The One who was sitting on the throne in the midst of this heavenly throng had a scroll (Gr. biblion) in his right hand. This scroll was written on both sides but it is sealed securely with seven seals. This book can only be opened by the one who is worthy and only the author one given authority can loose the seals and reveal the contents of the book. Knowing its contents is in high demand. Angels want to look into it and the elders want its contents revealed. The picture of this scene is a public search and proclamation throughout the earth to find the one who is worthy to loose the seals and reveal the contents of the book. At this point, only the author knows its contents. After a thorough search, including those under the earth, they found no one worthy to step forward and take the book from the one on the throne. This means so much to John that he is overwhelmed by grief that no one is found worthy.
After much weeping, one of the twenty-four elders said to John, “Weep not; Look, the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David has overcome to open the book and the seven seals thereof.” We must keep in mind that its contents give a preview of what is going to happen. While they are given a preview, events are taking place on earth in fulfillment of the divine plan. For example, John is given a snapshot of Christ becoming the Lion of the Tribe of Judah in heaven as he publically identifies him as the Lamb of God on earth. Perhaps, this elder was John himself who would soon first proclaim Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). In a vision, it is possible for John, the elder, to be talking to John, the apostle. A worthy one has been found from the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14). The Lamb and the Lion are the same person and that by itself is a revelation of Jesus Christ that explains the nature of the one who overcame. Satan is no match for He has been given all authority in heaven and in the earth. He is also the root and offspring of David. This is similar to Acts 2:29-36 (cf. Matthew 22:41-46) that questions how Jesus can be both the son of David, while at the same time being his Lord. The combination of both the root and offspring of David can only be explained by the pre-existent Word who, in the fullness of time (cf. Gal. 4:4) became flesh and was called Emmanuel. Even before Abraham, Jesus would say, “I am” (John 8:58).
Furthermore, Revelation 3:7 reads, “He that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens.” In the next scene, John sees in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures a Lamb who takes center stage. The Lamb is standing as though it had been slain. It has “seven horns, seven eyes (which are the seven spirits of God) sent forth into all the earth (5:6). This represents all power and knowledge. Nothing is hidden from his sight. The scene is very graphic as the Lamb just stands there all bloody, beaten, and bruised (cf. Isa. 53:7-12). The elder has just cried the announcement of a worthy one and said, “Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” Yet, when all eyes turn to look, they all see a lamb standing. It had been slain but has overcome so as to be worthy to come and take the scroll out of the hand of Almighty God. The picture is that the Lamb is not given the scroll. Rather, He takes the scroll out of the Father’s hand. There is no fear as He approaches for His Father has given Him all power and is insulted when anyone fails to honor Him. A whole generation thought they could honor God while dishonoring the Son (cf. John 5:23).
That picture is frozen as the Lamb of God stands in the position absolute ruler with the scroll in his hand. All heaven responds in praise and adoration as they joyously sing a new song.