Elders” and “Beasts

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · May 13, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 19.

Elders” and “Beasts

No. 567. Rev. 4:4, 6. "Elders" and "Beasts."

(1) WHO are the four and twenty elders of Rev. 4:4, and for what purpose were they around the throne? (2) What are the "four beasts" of Rev. 4:6? Do they have special power or work under the sixth trumpet, the sealing work or judgment of the righteous?

(1) The twenty-four elders were doubtless among those raised from the dead when Christ rose (Matt. 27:53), ascended with him to heaven (Eph. 4:8, margin), and are Christ's assistants in his priestly work. Compare with the twenty-four courses of priests in the type. 1 Chron. 24:1-19.

(2) The four "beasts" should be "four living creatures," or "four living ones." From Ezekiel, chapters 1 and 10, it would seem that they constitute God's living throne. By some it is thought that they represent attributes of the character of God—the lion, power and might, majesty; calf, patient kindness; man, wisdom; and eagle, glory. They evidently have to do with all the work of salvation, but nothing special concerning the things named.