^6:1 And I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come."

And I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and

The Lamb has taken the book, Revelation 5:7, from the One on the THRONE and has opened the first seal.

I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder,

"COME."

One of the living creatures said "COME"...it could have been the first one, the one like a lion, because the next three "COMEs" are identified specifically as second through fourth living creatures. On the other hand, from this verse, one cannot say that the order in which the living creatures are described (Revelation 4:7) is the order in which they speak.

However, a definite transition is occurring. The booming, thunderous voice breaks the praise and worship service which has been going on (chapters 4 and 5). Some Bible scholars indicate that the word "COME" could be translated "GO FORTH". This "GO FORTH" would be more appropriate in sending off the four horsemen in the following verses. Incidentally, symbollically, a thunderous voice usually is associated with impending judgment.

Many expositors believe this chapter begins the seven year period known as "The Tribulation". This period has been equated with Daniel 9:24-27's one week; with the time of Jacob's distress, Jeremiah 30:4-9; and with the destruction of the nations who are enemies of God, Isaiah 34:1-8. What we see described as happening on the earth really is initiated in heaven with THE BREAKING OF THE BOOK'S SEALS.