Revelation 11:16

Friday, 19 February 2021

And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, Revelation 11:16

In the previous verse, it was noted that “there were loud voices in heaven.” The source of those voices was not stated, but it was surmised that they were possibly the voices of the four living creatures around the throne. The reason for assuming this was found in verses 4:9 & 10, which state, “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.”

That exact reaction of the elders is now stated in this verse, saying, “And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God.” This may be in response to the voices of the four living creatures giving “glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever.”

What these elders will say comes in the next two verses, but before citing those words, it would be good to review what they said in the same such instances from chapters 4 & 5 –

Rev 4:11 – “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

Rev 5:9, 10 – “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

As is noted, the first time they fell before the Lord in praise it was based on the Lord’s creative power – “For You created all things and by your will they exist and were created.” The next time their phrase was based on Jesus’ act of redemption – “For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood.” These things have followed a pattern. Such will be the case with their coming words as well. Before analyzing those coming words, what do you think will be the reason these twenty-four elders fall down before the Lord in the coming verses? Stay tuned and we will analyze them together.

Life application: Paying attention to the terminology of phases, such as the utterances of the twenty-four elders will help you see and understand the plan of God unfolding before your eyes. Everything in Scripture is connected, and so it is good to step back and look at the word from a wide-angle lens, and then focus on the details as well. Neglecting one aspect or another will cause you to miss some of the marvelous intricacies of the word. So keep studying! Keep reading! Keep meditating on this precious word. It contains words of life because it speaks of JESUS!

What a wonderful and beautifully unfolding plan You have laid out in the pages of Your word! Thank You for opening up these passages for us and showing us the great heavenly scenes which even the angels participate in! How blessed we are when we simply open Your word and look at its structure and beauty! Thank You, O Lord, Amen.

 

 

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