Revelation 4

Revelation 4:1

I Looked] the Italian, I saw; that is to say, a second vision was presented unto me, and at the first appearing of it I was ravished into a Propheticall extasie. Now untill the end of the eleventh Chapter, these visions seeme to represent the heavenly archetypes of Gods counsels, concerning the state and chances of the Christian Church, and from the twelfth forward, the execution of them upon earth.

Revelation 4:2

One sate] by that it is not here said, that he had the likenesse of asonne of man, and by Revel. 5. 6, 7. & 7. 10. he sheweth that in this place we must understand it to be God the Father.

Revelation 4:3

A Jasper] to represent his majesty and glory, but without any image or figure.

Revelation 4:4

Foure and twenty] an image or representative of the Church, brought in here, as gathered up into Heaven, and made partaker of Christ her heads glory, Revel. 3. 21. and represented under the forme of the Rectors and heads of the earthly Jerusalem, anciently composed as the Jewes relate it, of foure and twenty Elders, or heads of the foure and twenty quarters, or high streets of the City, over which was the Governour for the King, who made the five and twentieth, whereof some tract is seene, Ezekiel 11:1 In white] a signe of glory, and most perfect heavenly purenesse, see Revelation 3:4-5.

Revelation 4:5

Seven] answerable to the seven Lampes, in the Golden Candlesticke in the Temple, see Exodus 25:37 Zechariah 4:2.

Revelation 4:6

A Sea] a figure of the Heaven of glory, represented by a Sea for its greatnesse and plaine extent, and of glasse for its purity, and splendor Foure] a figure of the Angels, see Ezech.1. 5 Full of] to signifie the perfect light of knowledge, and perpetuall vigilancy in service in the holy Angels, see Dan. 4. 13. 17.

Revelation 4:8

Within] namely, under those wings.

Revelation 4:10

And cast] in token of acknowledgement that all the glory which they have, is Gods meere benefit, and that they enjoy it onely to exalt his for ever.

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy] that is to say, to thee it belongeth to set everything under thine obedience, as every thing hath its being from thee; which is especially verified in Christs spirituall Kingdome, Revelation 5:12. and shall be accomplished in the Fathers everlasting Kingdom, 1 Corinthians 15:24.