"..I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."
(Revelation 5:6b)
In biblical imagery the horn sometimes symbolizes honor. A psalmist warns those who claim honor vainly, "I said to the boastful, 'Do not boast,' and to the wicked, 'Do not lift up the horn;...do not speak with insolent pride'" (Ps. 75:4-5), but another promises the poor that "his horn will be exalted in honor" (Ps. 112:9). More often, however, the horn is a picture of strength: "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer...my shield and my horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Ps. 18:2). Consequently in the symbolism of the Bible's apocalyptic literature, horns represent powerful kings or nations (Dan. 7:24; Zech. 1:18-21). The Lamb's seven horns show His supreme worthiness to receive the praises that greet His appearance (Rev. 5:9,12,13), but they primarily portray His supreme power. They are the visual equivalent of the title Almighty, ascribed to the Lord God (Rev. 1:8; 4:8).
The Lamb's seven eyes show His omniscience as well as the mode of His presence with His embattled churches, for these eyes, like the seven lamps before God's throne, symbolize "the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth" (Rev. 5:6).
The Lamb has all power and knowledge, extending to earth's farthest corner. In omniscience He can say to each church, "I know." In omnipotence He can make a sevenfold guarantee of reward to the overcomer. Such is the majesty of the church's champion, who now approaches the enthroned One and receives the vital scroll from his right hand-Rev. 5:7.
(Dennis Johnson)
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