Revelation 4:5-6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder.[a] Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. 6 (A)In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal.[b]
In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
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- 4:5 Flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder: as in other descriptions of God’s appearance or activity; cf. Rev 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; Ex 19:16; Ez 1:4, 13. The seven spirits of God: the seven “angels of the presence” as in Rev 8:2 and Tb 12:15.
- 4:6 A sea of glass like crystal: an image adapted from Ez 1:22–26. Four living creatures: these are symbols taken from Ez 1:5–21; they are identified as cherubim in Ez 10:20. Covered with eyes: these suggest God’s knowledge and concern.
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