^4:7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.

1. The first living creature was like a lion,
2. the second was like an ox,
3. the third had a face like a man,
4. the fourth was like a flying eagle.

Each of the living creatures has a characteristic. Compare them to the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:4-14. Probably they are the same with different sides of their "likeness."

Symbolically, these living creatures represent the four attributes of our Lord Jesus.

The four creatures covered with eyes indicates an exceeding knowledge of God. They are special angels who are afforded an intimacy with God/Christ by being next to the THRONE. They have had imprinted on them some of the qualities of Christ himself. Yet they still are created beings as seen by Ezekiel, John, and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-5). That these living creatures are important to the heavenly kingdom is indicated by the many times they appear throughout Revelation: Revelation 5:6,8,14; 6:ff 14:3; 15:7; and 19:4.