Verses 4

The twenty four thrones which John sees here, are certainly the thrones which we read about in {Dan. 7:9}. For in that passage, we see thrones (plural); and not only the throne upon which the Ancient of Days sits.

There is much speculation as to who the twenty four elders, which are seated upon these thrones, might be. Many believe they represent the twelve patriarchs of the Old Testament (sons of Jacob), plus the twelve apostles of the New Testament. Unless the John, who is given the Revelation, is not the apostle John, it difficult to see how the twelve apostles could constitute half of this group, since John the Revelator, would be seeing himself among the group, from outside the group.

One clue we have as to their identity is that they sing to the Lamb of God, "...for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation;..." (5:9)

This verse would seem to dismiss the former idea of patriarchs and apostles, since they were all redeemed from the tribes of Israel, not from "every tribe and tongue and nation..." There is a possibility that these may represent the raptured church, since it indeed is to be redeemed from every tribe, tongue and nation.

These chosen ones are, at least, representative of all believers and appear to form a priesthood which ministers to the Holy One who sits upon the throne. In chapter 5:8, these have golden bowls filled with incense, "...which are the prayers of saints." Later in chapter 8:3 we shall see that these prayers are offered up to Him who sits upon the throne.

"...on their heads crowns of gold."

In the New Testament, the word "crown", as used to denote the head dress of royalty (pronounced dee-ad'-ay-mah, in Greek), is found in only three places. All three instances are found in the Book of Revelation: the "seven crowns" of the dragon (12:3); the "ten crowns" of the beast (13:1); and the "many crowns" of Jesus, at His revelation (19:12). All other references to crowns in the New Testament, are to the garland of victory (pronounced: stef '-an-os, in Greek).

We know therefore, that the golden crowns worn by the twenty four elders are not royal or authorative crowns, but are garlands of the victorious, which have been bestowed upon them, by Him who sits upon the throne of heaven. These are the crowns of righteousness, mentioned by the Apostle Paul {II Tim. 4:6-8}. The wearers have finished the race, prevailing over the world; and it has been granted to them to sit in the presence of Almighty God, King of the Universe.

There is only one King in heaven, and that is the Father, who sits upon the throne. There is also, One in waiting, who is Jesus Christ, the righteous; to be crowned, "...KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS...", when He appears with His bride (the Church) before the Ancient of Days to receive blessings, honor, power, authority and glory {Dan. 7:13-14}. He is destined to be King over all the earth {Zech. 14:9}.

In ancient times, garlands, such as worn by the twenty four elders, were given to the victors in public games which were usually played before Royalty. The race which Paul referred to in II Timothy was a reference to this. The garland was a symbol of excellence, and when bestowed upon a person, signified that the one who wore it had prevailed over all competition; and been given an elevated position before the people, by the king.

A modern day example of this type of commendation would be the winner of gold medal in the Olympics. The Apostle Paul also made mention of this type of crown in {I Cor. 9:24-25}. In that passage, the race (game) was ran with the understanding that only one received the prize (the crown). The crown there is the garland of victory (stefanos), not the diadema of a ruler.

The twenty four thrones upon which they sit are honorary seats. While this is the present case, they are also destined to wear the diadema of kings, in the earth {Rev. 5:10 ; Rev. 19:12}.

As stated above, in chapter 19:12, when Jesus is revealed from heaven, He is seen with many crowns upon His head. Those are true crowns of royalty, which carry with them civil power, that will be bestowed upon the saints, empowering them to rule, jointly with Him, over the earth. These crowns represent His total authority over the kingdoms of the earth {11:15}.

In antiquity, the diadema was a blue band with white markings which was used by the Kings of Persia to bind the turban to their heads. It was the article which distinguished the king from all others who wore turbans. Some diadems also incorporated jewels and precious stones in their makeup, but were not crowns in the sense that westerners usually think of them.

The primary difference between the garland and the kingly diadema is that the garland represents an honorary title accompanied by an exhalted position. It however, lacks the civil or political authority and power which is characteristic of the king's crown.

While there is one King in heaven, He who sits upon the throne; there will be many kings in the earth, the faithful who will be appointed by Him, to that office. The term, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" refers to Jesus, and the saints who return with Him. Those saints are the kings and lords of which Scripture is speaking, not the kings of the present earth, who shall be judged at His Revelation.

The same Greek word used for the crowns worn by the twenty four elders, is also applied to the crown given to the rider of the white horse in chapter 6. His too, is not a kingly crown, but rather the garland or wreath of victory. In that case however, he will earn this honor by prevailing over all would be Messiahs {Matt. 24:5}, to become the sole power to be reckoned with in the world.