NT Text: Revelation 4:2-3
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Typology
Significance: John's throne-vision — "a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it... like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne" (Rev 4:2-3) — is patterned on Ezekiel's inaugural theophany: "the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man... like that of a rainbow in a cloud... the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD" (Ezek 1:26-28). Both seers behold the enthroned glory guarded by the same reverent indirection ("likeness," "appearance"), the radiant gemstone splendor, and the encircling rainbow that recalls God's covenant mercy even amid judgment. This is analogical correspondence within the trajectory of theophany: the God enthroned above the cherubim in Ezekiel is the same glory John sees, now opened to the church through the slain Lamb who shares the throne (Rev 5:6). Rather than strict person-to-person typology, the connection is the canon-wide vision of the LORD's glory drawing toward fuller disclosure; Ezekiel saw a man-like figure of glory, and the NT reveals the enthroned glory as the triune God with Christ at the center. The telos is worship — both prophets fall before the throne — so that the reader is drawn to behold and adore the glory of God in the face of Christ.