"And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Rev 5:9,10. I think the elders here represent the risen church. Regarding who “The 24 Elders” are Some say they represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles as tribal heads of Israel. Then there is this …. the #24 are priests in the temple (1 Chronicles 24:3-19) The 24 Elders minister to GOD directly in the Throne room, this is the highest position that anyone could attain that is why the Elders are Kings and Priests and not princes. Well, we now know why the Elders John saw in the Throne room were specifically 24 … I Chronicles 24 Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 7 Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, 8 The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, 9 The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, 10 The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, 11 The ninth to Jeshuah, the tenth to Shecaniah, 12 The eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, 13 The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, 14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, 15 The seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Aphses, 16 The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezekel, 17 The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul, 18 The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah. 19 These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him. Melchizedek is a conundrum for sure! Arguments can be made pro and con that can be convincing! He is a mystery figure for sure! If he was indeed a man, he was surely a type and shadow pointing to Christ Messiah! If he was an incarnation of the Holy Spirit it would accompany his appearance as a dove at Christ's baptism and tongues of fire at the upper room! If memory serves, Benny Hinn a couple of years ago presented the idea of seeing the Holy Spirit as a man! He was immediately taken to task and castigated! He just as easily could have been a pre-figured Christ being prior to an incarnation and having an earthly mother! But the Holy Spirit truly was not a son to the Father and had no mother while yet eternal!!! His existance (melchizedek) physically corporeal and the nature of His office as king and priest was unique only to him and Christ! TR
