Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 4:7

"And the first creature [was] like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature [was] like a flying eagle." — Revelation 4:7 (ASV)

And the first beast (better, in each case, living being) was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf (Ezekiel 1:10), and the third beast had a face as a man (or, its countenance as of a man), and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.—These are living beings, not “beasts,” as in the Authorized Version. The rendering “beasts” introduces confusion of thought, and violates the laws of Apocalyptic, indeed of Bible imagery.

The evil powers are described under the emblem of wild beasts; for thus brute force, unrestrained passion, self-will, etc., are symbolised. (Revelation 13:1–2; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 17:3; Revelation 17:7; Revelation 19:19–20; Revelation 20:10.) But these “living beings” do not represent the evil element in the world. They are representative of animated nature. They are four in number—as there are four beings that hold a primacy in the world: among created beings, man; among birds, the eagle; among cattle, the ox; among untamed animals, the lion.

The characteristics of these four chiefs of creation unite to make a perfect picture of the spirit of true service, which should be brave as the lion, patient as the ox, aspiring as the eagle, and intelligent as man. It may be noted here that the number “four” in the Apocalypse is almost always associated with the earth. (See Revelation 7:1.) We need only call to mind the four quarters, four elements, and four seasons to see its fitness. (Revelation 21:16.)

The living creatures are full of eyes. This strong expression is used again in the next verse. Twice used, its meaning must be significant. The same idea is found in the later prophets of the Old Testament. The wheels of Ezekiel and their tires (Ezekiel 1:18; Ezekiel 10:12) were full of eyes. The stone of Zechariah had seven (the perfect number) eyes (Zechariah 3:9). The thought is emphasised again in Revelation 5:6, where the Lamb is said to have seven eyes. Multiplicity of eyes may symbolise vitality and vigilance. Some have thought, inappropriately enough, that it signifies the unceasing praise of God’s works.

A better interpretation is given by Dr. Currey. “The power of nature is no blind force, it is employed in the service of God’s providence, and all over it the stamp of reason is impressed.” (See Speaker’s Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18). May we not add that the force of nature is always observant of God’s will? Its myriad eyes are fixed on Him, as the eyes of a servant on his master (Psalms 123:2); doing His commandment, hearkening unto the voice of His word (Psalms 103:20–21); the eyes too of all creation wait on God, who gives them meat in due season (Psalms 104:27, Prayer Book version)—

“His state Is kingly; thousands at His bidding speed And post over land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”