1. Theophany in Revelation
Vern Sheridan Poythress
Westminster Theological Seminary
Unless otherwise indicated, all English Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2. A. Theophany in General

3. Theophany as All-Encompassing
Covenant
Theophany
1. Theophany is a huge topic, capable of integrating all of Scripture at least as powerfully as covenant. See Samuel Terrien, arguing that in fact the idea of divine presence is more successful than that of covenant.
See Samuel Terrien, The Elusive Presence

4. Definition of Theophany*
More than one definition is possible.
I want a broad definition.
“An encounter with divine presence accompanied by extraordinary manifestation or display mediating that presence.”
Include veiled or elusive manifestations.
2. Definition: I want to encompass a broad spectrum of phenomena in OT and NT. Thus:
An encounter with divine presence accompanied by extraordinary visible manifestation or display mediating that presence.
This definition is meant to include veiled or elusive manifestations of God.

5. Theophany and Other Themes
God 2 3 4 1
speaking
ruling
communing
prophet
king
priest
human beings

6. Theophany and Covenant2 1
God
theophany
covenant
speaking
ruling
communing
human beings

7. Theophany in Spiritual Growth*
Know God as revealed in Rev.
2 Cor. 3:18 applies theophanic language to the heart of Christian experience.
Growth in Christ is unbounded, Eph. 3:
5. Spiritual importance of theophany.
a. The whole church is destined to grow in knowing God, as revealed in Rev and elsewhere.
b. 2 Cor 3:18 shows how theophanic language can be applied to the heart of Christian experience and Christian growth. It also show the immense potential of Christian life.
c. Eph 3:18-19 shows the unboundedness of growth.
Pointing man is from MS Office clipart gallery.
theophany
in Christ
transformation of
believers in Christ
Inexhaustible.

8. Theophany in Revelation
Christophany in 1:12-20 1 2
Theophany in 4:1-5:14 3
Empowers judgments 6:1-22:5
<Where is theophany in Revelation?> *
3. Significance of theophany for Rev
a. All the particular events and heptadic structures derive from the theophany of Rev 4-5, which is closely related to Rev 1:12-16.
b. All of Rev 1:12-22:5 is a theophany in broad terms.
1:12-22:5 as a whole

9. B. Rev. 1:12-20

10. The Lampstands (1:12-13) ** Primary connections: 1:20 (2:1).
Significance: Christ is in the midst of the churches.
Secondary connections:
tabernacle, temple
lights of heaven (stars in 1:20)
disciples as light, Matt 5:14
B. The lampstands
1. Primary textual connections
a. Rev 1:20, the seven lampstands are the seven churches
b. Rev 2:1, ‘‘who walks among the seven golden lampstands’’
2. Significance of the vision
Christ is the midst of the churches
3. Secondary connections
a. The lamps of the tabernacle and the temple
b. The lights of heaven (connection of Rev 1:20 with stars)

11. Vision of Christ (1:12-16) *
Primary connections: 14:14; Dan. 7:13; 7:9- 10; 10:5-6; Ezek. 1.
Significance: Christ is divine judge and ruler, both for blessing and for curse.
Secondary and tertiary connections: OT theophanies.
1. The primary textual connections:
a. Rev 1:13 o3moion ui(o\n a)nqrw/pou
Rev 14:14 o3moion ui(o\n a)nqrw/pou
Dan 7:13 #$nf)v ; LXX, Th w(j ui(o\j a)nqrw/pou
b. Rev 1:13-16 with Dan 7:9-10, 10:5-6
white hair Dan 7:9, fiery flames 7:9-10
c. Rev 1:15 feet of burnished bronze is connected with Ezek 1:
Ezek 1:4,7,27, 8:2*, 40:3
This might not be so significant, if there were not several other connections.
(1) Ezek 1:26, ‘‘a likeness with a human appearance.’’
(2) Ezek 1:28, bright glory
(3) ‘‘sound of many waters,’’ Ezek 1:24, 43:2
(4) Connections of Ezek 1 with Dan 7.
Significance: J. Christ is divine judge and ruler, both for blessing and for curse

12. Judging as a Theme ** Judgment in Ezek. 1 and Dan. 7:9-10.
From Rev. 1-3:
1:18, keys of death
1:20, stars in the hand, with authority
Rev. 2-3, warnings and commendations
2:8, 10, authority over death
2:18, eyes searching the heart
14:14; 10:1; 19:12,15; 15:6 have judgment.
a. From the OT
Dan 7:9,13, Ezek 1 are both in the context of judgment. This is particularly obvious in Dan 7:9-10.
b. Evidence from near context of Rev itself
1:18 keys of death
1:20, stars in the hand, authority
Rev 2-3, context of commendation and warnings to the churches
2:8,10 authority over death
2:18, eyes, cf. 2:23, searching the heart
c. Evidence from more remote context in Rev
Connections with Rev 14:14, 10:1, 19:12,15, 15:6, all of which are the context of judgment

13. C. Types of OT Theophanies

14. Thunderstorm Theophanies*
Mt. Sinai as primary.
Instances: Exod. 19; Ps. 18:7-15; Zech 9:14- 15; Ps. 68:7-8(8-9); 144:5-6; 29:3-11; 50:3; 97:2-5; Isa. 64:1-3; Zeph. 1:15-16.
Features: cloud, smoke, thunder, lightning, fire, maybe earthquake and wind.
a. Mt. Sinai
(1) The threat of judgment, Exod 19:12-13,21-22,24
(2) Typical theophanic accompaniments
cloud 19:16, Ezek 1:4
smoke 19:18
fire 19:18, Ezek 1:4,13
thunder 19:16,19 Ezek 1:24, 10:5, Rev 1:10,15
lightning 19:16 Ezek 1:14
(3) the human form Exod 24:10, Ezek 1:26, Rev 1:13
(4) precious jewels Exod 24:10, Ezek 1:22,26; 10:1
b. Thunderstorm theophanies
Ps 18:7-15*, 68:7-8(8-9), 144:5-6, 29:3-11, 50:3, 97:2-5, Isa 64:1- 3, Zech 9:14-15*, Zeph 1:15-16
Including hail, lightning, wind, whirlwind. We may also list here earthquake and fire theophanies (Exod 3:2). Sinai is a prose passage, but most of the later passages are poetic uses.

15. Fire Theophanies
Exod. 3:1-6; Gen. 15:17; Exod. 13:21; 14:19, 24; Num. 9:15-23; Acts 2:1-3
Connected with thunderstorm and glory theophanies

16. Temple/cloud Theophanies*
Instances: Exod. 40:34-38; Num. 9:15-23; Deut. 4:32-36; 1 Kings 8:10-11; Ezek. 8:4; 10:3-4, 18-19; 43:2-7; 44:4.
Connected with dedication of the tabernacle or temple, or speech from the temple.

17. Glory Theophanies *
Instances: Isa. 60:1-2; Mal. 4:2; Ps. 80:1, 3, 7, 19; 94:1.
Connected with thunderstorm and temple theophanies.

18. Court Theophanies *
Instances: 1 Kings 22:19-22; Isa. 6:1-5; Job 1:6; 2:1; Dan. 7:9-10; Ps. 82; 89:5-14.
With a Man in the center.
Connected with chariot through 1 Chron. 28:18, where chariot = cherubim (court ministers).
d. Man theophanies 1: court theophanies
(1) Connection with chariot theophanies via 1 Chron 28:18, ‘‘… also his plan for the golden chariot of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.’’
(2) 1 Kgs 22:19-22*, Isa 6:1-5, Job 1:6, 2:1, Dan 7:9-10, Ps 82, 89:5-14.

19. Individual Man Theophanies*
Instances: Judg. 13:6-22; Gen. 18; Dan. 10:5; Rev. 10:1(?); Acts 9:3-7; Dan. 7:13; Rev. 19:11; etc.
Second type of Man theophany.
Some are preincarnate appearances of Christ.
e. Man theophanies 2: an individual human figure
Jg 13:6-22, Gen 18, Dan 10:5, Rev 10:1(?), Acts 9:3-7, Dan 7:13, Rev 19:11, etc.

20. Warrior Theophanies *
Instances: Zech. 9:14-15; 14:3-5; Hab. 3:3- 15; Isa. 63:1-6; 59:17-19; Zeph. 3:17; Josh. 5:13-15.
A third type of Man theophany.

21. Chariot Theophanies *
Instances: Isa. 66:15; Hab. 3:8; Dan. 7:9-10; 2 Kings 2:11-12; 6:17; Ps. 68:17(18), 4(5), 33(34); Deut. 33:26; Isa. 19:1; Ps. 65:11.
Poetic, context of judgment.
God going to war.
c. Chariot theophanies
Poetic, context of judgment. Isa 66:15*, Hab 3:8*, Dan 7:9-10*, 2 Kgs 2:11-12, 6:17, Ps 68:17(18),4(5),33(34), Deut 33:26, Isa 19:1, Ps 65:11
\M Note the parallel with Nebuchadnezzar, Jer 4:13 and ANE kings. \m

22. Creation as Theophany *
Instances: Gen. 1:2; Ps. 104:1-4; 93:1-2; 102: Building: Job 38:4-11; Prov. 8:27- 31; Amos 9:5-6.
Connected with temple theophanies, Ps. 78:69; 93:5; 11:4-5.

23. Summary of OT Theophany*
Diverse, showing richness.
Interrelated, showing unity and mystery.
Classifiable up to a point.
Showing
God's wisdom.
a. These are diverse, showing the richness of theophany
b. Interrelated to one another in complex ways, showing a unity in mystery
c. classifiable up to a point

24. D. Imaging in Theophanies

25. Angels Image God * 24 elders 24 thrones image one throne (Rev. 4:4).
Angels are “sons of God” (Job 1:6; 2:1).
They execute God’s decrees (Isa. 6:6-7; Ezek. 9:4; 10:2; Ps. 103:20-21).

26. 3 Layers in Ezekiel 1 1 2 Cloud 3 Chariot Man a. Over-all structure
Cloud on the outside. 
The chariot comes out of the cloud, 1:4-5.  Afterwards, the cloud is associated with the cherubim and the man on the throne, 10:3-4, 18-19, 9:3. 
Chariot = cloud, Ps 104:3. Cherubim = chariot, Ps 18:10, 1 Chron 28:18.

27. Fire Imaging in Ezekiel 1
Cloud
1:4 2
Fire 3
Chariot
1:13-14 4
Man
1:27
meaning:
God’s judgment
(Isa. 66:15; Ps. 97:3)

28. meaning: firm-ness of judgment
Imaging in Ezekiel 1
Bronze
Voice
Cloud
Chariot
Man
1:4 9:3-4
1:7 1:24
1:27; 8:2? 1:25,28 1 2
[[e. swiftness
1:14 cherubim. Also, note wings and Ps 18:10
1:4 whirlwind of glory
1:20 Holy Spirit?
1:18 wheels as representative of the cherubim
(Cf. Ps 33:18, 2 Chron 16:9)
f. Power
of cherubim, illustrated by animal faces
of God, illustrated by the throne
meaning: firm-ness of judgment
pronounce
judgment

29. Inner Meaning of Man Theophany
Cloud
Chariot 1
Man 2
Attributes
Trinity
deep

30. Attributes in Human Form*
Eyes
Ears
Arm
Hand
Feet
Face
Nostrils
Mouth
Knowledge, Prov. 15:3; 2 Chron. 16:9; Ps. 80:14; Jer. 32:19; Ps. 11:4.
Answering prayer, Ps. 34:15.
Power, Luke 1:51; Ps. 44:3.
Care, Isa. 49:2; Ezek. 8:1; 37:1.
Dominion, Isa. 60:13; 63:3.
Presence, Exod. 33:9-11,
Wrath, Ps. 18:15, 8.
Articulate speech.
a. eyes: knowledge of God, Prov 15:3 ‘‘The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.’’ 2 Chron 16:9, Ps 80:14, Jer 32:19, Ps 11:4, Jer 16:17, Job 34:21, Prov 22:12.
b. ears: concern in answering prayer, Ps 34:15 ‘‘The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry.’’
c. arm: strength or power Luke 1:51 ‘‘He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.’’ Ps 44:3. Smashing enemies.
d. hand: power of protection and provision Isa 49:2 ‘‘in the shadow of his hand he hid me.’’ Ezek 8:1, 37:1.
e. feet: dominion, treading down in wrath, Isa 60:13, ‘‘I will make the place of my feet glorious’’. Isa 63:3.
f. face: presence. Exod 33: This is closely related to glory, Exod 33:18-23, Num 14:14.
g. nostrils: wrath. Ps 18:15 ‘‘Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.’’ Ps 18:8.
h. Mouth: articulate speech.

31. Attributes and Spirit * Face Eyes Hand Finger Breath Power Many
Ps. 139:7; 51:11; Ezek. 39:29
Rev. 5:6; 1:4-5.
Ezek. 8:1 vs. 11:5.
Luke 11:20 vs. Matt. 12:28; 2 Cor. 3:3.
Ps. 18:15; Ezek. 37 (Ps. 104:3)
Luke 1:35.
Exod. 14:24; 15:6, 8, 12; Isa. 63:10-14.
(4. Attributes, ‘‘limbs,’’ and the Trinity)
a. Association of the face of God and the Holy Spirit, Ps 139:7*, 51:11, Ezek 39:29. (Exod 33:15, Deut 31:17-18, Exod 34:6-7, Ps 51:9.)
b. Eyes, Rev 5:6*, 1:4-5.
c. Hand, Ezek 8:1 vs. 11:5.
d. Finger, Luke 11:20 vs. Matt 12: Cor 3:3.
e. Breath. Ps 18:15. Ezek 37. (Ps 104:3)
f. Power, Luke 1:35*, ‘‘the power of the Most High’’
g. Multiple associations, Exod 14:24*, 15:6*,8*,12*, Isa 63:10-14.
[b. Cloud and Holy Spirit, 1 Pet 4:14*. See Meredith M. Kline, ‘‘The Holy Spirit as Covenant Witness,’’ Th.M. thesis, Westminster Seminary. (Ezek 2:2, 3:22-24; Rom 6:4 vs. 8:11. Analogy between Acts 2:1-3, 1 Cor 3:16 and the OT cloud. ]

32. Attributes and Trinity1
Individual
attributes
Holy
Spirit 2 3
Whole human
figure
Christ
Incarnate

33. E. Imaging and Spatial Structure

34. Kingship Reflected 1 2 God angelic court heaven and earth 3 4 5 6
image
Adam
other
people
earth
Eden

35. Presence Reflected God indwelling angelic court heaven and earth 2 3 1
1:14
4:4
5:13 6 5
image 4
kingdom/
temple
you
church
3:20
1:12-13
11:19

36. 7 Cycles Follow Reflection*7
5:1; 6:1 1
8:2 2
12:1-3 3
God;
Lamb
7 angels
in court
cosmic
theater
last
Adam
19:11
God &
man 6
reigning
saints
20:4 7
15:5-8 4
17:1-19:10 5
church;
false church
temple

37. Final Reflection: New Jerusalem*1 3 1
God
new Jerusalem 8 2
God;
Lamb
7 angels
in court
cosmic
theater 1 7 6
God &
man
reigning
saints 5 4
last
Adam
church;
false church
temple

38. Completed Reflection God indwelling angelic court heaven and earth 2 31
22:1
21:12
21:23 6 4 5
you
church
kingdom
22:4
21:16
1:12-13;
21:9

39. Beauty Reflected angelic court heaven and earth God 2 3 1
Rev. 4:3; splendor
Rev. 21:19-21
Ezek. 1:16 6 5 4
Be beautiful.
you
church
kingdom
Exod. 28:15-21
Rev. 21:19-21
Isa. 61:10; 62:3

40. F. Lessons from Theophany

41. God Centered Universe 4 living 1 creatures 2 3 24 elders 4 myriads
every creature
in heaven, earth,
under the earth, sea
4 living
creatures 1
myriads
of angels 2
24 elders 3 4
It’s like going to an airport, and seeing planes and baggage moving this way and that. It may seem chaotic until you go up to the airport control-tower.

42. God’s Glory in History 1 2
all things 3
Unstoppable.
spread of glory

43. God’s Glory Copied man-centered thinking reality original King 3 1 4
literal
human king 2
God as merely
metaphorical
King
copy
king

44. God’s Glory Reflected 2 4 6 light kingship presence beauty 1 3 7 5
Lightbulb, house, and jewel from MS Office clipart gallery.

45. God’s Glory Now ** In redemption, 5:2-6 In creation, 4:11 Light Cloud
Thunder
Tree is from MS Office clipart gallery. House from MS Office clipart gallery.
Trees (life)
Houses

46. God’s Mystery Reflected in Symbols
God’s Trinitarian nature 1 2
God’s appearing in Rev. 3
God’s surroundings
Bible is from Logos Bible Clips.
all of Revelation

47. Evangelism from Theophany*
Don Richardson, Peace Child, illustrates the challenges.
You may start from general revelation: water, trees, the sun, marriage, power (kingship).

48. Worship from Theophany
Seeing God in majesty 1 2 3
Praise
4:8
Awe
1:17
Imitation
2 Cor. 3:18

49. G. The Lamb and the Scroll

50. God’s Scroll
Heavenly books contain God’s plans, Dan. 10:21; 12:4, 9; (8:26) 2 1
Heavenly
scene
Heavenly
books 5 4 3 6 7
Plan for
history
Universal
context
sealed = inaccessible
Who can bring God’s plan to realization?

51. The Lamb’s Ability (5:5-6)1
Lion, Root of David 2
Lamb 3 5 4
Slain
able
Flame is from MS Office clipart gallery, altered. Scroll is from MS Office clipart gallery, altered.
With Spirit
Yes!