Reading for June 23rd

 Read revelation 5.1-14. In 5.1-14: The dilemma of the sealed scroll. Whereas the first scene centers on creation an ideal picture (ch. 4), this second scene presents a story of human failure, judgement, 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 knowledge, and access to it is a revelation (see Ps 139.16). Scrolls were ordinarily 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, which 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 the practice of Roman will-making. The notion that the book contains God's will is intriguing. In verse 2: Worthy signifies having power or position to do the deed; 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 righteous violence. In verses 6-14: The adoration of the Lamb. The lamb image is the antithesis of the lion, it is th recipient of violence, not the author of it. Overwhelmingly, it is an image of sacrifice (Ex 29, Lev 14), but also an image of gentleness (Jer 11.19) and 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 process by which that new age is brought to realty is detailed in the song. In verse 10: That the Lamb makes both a kingdom and priests retrievals 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 universal redemption precedes all reference to punishment or destruction. Comments or Questions..