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The twenty-four elders on their thrones probably represent all of God's people. They might correlate to the twelve tribes of the Old Covenant and the twelve apostles of the New, although some have identified them with the twenty-four divisions of the Israelite priesthood. In the drama, they act as an antiphonal chorus (alternating groups of speakers or singers). The thunder that follows flashes of lighting is God's call to attention. In front of the throne were seven torches in ancient times, torches were set before rulers to show their authority. These torches with burning flames represent the perfect Spirit of God. This is the sevenfold Spirit. A shiny sea of glass, sparking like crystal the most eye-catching part of ancient theaters was the glistening mosaic where the speaking orchestra was positioned to provide perspective. The four living beings represent the whole created order. Covered with eyes this phase probably indicates that they had knowledge or understanding. In the ancient world, figures were covered with a particular feature to emphasize that quality statues of Artemis were covered with breasts to emphasize fertility.
Into this:
Revelation 4:4-7 describes the scene John witnesses in his vision of the heavenly throne room. The text reads: "Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God." The image of twenty-four elders sitting on thrones in white robes with crowns of gold represents the glorified state of those who have been redeemed and crowned by God. This imagery is often interpreted as representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, symbolizing the unity of the Old and New Testament believers in worshiping God. The flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder emanating from the throne symbolize the power and majesty of God. These natural phenomena have often been associated with divine manifestations in the Bible, underscoring God's sovereignty and authority over all creation. The seven lamps blazing in front of the throne symbolize the seven spirits of God, which are often interpreted as representing the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit. In the book of Isaiah, the sevenfold Spirit is described as resting upon the Messiah, endowing him with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). This imagery shows that the Holy Spirit is present and active in the heavenly realm, guiding and illuminating the worshipers before the throne of God.
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