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Revelation 4:2-3
In Revelation 4:2-3 is the description of the throne of God as revealed to John as he was “in the Spirit” (Revelation 4:2, NKJV). What he saw on the throne is described in Revelation 4:3 as, “3And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” A Jasper, in appearance, is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “red, yellow, or brown opaque quartz.” Quartz is defined by the same as, “a common often transparent crystalline mineral that is a form of silica.” Silica, also defined by Merriam-Webster is, “a mineral that consists of silicon and oxygen.” Silicon is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “a nonmetallic chemical element that occurs in combination as the most abundant element next to oxygen in the earth’s crust and is used esp. in alloys and semiconductors.” An alloy is, “a substance composed of metals melted together” says Merriam-Webster, but also is further described as, “an admixture that lessens value.” So in the definition of silicon, we would not expect it to be presented to us in the form of an alloy, but possibly in the other form as a semiconductor. A semiconductor, as defined by Merriam-Webster is, “a substance whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and an insulator.” So, by this definition, and in reference to God, describes Him as one who is able to allow things to take place (a conductor) and one who is able to not allow things to take place (an insulator). Taken in the context of the Almighty is an explanation of His omnipotence – being in total control; “having unlimited authority or influence: ALMIGHTY” as defined by Merriam-Webster. Continuing then, a sardius stone is traced to carnelian and as defined by the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary as being, “composed of silicon dioxide, but chalcedony does not crystallize into the bold hexagonal forms taken by quartz.” The color pattern is similar, if not the same as that of jasper. With this is the full array of the color pattern of the red, yellow, and brown; but jasper is also said to have shades of many colors. This is very interesting as the rest of this verse (Revelation 4:3) states, “and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” This rainbow would not be in appearance as that in which we see after a rain, as described in Genesis 9:8-17 as a covenant between God, Noah, and all creation from that point on after the flood declaring, “Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” The rainbow as described in Revelation 4:3 is a rainbow that shines out from the throne of God in every and all directions, similar as for us to comprehend as the sun shines on all the earth, so does the full array of the rainbow shine out from the throne of God.
This is a description of the fullness and completeness of the omnipotent God of heaven, who is always in full control and splendor.
I find it amazing that the definitions listed above of the biblical description of God sitting on His throne reveal to us the modern definitions that are historically eternal. This is not by accident or coincidence – no, God does these things with purpose so that we may comprehend His majesty and omnipotence today as it was some two-thousand years ago when this was written by the Apostle, and God’s faithful servant John.
Dear LORD,
The Revelation of Jesus Christ is so that we may know of Your greatness and omnipotence. Please let the rainbow that shines from Your throne – from Your being – be a covenant with us as it was with Noah of Your omnipotence in who You are and of who we are in Your great plan of salvation for humanity. In Jesus name I pray, amen.