51 Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
51 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
51 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
51 I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One Seated on the Throne. It was written on both sides, fastened with seven seals.
51 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
51 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals.
2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
2 He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land,
2 He had a small book open in his hand. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on land,
2 He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
2 And in his hand was a small scroll that had been opened. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
(Read Revelation 10:1-7)
The apostle saw another representation. The person communicating this discovery probably was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or it was to show his glory. He veils his glory, which is too great for mortal eyes to behold; and throws a veil upon his dispensations. A rainbow was upon his head; our Lord is always mindful of his covenant. His awful voice was echoed by seven thunders; solemn and terrible ways of discovering the mind of God. We know not the subjects of the seven thunders, nor the reasons for suppressing them. There are great events in history, perhaps relating to the Christian church, which are not noticed in open prophecy. The final salvation of the righteous, and the final success of true religion on earth, are engaged for by the unfailing word of the Lord. Though the time may not be yet, it cannot be far distant. Very soon, as to us, time will be no more; but if we are believers, a happy eternity will follow: we shall from heaven behold and rejoice in the triumphs of Christ, and his cause on earth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 5:1
Commentary on Revelation 5:1-7
(Read Revelation 5:1-7)
The apostle saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, a roll of parchments in the form usual in those times, and sealed with seven seals. This represented the secret purposes of God about to be revealed. The designs and methods of Divine Providence, toward the church and the world, are stated, fixed, and made a matter of record. The counsels of God are altogether hidden from the eye and understanding of the creature. The several parts are not unsealed and opened at once, but after each other, till the whole mystery of God's counsel and conduct is finished in the world. The creatures cannot open it, nor read it; the Lord only can do so. Those who see most of God, are most desirous to see more; and those who have seen his glory, desire to know his will. But even good men may be too eager and hasty to look into the mysteries of the Divine conduct. Such desires, if not soon answered, turn to grief and sorrow. If John wept much because he could not look into the book of God's decrees, what reason have many to shed floods of tears for their ignorance of the gospel of Christ! of that on which everlasting salvation depends! We need not weep that we cannot foresee future events respecting ourselves in this world; the eager expectation of future prospects, or the foresight of future calamities, would alike unfit us for present duties and conflicts, or render our prosperous days distressing. Yet we may desire to learn, from the promises and prophecies of Scripture, what will be the final event to believers and to the church; and the Incarnate Son has prevailed, that we should learn all that we need to know. Christ stands as Mediator between God and both ministers and people. He is called a Lion, but he appears as a Lamb slain. He appears with the marks of his sufferings, to show that he pleads for us in heaven, in virtue of his satisfaction. He appears as a Lamb, having seven horns and seven eyes; perfect power to execute all the will of God, and perfect wisdom to understand it, and to do it in the most effectual manner. The Father put the book of his eternal counsels into the hand of Christ, and Christ readily and gladly took it into his hand; for he delights to make known the will of his Father; and the Holy Spirit is given by him to reveal the truth and will of God.