Rev 4:4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; andthey had on their heads crowns of gold.
A. First lets turn to the Old Testament for a possible mentioning of these 24:
Job 1:6 ; 2:1 -States that the sons of God come to meet with him.
1 Kings 22:19- Speaks of heavenly hosts standing around God while he is on his throne
Isaiah 24:23- Here Isaiah talks of God reigning in glory and the elders are present.
B. Now to the New Testament for words concerning the 24:
We can only speculate who the 24 really are. Here are some more possible explanations which may fit.
1. Look to 1 Chronicles 24 where King David appointed 24 elders to represent the Levitical priesthood the entire Levitical priesthood. It was actuially divided into 24 courses to serve in Solomon's temple for two weeks at a time. There were so many preist, thousands really, that they could not come together all at once. But, when the 24 came together all at once, the entire priestly house was represented. This means that all the redeemed who have died, or who will be living at the Lords return! In John's vision, all that were saved are not seen as the multitude but represented by the twenty four at the throne. Everyone is included, the Old Testiment saints, all the priests, all who believe!...yes, the new dispensation! Praise God!
2. There are 12 patriarchs in Isreal and 12 apostles. There have been some that have suggested that these are the 24.
3. It could also be that the 24 represent the people of God, symbolically.
Revelation 3:4 said the white robe was promised to the faithful. Revelation 2:10, the crown was for those who were faithful till death. Now turn to Matthew 19:27-29,..Peter asks, what will we get?...those who have left everything to follow Jesus? Jesus answers,..."a glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The description does seem to fit with the promises that God has made.
Ideas of yours of who the 24 are?
Would love to hear from you.
Blessings on all,
Calabash
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