Before this, the apostle had seen only the great God, the governor of all things. Now, the apostle is favored with a sight of the model and methods of the great God’s government, as they are all written down in a book which he holds in his hand. Now, we are now to consider as shut up and sealed in the hand of God. Let’s look at this.
The designs and methods of divine Providence towards the church and the world are stated and fixed; they are resolved upon and agreed to, as that which is written in a book. The great design is laid, every part adjusted, all determined, and everything passed into decree and made a matter of record.
The original and first draught of this book is the book of God’s decrees, laid up in his own cabinet, in his eternal mind: but there is a transcript of so much as was necessary to be known in the book of the scriptures in general, in the prophetical part of the scripture especially, and in this prophecy in particular.
God holds this book in his right hand, to declare the authority of the book, and his readiness and resolution to execute all the contents thereof, all the counsels and purposes therein recorded. This book in the hand of God is shut up and sealed; it is known to none but Himself, till He allows it to be opened.
This tells us with what inscrutable secrecy the counsels of God are laid, how impenetrable by the eye and intellect of the creature; and points us to seven several parts of this book of God’s counsels. John heard a proclamation made concerning this sealed book. The crier was a strong angel; not that there are any weak ones among the angels in heaven, though there are many weak ones among the angels of the churches.
This angel seems to come out, not only as a crier, but as a champion, with a challenge to any or all the creatures to try the strength of their wisdom in opening the counsels of God; and, as a champion, he cried with a loud voice, that every creature might hear. The cry or challenge proclaimed was, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? If there by any creature who thinks himself sufficient either to explain or execute the counsels of God, let him stand forth, and make the attempt.” (Rev. 5:2)
None in heaven or earth could accept the challenge and undertake the task. Satan himself, with all his subtlety, cannot do it; the creatures cannot open it, nor look on it; they cannot read it. God only can do it.
John felt a great concern in himself about this matter: the apostle wept much; it was a great disappointment to him. The apostle was comforted and encouraged to hope this sealed book would yet be opened. God can make his people to instruct [Gabriel came to Daniel to give him understanding Daniel 8:18; 9:22. Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples after His resurrection Luke 24:49] and inform their teachers when He pleases.
Who would do the thing — the Lord Jesus Christ, called the lion of the tribe of Judah, according to his human nature, alluding to Jacob’s prophecy (Gen. 49:10), and the root of David according to his divine nature, though a branch of David according to the flesh.
He who is a middle person, God and man, and bears the office of mediator between God and man, is fit and worthy to open and execute all the counsels of God towards men. And this he does in his mediatorial state and capacity, as the root of David and the offspring of Judah, and as the King and head of the Israel of God; and he will do it, to the consolation and joy of all his people.
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043, 323-293-9826, www.todaysfreshstart.org, (Ask Dr. Jeanette TM) “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © [email protected]. Any errors? Let me know. References: Matthew Henry Commentary. Studylight.org. The Companion Bible.