4. “ The four creatures (beings), the four and and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints” --5:8. Because he was the One who was “ able to open the book” and to Him complete and united homage was due; not one creature (being), nor one elder, but the four of the one group, and the twenty-four of the other, representing complete and united worship and adoration: having every one of them harps and golden bowls (vials) full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints. 5. “ Having every one of them harps"--5:8. The harp was not an instrument of mourning, but of rejoicing. In Israel’ s captivity the harps were hung on the willows (Psalms 137:2) in representation of Israel’ s sorrow. The symbol here is not that of sorrow in the calamities to come, but of rejoicing in the triumph of their deliverance, by the Lion that “ hath prevailed,” and who would lead them through all the scenes of conflict enclosed in the book, which was now about to be disclosed by him, in scenes of the ultimate eventual victory of the unfolding experiences. 6. “ And golden vials full of odors” --5:8. The vial, or censer, was a vessel used in altar service to contain the fire with which incense was burned, the perpetual fire from the altar of burnt offerings. It sometimes stands for the altar itself as in Hebrews 13:10 : “ We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” Its use for common purposes was positively forbidden, and no other composition or preparation was acceptable, either of fire or of incense than that which was prescribed. (2 Chronicles 26:16-21; Leviticus 10:1-4) 7. “ The prayers of saints"--5:8. The incense was symbolic of intercession, typical of the intercession of Christ for his saints. Here it is designated to be the prayers of saints because the saints in tribulation were imploring the intercession of the Lamb. In chapter 8:3, the incense was “ added to the prayers of the saints,” which signified the merits of the death of Christ, and which extended and amplified the symbol of intercession. The altar stood for that upon which sacrifice was offered as mentioned in 1 Kings 13:1-34 :1-2; 18:30, and it was appropriated exclusively in the offering of sacrifices for sin on behalf of the one who had offended the law. It symbolized Christ as the Christian’ s only sacrifice, and there is no need for any other altar. It is upon his altar that spiritual offerings are now made (Hebrews 13:10) and to him all true worship ascends (Hebrews 13:15). This vision of Revelation is based on the typical significance of the sacrificial offerings of the Old Testament, which not only reminded the people of sin and the need of expiation, but prefigured the atonement of Christ doctrinally envisioned in Isaiah 53:10, and mentioned in 1 Peter 2:24, as having been accomplished.