The Revelation of St. John (1558) - Page 5

The throne in heaven among twenty-four elders, seven

lamps, and four living creatures. Revelation 4.

original Latin: "Sedes in cœlo inter 24 ſeniores, ſeptem lampades, & quatuor animalia. Apocal. 4."

Twenty-four elders around the throne with a
rainbow / surrounded by seven lamps and four winged
creatures. He who sat on the
throne held a sealed book which a
Lamb takes from him. Revelation 4.
original German: "xxiiij.älteſten vmb den thron mit ein regenbogen / ſiben ampeln vnd vier geflügelten thieren vmbgeben. Der vff dem ſtůl ſaß het ein verſigelt bůch welchs ein Lamb von jm nimpt. Apoc. 4."

This page describes one of the most famous scenes in Christian iconography: the "Majesty of God."

The text and accompanying woodcut depict several key theological elements:

The Twenty-Four Elders: Often interpreted as representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles, symbolizing the whole people of God.
The Four Living Creatures: Described as having wings and being covered in eyes; in Christian tradition, these are usually identified with the four Evangelists (Matthew as a man, Mark as a lion, Luke as an ox, and John as an eagle).
The Seven Lamps: Representing the "seven spirits of God."
The Sealed Book and the Lamb: This refers to Revelation chapter 5, where only the "Lamb that was slain" (symbolizing Jesus Christ) is found worthy to open the seven seals of the scroll containing the destiny of the world.

The mention of "Revelation 4" in the text actually encompasses the narrative of both chapters 4 and 5, which together form the vision of the celestial liturgy.