Revelation 4:11

The elders’ song is similar to that of the four living beings, but it focuses more on the wonders of God’s creation as the evidence of his glory and power. [Note: William Milligan, The Book of Revelation, vol. 25 of The Expositor’s Bible, pp. 74-75.] It is also directed to God directly. [Note: Mounce, p. 140.] "Worthy art thou" and "our Lord and God" were phrases that pagans used to worship the emperor in John’s day. [Note: Hanns Lilje, The Last Book of the Bible, p. 108.] "Because of Thy will" directs praise to God for the ultimate cause of creation. [Note: Stott, p. 167.] Probably "they existed, and were created" simply credits God for the existence of all things and then stresses the fact that He brought them into existence. [Note: Thomas, Revelation 1-7, p. 368.]

The total impression that this highly symbolic vision presents seems clear even though the interpretation of some of the symbols may not be as obvious. The angelic creatures closest to God will bow before God and give Him the honor He so rightly deserves. [Note: See Mazie Nakhro, "The Manner of Worship according to the Book of Revelation," Bibliotheca Sacra 158:630 (April-June 2001):165-80, which identifies the reasons for worship and the manner of worship in Revelation.] We need to see all that follows in this revelation (chs. 5-22) in the light of the character of God manifested in this vision. God is perfectly holy, just, gracious, righteous, pure, omnipotent, eternal, and sovereign. This should help us accept the coming revelation of all that He will do, including judging huge segments of humanity in the future.