4:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of professionalism in the church and how it is often accompanied by big concerts and elaborate productions. However, the speaker also highlights how Satan tries to bring division among the team and between the team and the organizer. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be washed with water and the blood of Christ, and to rejoice in God's love even when he convicts and corrects them. The speaker also shares personal struggles with pornography and impatience, and how spending time in the Word of God helped them see the holiness of God and repent. The sermon concludes with a focus on the holiness of God and the importance of implementing the experience of his greatness and glory in practical holiness and love.
The Attributes of God - Part 2
By William MacDonald95633:18Attributes of GodLEV 19:2ISA 6:5HAB 1:12LUK 5:81PE 1:16REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in singing a hymn that praises God and emphasizes peace, love, honor, and joy. The sermon then focuses on the holiness of God and how He cannot tolerate sin or overlook it. The preacher references Habakkuk and Revelation to support this point. The sermon concludes by highlighting the practical application of understanding God's holiness, which should lead to a profound sense of reverence.
Holy
By Merle Flory82844:50HolinessGEN 6:6ISA 6:3REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the ways in which God demonstrates His holiness. He explains that one way God shows His holiness is by hating sin and hiding from it. The preacher also emphasizes that God does not let sin go unpunished, highlighting the importance of punishment that includes an explanation of God's holiness. The sermon concludes with a reference to the prophet Isaiah's encounter with God, where he is cleansed of his sins and responds to God's call to be sent.
Something Old, Something New
By David Legge79749:27RevivalISA 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 11:43ROM 8:15EPH 2:1REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for a fresh touch and revelation of God for each individual. He introduces the series titled "Something Old, Something New" and reads Isaiah 6:1 as the main text. The preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing God's presence and calls for personal prayer for God to speak to each person. The sermon ends with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to come and for the congregation to hear from heaven.
The Beauty of Holiness
By David Davis77942:45EXO 15:11LEV 10:102CH 20:21PSA 29:1PSA 45:11PSA 45:13ISA 6:3HEB 12:141PE 1:15REV 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the beauty of holiness, recounting a powerful testimony of a communist man encountering the overwhelming beauty of God's presence, leading to his conversion. The speaker delves into the importance of pursuing holiness, drawing parallels from the experiences of the children of Israel and the significance of God's holiness in their lives. The message stresses the need for believers to hunger for God's holiness, to distinguish between what is holy and unholy, and to seek transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Celebrating 30 Years at Zaventem April 1995
By George Verwer48345:07MissionsPSA 99:9ISA 6:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:1HEB 13:15REV 4:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a past discussion with friends about their commitment to never leave each other. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of worship and offering our lives to God as a sacrifice. They encourage the congregation to sing the worship song "Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty" and listen to a song by Keith Green. The speaker also mentions a video done by Australians that can be borrowed, but there is a limitation on the size of free books given out. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the continuation of serving and extending God's love to the world.
(Radical Jesus) 17 Radical Holiness
By Glenn Meldrum47124:54HolinessEXO 33:8EXO 33:20REV 4:8REV 5:9REV 6:16REV 14:10REV 15:4In this sermon, Glenn Meldrum discusses the importance of having a high view of God as revealed in the Scriptures. He emphasizes that our spiritual and moral growth is directly linked to our understanding of God. By studying the radical nature of Jesus as portrayed in the Bible, we can gain a fresh perspective on who He is and what it means to be Christ-like. Meldrum also highlights the inner conflict that arises when encountering the holiness of God, using the example of Peter's fishing experience in Luke chapter 5. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to deepen their understanding of Jesus and strive for spiritual maturity.
His Holiness for Us
By G.W. North2041:34:22HolinessMAT 5:48ROM 12:2EPH 6:141TH 4:71PE 1:141JN 5:18REV 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience in the lives of believers. He encourages the audience to be obedient children and to not conform to their former sinful desires. The preacher also highlights the power of God in overcoming sin and the sacrifice of Jesus to put away sin. He urges the listeners to strive for holiness, as Jesus will be revealed and they should be prepared to see him in all his glory.
Church of Vidor Friday
By David Ravenhill491:19:40Christian LifeWorship and HolinessGod's PresenceEXO 25:82CH 7:14PSA 100:4ISA 57:15MAT 6:10JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 3:161PE 1:16REV 4:8David Ravenhill shares his journey and experiences across various cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's habitation and the environment He desires to dwell in. He discusses the concept of revival as a return to a God consciousness, highlighting that God longs to dwell among His people but requires a holy and clean place for His presence. Ravenhill stresses that true worship involves radical obedience and surrendering the throne of our lives to God, allowing Him to reign in every aspect. He encourages the congregation to cultivate an atmosphere of holiness, thanksgiving, and worship, which are essential for experiencing God's presence.
Church of Vidor Friday 2
By David Ravenhill371:14:31Habitation of GodRevivalChristian LifeEXO 25:82CH 7:14PSA 100:4ISA 57:15MAT 6:10JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 3:161PE 1:16REV 4:8David Ravenhill shares his diverse life experiences and ministry journey, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment conducive for God's habitation. He discusses the concept of revival as a restoration of God consciousness and the necessity for believers to prepare their lives as a dwelling place for God. Ravenhill highlights that God desires to dwell among His people but requires holiness, obedience, and a heart of thanksgiving. He illustrates how cultural understanding and personal surrender are vital for experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. Ultimately, he calls for a radical commitment to allow God to take the throne in our hearts.
David: Being a Person of One Thing
By Mike Bickle2748:27Radical CommitmentPursuit of GodPSA 27:4PSA 34:5PSA 145:5MAT 11:12LUK 10:41JHN 1:51CO 4:9PHP 3:131JN 1:7REV 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Psalm 27:4, where David expresses his singular desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty. He challenges listeners to approach this verse with fresh eyes, recognizing its depth and the radical commitment it requires. Bickle highlights that this 'one thing' lifestyle is often domesticated in modern culture, yet it is a divine invitation to a deeper relationship with God. He encourages believers to contend for this reality, understanding that it is not an automatic state but a result of years of seeking and pressing into God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a radical re-evaluation of priorities, urging individuals to make the pursuit of God's beauty their primary daydream.
Building the House of Prayer: A Prophetic Call to Action (Hag. 2)
By Mike Bickle261:07:34Building the House of PrayerPerseverance in FaithEZR 1:1EZR 6:14NEH 12:45ISA 56:7JER 29:10HAG 1:7HAG 2:3ZEC 4:10MAT 6:10REV 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the prophetic call to build the house of prayer as illustrated in Haggai's messages to the Israelites in 520 BC. He draws parallels between their struggles and the challenges faced by modern houses of prayer, urging believers to recognize the significance of their work in the context of God's eternal purpose. Bickle highlights the importance of perseverance, spiritual resolve, and the understanding that their efforts contribute to a greater divine narrative that connects past, present, and future worship sanctuaries. He encourages the community to see beyond immediate challenges and to embrace the calling to create a place of continuous worship and prayer.
Word & Spirit Conference, Session 5
By David Ravenhill2553:21Habitation of GodHoliness and WorshipChristian LifeEXO 25:8PSA 139:23MAT 5:8JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 10:11TH 5:18HEB 3:6JAS 4:5REV 4:8David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of creating a habitation for God, drawing parallels between the physical tabernacle and our lives as temples for the Holy Spirit. He reflects on the necessity of holiness, obedience, and thanksgiving in our relationship with God, highlighting that while many may experience God's presence, few truly fulfill His purpose. Ravenhill warns against the dangers of complacency and the need for a culture that aligns with God's desires, urging believers to surrender their lives fully to Him. He illustrates that God desires to dwell among His people, but requires a clean and holy environment to do so. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's ways and a commitment to worship Him in spirit and truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The four beasts had each of them six wings - I have already observed, in the preface to this book, that the phraseology is rabbinical; I might have added, and the imagery also. We have almost a counterpart of this description in Pirkey Elieser. chap. 4. I shall give the substance of this from Schoettgen. "Four troops of ministering angels praise the holy blessed God: the first is Michael, at the right hand; the next is Gabriel, at the left; the third is Uriel, before; and the fourth is Raphael, behind him. The shechinah of the holy, blessed God is in the midst, and he himself sits upon a throne high and elevated, hanging in the air; and his magnificence is as amber חשמל, (chashmal), in the midst of the fire, Eze 1:4, On his head is placed a crown and a diadem, with the incommunicable name (יהוה Yehovah) inscribed on the front of it. His eyes go throughout the whole earth; a part of them is fire, and a part of them hail. At his right hand stands Life, and at his left hand Death; and he has a fiery scepter in his hand. Before him is the veil spread, that veil which is between the temple and the holy of holies; and seven angels minister before him within that veil: the veil and his footstool are like fire and lightning; and under the throne of glory there is a shining like fire and sapphire, and about his throne are justice and judgment. "The place of the throne are the seven clouds of glory; and the chariot wheels, and the cherub, and the living creatures which give glory before his face. The throne is in similitude like sapphire; and at the four feet of it are four living creatures, each of which has four faces and four wings. When God speaks from the east, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of a Man; when he speaks from the south, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of a Lion; when from the west, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of an Ox; and when from the north, then it is from between the two cherubim with the face of an Eagle. "And the living creatures stand before the throne of glory; and they stand in fear, in trembling, in horror, and in great agitation; and from this agitation a stream of fire flows before them. Of the two seraphim one stands at the right hand of the holy blessed God, and one stands at the left; and each has six wings: with two they cover their face lest they should see the face of the shechina; with two they cover their feet lest they should find out the footstool of the shechinah; and with two they fly, and sanctify his great name. And they answer each other, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. And the living creatures stand near his glory, yet they do not know the place of his glory; but wheresoever his glory is, they cry out and say, Blessed be the glory of the Lord in his place." In Shemoth Rabba, sec. 23, fol. 122, 4, Rabbi Abin says: "There are four which have principality in this world: among intellectual creatures, Man; among birds, the Eagle; among cattle, the Ox; and among wild beasts, the Lion: each of these has a kingdom and a certain magnificence, and they are placed under the throne of glory, Eze 1:10, to show that no creature is to exalt itself in this world, and that the kingdom of God is over all." These creatures may be considered the representatives of the whole creation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
about him--Greek, "round about him." ALFORD connects this with the following sentence: "All round and within (their wings) they are (so two oldest manuscripts, A, B, and Vulgate read) full of eyes." John's object is to show that the six wings in each did not interfere with that which he had before declared, namely, that they were "full of eyes before and behind." The eyes were round the outside of each wing, and up the inside of each when half expanded, and of the part of body in that inward recess. rest not--literally, "have no rest." How awfully different the reason why the worshippers of the beast "have no rest day nor night," namely, "their torment for ever and ever." Holy, holy, holy--The "tris-hagion" of the Greek liturgies. In Isa 6:3, as here, it occurs; also Psa 99:3, Psa 99:5, Psa 99:9, where He is praised as "holy," (1) on account of His majesty (Rev 4:1) about to display itself; (2) His justice (Rev 4:4) already displaying itself; (3) His mercy (Rev 4:6-8) which displayed itself in times past. So here "Holy," as He "who was"; "Holy," as He "who is": "Holy," as He "who is to come." He showed Himself an object of holy worship in the past creation of all things: more fully He shows Himself so in governing all things: He will, in the highest degree, show Himself so in the consummation of all things. "Of (from) Him, through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." In Isa 6:3 there is added, "the whole EARTH is full of His glory." But in Revelation this is deferred until the glory of THE LORD fills the earth, His enemies having been destroyed [BENGEL]. Almighty--answering to "Lord of hosts" (Sabaoth), Isa 6:3. The cherubim here have six wings, like the seraphim in Isa 6:2; whereas the cherubim in Eze 1:6 had four wings each. They are called by the same name, "living creatures." But whereas in Ezekiel each living creature has all four faces, here the four belong severally one to each. See on Eze 1:6. The four living creatures answer by contrast to the four world powers represented by four beasts. The Fathers identified them with the four Gospels, Matthew the lion, Mark the ox, Luke the man, John the eagle: these symbols, thus viewed, express not the personal character of the Evangelists, but the manifold aspect of Christ in relation to the world (four being the number significant of world-wide extension, for example, the four quarters of the world) presented by them severally: the lion expressing royalty, as Matthew gives prominence to this feature of Christ; the ox, laborious endurance, Christ's prominent characteristic in Mark; man, brotherly sympathy with the whole race of man, Christ's prominent feature in Luke; the eagle, soaring majesty, prominent in John's description of Christ as the Divine Word. But here the context best suits the view which regards the four living creatures as representing the redeemed election-Church in its relation of ministering king-priests to God, and ministers of blessing to the redeemed earth, and the nations on it, and the animal creation, in which man stands at the head of all, the lion at the head of wild beasts, the ox at the head of tame beasts, the eagle at the head of birds and of the creatures of the waters. Compare Rev 5:8-10, "Thou hast redeemed us by Thy blood out of every kindred . . . and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth"; and Rev 20:4, the partakers with Christ of the first resurrection, who conjointly with Him reign over the redeemed nations that are in the flesh. Compare as to the happy and willing subjection of the lower animal world, Isa 11:6-8; Isa 65:25; Eze 34:25; Hos 2:18. Jewish tradition says the "four standards" under which Israel encamped in the wilderness, to the east, Judah, to the north, Dan, to the west, Ephraim, to the south, Reuben, were respectively a lion, an eagle, an ox, and a man, while in the midst was the tabernacle containing the Shekinah symbol of the Divine Presence. Thus we have "the picture of that blessed period when--the earth having been fitted for being the kingdom of the Father--the court of heaven will be transferred to earth, and the 'tabernacle of God shall be with men' (Rev 21:3), and the whole world will be subject to a never-ending theocracy" (compare DE BURGH, Exposition of Revelation). The point of union between the two views given above is: Christ is the perfect realization of the ideal of man; Christ is presented in His fourfold aspect in the four Gospels respectively. The redeemed election-Church similarly, when in and through Christ (with whom she shall reign) she realizes the ideal of man, shall combine in herself human perfections having a fourfold aspect: (1) kingly righteousness with hatred of evil and judicial equity, answering to the "lion"; (2) laborious diligence in every duty, the "ox"; (3) human sympathy, the "man"; (4) the contemplation of heavenly truth, the "eagle." As the high-soaring intelligence, the eagle, forms the contrasted complement to practical labor, the ox bound to the soil; so holy judicial vengeance against evil, the lion springing suddenly and terribly on the doomed, forms the contrasted complement to human sympathy, the man. In Isa 6:2 we read, "Each had six wings: with twain he covered his face (in reverence, as not presuming to lift up his face to God), with twain he covered his feet (in humility, as not worthy to stand in God's holy presence), and with twain he did fly [in obedient readiness to do instantly God's command]."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him,.... As the seraphim in Isa 6:2 with two of which they might cover their faces as they did, testifying thereby their reverence of God, when in his presence; and with the other two cover their feet, signifying their sense of their sinfulness, weakness, and imperfection, in their conversation, even in their best works, and in the ministry of the word; and with the other two fly about, as denoting their readiness to minister the word and ordinances, to visit the members of the church, and do all good offices of love and service to them that lie in their power: and they were full of eyes within; to look into the sin and corruption of their own hearts, which is a means of keeping them humble amidst all their attainments, gifts, and graces, and of qualifying them to speak aptly of the cases of others; and they have eyes within, to look into and consult their own experience; for besides the word of God, which lies before them, they have a testimony in themselves of the truth of the doctrines of the Gospel, which they do well to attend unto; and they have these inward eyes to look into that treasure which God has put into their earthen vessels, in order to bring out of it things new and old. And they rest not day and night; they give up themselves to the ministry of the word, and prayer; are wholly in these things, meditate on the word continually, and preach the Gospel in season, and out of season: saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come; living under a continual sense of the holiness of God, Father, Son, and Spirit; and how necessary holiness is in themselves, who bear the vessels of the Lord, and in the churches and house of God; taking care that all their doctrines are according to godliness, and serve to promote holiness of life and conversation; and also under a sense of the power of God, and of their need of it, to carry them through their work, and make their ministry successful; and of the eternity and immutability of God, which is a wonderful support unto them amidst all the difficulties and troubles that attend them. The word "holy" is three times used here, as by the seraphim in Isa 6:3; and in some copies it is repeated six times, and in others nine times, as in the Complutensian edition.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have considered the sights that the apostle saw in heaven: now let us observe the songs that he heard, for there is in heaven not only that to be seen which will highly please a sanctified eye, but there is that to be heard which will greatly delight a sanctified ear. This is true concerning the church of Christ here, which is a heaven upon earth, and it will be eminently so in the church made perfect in the heaven of heavens. I. He heard the song of the four living creatures, of the ministers of the church, which refers to the prophet Isaiah's vision, Isa 6:1-13. And here, 1. They adore one God, and one only, the Lord God Almighty, unchangeable and everlasting. 2. They adore three holies in this one God, the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these are one infinitely holy and eternal Being, who sits upon the throne, and lives for ever and ever. In this glory the prophet saw Christ, and spoke of him. II. He heard the adorations of the four-and-twenty elders, that is, of the Christian people represented by them; the ministers led, and the people followed, in the praises of God, Rev 4:10, Rev 4:11. Here observe, 1. The object of their worship, the same with that which the ministers adored: Him that sat on the throne, the eternal everliving God. The true church of God has one and the same object of worship. Two different objects of worship, either co-ordinate or sub-ordinate, would confound the worship and divide the worshippers. It is unlawful to join in divine worship with those who either mistake or multiply the object. There is but one God, and he alone, as God, is worshipped by the church on earth and in heaven. 2. The acts of adoration. (1.) They fell down before him that sat on the throne; they discovered the most profound humility, reverence, and godly fear. (2.) They cast their crowns before the throne; they gave God the glory of the holiness wherewith he had crowned their souls on earth and the honour and happiness with which he crowns them in heaven. They owe all their graces and all their glories to him, and acknowledge that his crown is infinitely more glorious than theirs, and that it is their glory to be glorifying God. 3. The words of adoration: they said, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power, Rev 4:11. Observe, (1.) They do not say, We give thee glory, and honour, and power; for what can any creature pretend to give unto God? But they say, thou art worthy to receive glory. (2.) In this they tacitly acknowledge that God is exalted far above all blessing and praise. He was worthy to receive glory, but they were not worthy to praise, nor able to do it according to his infinite excellences. 4. We have the ground and reason of their adoration, which is threefold: - (1.) He is the Creator of all things, the first cause; and none but the Creator of all things should be adored; no made thing can be the object of religious worship. (2.) He is the preserver of all things, and his preservation is a continual creation; they are created still by the sustaining power of God. All beings but God are dependent upon the will and power of God, and no dependent being must be set up as an object of religious worship. It is the part of the best dependent beings to be worshippers, not to be worshipped. (3.) He is the final cause of all things: For thy pleasure they are and were created. It was his will and pleasure to create all things; he was not put upon it by the will of another; there is no such thing as a subordinate creator, that acts under and by the will and power of another; and, if there were, he ought not to be worshipped. As God made all things at his pleasure, so he made them for his pleasure, to deal with them as he pleases and to glorify himself by them one way or other. Though he delights not in the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn and live, yet he hath made all things for himself, Pro 16:4. Now if these be true and sufficient grounds for religious worship, as they are proper to God alone, Christ must needs be God, one with the Father and Spirit, and be worshipped as such; for we find the same causality ascribed to him. Col 1:16, Col 1:17, All things were created by him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8 day and night: The four beings ceaselessly praised God’s basic characteristics: his holiness, his power (the Almighty), and his eternity (see study note on 1:4). • Holy, holy, holy comes from Isa 6:3 and is the highest worship affirmation in Scripture. To double something makes it emphatic; to triple it makes it ultimate.