The number _seven_ here seems to be designed, as in other places, to denote _completeness_. See Notes on ch. i. 4. The meaning is, that he had so large a number as to denote complete dominion. ¶ _And seven eyes._ Symbols of intelligence. The number _seven_ here also denotes _completeness_; and the idea is, that he is able to survey all things. John does not say anything as to the relative arrangement of the horns and eyes on the “Lamb,” and it is vain to attempt to conjecture how it was. The whole representation is symbolical, and we may understand the meaning of the symbol without being able to form an exact conception of the figure as it appeared to him, ¶ _Which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth._ See Notes on ch. i. 4. That is, which _represent_ the seven Spirits of God; or the manifold operations of the one Divine Spirit. As the eye is {125} the symbol of intelligence――outward objects being made visible to us by that――so it may well represent an all-pervading spirit that surveys and sees all things. The eye, in this view, among the Egyptians was an emblem of the Deity. By the “seven Spirits” here the same thing is doubtless intended as in ch. i. 4; and if, as there supposed, the reference is to the Holy Spirit considered with respect to his manifold operations, the meaning here is, that the operations of that Spirit are to be regarded as connected with the work of the Redeemer. Thus, all the operations of the Spirit are connected with, and are a part of, the work of redemption. The expression “sent forth into all the earth,” refers to the fact that that Spirit prevades all things. The Spirit of God is often represented as sent or poured out; and the meaning here is, that his operations are _as if_ he was sent out to survey all things and to operate everywhere. Comp. 1 Co. xii. 6‒11. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.