Translation
Then one of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep.
Behold,
the LION
OF THE TRIBE OF
JUDAH,
Go to footnote numberthe ROOT OF DAVID,
Go to footnote numberhas prevailed;
Go to footnote numberHe can open the scroll
and
its seven seals.”
Paraphrase
Then one of the representatives of leadership said to me, “Don’t weep. Open your eyes and see our MIGHTY CONQUERING MILITARY HERO WHO LEADS US IN PRAISE AND CELEBRATION,
the ONE WHO WILL RESTORE THE RULE OF THE BELOVED, He has prevailed;
He meets the requirements for proper authority, even though it demands ultimate authority.
Footnotes
1
The lion was known for its strength and courage. This person possessed the qualities of a fierce fighting machine. He was fighting on the side of Judah; Judah means “praise and celebration.” All this would have reminded the reader of David who came from the tribe of Judah and was the greatest warrior king that Israel ever had.
2: “The root of David”
This brings to mind a picture of a tree stump that has a shoot beginning to spring up. It is a picture of hope. Although the tree was cut down (David’s kingdom is no longer a reality), a shoot is starting to grow. Things may be bad right now, but something is beginning to happen that will change all that. Of course we know that Jesus offers a more perfect rule than that of David, but it was a picture which gave hope, and that is what’s important.
3
This is the same term used of the saints in chapters 2 and 3. “To those who prevail, I will give . . .” We prevail in the same manner that Jesus prevailed. He is our example.