Elijah
2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together,
suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared
and separated the two of them,
and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Enoch
Genesis 5:24
And Enoch walked with God:
and he was not;
for God took him.
God
Psalms 115:3
among others
3 But our God is in the heavens:
he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Christ
Mark 16:19
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them,
he was received up into heaven,
and sat on the right hand of God.
The Holy Spirit
1 John 5:7, others
For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Angels
Nehemiah 9:6,
Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven,
the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth,
and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein,
and thou preservest them all;
and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones;
for I say unto you,
That in heaven their angels do always behold
the face of my Father which is in heaven.
The Four Beast
Revelation 4:6-8
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:
and in the midst of the throne,
and round about the throne,
were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7 And the first beast was like a lion,
the second beast like a calf,
and the third beast had a face as a man,
and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him;
and they were full of eyes within:
and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
The 24 elders
Revelation 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:
and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting,
clothed in white raiment;
and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
The Martyrs
Revelation 6:9-11
And when he had opened the fifth seal,
I saw under the altar
the souls of them that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true,
dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them;
and it was said unto them,
that they should rest yet for a little season,
until their fellow servants also and their brethren,
that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
And honestly
I had forgot about the the Martyrs being there,
(I know, shame on me, Im sorry)
I also forgot about the fact
they don't get judged
as others do,
and neither do the 24 elders
or they wouldn't have
their immortality cloaks already:
Revelation 4:4
"clothed in white raiment"
Revelation 6:11
"And white robes were given
unto every one of them"
The Martyrs
are a special class of people.
They are brought back
to reign with Christ
in the millennium:
Revelation 20:4
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
And those being willing
to give their lives
for God
are immediately sent to heaven.
Revelation 6:9
And when he had opened the fifth seal,
I saw under the altar
the souls of them
that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held:
But that is it as far as who
is in Heaven.
For everyone else
The seventh plague has to be poured out
before you can enter into the temple:
Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
And
John 3:13
presents somewhat of a paradox
in that
"no one has ascended into heaven
except the one who came from heaven
—the Son of Man"
regarding Enoch and Elijah
with some commentators concluding
that it must have been
"into the presence" of God
but not necessarily "The Heaven"
where God abides.
Ill let you do your own homework
and come to your own conclusions on that one.
Snippets from commentary's on
And when he had opened the fifth seal,
I saw under the altar
the souls of them that were slain
for the word of God,
and for the testimony
which they held:
follow below:
Study Bible
And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal
This phrase indicates the continuation of the vision given to John, where the Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, is the only one worthy to open the seals of the scroll. The opening of the seals represents the unfolding of divine judgment and revelation. The Lamb's role as the opener of the seals emphasizes His authority and sovereignty over the events of the end times, as seen in Revelation 5:5-7.
I saw under the altar
The altar here is symbolic, drawing imagery from the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the altar of burnt offering in the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 29:12). In the heavenly context, it represents the place where the sacrifices of the faithful are acknowledged by God. The location "under the altar" suggests a place of honor and divine protection, indicating that the souls are precious in God's sight.
This is where we get the part of the liturgy
we say in our church when we take communion
from:
"And so
in remembrance of these
your mighty acts in Jesus Christ
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
As a Holy and living sacrifice
in union with Christ offering for us.
the souls of those who had been slain
This phrase refers to the martyrs who have died for their faith. Historically, Christians have faced persecution and martyrdom, beginning with the early church under Roman rule. The mention of their souls highlights the belief in the immortality of the soul and the hope of resurrection. The concept of martyrdom is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, as seen in the accounts of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) and other early Christian martyrs.
for the word of God
The reason for their martyrdom is their steadfast commitment to the word of God. This phrase underscores the centrality of Scripture in the life of believers and the cost of discipleship. Throughout history, many have faced persecution for upholding biblical truth, reflecting Jesus' warning in John 15:18-20 about the world's hatred towards His followers.
(The look on honeys face yesterday
said a lot when I said to her
"They are going to hate me,
well, they already do."
talking about what I had written yesterday
about 3I/ATLAS.)
and for the testimony they had upheld
The testimony refers to their witness to the truth of the Gospel and their personal faith in Jesus Christ. This testimony is not only verbal but also demonstrated through their lives and, ultimately, their deaths. The call to bear witness is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as seen in Acts 1:8, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The martyrs' testimony serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and courage for all believers.
Just gonna add:
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives
unto the death.
Saying you believe in Christ is one thing.
Dying for that belief is another.
If you honestly believe?
Why wouldn't you be willing to die for it?
Cowards go to hell.
(Revelation 21:8)
Our time is a time
for brave men and women
willing to give their lives.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lamb
Refers to Jesus Christ, who is opening the seals of the scroll. The Lamb symbolizes Jesus' sacrificial role and His authority to execute God's plan.
2. The Fifth Seal
Part of the series of seals being opened in the Book of Revelation, each revealing a different aspect of God's judgment and plan for the end times.
3. The Altar
Represents the heavenly altar, a place of sacrifice and worship. In the context of Revelation, it symbolizes the presence of God and the place where the prayers and sacrifices of the saints are acknowledged.
4. The Souls
These are the martyrs who have been killed for their faithfulness to the word of God and their testimony. They are depicted as being under the altar, indicating their sacrifice and God's recognition of their faithfulness.
5. The Word of God and Testimony
The reason for the martyrdom of these souls. They were slain because they upheld the truth of God's word and bore witness to it, even unto death.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Persecution
The martyrs exemplify unwavering faithfulness to God's word and testimony, even in the face of death. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the cost.
Heavenly Recognition
The placement of the souls under the altar signifies God's acknowledgment and honor of their sacrifice. Our faithfulness on earth is seen and valued by God.
The Cost of Discipleship
Following Christ may lead to persecution and sacrifice. Believers should be prepared to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel.
(Hear that Pretribulationist types?)
The Power of Testimony
The testimony of the martyrs serves as a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel. Our lives and words should consistently reflect our commitment to Christ.
Hope in Justice
The cry of the martyrs for justice reminds us that God will ultimately vindicate His people. We can trust in His perfect justice and timing.
What Does Revelation 6:9 Mean
And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal
• John calls Jesus “the Lamb” again, reminding us of His sacrificial work (John 1:29; Revelation 5:6).
• Christ alone has the authority to break each seal, unfolding God’s fixed plan (Revelation 5:9).
• The fifth seal marks a shift from judgments on earth to a heavenly scene, showing that God keeps track of every believer’s suffering (Luke 12:6-7).
I saw under the altar
• John’s vision moves to the heavenly temple, echoing the earthly altar where blood was poured out (Leviticus 4:7; Hebrews 8:5).
• Positioning the martyrs “under the altar” ties their sacrifices to Christ’s own offering; their lives were “poured out” for Him (Philippians 2:17).
• It assures us that no act of faithfulness is unnoticed in heaven (Psalm 56:8).
the souls of those who had been slain
• The martyrs are conscious and present with the Lord, confirming life after death (2 Corinthians 5:8; Luke 23:43).
• “Slain” is literal—believers actually gave their lives. God remembers their names and stories (Psalm 116:15).
• Their number will grow until God’s timing is complete (Revelation 6:11).
for the word of God
• Their primary offense was loyalty to Scripture, just as Jeremiah faced hostility for proclaiming God’s word (Jeremiah 20:2).
• Jesus foretold such opposition, promising blessing to the persecuted (Matthew 5:11-12).
• Holding fast to the Bible remains a clear dividing line between those who follow Christ and the world (John 17:14).
and for the testimony they had upheld
• “Testimony” refers to personal witness about Jesus (Revelation 12:11).
• They did not renounce Him under pressure,
fulfilling Christ’s call to confess Him before others (Matthew 10:32-33).
• Their steadfastness encourages
believers today to endure hardship
(2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 12:1-3).
(Pretribulationist? Hello?
Anybody home?)
Summary
Revelation 6:9 pulls back the curtain to show heaven’s perspective on earthly persecution. Jesus, the Lamb, opens the fifth seal to reveal martyrs sheltered beneath the heavenly altar. Their conscious presence confirms immediate life with Christ after death, and their location under the altar links their sacrifice to His. They were killed because they clung to God’s word and refused to silence their witness. God honors and remembers them, assuring us that every act of faithfulness counts and that ultimate justice is on the way.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(vs 9-11)
"The word "souls" has been made a resting-place for an argument respecting the intermediate state. There is no ground for this: it is quite beside the object of the seal, which simply exhibits the sufferings of Christ's people as the necessary accompaniment of the progress of the gospel. These sufferings are because of the Word of God and the testimony which they held. It was because of the Word of God and the testimony that the sacred seer himself suffered (Revelation 1:9). The words here remind us that the same issue which St. John fought, the suffering ones of after ages would be fighting. Their witness and his was the God-man; to this testimony they clung. They were not ashamed of Christ, or of His words, and they suffered for their courage and fidelity.
(vs 9)
I saw under the altar . . .--Read, when He opened, and, instead of "were slain," &c., had been slain because of the Word of God, and (because of) the testimony which they held. The seal indicates that the mission of the Christian Church can only be carried out in suffering. An altar is seen, and at its foot tokens of the martyrs who had laid down their lives upon it. The word "souls" is to be taken as the equivalent of "lives"; the vision tells that their lives had been sacrificed. The blood of the victims was in the temple service poured out at the foot of the altar. St. Paul makes use of the same imagery--"I am now ready to be poured out" ("offered" in English version). In union with Christ Christians are called upon to suffer with Him, even to carry on to its great end the work of Christ in the world, and so fill up that which is lacking of the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24). The word "souls" has been made a resting-place for an argument respecting the intermediate state. There is no ground for this: it is quite beside the object of the seal, which simply exhibits the sufferings of Christ's people as the necessary accompaniment of the progress of the gospel. These sufferings are because of the Word of God and the testimony which they held. It was because of the Word of God and the testimony that the sacred seer himself suffered (Revelation 1:9). The words here remind us that the same issue which St. John fought, the suffering ones of after ages would be fighting. Their witness and his was the God-man; to this testimony they clung. They were not ashamed of Christ, or of His words, and they suffered for their courage and fidelity.
Pulpit Commentary
"...the inexplicable life with God in heaven, which is denoted by the silence following the opening of the last seal. I saw under the altar. This representation is doubtless suggested by the arrangements of the temple. Victims were sacrificed on the brazen altar which stood at the door of the tabernacle (Exodus 39:39 and Exodus 40:29), and the blood was poured out at the foot of this altar (Leviticus 4:7). The martyrs are therefore regarded as having offered themselves as sacrifices upon the altar of God by yielding up their lives for him. St. Paul uses a similar figure concerning himself. In 2 Timothy 4:6 he says, "For I am now ready to be offered ['to pour out as a libation,' σπένδω], and the time of any departure is at hand;" and in Philippians 2:17, "If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith."
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
This seal pertains to martyrs - at the former successively did to a time of prosperity and triumph; to discord and bloodshed; to oppressive taxation; to war, famine, and pestilence. In the series of woes, it was natural and proper that there should be a vision of martyrs, if it was intended that the successive seals should refer to coming and important periods of the world; and accordingly we have here a striking representation of the martyrs crying to God to interpose in their behalf and to avenge their blood. The points which require elucidation are:
(a) their position - under the altar;
(b) their invocation - or their prayer that they might be avenged;
(c) the clothing of them with robes; and,
(d) the command to wait patiently a little time.
(1) the position of the martyrs - "under the altar." There were in the temple at Jerusalem two altars - the altar of burnt sacrifices, and the altar of incense. The altar here referred to was probably the former. This stood in front of the temple, and it was on this that the daily sacrifice was made. Compare the notes on Matthew 5:23-24. We are to remember, however, that the temple and the altar were both destroyed before the time when this book was written, and this should, therefore, be regarded merely as a vision. John saw these souls as if they were collected under the altar - the place where the sacrifice for sin was made - offering their supplications. Why they are represented as being there is not so apparent; but probably two suggestions will explain this:
(a) The altar was the place where sin was expiated, and it was natural to represent these redeemed martyrs as seeking refuge there; and
(b) it was usual to offer prayers and supplications at the altar, in connection with the sacrifice made for sin, and on the ground of that sacrifice.
The idea is, that they who were suffering persecution would naturally seek a refuge in the place where expiation was made for sin, and where prayer was appropriately offered. The language here is such as a Hebrew would naturally use; the idea is appropriate to anyone who believes in the atonement, and who supposes that that is the appropriate refuge for those who are in trouble. But while the language here is such as a Hebrew would use, and while the reference in the language is to the altar of Burnt sacrifice, the scene should be regarded as undoubtedly laid in heaven - the temple where God resides. The whole representation is that of fleeing to the atonement, and pleading with God in connection with the sacrifice for sin.
The souls of them that were slain
- That had been put to death by persecution. This is one of the incidental proofs in the Bible that the soul does not cease to exist at death, and also that it does not cease to be conscious, or does not sleep until the resurrection. These souls of the martyrs are represented as still in existence; as remembering what had occurred on the earth; as interested in what was now taking place; as engaged in prayer; and as manifesting earnest desires for the divine interposition to avenge the wrongs which they had suffered.
For the word of God -
On account of the word or truth of God. See the notes on Revelation 1:9.
And for the testimony which they held -
On account of their testimony to the truth, or being faithful witnesses of the truth of Jesus Christ. See the notes on Revelation 1:9.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The three last seals relate to the invisible, as the first four to the visible world; the fifth, to the martyrs who have died as believers; the sixth, to those who have died, or who shall be found at Christ's coming, unbelievers, namely, "the kings … great men … bondman … freeman"; the seventh, to the silence in heaven. The scene changes from earth to heaven; so that interpretations which make these three last consecutive to the first four seals, are very doubtful.
Expositor's Greek Testament
The Fifth Seal, Revelation 6:8-11
9. This series of seven visions, like the other groups of seven throughout the book, is divided into two parts. We have seen (Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:19) that the messages to the seven Churches were divided into a group of three and one of four: here the first four seals are marked off from the last three, and similarly with the four trumpets of chap. 8 from the three that follow in chaps. 9–11: perhaps also, though less clearly, with the vials of chap. 16.
"the souls] There is undoubtedly a distinction throughout the N. T. between the words for “soul,” the mere principle of natural life and “spirit,” the immortal and heavenly part of man: see especially 1 Corinthians 15:44 sqq. Yet it is probably an overstatement of this distinction to say that these are mere lost lives, crying to God for vengeance like Abel’s blood (Genesis 4:10), but different from the immortal souls, which have all their wants satisfied, and desire the salvation, not the punishment, of their murderers. They are the “lives” of the slain: their being under the altar is well illustrated by the ceremonial outpouring of the blood, and their cry for vengeance by that of the blood of Abel, but what follows in the next verse is surely addressed to the inmost souls of the saints, not to impersonal abstract “lives.”
of them that were slain] As the four former verbs correspond to Matthew 24:6-8, so this to ibid. 9. In Enoch xl. 5, a voice (that of “him who presides over every suffering and every wound of the sons of men, the holy Raphael,” ib. 9) is heard “blessing the elect One, and the elect who are crucified on account of the Lord of spirits.” There is a passage more like this in sense in the same book, xlvii. 2, “In that day shall the holy ones assemble who dwell above the heavens, and with united voice petition, supplicate, praise, laud, and bless the name of the Lord of spirits, on account of the blood of the righteous which has been shed, that the prayer of the righteous may not be intermitted before the Lord of spirits; that for them He would execute judgement, and that His patience may not endure for ever.”
the testimony which they held] For the construction cf. Revelation 12:17 fin. The verb rendered “held” here and “have” there being the same. Some argue from the name of Jesus not being used here, as in the three places referred to, for describing their testimony, that there are Old Testament martyrs, like those in Hebrews 11 ad fin. But surely their blood was very amply avenged, and very speedily: of the three great persecutors, Jezebel and Antiochus perished miserably, and Manasseh suffered equal misery, though he repented in time to receive some alleviation of it. We have, however, a Jewish parallel to the thought of this passage in Enoch xxii. 5 sqq., where Enoch hears in heaven the accusing cry of the soul (not, as in Genesis, the blood) of Abel.
So,
more than you ever wanted to know
about Revelation 6:9 :-).
I knew
7?, 8? years ago
I would be killed
for what I was,
am currently
and will be saying.
See how much it's stopped things?
Why would that be
would be an appropriate question
to ask
and the answer is really simple,
when you have been blessed
enough to have seen past
the confines of this realm?
You wont mind telling others
before moving on to
your glory
(given by God)
in another one.
Why else would anybody do it
unless they knew
what awaits them?
And BTW
When was Rahab saved?
Revelation 13:8
"...written in
the book of life
of the Lamb slain
from the foundation
of the world."
An all knowing God
already knew
who was going to accept him
and who wasnt.
Yup...
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