Revelation 4:8

6 Before the throne there¹ was ^aa sea of glass, like crystal. ^bAnd in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

7 ^aThe first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.

8 The four living creatures, each having ^asix wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
^b“Holy,¹ holy, holy,
^cLord God Almighty,
^dWho was and is and is to come!”

9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, ^awho lives forever and ever,

10 ^athe 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, saying:

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
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What Does Revelation 4:8 Mean?

The four living creatures' incessant praise impresses how powerful, holy, glorious, and worthy of worship God the Father is. Called "Lord God Almighty," He is immensely strong; "holy, holy, holy" expresses the superlative of holiness, the Holiest of all. These glorious spirit servants prostrating themselves before Him reveal more than descriptions of precious materials ever could. The creatures also symbolize Christ: the lion (Matthew), the ox (Mark, service), the man (Luke, sympathy), and the eagle (John, divinity), each incomplete alone, yet together revealing His glory. Their worship displays reverence and thankfulness, a duty binding God's elect. Unlike Satan and his demons, believers must remain loyal and faithful to their Creator, accepting whatever He brings for His purpose, since God sits on His throne and cannot lose.

Revelation 4:8-11

The One who receives continuous praise and submission from these awesome angelic beings is our Savior and Creator. Without directly saying it, this passage touches on a major issue in this great purpose He is working out: that, unlike Satan and his demons, will we be loyal, faithful, to our Creator God, as He works out and governs His purpose for each of us personally? Or in our impatience will we resist and rebel?

Verse 11 contains the key statement that is vital to our living by faith: He created all things in the first place and all—including us—is created for His purpose to be fulfilled. The King James Version translates this phrase, "For You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created."

Satan could not accept this. Consider deeply what has resulted! So we need to take this sobering thought down to our level and to our time and examine it in more detail against the issues of our own lives.

Can we live by faith that He is, that He knows what He is doing with our lives, and that by His merciful act He has included us as part of His good pleasure? Can we accept that He knows exactly where His creative efforts are headed and what it will take to form and shape us into what He pleases? At the same time, we know His goal for us only vaguely, yet we must fully accept whatever He brings to bear on us for His purposes.

John W. Ritenbaugh
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part One)

Revelation 4:8-11

In Revelation we see that a main theme in the Kingdom at the throne of God is thankfulness. This song of the angels, elders, and the four living creatures shows the reverence that all have in God's presence. There are seven aspects of praise listed here in this spiritual worship of God. Seven signifies totality and completeness. Thankfulness comprises part of this list. In great contrast to this present evil world's gross ingratitude, God has revealed to those who will listen and act that thankfulness is a duty to which the elect of God are bound. Praise and thank God for all His works and for providing brethren by whom we can be encouraged. By developing a thankful attitude now, we prepare ourselves for the soon-coming Kingdom of God.

Martin G. Collins
Thankfulness

**Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Revelation 4:8:**

Matthew 6:9

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