Connect Exodus 24:10 with Revelation 4:6 regarding God's throne and holiness. Scripture in View Exodus 24:10 “and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.” Revelation 4:6 “and before the throne was something like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and behind.” Shared Themes That Leap Off the Page • Transcendent clarity—“as clear as the sky” / “clear as crystal.” • Precious, jewel-like setting—sapphire pavement / glassy sea. • Direct proximity to God’s throne, stressing His absolute holiness. • Revelation given to covenant representatives (Moses on Sinai; John on Patmos) for the sake of God’s people. A Sapphire Floor under His Feet (Exodus 24) • Context: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders are invited part-way up Sinai after the covenant meal. • What they see: – A literal, visible manifestation of God’s throne room breaking into earthly space. – “Pavement of sapphire” echoes the deep blue of the cloudless heavens—heightening the sense that heaven itself has touched the mountain. • Holiness spotlighted: only after blood is applied to seal the covenant (24:8) can these leaders be brought near without being consumed (cf. Hebrews 12:18–24). A Sea of Glass before the Throne (Revelation 4) • Context: John is caught up “in the Spirit” to Heaven’s throne room. • What he sees: – “Something like a sea of glass” stretching before the throne, transparent and flawless. – Four living creatures constantly cry “Holy, holy, holy” (4:8), underscoring the same holiness sensed on Sinai. • Holiness spotlighted: the glassy sea forms a perfect, untouchable barrier that still invites awe yet speaks of peace—no raging waves, only settled purity (cf. Psalm 29:10; Isaiah 57:20–21). Why Sapphire and Crystal Matter • Purity: both images communicate freedom from impurity or flaw (1 Peter 1:16). • Stability: unlike shifting sand or turbulent water, the firm sapphire pavement and solid glassy sea signal the unchanging nature of God’s reign (Malachi 3:6). • Beauty: God’s throne is surrounded by beauty that reflects His own glory (Psalm 27:4). Old-Testament Echoes Confirm the Pattern • Ezekiel 1:26—“the likeness of a throne… in appearance like sapphire.” • Isaiah 6:1—“I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne.” • Psalm 99:1—“The LORD reigns… He is enthroned between the cherubim.” These passages reinforce that the throne’s brilliance and purity are consistent throughout redemptive history. New-Covenant Implications • Because of Christ’s shed blood (Hebrews 10:19–22) believers can “draw near” to the same holy throne once glimpsed by Moses and by John. • The unchanging clarity around God’s throne guarantees that His promises are reliable; nothing murky, hidden, or unstable stands between Him and His people (James 1:17). • Worship today joins the eternal chorus: “Holy, holy, holy,” aligning earthly praise with the heavenly reality already revealed (Colossians 3:1–2). Take-Home Reflections • Marvel at the continuity: from Sinai’s sapphire floor to Heaven’s crystal sea, Scripture paints one unified picture of a holy, enthroned God. • Rest in the certainty: the throne that Moses and John saw is the same throne governing every moment of our lives—unchanged, uncontested, and utterly pure. |
    |