Revelation 5:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The four living creatures and the elders signify that angels and men have become one flock and one Church through Jesus Christ. He united what was divided and broke down the middle wall. Together with the four living creatures, who surpass the other angelic ranks, as we have heard, the elders also are counted worthy to sing hymns to God and worship Him. They signify the fullness of those being saved. May we also be made worthy of this through Christ Himself, the Giver of peace and our God. To Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, dominion, and honor, now and ever and unto the endless ages. Amen.

All creation, represented in the four living creatures, also offers a fourfold thanksgiving. The one like a lion offers dominion. The one like a calf offers honor. The one like a man renders glory. The one like a flying eagle offers blessing. They begin and end the hymn because they represent all that exists outside God. The twenty-four elders join the Seraphim, then the angels, and one flock is formed, giving praise to the one Shepherd. With such solemnity the Lamb receives the book, to loose the seals and reveal the mysteries.