Revelation 5:1-2; Book with Seven Seals (2)
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
This scroll resembles the Roman wills that are sealed with 7 seals. In his research to Roman customs during John’s time when the book of Revelation was written, Robert L. Thomas observed, “This kind of contract was known all over the Middle East in ancient times and was used by the Romans from the time of Nero on, The full contract would be written on the inner pages and sealed with seven seals. Then the content of the contract would be described briefly on the outside. All kinds of transactions were consummated this way, including marriage-contracts, rental and lease agreements, release of slaves, contract bills, and bonds. Support also comes from Hebrew practices, The Hebrew document most closely resembling this scroll was a title-deed that was folded and signed, requiring at least three witnesses, A portion of text would be written, folded over and sealed, with a different witness signing at each fold. A larger number of witnesses meant that more importance was assigned to the document…lt is a “history” of the future that gives the successive steps leading to the inauguration of the world-kingdom of Christ.” [1]
The psalmist said well in Psalm 2:1-12 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth forthy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Psalm 2:8 will be fulfilled. The kings of the world will now see who is the true ruler of this universe. For the saints, we look in awe at the judgment to come and tremble with fear and with grateful hearts that we have made peace with God. There was a search for one who can open the seal to review the contents of the scroll. There was none on earth worthy, none in heaven, not the saints, not the angelic hosts. It is as if to tell us that the rebellious will go scot-free (v2-3).
But wait, in verse 5, one of the elders said to John, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” In the first the coming, Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. But in His coming He will be a Judge, ferocious as the Lion of the tribe of Judah against the kings of the earth who set themselves against the LORD and against His anointed (Ps.22-4), “Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.” (Psalm 2:5)
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:12b) Amen.
[1]Robert. L. Thomas, Revelation 7-7: An Exegetical Commentary (Chicago: Moody, 1992), 378.