Annotations Upon the New Testament, Revelation · Chapter 5
CHAP V.
Vers. 1. ANd I saw in the right hand of him that sat one the throne a Book] That is, say some the Bible, others the Revelation;August. Hieron. Ambros. Orig. Hilar. Euseb. Beda, Hugo, exrecentioribut Primasius, Marlora…us; intelligunt V & N Testamentum Gerh. Liber hic est ipsa Apocalypsis. Pareus. In the right hand] Because all the secrets revealed in it come from the decree of God, and are ordered by his providence. Deut. Gods Counsels are resembled to a Book, for their certainty and stability; the Revelation hereby understood (say Pareus, à Lapide, and Dent) is a Book of Gods eternall Decree concerning the Church and his enemies.
Written within and on the back side] Because much was written. Ezek. 2.10.
He speaketh (say Beza, Pareus, Brightman, à Lapide) according to the ancient manner of wrighting in long Parchments, which were afterwards rolled together about some round piece of wood, whence Books were called Volumes or Scroles, and Christ is said to have unfolded and enwrapped the Booke, Luke 4.17. The outside did commonly abide cleane and unwritten, unlesse the inside were not able to containe the whole writing; for then they filled the outward part with Letters, which kind of writings were called backeside writings.
Scriptus & in tergo needum finitus Orestes. Juven. Satyr. 1.
Sealed with seven Seales] to note the great secrecie, and severall degrees of discovery of Gods Counsels.
Vers. 2. And I saw a strong Angell] That is, Gabriel (saith Gerhard) which name signifieth the power of God. Crying with a loud voice] Like a Crier. Who is worthy] That is, fit. To open the booke] By which is understood a manifestation of the Decrees of God.
Vers. 5. And one of the Elders] Without doubt (saith Gerhard) one of those who rose with Christ, and ascended into heaven, Mat. 27.52. It seemes to be the Patriarke Iames (saith he) because from his Prophecie the name of Lion is given to Christ. Gen. 49.9
Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Iudah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the Booke, and to loose the seven Seales thereof] Iohn 1.18. Christ is able to make known these hidden secrets,Christus Leoni comparutur 1. Propter roboris excellentiam, 2. Propter heroicum animum. 3. Propter principatum, Leo rex animalium. 4. Propter vigilantiam. Gerh. therefore he is called the Counseller, Esay 9.5. of the Tribe of Iudah, because he was borne of this Kingly Tribe, Heb. 7.14. this Tribe had the figure of a Lion in its Ensigne. Gen. 49.9.
Vers. 6. In the midst of the Throne, and of the Beasts] That is, the middle between God and the Church triumphant, by which it is signified that the Lambe is the Mediatour between God and men.
And in the midst of the Elders stood a Lambe as it had been slaine] Not Christ as God, but as a Lambe slaine;Agnum repraesentare Christum non est dubium, modo vocabatur Leo ob dignitatem & potentiam, Leo enim rex animalium robore superant omnia; nunc agnus ob innocentiam & victimam. Jes. 53.7. Nec aliud duo agni quotidie mactati sub lege significabant, nisi Christi victimam jugiter efficacem. Joh. 1.29.36. 1. Pet. 1.19. Pareus. the discovery of the secrets of God in his Word are the fruit of Christ slaine and ascended. Stands, because 1. Prepared to perfect the worke of Redemption. 2. To helpe. 3. To judge. 4. To intercede.
Having seven hornes, and seven eyes] The Lambe wanted neither power, Lament. 2.3: nor wisdome, Zach. 3.9. and 4.10. to open the seven Seales.
Which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth] This is taken out of Zach. 4.10. that is, the manifold graces of the Spirit which he gives unto his Church.
Vers. 8. The foure beasts] That is, all the Ministers of the Word.
And foure and twenty Elders] That is, the whole Church.
Fell down before the Lambe, having every one of them Harpes, and golden vials full of Odours, which are the Prayers of Saints] It is an allusion to the manner under the Law, wherein they had pots or vials for Incense,See Zac. 14.20. Cytharae sunt symbolum, 1. Laudis divina. 2. Gratiarum actionis. 3. Laetitiae. Psal. 33.2. & 149.3. Psalm. 150.3. Gerh. Musicke of Harpes and violls, that is, all kind of heavenly melody and harmony, such as the sweetest musick may not be compared unto. Dr. Taylor.
Christians hearts are well figured out by golden vialls vessells narrow beneath and wide upwards.These golden Vialls are their sincere hearts, these odours, glorious apprehensions, and fervent affections. As gold excells in purity, so Prayers proceeding from a pure heart are precious to God.
Dr. Crakanthorpe against Spallatto. Rev. 8.4. Mr. Hildersam.Their daily prayers and hymnes of praises are noted by the Harpe and Incense.
The prayers of the Godly are called odours,
1. In respect of themselves, because they yeeld a sweet savour and unspeakable comfort unto their own hearts, John 16.24. but chiefly in respect of the Lord, to him they are the sweetest odours, even such as themselves feele small delight in.
Vers. 9. And they sung a new song] A song which should never waxe old, which should be of perpetuall use in the Church of God,Canticum novū dicitur pro eximium. Apoc. 14.3. Pareus. whiles she receives perpetuall blessings from God in Christ, Psal. 33.3. and 10.
And hast redeemed us to God] That is, to Gods favour, grace and glory.
Vers. 11. Round about the throne] An expression according to the manner of the encamping of the People of God in the wildernesse,See Dan. 7.10. Quia angeli astant coram throne Dei parati ad exequendum ejus mandata. Psal. 130.20. Dan. 7.10. Heb. 1.4. Numb. 2. all about the Tabernacle, which had for their Ensignes foure Beasts.