The answer is: 24

Rev 4 vs 4

In the grand theater of Revelation, those 24 elders depicted in Revelation 4:4 hold a majestic multitude of symbolic interpretations that beckon exploration. The elders, seated around God’s heavenly throne, may represent a reunion between the Old and New Testaments, embodying both the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. Their golden crowns glitter with authority, but oh, the studies swirl into delicious trivia, hinting this scene isn't just about hierarchy!

Historically, 24 may echo the weekly divisions of the priestly orders as noted in 1 Chronicles 24, where King David sets up a rotation of priests. Here in Revelation, those established orders magnify their heavenly counterparts, emphasizing continuity with sacred traditions.

Moreover, think about how John received a vision drenched in imagery from the Jewish temple. The elders serve as a direct reminder of how God was worshiped and revered on Earth integrates seamlessly into our divine interaction with the celestial.

As they represent both individual accountability and community worship, the 24 elders challenge us to reflect on our own participation in the cosmic choir praising divinity. This gentle cauldron of connection invites us to participate—not as mere observers but as buyers of the heavenly robe, ready to throw our crowns at the feet of the true King and engage in the glorification of something greater than ourselves through worship. Isn't it fascinating?