Reading for April 22nd

Read 5.1-14 In 5.1-14: The dilemma of the sealed scroll. Whereas the first scene centers on creation and presents an ideal picture (ch. 4), the second scene presents a story of human failure, judgment, and restoration. The first task is to introduce the one with the power to judge and restore. In verses 1-5: The power to open the scroll. The right hand is the hand of power and favor (Ps 20.6; 44.3; 98.1). The scroll represents secret knowldge and access to it as a revelation (see ps 139.16). Scrolls were orinarily written only on the inside and rarely on the back, either there is too much for the scroll to hold or there is a summary on the outside (standard for contracts and wills, were opened only when they were put to use). The imagery derives from Ezek 2.10 and will be used again in Rev 10. The seven seals signify the perfection of the scroll's contents and may also allude to a practice of Roman will-making. The notion that the book contains God's will is intriguging. In verse 2: Worthy signifies having power or position to do the deed; see 5.9 for the basis of this worth. In verse 5; Both the Lion and the Root of David are messianic images (Gen 49.9; Isa 11.10; Jer 23.5). Both are images of power (Prov 30.30) and righeous violence. In verses 6-14: The adoration of the Lamb. The Lamb image is the antithis of the lion; it is the recipient of violence, not the author of it. Overwhelmningly, it is an image of sacrifice (Ex 29; Lev 14), but also an image of gentleness (Jer 11.19) and of undeserved suffering (Isa 53.7). Seven means perfect here. In verse 8: The four creatures were mentioned at 4.6 and the twenty-four elders at 4.4. John makes the meaning of the incense symbol explicit: it is the prayers of the saints. That such prayers actually cause divine judgment is portrayed at 8.2. In verse 9: They sing a new song because the Lamb's work has brought a new age. The proccess by which that new age is brought to relity is detailed in the song. In vees 10: That the lamb makes both a kingdom and priests reveals the dual political and religious nature of John's vision; see also 1.9. In verses 13-14: The scene climaxes with every creature giving proper praise to God and to the Lamb. It is worth noting that this grand scene of the universal redemption precedes all reference to punishment or destruction. Comments or Questions..