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The Ascription of Praise (Chapter 4: 8-11).
pp. 65-68
In the structure of this first vision (see Volume 7: page 161) the Throne alternates
with the saying or the song of those around and before it. Verses 8-11 of chapter 4:
record first the "saying" of the living ones, and the response of the four and twenty
elders.
Let us approach this subject with some degree at least of appreciation that we stand
upon holy ground. "The four living ones had each of them six wings about him". In no
description of the cherubim in the O.T. do we find any reference to their having six
wings, neither do they speak, as do the living ones in this chapter. In Isaiah 6: we read
of the seraphim; these are connected with the throne.
"Each one had six wings, with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered
his feet, and with twain he did fly; and one cried to another and said, Holy, holy, holy, is
the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory".
The seraphim are associated with mercy:--
"Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand which he had
taken with the tongs from off the altar; and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this
hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged".
In contrast with this we read in Ezekiel 10: of the cherubim being associated with the
scattering of coals of fire in judgment. The departing and returning glory in Ezekiel,
together with the placing of the cherubim at the garden of Eden, link them with
righteousness as well as mercy. It has been suggested that the apparent merging of the
characteristics of both cherubim and seraphim in the Revelation, is an indication that
"righteousness and peace have kissed each other". These living ones we read, "rest not
day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was, and Who is, and
Who is coming". This is the first of a series of utterances that punctuate the book, and
therefore it is of importance to notice what the theme of this first utterance is. It is an
ascription of holiness to the Lord. Foremost of all the attributes of Him who occupies
that awful throne in the day of the Lord is holiness. Holiness is akin to righteousness, but
whereas righteousness may seem cold, holiness burns with white heat. The self-righteous
man may be found who will speak of his own uprightness and integrity, his honesty and
his truthfulness, but few will be found to speak of their own holiness. This is the sacred
and peculiar attribute of God, and of this the living ones unceasingly tell.
In verse 9 we read, "and when these living ones give glory and honour and thanks to
Him that sat on the throne". How are we to understand this? Verse 8 has already told us
that they "rest not day and night, saying Holy, holy, holy". It would therefore seem to
imply that this threefold ascription of holiness was also the threefold glory, honour and
thanks which they give to Him. To speak unceasingly of the holiness of Him who sits on
that throne is to "give glory". To tell of His holiness is to honour Him, and ascribe
holiness to Him is to offer thanksgiving. Nothing can be to His glory that forgets or