Knowledge and Power

As he worked on his translation of the Bible, Joseph Smith sought guidance from the Lord many times about the meaning of specific passages. As he studied the book of Revelation, Joseph asked about the four beasts described in Revelation 4:6-9. These beasts each have 6 wings, reminiscent of the seraphim in Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:2-7) and of the angels on the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). The beasts are also described as being “full of eyes within.” What do the wings and the eyes represent, Joseph wondered.

The Lord gave him the following answer:

Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge, that is, they are full of knowledge; and their wings are a representation of power, to move, to act, etc.

Doctrine and Covenants 77:4

So two of the fundamental characteristics of these heavenly beings are knowledge and power.

Nephi testified that God “knoweth all things” and that “he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words” (1 Nephi 9:6). King Benjamin and Ammon also testified that God has all power and all wisdom (Mosiah 4:9, Alma 26:35). And Ammon added another dimension to this testimony: God is willing to share His knowledge and power with us. Speaking to King Lamoni, Ammon said:

A portion of [His] Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.

Alma 18:35

Today, I will remember the symbolism of the eyes and the wings on the beasts in John’s vision. I will remember that because God knows all things and has all power, He can enlighten me and empower me.