In the Throne Room Revelation 4:8

In the Throne Room

Revelation 4:8

Kenute P. Curry

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

“Holy, holy, holy,

Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!” (4:8)

6 wings – The 6 wings denote that their supreme responsibility and privilege is to constantly worship God. Four of their 6 wings related to worship. With 2 they covered their faces, since even the most exalted created beings cannot look on the unveiled glory of God without being consumed. They used 2 wings to cover their feet, since they stood on holy ground. Worship is their privilege, calling, and permanent occupation. In Isaiah 6:1-7, they are called “seraphim,” which means “fiery ones,” and are of the same order of the cherubim.

Full of eyes around and within - This symbolizes their awareness, alertness, and comprehensive knowledge. They are not omniscient, but nothing pertaining to their duties escapes their scrutiny.

This scene in heaven culminates in worship directed toward God on His throne. In this passage and in chapter five, there are 5 great doxologies of praise. They begin in verse 8 with a quartet-the 4 living creatures. In verse 10, the 24 elders join in, and in 5:8, harps are added to the vocal praise. The rest of the angels add their voices in 5:11, and in 5:13 all created beings in the universe join in the mighty chorus of praise to God.

Holy, holy, holy – The first doxology of praise is directed to God the Father. This three-fold repetition of holy is also found in Isaiah 6:3. Holiness is the only one of God’s attributes so repeated. It is the summation of all that He is. God’s holiness is his utter and complete separation from evil in any and every form. He is absolutely untainted by an evil, error, or wrongdoing. On this occasion, the praise is for God’s holiness specifically exhibited through judgment. It also refers to the past, present, and future work of the triune God. He is perfectly holy in His work of creation, redemption, and consummation.

Lord God Almighty – The term “Almighty” identifies God as the strongest, most powerful being, who’s conquering power, and overpowering strength none can oppose. Because God is Almighty He can do whatever His holy will purposes to do (Isaiah 40:28). Job declares that He is strong in Job 9:19. God’s power is seen in creation (Psalm 33:9). The phrase “He is able” expresses God’s power toward His redeemed children (Ephesians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 2:18; 7:25). God will judge those human rulers who foolishly think they can stand against Him (Psalm 2:2-6; Isaiah 13:6; Joel 1:15).

Who was and is and is to come – God’s eternal presence is not limited by time. He is presently happening, ever existing (Exodus 3:14: Hebrews 13:8).

 Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version of the Bible, © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

                                         ©2013 Kenute P. Curry. All rights reserved.