Revelation 5:5
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lion of the tribe of Juda - Jesus Christ, who sprang from this tribe, as his genealogy proves; see on Mat 1:2 (note), Mat 1:3 (note) and Luk 3:23 (note). There is an allusion here to Gen 49:9, Judah is a lion's whelp; the lion was the emblem of this tribe, and was supposed to have been embroidered on its ensigns. The Root of David - See Isa 11:1. Christ was the root of David as to his Divine nature; he was a branch out of the stem of Jesse as to his human nature. Hath prevailed - By the merit of his incarnation, passion, and death. To open the book - To explain and execute all the purposes and decrees of God, in relation to the government of the world and the Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one of--Greek, "one from among." The "elder" meant is, according to some (in LYRA), Matthew. With this accords the description here given of Christ, "the Lion, which is (so the Greek) of the tribe of Juda, the root of David"; the royal, David-descended, lion-aspect of Christ being that prominent in Matthew, whence the lion among the fourfold cherubim is commonly assigned to him. GERHARD in BENGEL thought Jacob to be meant, being, doubtless, one of those who rose with Christ and ascended to heaven (Mat 27:52-53). The elders in heaven round God's throne know better than John, still in the flesh, the far-reaching power of Christ. Root of David-- (Isa 11:1, Isa 11:10). Not merely "a sucker come up from David's ancient root" (as ALFORD limits it), but also including the idea of His being Himself the root and origin of David: compare these two truths brought together, Mat 22:42-45. Hence He is called not merely Son of David, but also David. He is at once "the branch" of David, and "the root" of David, David's Son and David's Lord, the Lamb slain and therefore the Lion of Juda: about to reign over Israel, and thence over the whole earth. prevailed--Greek, "conquered": absolutely, as elsewhere (Rev 3:21): gained the victory: His past victory over all the powers of darkness entitles Him now to open the book. to open--that is, so as to open. One oldest manuscript, B, reads, "He that openeth," that is, whose office it is to open, but the weight of oldest authorities is with English Version reading, namely, A, Vulgate, Coptic, and ORIGEN.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And one of the elders said unto me,.... The Ethiopic version reads, "one of these elders"; that is, one of the four and twenty elders that were round about the throne; not the first of the four and twenty books of the Old Testament; nor the patriarch Jacob, because of the prophecy concerning Shiloh, Judah's son, which stands in Gen 49:10, nor Moses, who spoke of the Messiah as the great prophet of the church; nor John the Baptist, who pointed out the Lamb of God; these are all fancies and conjectures. It was one of the members of the Christian church, who was near the throne of God, had communion with him, and knowledge of his will, who in this visionary way is represented as comforting John under his sorrow and concern, and giving him information: and sometimes persons of superior abilities may receive instruction from meaner persons, as did Apollos from Aquila and Priscilla: the same said unto John, weep not; cease sorrowing, do not be cast down, nor despair; behold the lion of the tribe of Judah; by whom is meant Christ, who, according to the flesh, was to come of the tribe of Judah; and certain it is, that our Lord sprang from thence: and he is said to be the lion of that tribe, in allusion to the prophecy concerning Judah in Gen 49:9, where he is said to be a lion, an old lion stooping down and couching, and on whose standard was the figure of a lion. Christ may be compared to one, because of his great strength, he being the mighty God, the able Saviour, and strong Redeemer, and protector of his church and people, and the avenger of their enemies; and because of his courage and intrepidity when he engaged with Satan, and his principalities and powers, when he bore the sins of his people, sustained his Father's wrath, and the terrors of death set themselves in array against him; and because of the fierceness of his wrath, and fury against the wicked, and for his generosity and lenity towards those that stoop unto him, and obey him. So the Jews say (f), that "of Messiah, the son of David, who comes forth from Judah, is it said, Gen 49:9, "Judah is a lion's whelp";'' and a little after, Messiah, the son of David, who is "a lion", shall be on his right hand, and Messiah, the son of Joseph, who is an ox, on his left hand; so the word of the Lord frequently, in the Chaldee paraphrase, is said to be a lion (g). The root of David; in like manner is Christ called the root of Jesse in Isa 11:10; and the meaning either is, that he is a branch that springs out of the roots of Jesse and David, is David's son and offspring, according to his human nature; see Rev 22:16; or that he is David's Lord, according to his divine nature: and the metaphor of a root well agrees with him as Mediator, he being hidden out of sight, and unknown to a natural man; and may denote his meanness in his state of humiliation, when he was as a root out of a dry ground; and because he is the root from whence all the elect of God spring, in whom they have their being, and by whom they are bore and supported, and from whom are derived to them all the blessings of grace, all their spiritual life, holiness, fruitfulness, and perseverance. Now this illustrious Person, so described, hath prevailed; or overcome all difficulties, being one of worth and value, of great authority and ability: to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof; and deliver out all the prophecies in it, and fulfil them; and this through the merits of his blood, and in consequence of his sufferings and death: hence, in the next verse, he is represented as a lamb as it had been slain; and the four living creatures, and the four and twenty elders, put his worthiness to take the book, and open it, upon his having been slain, and having redeemed them by his blood, Rev 5:9. And as he, upon his resurrection from the dead, had all power in heaven and in earth given him, as Mediator, for the protection of his church, so he was deserving; and it was fit and necessary that he, as the great prophet of the church, should have and deliver out the prophecies concerning the state and condition of his redeemed ones in all ages. (f) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 49. 3, 4. (g) Targum in Hos. v. 14. & xi. 10. & xiii. 7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:5 Designations for Jesus as the Lion of . . . Judah (see Gen 49:9-10) and the heir to David’s throne (see Isa 11:10) are Old Testament metaphors for the Messiah (see Jer 23:5; 30:9; John 7:42). • Because Jesus won the victory at the cross (John 16:33), he is the only one worthy to open the scroll and reveal God’s purposes (Rev 4:11; 5:2, 12). God’s plan for history centers around Jesus and what he has done. His relationship to the scroll indicates his control of history.
Revelation 5:5
The Lamb Takes the Scroll
4And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.5Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Bad Family Tree
By Jim Cymbala6.6K33:56FamilyPSA 32:5MAT 2:4JHN 3:162TI 3:16REV 5:5REV 21:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reason why Jesus had to come. He highlights the guilt and shame that sin brings and uses the story of Tamar to illustrate this. The speaker also discusses how Jesus can not only forgive our past sins but also transform us into new people. He concludes by emphasizing that it doesn't matter what we have been or what our current state is, what matters is what God can make us into.
(Through the Bible) Ruth
By Chuck Smith3.0K1:26:36Through The BibleJDG 16:31JDG 19:22RUT 2:42PE 3:3REV 5:5REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holding onto something that is no longer rightfully ours. He refers to the book of Revelation, where a scroll with seven seals will be brought forth and Jesus, portrayed as a lamb that had been slain, will take the scroll from the right hand of God. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus is worthy to take the scroll and loose the seals because he was slain and redeemed us by his blood. The sermon also references the story of Ruth and Boaz, highlighting Boaz's recognition of Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness. The preacher draws a parallel between Boaz's actions and Jesus' eventual triumph over Satan, who is still trying to hold onto the world despite Jesus' redemption.
Be a Man - Part 1
By Ken Graves2.4K1:06:55ManhoodPSA 62:11JER 9:1MAT 6:33MAT 16:15JHN 1:29ROM 8:28REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the theme of violence in stories and the battle between good and evil. He compares the portrayal of Jesus as a gentle figure to the reality of his actions in the Bible, such as overturning tables and releasing doves. The speaker also shares his personal experience of questioning his existence and being reached out to by a male teacher. He highlights the dual nature of Jesus as both a lamb and a lion, representing his loving and conquering qualities. The sermon concludes with the power of Jesus' voice in causing demons to flee.
(Revelation) the Scene in Heaven
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:12:33Throne Of GodMAT 6:331CO 9:92TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 4:2REV 5:5REV 7:14REV 21:23REV 22:12REV 22:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of working diligently and being fully committed to serving God. He refers to the six wings of the heavenly creatures mentioned in Isaiah chapter six, highlighting their swiftness and completeness. The speaker emphasizes the need to have the characteristics of these creatures, such as being bold like a lion and being diligent like a man. He also mentions the transcendent nature of God's throne and how studying the book of Revelation can bring new understanding and blessings.
Role of Spiritual Warfare as Preparation for a Spiritual Awakening
By Harold Vaughan1.6K44:18Spiritual AwakeningNUM 2:9JDG 1:1HEB 10:16HEB 10:19REV 5:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of an evil conscience and how it manifests in bitter thoughts. He shares a powerful testimony of a man who had harbored hatred towards the person responsible for his daughter's accident, but through prayer, he was able to release his bitterness and forgive. The preacher also mentions a woman who had been abused as a child and how God set her free from the guilt and shame that had plagued her. The sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing to live by faith and trusting in God's ability to heal and transform our hearts.
The Making of Overcomers
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:11:58OvercomingPSA 23:1MAT 6:33JHN 10:11REV 1:13REV 5:5REV 7:9REV 7:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses various scenes from the book of Revelation. The first scene described is the vision of Christ as the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb standing before the throne. The second scene is the vision of Christ as the Son of Man walking among the seven golden candlesticks, symbolizing His presence in His own church. The speaker then introduces another scene from Revelation chapter 7, where a great multitude from every nation and tribe stands before the throne and the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands. The angels and elders also worship God, giving Him blessings, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might.
(Second Coming of Christ) 13 the Glory of the New Jerusalem
By Aeron Morgan1.1K56:42Second ComingISA 35:1ISA 35:9AMO 9:13REV 5:5REV 21:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal purposes of God as the only lasting reality in life. He explains that the realization of eternal glory can only be known by those who have faith in Jesus Christ. The preacher also discusses the concept of holiness and how it is necessary for communion with God. He then turns to the book of Revelation to describe the new Jerusalem, the holy city that will descend after the millennium and the great white throne judgment. The preacher concludes by affirming that God's plans will be fulfilled perfectly and on schedule, and encourages the congregation to eagerly anticipate heaven.
Following Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K18:18Following JesusPSA 37:5MAT 7:21ROM 8:371CO 15:57EPH 6:111JN 5:4REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to Jesus for his offer and for the help he provides. The speaker then mentions being a father for four years and someone being dead for five years, possibly referring to a personal experience. The speaker also shares a story about attending a convention where they were the youngest preacher on the platform. After speaking about Jesus and the power of God, the whole congregation experiences a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This event leads to the speaker realizing the importance of relying on the Spirit of God rather than personal strength.
The Apocalypse - Revelation 4
By Steve Gallagher94440:09Apocalypse StudyGEN 1:1MAT 6:33REV 4:1REV 4:5REV 5:1REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on chapter 4 of the book of Revelation. The chapter begins with John being summoned to heaven where he is given a new vision. The vision centers around God's throne and the scene is described as magnificent and beyond words. The speaker emphasizes the splendor and majesty of God on his throne, highlighting his purity and absolute holiness. The chapter also mentions four living creatures that are full of eyes in front and behind, further adding to the awe-inspiring nature of the vision.
This Jesus
By Erlo Stegen7151:48:44JesusMAT 1:1MRK 10:45LUK 1:26JHN 1:1ROM 1:1REV 4:1REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world. He warns against dressing and behaving like everyone else, as it can lead to being influenced by Satan. The speaker also mentions the Dube family and the gratitude they express for the good things they receive. He encourages the audience to discern between what is right and wrong and to reflect on their own actions. The main theme of the upcoming Youth Conference is introduced, which is knowing Jesus in different aspects, such as a king and a servant. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to allow Jesus to serve and work in their lives.
Remembering the Slain Lamb
By Zac Poonen45117:41GEN 3:15ISA 53:7LUK 22:191CO 1:23PHP 2:8COL 1:20HEB 4:151PE 1:18REV 5:5REV 5:9This sermon delves into the profound imagery of Revelation 5, highlighting the worship in heaven centered solely on Jesus. It emphasizes the need for humility and recognizing our rebellion against God's authority, tracing back to the first sin. The significance of Jesus as the Lion of Judah who overcame to pay the price for redemption is explored, showcasing the lion-lamb combination in his character. The call to sing a 'fresh' song about the cross, experiencing the depth of Jesus' sacrifice as if hearing it for the first time, is a central theme, urging believers to keep the message of the cross ever fresh in their hearts.
Do Not Weep - the Lion Has Prevailed
By Shane Idleman1836:10Surrender to GodFaithISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 14:6ROM 8:31PHP 1:6HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 5:7REV 5:5REV 20:12Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Do Not Weep - the Lion Has Prevailed,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as both Savior and Judge. He draws from Revelation 5, highlighting that while there is a coming judgment, believers should not weep because Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, has triumphed over sin and death. Idleman encourages the congregation to focus on God's promises and to live in faith, despite the challenges and discouragements of life. He calls for a full surrender to Christ, urging listeners to examine their faith and relationship with God, and to be prepared for His return. The message serves as a reminder of the urgency of making a decision for Christ in a world filled with distractions and uncertainties.
The Conquering Lamb
By G.W. North0Understanding the CrossVictory in ChristISA 53:7JHN 10:17ROM 8:371CO 15:55PHP 2:8COL 2:15HEB 2:9HEB 12:21JN 3:8REV 5:5G.W. North emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both the sacrificial lamb and the conquering king, illustrating how His death on the cross was not merely an act of sacrifice but a profound victory over death and the devil. He explains that Jesus, caught in the thicket of human sin and suffering, willingly faced death to deliver humanity from bondage and fear. North highlights that while the cross is often viewed through the lens of shame and suffering, it is also a demonstration of God's love and glory, as Jesus was crowned with honor through His sacrifice. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the cross, urging believers to recognize the eternal significance of Jesus' death and the victory it represents. Ultimately, North encourages the congregation to engage with the life-giving aspect of Christ's sacrifice rather than merely focusing on the pain of the cross.
Be Clothed With Humility (Part 2)
By Erlo Stegen0Trust in God's SovereigntyHumilityMAT 19:29PHP 4:6JAS 4:71PE 5:5REV 5:5Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity of humility before God's mighty hand, illustrating that true exaltation comes only after genuine humility. He shares personal experiences of loss, underscoring God's sovereign will and the importance of trusting Him in difficult times. Stegen encourages the youth to submit to authority and to cast their cares upon God, who genuinely cares for them. He warns against the devil's schemes, reminding believers of their victory through Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a complete commitment to God's calling, assuring that He will perfect and establish those who remain faithful.
The Lion-Lamb
By G.W. North0RedemptionDual Nature of ChristREV 5:5G.W. North explores the dual nature of Christ as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God, emphasizing how these titles reflect different perspectives on His identity and mission. The elder around the throne sees the Lion as the victorious King, while John, with his human perspective, sees the Lamb as the sacrificial Savior. North illustrates the significance of the cross as the battleground where Jesus triumphed over evil, highlighting the prophetic lineage of Judah and the ultimate victory of Christ. He concludes that the Lamb's sacrifice is foundational to redemption, and the Lion's strength is evident in His victory over sin and death. The sermon invites believers to deepen their understanding of the Lion-Lamb and the profound implications of His sacrifice.
Do You Understand What You Read?
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Power of PrayerUnderstanding ScripturePSA 119:18PRO 2:3DAN 2:18JHN 16:13ACT 8:301CO 2:12EPH 1:17COL 1:9JAS 1:5REV 5:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of understanding the Scriptures through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek divine enlightenment in their study of God's Word. He illustrates this by referencing the earnest prayers of Daniel and John, who sought God's help to unlock deeper truths. Spurgeon asserts that prayer is essential for gaining wisdom and understanding, likening it to a hammer that breaks down the barriers of difficult doctrines. He encourages believers to diligently combine prayer with their study, assuring them that through this practice, they will uncover the treasures of Scripture. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a prayerful approach to understanding the Bible, which leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
The Word of God and Prayer
By Samuel Chadwick0PSA 37:3PSA 46:1PSA 116:7PSA 119:25ISA 41:8ISA 41:10JHN 4:24EPH 6:172TI 2:15REV 5:5Samuel Chadwick emphasizes the vital connection between the Word of God and prayer, highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God's Word for quickening the soul and instructing in prayer. He warns against emotional unreality and intellectual preoccupation in prayer, stressing the importance of truth and spirit in worship. Chadwick discusses the devotional use of the Bible, encouraging a deep, personal engagement with Scripture in prayer, and the significance of understanding the Scriptures for effective prayer. He shares his personal method of using the Word in prayer, focusing on the Psalms and the transformative power of praying through specific passages.
His Future Work in Connection With the Earth
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 26:9MAT 24:29REV 5:5REV 8:5REV 19:11Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the future events outlined in the Book of Revelation, where the Lord Jesus Christ will begin a work of severe judgments on the earth, dealing with apostate masses and executing righteous judgments. The Jewish people will go through a great tribulation, with a remnant believing in the Kingdom and serving as messengers. Nations will learn righteousness through these judgments, and a multitude from all nations will be saved during this time. The glorious appearing of the King of Kings will mark the end of His rejection and the beginning of His reign over the earth, accompanied by His Saints.
Meet John the Baptiser
By Victor Maxwell0ISA 40:3MAL 3:1MAT 3:8LUK 3:1LUK 3:16JHN 1:23JHN 3:30REV 5:5Victor Maxwell preaches about the lives of Girolamo Savonarola and John the Baptist, both men sent from God to speak out against corruption and immorality in their respective times. Despite facing persecution and martyrdom, they remained steadfast in their mission, paving the way for spiritual renewal and pointing people towards God. John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, preached with authority and humility, preparing the hearts of many for the coming Messiah. His radical, practical, and eschatological message challenged people to repent and bear fruits of righteousness.
The Lion
By Harriet N. Cook0JDG 14:142SA 1:23PSA 7:2PRO 28:1PRO 30:30ISA 31:41PE 5:8REV 5:5Harriet N. Cook delves into the symbolism of the lion in the Bible, highlighting its strength, boldness, and predatory nature as described in various verses. The lion is portrayed as a powerful and fearless creature, often used to represent wickedness and danger, such as in the comparison to Satan as a roaring lion seeking to devour. However, Christ is also referred to as 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah,' signifying both his gentleness towards believers and the impending judgment for those who reject him.
The Excellency of Jesus Christ
By Jonathan Edwards0ISA 9:6ISA 53:7ISA 55:1PHP 2:8REV 5:5Jonathan Edwards preaches about the admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies in Jesus Christ, highlighting how Christ embodies both the strength of a Lion and the meekness of a Lamb. Edwards delves into the various divine perfections and excellencies possessed by Christ, such as infinite highness and infinite condescension, infinite justice and infinite grace, and infinite worthiness of good coupled with the greatest patience under sufferings of evil. He emphasizes how Christ's last sufferings exemplify the ultimate manifestation of these diverse excellencies, showcasing his humility, love, and victory over enemies. Edwards concludes by urging listeners to accept Christ as their Savior, emphasizing his all-sufficiency, grace, and tenderness towards sinners.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lion of the tribe of Juda - Jesus Christ, who sprang from this tribe, as his genealogy proves; see on Mat 1:2 (note), Mat 1:3 (note) and Luk 3:23 (note). There is an allusion here to Gen 49:9, Judah is a lion's whelp; the lion was the emblem of this tribe, and was supposed to have been embroidered on its ensigns. The Root of David - See Isa 11:1. Christ was the root of David as to his Divine nature; he was a branch out of the stem of Jesse as to his human nature. Hath prevailed - By the merit of his incarnation, passion, and death. To open the book - To explain and execute all the purposes and decrees of God, in relation to the government of the world and the Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
one of--Greek, "one from among." The "elder" meant is, according to some (in LYRA), Matthew. With this accords the description here given of Christ, "the Lion, which is (so the Greek) of the tribe of Juda, the root of David"; the royal, David-descended, lion-aspect of Christ being that prominent in Matthew, whence the lion among the fourfold cherubim is commonly assigned to him. GERHARD in BENGEL thought Jacob to be meant, being, doubtless, one of those who rose with Christ and ascended to heaven (Mat 27:52-53). The elders in heaven round God's throne know better than John, still in the flesh, the far-reaching power of Christ. Root of David-- (Isa 11:1, Isa 11:10). Not merely "a sucker come up from David's ancient root" (as ALFORD limits it), but also including the idea of His being Himself the root and origin of David: compare these two truths brought together, Mat 22:42-45. Hence He is called not merely Son of David, but also David. He is at once "the branch" of David, and "the root" of David, David's Son and David's Lord, the Lamb slain and therefore the Lion of Juda: about to reign over Israel, and thence over the whole earth. prevailed--Greek, "conquered": absolutely, as elsewhere (Rev 3:21): gained the victory: His past victory over all the powers of darkness entitles Him now to open the book. to open--that is, so as to open. One oldest manuscript, B, reads, "He that openeth," that is, whose office it is to open, but the weight of oldest authorities is with English Version reading, namely, A, Vulgate, Coptic, and ORIGEN.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And one of the elders said unto me,.... The Ethiopic version reads, "one of these elders"; that is, one of the four and twenty elders that were round about the throne; not the first of the four and twenty books of the Old Testament; nor the patriarch Jacob, because of the prophecy concerning Shiloh, Judah's son, which stands in Gen 49:10, nor Moses, who spoke of the Messiah as the great prophet of the church; nor John the Baptist, who pointed out the Lamb of God; these are all fancies and conjectures. It was one of the members of the Christian church, who was near the throne of God, had communion with him, and knowledge of his will, who in this visionary way is represented as comforting John under his sorrow and concern, and giving him information: and sometimes persons of superior abilities may receive instruction from meaner persons, as did Apollos from Aquila and Priscilla: the same said unto John, weep not; cease sorrowing, do not be cast down, nor despair; behold the lion of the tribe of Judah; by whom is meant Christ, who, according to the flesh, was to come of the tribe of Judah; and certain it is, that our Lord sprang from thence: and he is said to be the lion of that tribe, in allusion to the prophecy concerning Judah in Gen 49:9, where he is said to be a lion, an old lion stooping down and couching, and on whose standard was the figure of a lion. Christ may be compared to one, because of his great strength, he being the mighty God, the able Saviour, and strong Redeemer, and protector of his church and people, and the avenger of their enemies; and because of his courage and intrepidity when he engaged with Satan, and his principalities and powers, when he bore the sins of his people, sustained his Father's wrath, and the terrors of death set themselves in array against him; and because of the fierceness of his wrath, and fury against the wicked, and for his generosity and lenity towards those that stoop unto him, and obey him. So the Jews say (f), that "of Messiah, the son of David, who comes forth from Judah, is it said, Gen 49:9, "Judah is a lion's whelp";'' and a little after, Messiah, the son of David, who is "a lion", shall be on his right hand, and Messiah, the son of Joseph, who is an ox, on his left hand; so the word of the Lord frequently, in the Chaldee paraphrase, is said to be a lion (g). The root of David; in like manner is Christ called the root of Jesse in Isa 11:10; and the meaning either is, that he is a branch that springs out of the roots of Jesse and David, is David's son and offspring, according to his human nature; see Rev 22:16; or that he is David's Lord, according to his divine nature: and the metaphor of a root well agrees with him as Mediator, he being hidden out of sight, and unknown to a natural man; and may denote his meanness in his state of humiliation, when he was as a root out of a dry ground; and because he is the root from whence all the elect of God spring, in whom they have their being, and by whom they are bore and supported, and from whom are derived to them all the blessings of grace, all their spiritual life, holiness, fruitfulness, and perseverance. Now this illustrious Person, so described, hath prevailed; or overcome all difficulties, being one of worth and value, of great authority and ability: to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof; and deliver out all the prophecies in it, and fulfil them; and this through the merits of his blood, and in consequence of his sufferings and death: hence, in the next verse, he is represented as a lamb as it had been slain; and the four living creatures, and the four and twenty elders, put his worthiness to take the book, and open it, upon his having been slain, and having redeemed them by his blood, Rev 5:9. And as he, upon his resurrection from the dead, had all power in heaven and in earth given him, as Mediator, for the protection of his church, so he was deserving; and it was fit and necessary that he, as the great prophet of the church, should have and deliver out the prophecies concerning the state and condition of his redeemed ones in all ages. (f) Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Exod. fol. 49. 3, 4. (g) Targum in Hos. v. 14. & xi. 10. & xiii. 7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:5 Designations for Jesus as the Lion of . . . Judah (see Gen 49:9-10) and the heir to David’s throne (see Isa 11:10) are Old Testament metaphors for the Messiah (see Jer 23:5; 30:9; John 7:42). • Because Jesus won the victory at the cross (John 16:33), he is the only one worthy to open the scroll and reveal God’s purposes (Rev 4:11; 5:2, 12). God’s plan for history centers around Jesus and what he has done. His relationship to the scroll indicates his control of history.