5:1 a scroll The scroll contains God’s plan for history, spelled out in the events that are about to come upon the world (see ch. 6).

sealed up with seven seals The number seven indicates completion; the contents were completely inaccessible (see 22:10; compare Isa 29:11; Dan 12:4).

5:4 I began to weep loudly If the scroll could not be opened, John would not be able to see the events that were to come (see Rev 4:1).

5:5 do not weep John is occasionally corrected or rebuked by bystanders (e.g., 19:10).

the tribe of Judah The royal tribe, or the tribe from which Israel’s rulers would come (Gen 49:9–10).

the root of David An allusion to the prophecy of Isa 11:1, 10 (see Rev 22:16).

has conquered An allusion to Christ’s death and resurrection—events viewed as decisive victories in the war against evil. Christ’s conquering activities give Him the right to rule (see John 16:33).

5:6 Lamb standing as though slaughtered John hears about a lion, but turns to see a lamb. Lamb imagery relates to Jesus’ death on the cross. The tradition of viewing His death as a sacrifice—like the sheep sacrificed in the ot—arises out of Isa 53 (see Isa 53:4–8, 10–12). The early church applied the title “Lamb of God” to Jesus, understanding His death to substitute for their sin (e.g., John 1:29, 36; 1 Pet 1:19). The victory spoken of in Rev 5:5, then, was brought about through sacrifice. This concept would have instilled hope in those being persecuted; victory for them would likewise come through sacrifice.

seven horns and seven eyes Horns symbolized power and eyes symbolized wisdom. Christ is completely powerful and wise.

the seven spirits of God See 1:4 and note.

5:8 a harp A common instrument in Israelite worship (see Psa 33:2; Rev 14:2 and note).

golden bowls full of incense Here and elsewhere, incense symbolizes the prayers of God’s people (e.g., 8:3–5; Psa 141:2).

5:10 a kingdom and priests See Rev 1:6 and note.

they will reign on the earth The theme of coregency continues throughout the book, culminating in 20:4 (see 2:26 and note; 20:4 and note).

5:11 their number Rather than taking this as a precise number, this was probably John’s way of saying they were innumerable (compare Dan 7:10).