Revelation Now :Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshipped. (Revelation 5:13-14)
"Every creature in heaven and on earth" could mean the birds of the air as they sing out their chorus of praise. Another intriguing possibility is that the sun, moon and stars are somehow joining in the celebration. Under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them point to the extent of the praise. Every single creature everywhere glorifies God. All nature joins together. To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb shows how all creation praises God the Father equally and together. They share the praise.
Now the chorus of praise goes so far that it cannot go farther, for it reaches throughout the whole of the universe and the whole of creation. There is one vast song of praise to the Lamb. We may note one very significant thing. In this chorus of praise, To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, indicates that God and the Lamb are joined together. Nothing could better show the height of Jesus Christ. In the praise of creation, Jesus is set by the side of God.
The creatures which are in the heaven add their praise. The phrase "every creature in heaven and on earth" gathers up every possible being in heaven including the living creatures, the elders, the myriads of angels and every other heavenly being. All creation gives God praise.
The creatures which are under the earth add their praise. That can only mean the dead who are in Hades, and here is something totally new. In the Old Testament, the idea is that the dead are separated altogether from God and live a shadowy existence. "In death there is no remembrance of thee; in Sheol who can give thee praise?" (1). "Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth? What profit is there in my death if I go down to the pit?" (2). "Dost thou work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise thee? Is thy steadfast love declared in the grave, or thy faithfulness in Abaddon? Are thy wonders known in the darkness, or thy saving help in the land of forgetfulness?" (3). "For Sheol cannot thank thee, death cannot praise thee; those that go down to the pit cannot hope for thy faithfulness" (4).
Here is a vision which sweeps all this away. Not even the land of the dead under the earth is beyond the reign of the Risen Christ. Even from beyond death the chorus of praise rises to him. The picture here is all-inclusive of every creature in heaven and on earth that is all nature praising God.
Imagine joining the angelic choir in heaven. What song or hymn is on your lips?
"O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: Praise and exalt him above all for ever.
O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: Praise and exalt him above all for ever." (5)
(1) Psalm 6:5 (2) Psalm 30:9 (3) Psalm 88:10-12 (4) Isaiah 38:18 (5) Psalm 148.