8 When He had taken the book , the four living creatures and the twenty-four e elders fell down before the Lamb , each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense , which are the prayers of the saints . 9 And they sang a new song , saying , " Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals ; for You were slain , and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation . 10 "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God ; and they will reign upon the earth ." 11 Then I looked , and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders ; and the number of them was myriads of myriads , and thousands of thousands , 12 saying with a loud voice , " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing ." 13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea , and all things in them, I heard saying , "To Him who sits on the throne , and to the Lamb , be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever ." 14 And the four living creatures kept saying , " Amen ." And the elders fell down and worshiped .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 5:8-14
Commentary on Revelation 5:8-14
(Read Revelation 5:8-14)
It is matter of joy to all the world, to see that God deals with men in grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He governs the world, not merely as a Creator, but as our Saviour. The harps were instruments of praise; the vials were full of odours, or incense, which signify the prayers of the saints: prayer and praise should always go together. Christ has redeemed his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan. He has not only purchased liberty for them, but the highest honour and preferment; he made them kings and priests; kings, to rule over their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and the evil one; and he makes them priests; giving them access to himself, and liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What words can more fully declare that Christ is, and ought to be worshipped, equally with the Father, by all creatures, to all eternity! Happy those who shall adore and praise in heaven, and who shall for ever bless the Lamb, who delivered and set them apart for himself by his blood. How worthy art thou, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, of our highest praises! All creatures should proclaim thy greatness, and adore thy majesty.