Revelation surely qualifies as the most mysterious book of the New Testament. Yet, oddly, rather than hiding the meaning of music, this may be the very book that answers our questions. After all, the name “Revelation”—based on Revelation 1:1—has to do with revealing, opening to view what was once hidden.
Revelation brings us full circle. For example, the Bible begins with the Tree of Life in an earthly garden (Genesis 2:9). It ends, in Revelation, with the Tree of Life in a heavenly city (Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14). For this Bible study, the significant cycle involves the temple and its worship. The temple for which David prepared seems to have a far greater counterpart in heaven:
- God’s cloud of glory once filled the first temple (1 Kings 8:11 cf. Exodus 40:35). God’s cloud of glory fills Revelation’s temple (Revelation 15:8).
- The first temple housed God’s ark (1 Kings 8:6 cf. Exodus 26:33-34). In Revelation, John sees an ark in the heavenly temple. “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant was seen within His temple” (Revelation 11:19).
- The first temple had a large bronze altar (2 Chronicles 4:1 cf. Exodus 27:1-2). In Revelation, John measures “the temple of God and the altar” (Revelation 11:1).
- The first temple had a smaller golden altar for incense (1 Kings 7:48 cf. Exodus 30:6). Revelation has its golden altar for burning incense (Revelation 8:3-5).
- Lambs were sacrificed at the first temple (1 Chronicles 29:21-22, 32; 2 Chronicles 30:15; Ezra 6:9 cf. Exodus 29:37-43; Leviticus 3:7-8). Revelation also has its sacrificed Lamb (Revelation 5:6, 8, 12; 7:14; 12:11; 13:8).
- Seven lamps or torches on a lampstand grace the first temple (1 Kings 7:49 cf. Exodus 25:37; 26:35). Seven lamps or torches also grace God’s presence in Revelation’s visions (Revelation 4:5 cf. 1:12-13, 20; 2:1; 11:4)
- God’s detailed plan for the first temple included golden bowls (1 Chronicles 28:17-19 cf. Exodus 37:16). Revelation’s temple has its golden bowls (Revelation 15:5-8).
- The aroma of incense fills the first temple (1 Chronicles 6:49; 2 Chronicles 2:4; 13:10- 11 cf. Exodus 31:7-11; Deuteronomy 33:10). Incense likewise burns in Revelation’s temple (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-6).
- Most significant for our quest, harps and trumpets were heard at the first temple (2 Kings 12:13; 1 Chronicles 25:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12; 20:28 cf. Numbers 10:2). In Revelation, harps and trumpets also feature in God’s presence (Revelation 5:8; 8:2-6; 15:2).