⁵ Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.^{(A) 6} Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne. Four living creatures^(B) covered with eyes in front and in back were in the middle^[a] and around the throne. ⁷ The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. ⁸ Each of the four living creatures had six wings;^(C) they were covered with eyes around and inside. Day and night they never stop,^[b] saying:

⁵ Then one of the elders said to me, “Stop crying. Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah,^(A) the Root of David,^(B) has been victorious^(C) so that He may open the scroll and^[a] its seven seals.” ⁶ Then I saw One like a slaughtered lamb standing between^[b] the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God^(D) sent into all the earth. ⁷ He came and took the scroll^[c] out of the right hand of the One seated on the throne.

The Lamb Is Worthy

⁸ When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints.