Reflections on Revelation #98

Day 99 

Many translations suggest that the scroll is in the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. But recent research suggests that the phrase “in the right hand” probably means “at the right side” instead. This makes a lot of sense in light of how thrones were used in the ancient world. It was generally felt that the right side of the king was the highest possible place of honour. In Ps.80:17 and 110:1, the king of Israel is described as sitting at God’s right side as co-rulers of Israel. 

Many ancient thrones were large enough for 3-4 people to sit on. The ancient reader may have understood the scroll to be lying on the throne at God’s right side. If that is so, to take up the book is to sit on the throne at God’s right side. In other words, when Jesus takes the book into His hands, He also sits down at the right side of the Father, taking up His role as the new king in the line of David (Rev5:5). 

In OT times the Israelites came out of an extended period in which they had no king except God. There was no clear central control for the country. While putting a king on the throne could cause them to look away from God, in practice things were rather chaotic without an earthly king to give direction (Judges17:6; 21:25). So, God permitted them to institute a monarchy, first in the person of Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, and then in the person of David, from the tribe of Judah. David’s reign was so blessed in comparison with Saul that his reign, and that of his son Solomon, became models of ideal rulership for Israel. 

So, this concept of Davidic kingship lies behind the story of Rev.5. The Lamb is “the Lion of Judah” and the “root of David.” Elsewhere in the NT Jesus sits down at the right hand of His Father on the throne in heaven (Matt.26:64; Heb.8:1. etc.) So, when Jesus comes and picks up the scroll, He is taking his seat on the throne in the heavenly sanctuary. 

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