Revelation Chapter 7

Chapter 6 concludes with the statement, "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" This next chapter seems to respond to that question. In each of the major series of "sevens"—the seals, trumpets, and bowls—we notice that there always appears to be an inserted parenthetical passage between the 6th and 7th of each series. Having completed 6 of the 7 seals, Chapter 7 pauses for some amplification before we continue with the 7th seal in Chapter 8. Israel is the center piece in the OT; and it now re-emerges as the centerpiece of God’s climax in Revelation. (It is also the centerpiece in the New Testament, but there is a lot of misunderstanding just how.)

It is interesting how Israel, again, is at the center of world events today. Chapter 7 deals with the "sealing" of the 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes.

Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
Rev 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Rev 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The 144,000.   Holding back judgment until the servants of God are sealed. The phrase four corners of the earth is an ancient (and sometimes modern) equivalent to the idea of "the four points of the compass". The winds spoken of here are a destructive force of God's judgment, as they often are in the Old Testament. Hosea 13:15 gives an example: Though he is fruitful among his brethren, and east wind shall come; the wind of the Lord shall come from the wilderness. Then his spring will become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up. The four winds of the earth may refer back to the four horsemen, after the pattern of Zechariah 6:1-8, where four chariots with horses of the same colors of Revelation 6:1-8 go out to all the earth, and are called the four spirits of heaven (with spirits being the Hebrew ruach, which can also be translated winds).

Another angel has a seal, and seals the people of God; in the ancient world, such seals were familiar; like that used by a monarch to show ownership or authenticity. These servants of God will be given a protective seal on their forehead, containing God's name in some manner (14:1). In Ezekiel 9, a similar protective seal is given to the righteous before Jerusalem is judged; the seal is the letter tau ("t," as in the shape of a small cross).

Though the 144,000 are sealed for a specific and unique purpose, the general idea of being sealed is not limited to them. Jesus was sealed; He said God the Father has set His seal on Him. (John 6:27) We are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a down-payment of our eventual total redemption: God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) This sealing of the Holy Spirit belongs to every believer when they are saved: having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). The sealing of the Holy Spirit is meant to be both a comfort and a challenge to us; we are comforted in that it assures us that we belong to Him, but it challenges us to depart from all evil and identify ourselves with the One we belong to: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Rev 7:5 Of the tribe of Juda [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Rev 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Rev 7:7 Of the tribe of Simeon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Rev 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

The number of those sealed. Generally, they are identified as the children of Israel. Specifically, each tribe is listed, with notable exceptions . The first exception is the omission of the tribe of Dan. Why is Dan left out? Some think it is because Dan is thought to be the tribe of the Antichrist (based on Daniel 11:37 and Jeremiah 8:16); but without doubt, Dan was the tribe which introduced idolatry into the nation of Israel (Genesis 49:17; Judges 18:30). But Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel's millennial role call of the tribes (Ezekiel 48); this is a remarkable sign of God's redemption.

The second exception is the way that Ephraim is slighted; he is referred to indirectly in the way that the tribe of Joseph is mentioned, but so is the tribe of Manasseh - meaning that the reference to Joseph has to do with Ephraim. Why? Perhaps it is because the tribe of Ephraim was also associated with great idolatry (Hosea 4:17). It is often claimed that this list must be purely symbolic because it is "irregular"; but what is a "regular" listing of the tribes? There are not less than 20 different ways of listing the tribes in the Old Testament, including one that omits the tribe of Dan (1 Chronicles 4-7). Just because a list is different doesn't mean it is fanciful symbolism. It is proper to regard all of these lists as legitimate, and to consider that each specific variation serves a purpose, meaning to emphasize something.

Who are the 144,000? Many different groups have claimed to be the 144,000. For example, the Jehovah's Witnesses said their entire group was, until they surpassed 144,000 in numbers; now the 144,000 are only a select group of Witnesses who go to heaven. Most scholars either see the 144,000 as the church or as converted Jews, still identified as Israelites in some manner. It is an important issue; if they are the church, then the church is definitely in the Great Tribulation, but sealed for survival through the Great Tribulation.

Some facts about the 144,000 from Revelation 7 and 14 give us insight regarding their identity. They are called the children of Israel (7:4). Their tribal affiliation is specific (7:4-8). They seem to be protected and triumphant through the period of God's wrath, meeting with Jesus at Mount Zion at His return (14:1). They are celibate (14:4). They are the first fruits of a great harvest (14:4). They are marked by integrity and faithfulness (14:5).

These facts make it difficult to say that the 144,000 are a symbolic picture of the church. Israel is a term never specifically applied to the church in the New Testament (and never by any Christian until 160 AD). Their tribal affiliation is emphatic and known to God; there is absolutely no reason to regard it as symbolic, not literal. It is difficult to imagine the entire church surviving through the tribulation without martyrdom, and remaining celibate through the period, something that was never required for the church as a whole (1 Corinthians 7:1-6). If the 144,000 are a symbol of the entire church, what are they the first fruits of ?

It is best to see the 144,000 as specifically chosen Jewish believers in Jesus, protectively sealed throughout the tribulation as a sign. They are a first fruits of the salvation of Israel (Romans 11:1, 26, Matthew 23:37-39).They are not a part of the Church proper; for their repentance comes too late for that. They are a super-addition to the Church - a supplementary body - near and precious to Christ, but made up after the proper Church has finished its course."

Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

The Great Multitude. More worship at the throne of God. The diversity here is evidence that the Great Commission will be fulfilled before the end, even as Jesus promised (Matthew 24:14). Having an emblem of righteousness (white robes), they worship God for salvation; something that is strangely taken for granted among earthly saints. The palm branches are reminiscent of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-16), where Jesus was also praised as Savior and King (Hosanna means "save now!")

Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Rev 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

All heavenly creatures join in worship!

Rev 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Who the people of the great multitude are. They are those who were saved in the period of the great tribulation (in the original, the article is emphatic); they are mostly (if not all) martyrs. If 7:1-8 was retrospective before the dawn of judgment, then this passage looks past the period of Great Tribulation on the earth. Those in the great multitude are saved just like everybody else: by the blood of the Lamb. White by blood is an interesting phrase; we don't think of things being made white by blood! But the blood of Jesus cleanses us; Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

The existence of so many tribulation saints is an eloquent expression of God's grace and mercy, because even in the midst of His wrath there are many saved. The great multitude also are perhaps an evidence of the evangelistic efforts of the 144,000 (especially if a causal relationship is implied by presenting one right after the other).

Rev 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
Rev 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

What this great multitude does. They serve God: "Heaven is not only a place of rest from earthly toil but also a place of privileged service". They dwell with God (the ultimate fulfillment of King David's great desire in Psalm 27:4 - One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. They are cared for by the Lamb, who is also their shepherd. God wipes away their tears.

The thought of tears shed in heaven over a wasted life or un-confessed sin is a powerful motivator, but has nothing to do with the meaning of this verse. "The point is that the grief and tears of the past, speaking of their trials in the tribulation, will be over when the get to heaven . . . God will wipe away all tears resulting from their suffering on earth."