Skip to content

Precedence of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is deeply connected to numerous themes, symbols, and events found throughout the Bible. This post provides a quick reference list to review these connections, illustrating how the final book of the Bible ties together prophecies, visions, and teachings from both the Old and New Testaments. The following comprehensive list highlights key elements of Revelation alongside their precedents in other biblical texts.

Comprehensive List of Events and References

EventRevelation ReferenceOther Biblical References
Tree of LifeRevelation 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24
Lamb of GodRevelation 5:6-14; 13:8Exodus 12:3-7; Isaiah 53:7
Scroll and Seven SealsRevelation 5:1-14; 6:1-17; 8:1Ezekiel 2:9-10; Daniel 12:4-9
Four HorsemenRevelation 6:1-8Zechariah 1:8-11; 6:1-8
Great TribulationRevelation 7:14Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7
Trumpet JudgmentsRevelation 8:6-21; 9:1-21; 11:15-19Exodus 19:16-19; Joel 2:1
Two WitnessesRevelation 11:3-12Zechariah 4:3-14
Woman and the DragonRevelation 12:1-17Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 66:7-9
Beast and False ProphetRevelation 13:1-18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10Daniel 7:1-8, 19-25; 11:36-45
New Heaven and New EarthRevelation 21:1-5Isaiah 65:17; 66:22
Son of ManRevelation 1:13; 14:14Matthew 24:30; Daniel 7:13-14
Mark of the BeastRevelation 13:16-18; 14:9-11Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
Marriage Supper of the LambRevelation 19:7-9Matthew 22:2-14; 25:1-13
Binding of SatanRevelation 20:1-3Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 10:18
Great White Throne JudgmentRevelation 20:11-15Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:22-29
Glowing RainbowRevelation 4:3Ezekiel 1:28
New SongRevelation 5:9; 14:3Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 144:9; 149:1
Horses and RidersRevelation 6:1-8; 19:11-14Zechariah 1:8-11; 6:1-8; 2 Kings 2:11; 6:17
Moon Turned to BloodRevelation 6:12Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20
Stars FallingRevelation 6:13Isaiah 34:4; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25
Sky Rolled Up Like a ScrollRevelation 6:14Isaiah 34:4
Bottomless PitRevelation 9:1-2, 11; 20:1-3Luke 8:31
Plague of LocustsRevelation 9:3-10Exodus 10:12-15; Joel 1:4; 2:1-11
Two Olive TreesRevelation 11:3-4Zechariah 4:3-14
Drinking the Cup of God’s WrathRevelation 14:10; 16:19Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15
Tears Wiped Away ForeverRevelation 7:17; 21:4Isaiah 25:8
Seven Golden LampstandsRevelation 1:12-13, 20Exodus 25:31-40; Zechariah 4:2
Seven StarsRevelation 1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1Job 38:31; Amos 5:8
Seven Spirits of GodRevelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6Isaiah 11:2
Open Door in HeavenRevelation 4:1Ezekiel 1:1
Thunder and LightningRevelation 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18Exodus 19:16; 20:18; Ezekiel 1:13; Psalm 77:18
Seven EyesRevelation 5:6Zechariah 3:9; 4:10
Sealing of God’s ServantsRevelation 7:2-8Ezekiel 9:4
Great MultitudeRevelation 7:9Genesis 15:5; 32:12; Hebrews 11:12
Silence in HeavenRevelation 8:1Zephaniah 1:7; Zechariah 2:13
Golden Altar of IncenseRevelation 8:3; 9:13Exodus 30:1-10
Bitter WormwoodRevelation 8:10-11Jeremiah 9:15; 23:15; Lamentations 3:15, 19
Third of the Sun, Moon, and Stars StruckRevelation 8:12Exodus 10:21-23; Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10; Amos 8:9
Sea Turned to BloodRevelation 8:8; 16:3Exodus 7:17-21
FrogsRevelation 16:13Exodus 8:2-6
Kings of the EarthRevelation 1:5; 6:15; 17:2, 18; 19:19Psalm 2:2; Isaiah 24:21; 40:23
Kings Bringing WealthRevelation 21:24Isaiah 60:3, 5; 66:12
Bride Adorned for Her HusbandRevelation 21:2Isaiah 61:10; 62:5
River of the Water of LifeRevelation 22:1Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8
Twelve Fruits of the Tree of LifeRevelation 22:2Ezekiel 47:12
Leaves for the Healing of NationsRevelation 22:2Ezekiel 47:12
God Dwelling with His PeopleRevelation 21:3Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 2:10
New JerusalemRevelation 21:2, 10Isaiah 52:1; 60:14; 65:18; 66:10; Ezekiel 48:35
Holy, Holy, HolyRevelation 4:8Isaiah 6:3
Book of LifeRevelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Daniel 12:1
Babylon FallenRevelation 14:8; 18:2Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 51:8
Smoke of Their TormentRevelation 14:11Isaiah 34:10
Winepress of God’s WrathRevelation 14:19-20Isaiah 63:3; Lamentations 1:15; Joel 3:13
Song of Moses and the LambRevelation 15:3Exodus 15:1-18; Deuteronomy 32:1-43
Fall of SatanRevelation 12:9; 20:2Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18
Lake of FireRevelation 19:20; 20:10, 14-15; 21:8Daniel 7:11; Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48
Blotting Out of NamesRevelation 3:5Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28
Keys of Death and HadesRevelation 1:18Isaiah 22:22
Tree Bearing Twelve FruitsRevelation 22:2Ezekiel 47:12
Reigning with ChristRevelation 20:4-6Daniel 7:18, 27; 2 Timothy 2:12
No More NightRevelation 22:5Isaiah 60:19-20

Conclusion

The Book of Revelation’s rich tapestry of imagery and events is deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative. Recognizing these connections not only helps us understand Revelation better but also reveals the continuity and unity of Scripture. As J. Dwight Pentecost emphasizes, “The book of Revelation is the consummation of all things begun in Genesis and continued throughout the Bible” (Pentecost, Things to Come).

By studying these precedents, we gain a deeper appreciation for the prophetic and redemptive themes woven throughout the Bible. Engaging with these texts encourages us to grow in our faith and understanding, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Charles Ryrie aptly notes, “The study of prophecy should lead to holy living and an evangelistic spirit, not to unwise speculation and unfruitful division” (Ryrie, Revelation). Let us, therefore, approach the Book of Revelation with humility and reverence, seeking to understand its message in the context of the whole counsel of God’s Word.


Below please find an alternate version of the same list using summarized passages for ease of reference.

Alternate List of Events and References

  • Tree of Life
    Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19 – The tree offers eternal life to those who overcome.
    Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24 – The tree of life in Eden, guarded after the Fall.
  • Lamb of God
    Revelation 5:6-14; 13:8 – The Lamb, slain but standing, worthy to open the scroll.
    Exodus 12:3-7 – The Passover lamb’s blood saves Israel.
    Isaiah 53:7 – The suffering servant, like a lamb led to slaughter.
  • Scroll and Seven Seals
    Revelation 5:1-14; 6:1-17; 8:1 – The sealed scroll is opened, revealing judgments.
    Ezekiel 2:9-10 – A scroll filled with lamentation and woe.
    Daniel 12:4-9 – Daniel’s vision sealed until the end times.
  • Four Horsemen
    Revelation 6:1-8 – The four riders bring conquest, war, famine, and death.
    Zechariah 1:8-11; 6:1-8 – Four horses patrol the earth, representing judgment.
  • Great Tribulation
    Revelation 7:14 – A great multitude comes out of the tribulation, purified.
    Daniel 12:1 – A time of distress like never before.
    Jeremiah 30:7 – The time of Jacob’s trouble.
  • Trumpet Judgments
    Revelation 8:6-21; 9:1-21; 11:15-19 – A series of catastrophic events as trumpets sound.
    Exodus 19:16-19 – Trumpets sound as God descends on Mount Sinai.
    Joel 2:1 – A trumpet warns of the Day of the Lord.
  • Two Witnesses
    Revelation 11:3-12 – Two witnesses prophesy, perform miracles, and are resurrected.
    Zechariah 4:3-14 – The two olive trees, representing God’s anointed ones.
  • Woman and the Dragon
    Revelation 12:1-17 – A woman gives birth, pursued by a dragon, protected by God.
    Genesis 3:15 – The seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s head.
    Isaiah 66:7-9 – A woman in labor, delivering before pain.
  • Beast and False Prophet
    Revelation 13:1-18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10 – The beast and false prophet deceive the world and are ultimately defeated.
    Daniel 7:1-8, 19-25 – A terrifying beast with ten horns and a little horn.
  • New Heaven and New Earth
    Revelation 21:1-5 – God creates a new heaven and earth, where He dwells with His people.
    Isaiah 65:17 – A new heaven and earth, with former things not remembered.
    Isaiah 66:22 – The new heavens and earth endure before God.
  • Son of Man
    Revelation 1:13; 14:14 – The Son of Man appears in glory, ready to judge.
    Matthew 24:30 – The Son of Man comes on the clouds with power.
    Daniel 7:13-14 – One like a son of man comes with the clouds to receive dominion.
  • Mark of the Beast
    Revelation 13:16-18; 14:9-11 – People receive the mark of the beast, sealing their fate.
    Matthew 24:24 – False Christs and prophets will deceive many.
    2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 – The man of lawlessness deceives with signs and wonders.
  • Marriage Supper of the Lamb
    Revelation 19:7-9 – The marriage supper celebrates the union of Christ and His Church.
    Matthew 22:2-14 – A parable of a wedding banquet, with guests invited by the king.
    Matthew 25:1-13 – The parable of the ten virgins, waiting for the bridegroom.
  • Binding of Satan
    Revelation 20:1-3 – Satan is bound for 1,000 years.
    Matthew 12:29 – The strong man must be bound before his house is plundered.
    Luke 10:18 – Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
  • Great White Throne Judgment
    Revelation 20:11-15 – The dead are judged according to their deeds; those not in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.
    Matthew 25:31-46 – The Son of Man judges the nations, separating the sheep from the goats.
    John 5:22-29 – The Father entrusts all judgment to the Son.
  • Glowing Rainbow
    Revelation 4:3 – A rainbow encircles God’s throne, shining like an emerald.
    Ezekiel 1:28 – The appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord, with a rainbow.
  • New Song
    Revelation 5:9; 14:3 – The redeemed sing a new song before the throne.
    Psalm 33:3 – Sing to Him a new song.
    Psalm 40:3 – A new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise.
    Psalm 96:1 – Sing to the Lord a new song; all the earth.
    Psalm 144:9; 149:1 – Praise God with a new song.
  • Horses and Riders
    Revelation 6:1-8; 19:11-14 – The four horsemen and the armies of heaven on white horses.
    Zechariah 1:8-11; 6:1-8 – Horses of different colors patrol the earth, symbolizing God’s judgment.
    2 Kings 2:11; 6:17 – Chariots and horses of fire appear in visions.
  • Moon Turned to Blood
    Revelation 6:12 – The moon becomes like blood during the breaking of the sixth seal.
    Joel 2:31 – The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the Day of the Lord.
    Acts 2:20 – Peter quotes Joel, declaring the signs of the last days.
  • Stars Falling
    Revelation 6:13 – The stars fall to earth like figs from a shaken tree.
    Isaiah 34:4 – The stars in the sky dissolve and fall.
    Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25 – The stars will fall from the sky before the Son of Man appears.
  • Sky Rolled Up Like a Scroll
    Revelation 6:14 – The sky recedes like a scroll being rolled up.
    Isaiah 34:4 – The heavens are rolled up like a scroll.
  • Bottomless Pit
    Revelation 9:1-2, 11; 20:1-3 – The abyss is opened, and Satan is bound there for 1,000 years.
    Luke 8:31 – The demons beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss.
  • Plague of Locusts
    Revelation 9:3-10 – Locusts with the power to sting like scorpions are unleashed.
    Exodus 10:12-15 – The plague of locusts devastates Egypt.
    Joel 1:4; 2:1-11 – The locusts are a harbinger of the Day of the Lord.
  • Two Olive Trees
    Revelation 11:3-4 – The two witnesses are symbolized as two olive trees.
    Zechariah 4:3-14 – The olive trees symbolize God’s anointed servants.
  • Drinking the Cup of God’s Wrath
    Revelation 14:10; 16:19 – The wicked drink from the cup of God’s wrath.
    Psalm 75:8 – The cup of God’s wrath is poured out on the wicked.
    Isaiah 51:17 – Jerusalem has drunk from the cup of His wrath.
    Jeremiah 25:15 – God commands the nations to drink from the cup of His wrath.
  • Tears Wiped Away Forever
    Revelation 7:17; 21:4 – God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, ending all sorrow.
    Isaiah 25:8 – God will swallow up death forever, wiping away all tears.
  • Seven Golden Lamp Stands
    Revelation 1:12-13, 20 – The seven lampstands represent the seven churches.
    Exodus 25:31-40 – The golden lampstand is crafted for the Tabernacle.
    Zechariah 4:2 – A vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps.
  • Seven Stars
    Revelation 1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1 – The seven stars represent the angels of the seven churches.
    Job 38:31 – God binds the chains of the Pleiades.
    Amos 5:8 – Seek Him who made the Pleiades and Orion.
  • Seven Spirits of God
    Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6 – The seven spirits of God are before His throne.
    Isaiah 11:2 – The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, a spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.
  • Open Door in Heaven
    Revelation 4:1 – A door stands open in heaven, and John is invited to witness future events.
    Ezekiel 1:1 – The heavens are opened, and Ezekiel sees visions of God.
  • Thunder and Lightning
    Revelation 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 – Thunder and lightning accompany the presence of God and His judgments.
    Exodus 19:16; 20:18 – Thunder and lightning signal God’s descent on Mount Sinai.
    Ezekiel 1:13 – Lightning flashes from the creatures around God’s throne.
    Psalm 77:18 – Thunder and lightning reveal God’s power in the storm.
  • Seven Eyes
    Revelation 5:6 – The Lamb has seven eyes, symbolizing the seven spirits of God.
    Zechariah 3:9; 4:10 – The stone has seven eyes, representing God’s all-seeing knowledge.
  • Sealing of God’s Servants
    Revelation 7:2-8 – God’s servants are sealed on their foreheads for protection during the tribulation.
    Ezekiel 9:4 – A mark is placed on those who grieve over sin, sparing them from judgment.
  • Great Multitude
    Revelation 7:9 – A great multitude from every nation stands before the throne in white robes.
    Genesis 15:5 – Abraham’s descendants will be as numerous as the stars.
    Genesis 32:12 – Jacob’s descendants will be like the sand of the sea.
    Hebrews 11:12 – Abraham’s descendants are countless like the stars and sand.
  • Silence in Heaven
    Revelation 8:1 – Silence in heaven for about half an hour, as the seventh seal is opened.
    Zephaniah 1:7 – Silence before the Lord on the Day of the Lord.
    Zechariah 2:13 – All flesh is silent before the Lord as He stirs from His holy dwelling.
  • Golden Altar of Incense
    Revelation 8:3; 9:13 – The prayers of the saints rise from the golden altar of incense before God.
    Exodus 30:1-10 – The golden altar of incense is built for the Tabernacle.
  • Bitter Wormwood
    Revelation 8:10-11 – A star called Wormwood falls, making water bitter.
    Jeremiah 9:15; 23:15 – God gives His people bitter water to drink for their sin.
    Lamentations 3:15, 19 – Wormwood symbolizes suffering and bitterness.
  • Third of the Sun, Moon, and Stars Struck
    Revelation 8:12 – A third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, darkening the day and night.
    Exodus 10:21-23 – Darkness falls over Egypt.
    Isaiah 13:10 – The stars and sun will not give light.
    Joel 2:10 – The sun and moon are darkened, and the stars stop shining.
    Amos 8:9 – The sun will go down at noon.
  • Sea Turned to Blood
    Revelation 8:8; 16:3 – The sea becomes blood, and every living thing in it dies.
    Exodus 7:17-21 – The Nile turns to blood, killing the fish.
  • Frogs
    Revelation 16:13 – Frogs come from the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet, performing signs to deceive.
    Exodus 8:2-6 – Frogs swarm over Egypt as a plague.
  • Kings of the Earth
    Revelation 1:5; 6:15; 17:2, 18; 19:19 – The kings of the earth are judged for their rebellion against God.
    Psalm 2:2 – The kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord.
    Isaiah 24:21 – The kings of the earth are punished by God.
    Isaiah 40:23 – God brings princes and rulers to nothing.
  • Kings Bringing Wealth
    Revelation 21:24 – The kings of the earth bring their wealth into the New Jerusalem.
    Isaiah 60:3, 5 – Nations and kings bring their wealth to Zion.
    Isaiah 66:12 – Peace flows like a river, and the wealth of nations is like a flood.
  • Bride Adorned for Her Husband
    Revelation 21:2 – The New Jerusalem, like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
    Isaiah 61:10 – God clothes His people with garments of salvation, like a bride adorned for her husband.
    Isaiah 62:5 – As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so God rejoices over His people.
  • River of the Water of Life
    Revelation 22:1 – A river of the water of life flows from the throne of God.
    Ezekiel 47:1-12 – Water flows from the temple, bringing life to everything it touches.
    Zechariah 14:8 – Living water flows from Jerusalem, split between east and west.
  • Twelve Fruits of the Tree of Life
    Revelation 22:2 – The tree of life bears twelve kinds of fruit, yielding fruit every month.
    Ezekiel 47:12 – Trees bear fruit every month, and their leaves provide healing.
  • Leaves for the Healing of Nations
    Revelation 22:2 – The leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations.
    Ezekiel 47:12 – The leaves of the trees along the river provide healing.
  • God Dwelling with His People
    Revelation 21:3 – God’s dwelling place is now among His people, and He will dwell with them.
    Leviticus 26:11-12 – God will put His dwelling place among His people.
    Ezekiel 37:27 – God will dwell with His people, and they will be His.
    Zechariah 2:10 – God will come and live among His people.
  • New Jerusalem
    Revelation 21:2, 10 – The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, radiant with God’s glory.
    Isaiah 52:1 – Zion, clothe yourself with strength and splendor.
    Isaiah 60:14 – The city of the Lord, Zion, the Holy One of Israel.
    Isaiah 65:18 – Be glad and rejoice forever in what God creates, including the new Jerusalem.
    Isaiah 66:10 – Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her.
    Ezekiel 48:35 – The name of the city will be “The Lord is there.”
  • Holy, Holy, Holy
    Revelation 4:8 – The living creatures around the throne never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy.”
    Isaiah 6:3 – The seraphim around the throne call to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.”
  • Book of Life
    Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27 – Only those whose names are in the Book of Life will be saved from judgment.
    Exodus 32:32-33 – Those who sin will be blotted out of God’s book.
    Psalm 69:28 – Let the wicked be erased from the book of life.
    Daniel 12:1 – Those written in the book will be delivered.
  • Babylon Fallen
    Revelation 14:8; 18:2 – Babylon the Great has fallen, symbolizing the fall of the world system opposed to God.
    Isaiah 21:9 – Babylon has fallen, and all her idols are shattered.
    Jeremiah 51:8 – Babylon will suddenly fall and be destroyed.
  • Smoke of Their Torment
    Revelation 14:11 – The smoke of their torment rises forever for those who worship the beast.
    Isaiah 34:10 – The smoke of Edom’s destruction will rise forever.
  • Winepress of God’s Wrath
    Revelation 14:19-20 – The earth is harvested, and the winepress of God’s wrath is trampled.
    Isaiah 63:3 – God treads the winepress of His wrath alone.
    Lamentations 1:15 – The Lord has trampled me like grapes in the winepress.
    Joel 3:13 – The winepress is full, the vats overflow; great is their wickedness.
  • Song of Moses and the Lamb
    Revelation 15:3 – The redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God’s deeds and ways.
    Exodus 15:1-18 – Moses and the Israelites sing after their deliverance from Egypt.
    Deuteronomy 32:1-43 – Moses’ song recounts God’s faithfulness and the people’s rebellion.
  • Fall of Satan
    Revelation 12:9; 20:2 – Satan is cast out of heaven and bound for 1,000 years.
    Isaiah 14:12 – How you have fallen from heaven, morning star.
    Luke 10:18 – Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
  • Lake of Fire
    Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14-15; 21:8 – The final destination for the beast, false prophet, Satan, death, and the wicked.
    Daniel 7:11 – The beast is destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.
    Matthew 25:41 – The eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
    Mark 9:43-48 – Better to enter life maimed than to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.
  • Blotting Out of Names
    Revelation 3:5 – The overcomer’s name will never be blotted out from the book of life.
    Exodus 32:32-33 – Those who sin will be blotted out from God’s book.
    Psalm 69:28 – Let the wicked be erased from the book of life.
  • Keys of Death and Hades
    Revelation 1:18 – Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.
    Isaiah 22:22 – The key of David will open what no one can shut.
  • Tree Bearing Twelve Fruits
    Revelation 22:2 – The tree of life bears twelve kinds of fruit, yielding fruit every month.
    Ezekiel 47:12 – Trees along the river bear fruit every month.
  • Reigning with Christ
    Revelation 20:4-6 – The faithful reign with Christ for 1,000 years.
    Daniel 7:18, 27 – The saints will possess the kingdom and reign forever.
    2 Timothy 2:12 – If we endure, we will also reign with Him.
  • No More Night
    Revelation 22:5 – There will be no more night, for the Lord will give them light.
    Isaiah 60:19-20 – The Lord will be your everlasting light; your days of sorrow will end.

All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.


Published inEschatology (End Times Topics)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)