Revelation 4:1-3   John gets invited backstage to see God’s throne room in heaven. What he sees, he compares to precious stones that dazzle in the light. (See also Psalm 104:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 John 1:5.)

Ezekiel 1:4, 13, 22, 26-28   The prophet Ezekiel likewise saw a vision of God in which he used analogies to burning fire, flashing lightning, and gleaming stones to describe what he saw.

Revelation 4:4-5   Twenty-four elders surround God’s throne. Although we cannot be certain who these beings are, it’s likely that they are angelic beings (not deceased people) who are the counterpart of the church on earth.

Revelation 5:11   In addition to the twenty-four elders, God’s throne is surrounded by four living creatures and thousands upon thousands of angels.

Revelation 4:6-8   The four living creatures are top tier heavenly beings, positioned closest to God’s throne. They are ever vigilant and probably represent the totality of God’s creation (lions, oxen, humans, and eagles). Once again, Ezekiel provides an interesting parallel in his description of the cherubim who carry God’s mobile throne (Ezekiel 1:4-14).

Revelation 4:8   The living creatures tirelessly proclaim God’s holiness, day and night. We find a similar throne room scene in Isaiah’s vision of God in the temple (Isaiah 6:1-7).

Revelation 4:9-11   The mightiest creatures in all of creation drop to the ground before God. He is worthy because He created all things. Would you like to see His throne some day? If you are faithful, you will see it in the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:2-4; 22:1-5).