Revelation 4
Revelation 4:4 It is difficult, but not critical, to identify these “twenty-four elders.” However, seeing that they are “round about” and “twenty-four,” it reminds me of “twenty four hours-a-day” sacred service completely around the earth (as the earth rotates one complete time in 24 hours). It also reminds me of the 24 “chiefs of the holy place and of the [true] God” (24 priestly divisions 1 Chronicles 24:5-19). Interestingly, there were 24 groups of 12 each that prophesied with the harp and praised Jehovah in 1 Chronicles 25. Compare Revelation 4:10; 5:8; 11:16; 19:4; Isaiah 24:23
Revelation 4:6 It is difficult, but not impossible, to identify this “glassy sea like crystal“. It appears to represent purity or “God’s authority,” on an ultimate scale. It also looks like there is no change in time period from chapter 4 to 5. See Revelation 6:9-11 comments. Compare the difference with Revelation 15:2 where both groups are represented and in the proper time line. But in Revelation 15:2, the “glassy sea” is mingled with fire. Fire is associated with making things pure and even God’s active spirit. Remember the ones in the upper room who received God’s Holy spirit? They had what appeared to be tongues of fire above their heads. Remember Moses talking to God via the “burning bush?” Although it was not on fire. To identify this glassy sea, is not critical.
Revelation 5
Revelation 5:5-7 We see “the root of David, has conquered” and “he went and at once took [it] out of the right hand of the One seated on the throne.” Compare Isaiah 9:6,7; 11:1-5,10; Jeremiah 23:2-6; 33:15; Ezekiel 17:22-24; 34:23-30; 37:15-25; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12,13; Revelation 5:12 – This happens at the start of the three and a half year period. See Daniel 7:13-14 comments.
Revelation 5:6;”.. a lamb…having seven horns and seven eyes..” may refer to Zechariah 3:9; “For, look! the stone that I have put before Joshua! Upon the one stone there are seven eyes..”
Revelation 5:8-10; “… And they sing a new song, saying: ” This reminds me of 1 Chronicles 25:1-6 where music was used for aiding in “prophesying with the harp for thinking and praising Jehovah” (vs.3). Also, compare verses 9 and 10 where there’s going to be an earth wide kingdom set up with kings from every nation with the thought of forever in verse 13 and Daniel chapter 2:44.
At the end of chapter 5 we see the glory of the lamb who was found to be worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!