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
Event | Revelation Reference | Other Biblical References |
Tree of Life | Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19 | Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24 |
Lamb of God | Revelation 5:6-14; 13:8 | Exodus 12:3-7; Isaiah 53:7 |
Scroll and Seven Seals | Revelation 5:1-14; 6:1-17; 8:1 | Ezekiel 2:9-10; Daniel 12:4-9 |
Four Horsemen | Revelation 6:1-8 | Zechariah 1:8-11; 6:1-8 |
Great Tribulation | Revelation 7:14 | Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7 |
Trumpet Judgments | Revelation 8:6-21; 9:1-21; 11:15-19 | Exodus 19:16-19; Joel 2:1 |
Two Witnesses | Revelation 11:3-12 | Zechariah 4:3-14 |
Woman and the Dragon | Revelation 12:1-17 | Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 66:7-9 |
Beast and False Prophet | Revelation 13:1-18; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10 | Daniel 7:1-8, 19-25; 11:36-45 |
New Heaven and New Earth | Revelation 21:1-5 | Isaiah 65:17; 66:22 |
Son of Man | Revelation 1:13; 14:14 | Matthew 24:30; Daniel 7:13-14 |
Mark of the Beast | Revelation 13:16-18; 14:9-11 | Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 |
Marriage Supper of the Lamb | Revelation 19:7-9 | Matthew 22:2-14; 25:1-13 |
Binding of Satan | Revelation 20:1-3 | Matthew 12:29; Mark 3:27; Luke 10:18 |
Great White Throne Judgment | Revelation 20:11-15 | Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:22-29 |
Glowing Rainbow | Revelation 4:3 | Ezekiel 1:28 |
New Song | Revelation 5:9; 14:3 | Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 144:9; 149:1 |
Horses and Riders | Revelation 6:1-8; 19:11-14 | Zechariah 1:8-11; 6:1-8; 2 Kings 2:11; 6:17 |
Moon Turned to Blood | Revelation 6:12 | Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20 |
Stars Falling | Revelation 6:13 | Isaiah 34:4; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25 |
Sky Rolled Up Like a Scroll | Revelation 6:14 | Isaiah 34:4 |
Bottomless Pit | Revelation 9:1-2, 11; 20:1-3 | Luke 8:31 |
Plague of Locusts | Revelation 9:3-10 | Exodus 10:12-15; Joel 1:4; 2:1-11 |
Two Olive Trees | Revelation 11:3-4 | Zechariah 4:3-14 |
Drinking the Cup of God’s Wrath | Revelation 14:10; 16:19 | Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15 |
Tears Wiped Away Forever | Revelation 7:17; 21:4 | Isaiah 25:8 |
Seven Golden Lampstands | Revelation 1:12-13, 20 | Exodus 25:31-40; Zechariah 4:2 |
Seven Stars | Revelation 1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1 | Job 38:31; Amos 5:8 |
Seven Spirits of God | Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6 | Isaiah 11:2 |
Open Door in Heaven | Revelation 4:1 | Ezekiel 1:1 |
Thunder and Lightning | Revelation 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 | Exodus 19:16; 20:18; Ezekiel 1:13; Psalm 77:18 |
Seven Eyes | Revelation 5:6 | Zechariah 3:9; 4:10 |
Sealing of God’s Servants | Revelation 7:2-8 | Ezekiel 9:4 |
Great Multitude | Revelation 7:9 | Genesis 15:5; 32:12; Hebrews 11:12 |
Silence in Heaven | Revelation 8:1 | Zephaniah 1:7; Zechariah 2:13 |
Golden Altar of Incense | Revelation 8:3; 9:13 | Exodus 30:1-10 |
Bitter Wormwood | Revelation 8:10-11 | Jeremiah 9:15; 23:15; Lamentations 3:15, 19 |
Third of the Sun, Moon, and Stars Struck | Revelation 8:12 | Exodus 10:21-23; Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10; Amos 8:9 |
Sea Turned to Blood | Revelation 8:8; 16:3 | Exodus 7:17-21 |
Frogs | Revelation 16:13 | Exodus 8:2-6 |
Kings of the Earth | Revelation 1:5; 6:15; 17:2, 18; 19:19 | Psalm 2:2; Isaiah 24:21; 40:23 |
Kings Bringing Wealth | Revelation 21:24 | Isaiah 60:3, 5; 66:12 |
Bride Adorned for Her Husband | Revelation 21:2 | Isaiah 61:10; 62:5 |
River of the Water of Life | Revelation 22:1 | Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8 |
Twelve Fruits of the Tree of Life | Revelation 22:2 | Ezekiel 47:12 |
Leaves for the Healing of Nations | Revelation 22:2 | Ezekiel 47:12 |
God Dwelling with His People | Revelation 21:3 | Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 2:10 |
New Jerusalem | Revelation 21:2, 10 | Isaiah 52:1; 60:14; 65:18; 66:10; Ezekiel 48:35 |
Holy, Holy, Holy | Revelation 4:8 | Isaiah 6:3 |
Book of Life | Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27 | Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Daniel 12:1 |
Babylon Fallen | Revelation 14:8; 18:2 | Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 51:8 |
Smoke of Their Torment | Revelation 14:11 | Isaiah 34:10 |
Winepress of God’s Wrath | Revelation 14:19-20 | Isaiah 63:3; Lamentations 1:15; Joel 3:13 |
Song of Moses and the Lamb | Revelation 15:3 | Exodus 15:1-18; Deuteronomy 32:1-43 |
Fall of Satan | Revelation 12:9; 20:2 | Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18 |
Lake of Fire | Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14-15; 21:8 | Daniel 7:11; Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48 |
Blotting Out of Names | Revelation 3:5 | Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28 |
Keys of Death and Hades | Revelation 1:18 | Isaiah 22:22 |
Tree Bearing Twelve Fruits | Revelation 22:2 | Ezekiel 47:12 |
Reigning with Christ | Revelation 20:4-6 | Daniel 7:18, 27; 2 Timothy 2:12 |
No More Night | Revelation 22:5 | Isaiah 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)
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