Revelation 4:6

“And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal, etc.] By which is meant, not heaven, nor the souls of the blessed there, nor the multitude of the holy angels, nor the first converts to Christianity at Jerusalem; for those that got the victory over the beast are said to stand upon this sea, (<661502>Revelation 15:2), which these senses, especially the three last, will by no means admit of. Some by it understand the world, which may be compared to a “sea”, for the multitude of people in it, as many waters in this book signify people and nations, (<661715>Revelation 17:15); and to a sea of glass, which is brittle, for the frailty and transitoriness of the world, of the…”

“Two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Vulgate, Coptic, and Syriac read, "As it were a sea of glass." like . . . crystal--not imperfectly transparent as the ancient common glass, but like rock crystal. Contrast the turbid "many waters" on which the harlot "sitteth" (Rev 17:1, Rev 17:15). Compare Job 37:18, "the sky . . . as a molten looking-glass." Thus, primarily, the pure ether which separates God's throne from John, and from all things before it, may be meant, symbolizing the "purity, calmness, and majesty of God's rule" [ALFORD]. But see the analogue in the temple, the molten sea before the sanctuary (see on Rev 4:4, above). There is in this sea depth and transparency, but not the fluidity and…”

“And before the throne there was a sea of glass - An expanse spread out like a sea composed of glass: that is, that was pellucid and transparent like glass. It is not uncommon to compare the sea with glass. See numerous examples in Wetstein, in loco. The point of the comparison here seems to be its transparent appearance. It was perfectly clear - apparently stretching out in a wide expanse, as if it were a sea. Like unto crystal - The word “crystal” means properly anything congealed and pellucid, as ice; then anything resembling that, particularly a certain species of stone distinguished for its clearness - as the transparent crystals of quartz; limpid and colorless quartz; rock or mountain…”

“And before the throne is a sea as of glass, like crystal - Wide and deep, pure and clear, transparent and still. Both the "seven lamps of fire" and this sea are before the throne; and both may mean "the seven spirits of God," the Holy Ghost; whose powers and operations are frequently represented both under the emblem of fire and of water. We read again, Rev 15:2, of "a sea as of glass," where there is no mention of "the seven lamps of fire;" but, on the contrary, the sea itself is "mingled with fire." We read also, Rev 22:1, of "a stream of water of life, clear as crystal." Now, the sea which is before the throne, and the stream which goes out of the throne, may both mean the same; namely,…”

“4:6 a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal: The most eye-catching part of ancient theaters was the glistening mosaic where the speaking orchestra was positioned to provide perspective (cp. 15:2-4). • The four living beings represent the whole created order. • covered with eyes: This phrase probably indicates that they had knowledge or understanding. In the ancient world, figures were covered with a particular feature to emphasize that quality (e.g., statues of Artemis were covered with breasts to emphasize fertility). Cp. Ezek 1:18.”

“a sea: Rev 15:2; Exo 38:8; Kg1 7:23 crystal: Rev 21:11, Rev 22:1; Job 28:17; Eze 1:22 the midst: Rev 5:6, Rev 7:17; Eze 1:4, Eze 1:5 four beasts: Rev 4:8, Rev 4:9, Rev 5:6, Rev 5:14, Rev 6:1, Rev 7:11, Rev 14:3, Rev 15:7, Rev 19:4; Ezek. 1:5-28, Eze 10:14 full: Rev 4:8; Eze 1:18, Eze 10:12 Revelation 4:7”