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Theophany in Revelation

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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 Covenant
2 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 Trinity
1 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 3
1 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!


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