The Four Living Creatures, Revelation 6

Revelation 6

Revelation 4:6 says:

Revelation 4:6 (NKJV) Before the throne [there] [was] a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, [were] four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

When we reach Revelation 6:1, one of the four living creatures says with a voice like thunder, “Come and See.”

Who are these four living creatures? 

We meet them in Ezekiel 1 and 10.

In Ezekiel 1, the Hebrew word used for “living creature” is “ḥay.” The emphasis of this word is life or “living one.” It is used of God as THE Living One. So, the “creature” is not a reference to a beast but could also be translated as a “living being.” In Ezekiel 10, these beings are called “cherubim.” The “im” of cherubim is the Hebrew plural. In English, we add an “s” to the end of the word to indicate a plural. In Hebrew, they add “in.” So, a cherub is a single angelic being.

Looking at Ezekiel Chapter 1, it is clear that a “cherub” is not the cute baby with wings pictured in our culture. The cherubim around the throne of God are majestic and awesome to the point of being terrifying to our human sensibilities.

Ezekiel 28:14-15 says:

Ezekiel 28:14-15 (NKJV) “You [were] the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You [were] perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.

This is speaking of Satan. He was once one of these glorious beings before iniquity was found in him.

We see these servants of God in Isaiah 6, where it says:

Isaiah 6:2-3 (NKJV) Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy [is] the LORD of hosts; The whole earth [is] full of His glory!”

In Revelation, these beings are also seen worshiping God and proclaiming His holiness. God’s throne is surrounded by these four representatives of the heavenly hosts and the 24 elders representing the people of all ages who worship God. God is sufficient in Himself. He has no “need” that can be filled by any of His creatures. And yet, wherever God is, there is an abundance of life. Cherubim live and move in His presence, and as we see in Revelation 6, they work as messengers of His calling on John to “Come and see.” 

In Luke, the angel Gabriel came to Mary with the announcement of Jesus’s birth, and in Matthew, an angel told Joseph in a dream not to be afraid to take Mary to. be his wife.

We see angels at various places throughout Scripture, always in the service of God and doing His bidding.

The reason God has created all things and that all life exists is for God’s pleasure. Revelation 4 says:

Revelation 4:11 (KJV) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

As we consider God’s word, we realize that our happiness and fulfillment will only be found in pleasing God and not ourselves. Jesus said:

John 15:10-11 (NKJV) “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and [that] your joy may be full.

Jesus tells us that our joy will be full as we keep His commands and abide in His love. 

The joy and fulfillment of the cherubim are contrasted with the consequences of rebellion against God as the seals are opened. The four horsemen of the first four seals are contrasted with the four “living creatures.” The four horsemen are messengers of doom for the earth, whereas the four living creatures are proclaimers of the glory of God for the redeemed before the throne.

Are you living for your pleasure, or are you living to please God? 

If you would enjoy eternal life and joy, make it your purpose to live for God. God gave His only begotten Son so that you can enter into the joy of His presence. Please accept Jesus, and invite Him into your life today while there is still time.