Revelation 5:6

In the midst. This may be interpreted as meaning that the Lamb was standing between the living creatures and the throne, among the elders. But such an arrangement is difficult to visualize when compared with ch. 4:4, 6. It is also possible to understand that the Lamb appeared in the midst of all. This is probably the better explanation, as He now becomes the focal point of the vision (cf. Acts 7:56).

Four beasts. See on ch. 4:6.

Elders. See on ch. 4:4.

Lamb. Gr. arnion, a word used 29 times in the Revelation, and only once elsewhere in the NT (John 21:15). The thought is the same, however, as that conveyed by the word amnos, “lamb,” in John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19, and the LXX of Isa. 53:7.

John has just heard Christ called a lion and a conqueror, but as he looks he sees a lamb Such a dramatic contrast may suggest that Christ’s victory is not one of physical force but of moral excellence, for above all things else He is declared to be “worthy” (see on Rev. 5:2). It is the vicarious sacrifice of His sinless life, symbolized by that of a spotless lamb, rather than any demonstration of force, that has gained for Him the victory in the great controversy with evil.

The NT characterization of Christ as “the Lamb” appears only in the writings of John, although both Philip and Peter apply to Him the OT symbol of a lamb (Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19).

As it had been slain. John probably sees the Lamb with His death wound still bleeding, as a lamb slain for sacrifice in the sanctuary service. The word “as” indicates that this is a symbol. John is not saying that a slaughtered lamb really stands before the throne of God in heaven. Rather, he is describing what he sees in symbolic vision. Since this is apparently true of the Lamb, it follows that other features of this vision, the seven lamps (ch. 4:5), the four living creatures (ch. 4:6), and the book (ch. 5:1) are also symbolic (see on Eze. 1:10; Rev. 4:1). The form of the verb translated “had been slain” implies that the act of slaughter had taken place in the past, and that its results remained. Thus, though Christ’s death is historically in the past, its results for mankind are ever fresh and availing. For the significance of the figure of Jesus as the Lamb of God see on John 1:29.

Seven horns. Seven is a number signifying perfection. Horns may be understood as symbols of strength and glory (see on Lam. 2:3). Thus the seven horns of the Lamb would indicate that He is perfect in strength.

Seven eyes. A symbol of perfect wisdom and intelligence. These eyes are identified as the seven Spirits of God, an expression used for the Holy Spirit (see on ch. 1:4). In ch. 4:5 a different symbol, “seven lamps,” is used.

Sent forth. See Zech. 1:10; 6:5; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Gal. 4:6.