Connect Revelation 4:3 to Old Testament descriptions of God's throne. What similarities exist? Revelation 4:3—A Dazzling Throne of Gemstone Glory “And the One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.” Ezekiel’s Sapphire Platform and Rainbow Radiance • Ezekiel 1:26-28—“Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, with the appearance of sapphire… brilliant light surrounded Him… the appearance… was like that of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day.” • Ezekiel 10:1—“Above the expanse over the heads of the cherubim was something like a throne of sapphire.” • Similarities to Revelation 4:3: – Precious-stone imagery (jasper/carnelian ⇢ sapphire). – Encircling radiance (emerald rainbow ⇢ rainbow brilliance). – Throne positioned above living creatures. Exodus 24:10—Sapphire Under His Feet “They saw the God of Israel, and under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself.” • Once again, gemstone brilliance and sky-like clarity echo John’s jasper and carnelian vision. Isaiah 6—Lofty Throne, Fiery Guardians “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne… Above Him stood seraphim…” (Isaiah 6:1-2) • Throne “high and lofty” parallels Revelation’s elevated, encircled seat. • Seraphim echo Revelation’s living creatures that surround and praise. Daniel 7—Ancient of Days Amid Flaming Wheels “I watched… the Ancient of Days took His seat… His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.” (Daniel 7:9-10) • Fiery brilliance matches John’s jasper/carnelian glow. • Celestial court scene mirrors Revelation’s heavenly council. Supporting Glimpses: Psalms and Prophets • 1 Kings 22:19—Micaiah sees “the LORD sitting on His throne.” • Psalm 47:8—“God is seated on His holy throne.” • Psalm 97:2-4—Clouds, darkness, and fire flank His throne. • Psalm 104:1-2—He “wraps Himself in light,” matching the emerald-hued rainbow. Shared Motifs and Striking Parallels • Gemstone brilliance—jasper, carnelian, sapphire. • Encircling radiance—emerald rainbow, brilliant light, fiery wheels. • Elevated seat—high, lofty, above the expanse. • Surrounding beings—seraphim, cherubim, living creatures. • Audible awe—thunderous voices (Revelation 4:5; Isaiah 6:4; Ezekiel 1:24). • Absolute sovereignty—each vision centers on God reigning unhindered. Living Application: Awe, Worship, Assurance • These unified snapshots invite wholehearted worship—the same God Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John saw is on the throne today. • The gemstone radiance underscores His purity and worth; the rainbow proclaims covenant faithfulness; the fiery glory reveals holiness. • Because His throne stands unshaken from Genesis to Revelation, believers rest secure, draw near in reverence, and echo heaven’s ceaseless praise: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.” |
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