Revelation

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Revelation 5 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Revelation 5 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment


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?

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, 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.

(5:5) "The Lion of the tribe of Juda"
How are Jesus and Satan alike?
The author of the SAB claims there are similarities between Jesus and Satan. Let's have a look:
  1. “They are both like a lion:” Not true, Jesus is called a lion, but in 1 Pet. 5:8 Satan's devouring is compared to a devouring lion, not Satan himself.
  2. “They are the morning star (Venus):” Lucifer in Is. 14:12 does not refer to Satan.
  3. “They existed before the universe was created:” In Job 38:7 the reference is not to something before creation. Angels are created beings.
  4. “They are sons of God:” See Job 1:6, that verse does not refer to the devils.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

(5:6) "I beheld ... a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God."
(3:1, 4:5, 5:6)
"The seven spirits of God" (including the Holy Spirit?)
On the meaning of seven, see chapter 3:1.

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

(5:9) "Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood."
Does the author of the SAB believe that all punishment is cruelty?

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

(5:14) "And the four beasts said, Amen."
These four beasts do not indicate beast in the meaning of animal, but these four beasts have a symbolic meaning.