Revelation Chapter Five

Revelation 5:1

1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

right hand This expression signifies the will of God carried out in the action of, or result of Christ's atonement work at Calvary (Psalms 98:1) (Ephesians 1:15-13).

book God's written word, with no other room to add upon, complete and perfect, as represented by the "seven seals" upon (Revelation 22:18).
The seals show the books divine origin. The words are the words of a King and have full weight of authority behind it. The seal affixed prevents tampering with the contents (Esther 8:8). God has promised to protect His word, and by faith, we can trust that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
see also (Isaiah 40:8) (Isaiah 55:11) (Isaiah 59:21) (Matthew 5:18) (Revelation 22:18-19), God's plan is sure and unchangeable.
This book cannot be read until some prerequisite is satisfied. Someone must be found to fulfil the demands or the Gospel of God's plan. The book focusses upon the message of things that come "hereafter" (Revelation 4:1), after the cross. Jesus had to go to the cross before the seals could be opened and the message proclaimed. The book particularly reveals the events which follow Christ's work of salvation. All this shows us that God's will in heaven shall come to pass on earth (Matthew 6:10). God is in complete sovereign control of all events.

Revelation 5:2-4

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

In summary, we would all be lost of it were not for Jesus. Only Jesus could fulfil the demands of God's Holy wrath in order to provide salvation for those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, who was slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). Jesus alone is able and worthy to open the book. This illustrates that salvation can come by no other means than through Jesus. Even the understanding of what is written, as He unseals the "mystery" of the prophecy (Ephesians 1:17). Weeping would endure for more than a night of it were not for Jesus (Psalms 30:5).

Revelation 5:5

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

All attributes of Jesus:

Lion (Genesis 49:9)

Judah (Hebrews 7:14)

Root of David (Isaiah 11:10) (Romans 15:12) (Matthew 1:1)
(Revelation 22:16)

prevailed (Isaiah 53:12) (Isaiah 63:1-3) (Revelation 3:21)

Revelation 5:6

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Visions of the Lamb, who is Jesus, who is God

seven horns all powerful "Omnipotent"

seven eyes all seeing, all knowing "Omniscient"

seven Spirits all present "Omnipresent"

seven Spirits of God (Revelation 1:4) (Revelation 3:1) (Revelation 4:5)

Revelation 5:7

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

God the Father, God the Son (Revelation 1:1)

Revelation 5:8

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

This appears to confirm that the four and twenty elders are the believers (Revelation 1:6) (Revelation 5:10), Having prayers of saints, illustrates believers as priests making intercession, only through Jesus, unto God. Jesus being the only mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). For a similar illustration, see (Revelation 8:2-5). Believers can come to the throne or Grace only by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16).

harps and vials These are instruments of praise, prayer and praise go together.

Revelation 5:9

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

sung proclamation of praise (Psalms 33:3) (Psalms 96:1) (Psalms 98:1) (Psalms 149:1)

new song which is the New Covenant (Isaiah 43:18-21)
(Jeremiah 31:31-34) (2 Corinthians 5:17)
see also (Psalms 40:3-5), The Lord's resurrection testimony.

Revelation 5:10

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

kings and priests The believers position in Jesus (1 Peter 2:9).

reign on the earth Believers presently reign on earth as they bring the Gospel, as they lead men out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light, which is God's eternal kingdom (Ephesians 2:5-6) (Revelation 20:4).
note: Such a materialistic focus has caused many to err in an understanding of a future millennial kingdom upon this earth. The so called experts of the law were rebuked by our Lord Jesus, due to a materialistic focus (Mark 12:18-27) (John 3:1-13). Those who so love this world, that they cannot let it go, and develop worldly vain ideas of ruling and reigning in a future physical universe are still in the flesh. It shall bare witness against them, proving exactly where their hearts have always been. The kingdom is a present reality as believers continue to come to saving grace. Soon the time of grace shall be over and the kingdom will transfer to its eternal spiritual state, which has been the means to bring about the eternal.
From the beginning of creation, to the time the universe is melted in a fervent heat (2 Peter 3:10), leads us up to the eternal state that God had planned from before the foundations of the world. God is Spirit, and must be worshipped in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The kingdom of God is entirely of a Spiritual nature (Luke 17:20-21), in which we shall dwell in glorified spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-50). The flesh profiteth nothing (John 6:63), nor can flesh or blood inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50).

Revelation 5:11-12

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Heavenly worship and praises unto our Lord Jesus from all the heavenly host of angels, living creatures, and the church. Compare with
(Daniel 7:9-10), "thousand thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand"

Revelation 5: 13-14

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Universal adoration of the Lamb as King (Philippians 2:9-11). According to vss. 11-14, the things which must come to pass are planned for the purpose that Jesus may be glorified, for all that He is, and all that He has done. All the angels in Heaven, and all the believers on Earth and in Heaven, willingly and lovingly worship the eternal Lamb!

Amen