Revelation 7biblestudyresourcecenter.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/... · Web view[Lindsey, p.268-9; Johnson; Fruchtenbaum.] From Augustine to Auschwitz After the adoption of “Christianity”

“S ealing of the 144,000 ”

And the Gentile Multitude

Chapter 7

Revelation

By: Michael FronczakBible Study Resource Center

564 Schaeffer DriveColdwater, Michigan 49036

[email protected]

Copyright © 2005, 2007

McGee Introduction Chapter 7: In chapter 6 we saw the opening of the seven seals; actually, we have had the opening of only six seals so far. These six seals revealed the four great tragedies that are coming upon the earth, the beginning of the judgments. The fifth seal let us look at a martyred company of people, a great throng. In the sixth seal we were introduced to some of the signs of the doom that is to come upon a godless world in the Great Tribulation Period.

In this period the church is never mentioned by name. The reason it is never mentioned by name is because John is recording things on earth, and at this particular time the church is not on earth. John was told to write the things he had seen, and he saw the vision of the glorified Christ. Then he was to write about “the things which are.” He was in the church period, and we are still in it today. Since the church is still in the world, we are in the period of “the things which are.” The church was the theme of chapters 2–3: the church in Ephesus, the church in Smyrna, the church in Pergamum, the church in Thyatira, etc. But in the chapter before us there is no talking to the church because the church is not here on earth. We saw in chapters 4–5 that the church was in heaven—that is where the church will go at the time of the Rapture. I will deal later with the reason why the church cannot go through the Great Tribulation Period. There is actually a moral and a theological problem if the church were to enter even one phase of the Tribulation Period.

The subject, therefore, has changed, and we are now talking about things other than the church. We have been introduced to a book with seven seals, and the seals are being removed. Six seals have been removed in the previous chapter. The four horsemen introduce the Great Tribulation Period, and the seven seals give an overall picture of that seven-year period. The last of the seals bears down on the last three and one-half years of the Great Tribulation Period. At this point, one-fourth of the population of the earth has been destroyed in judgment, destroyed in death. I am sure that anyone reading Revelation senses the fact that it is going to be very difficult to make it through this period—especially for those who turn to God, accept Christ, and stand for Him. The question is: Will believers be able to stand for Him during this period?

John is now going to put down another principle which he will follow because he knows that you and I are going to have trouble with the Revelation. Therefore he has made it very simple for us. He introduces series of sevens, but the way that he deals with them is the important thing for us to see. A format is followed from the breaking of the seals to the bowls of wrath. Between the sixth and seventh of each, there is an interlude of seemingly extraneous matter, but it is explanatory matter—it explains the action and answers certain questions. This is what chapter 7 will do for us. This principle of an explanatory interval will be true of the seven trumpets, of the seven performers and of the

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seven bowls of wrath. You will find John following this principle all the way through this particular section of Revelation, so that we do not lose our way.

We need now to deal with the question that any reasonable person would raise at this point: What about people turning to God and getting saved during this period? Second Thessalonians makes it clear that the Holy Spirit, the Restrainer, is removed from the earth (see 2 Thess. 2:7). He has taken the church to present it to Christ. Since you cannot have any turning to God without the work of the Holy Spirit, will anybody get saved without the Holy Spirit being present on the earth?

My friend, the Holy Spirit will be present. I did not say that the Holy Spirit will have left the world but that He no longer will restrain evil. The Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost to perform a specific ministry of calling out a body of believers in the church which is referred to as the body of Christ. When the church is removed from the earth, that peculiar ministry of the Holy Spirit will end. One of His ministries in this particular era has been that of restraining evil. It was absolutely essential that He be a restrainer in order for the gospel to penetrate a Satan-controlled and Satan-blinded world. How could the Word go out unless the Spirit of God held back evil? Just think of the forces of evil that are working against the getting out of the Word of God today. In my own experience with our Bible-teaching radio ministry, we just sailed along like a breeze for a year or two. Then problems came along. I became ill, and all sorts of things took place. When we finally regained our equilibrium and began to look around, we saw what was happening: the enemy was busy. Believe me, if the Restrainer had not been at work, I am sure that we would have been removed from the scene.

How are people going to get saved during the period of the Great Tribulation if the Holy Spirit will not be restraining evil? The Great Tribulation is the Devil’s holiday. That is the day when he is going to have freedom to do as he pleases. We will see why God is going to grant that: it is a period of the judgment of God upon a Christ-rejecting world. Then, does anybody get saved in the Great Tribulation Period? My friend, I believe that there will be a greater company saved in that period than in any other seven-year period in the history of the world. Chapter 7 is going to tell us how that will take place. The Holy Spirit is in the world after the church is removed just as He was in the world before Pentecost. In reading the Old Testament, you will find the Spirit of God working in the hearts and lives of men and women. Many multitudes were brought to God, but He was not restraining evil in the world, and He was not baptizing believers into the body of the church in the Old Testament. That is what He is doing today, but that ministry will cease. However, He will still be in the business of getting men and women to Christ. He will continue His ministry which has always been one of taking God’s creation and renovating it. We are told in the beginning, “… the spirit of God moved [brooded] upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). The Spirit of God broods over this earth today and has from the very beginning and will continue doing so after the church is removed from the earth. He will have to have an unusual, special program during this period, and John is now going to tell us what that program is going to be.1

1McGee, J. V. (1997, c1981). Thru the Bible commentary. Based on the Thru the Bible radio program. (electronic ed.) (5:948). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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Revelation 7 (The Sealing of the 144,000)

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 has a deliberate and overt pause for some amplification, as a parenthetical passage, before we continue with the 7th seal in Chapter 8. Kind of like a freeze frame, or editorial comment. There is a great deal of deliberate design and organization in this book.

With chapter 7 the narrative sequence or chronological order is interrupted and we are taken into an interlude, a parenthesis. That this is an interlude is obvious from the change in tone seen in a change of the subject matter and in the suspension of judgment. Chapter 6 closes with the sixth seal and the seventh is not opened until chapter 8. This chapter, then, is a parenthesis, but it is one, which answers some very important questions. From the very nature of the judgments of the preceding section it would appear no one could possibly be delivered physically, much less saved spiritually. In fact these judgments give rise to the desperate question at the end of chapter 6, “for the great day of their wrath has come, who is able to stand?” Chapter 7 answers this question, and demonstrates that even in the midst of this awesome display of God’s wrath, the mercy of God is still present and seeking to bring men to Himself. Even in the midst of this wrath, God is providing an opportunity for men to be saved (Matt. 24:l4).

So, before the seventh seal and the intensified trumpet judgments of chapter 8, God gives us a panorama of salvation and the evangelistic activity of this period known as Tribulation or Daniel’s Seventieth Week. The fifth seal was a revelation concerning the martyrs who had been killed for their faith in Christ. Since the church has been raptured and the Tribulation begins with unbelievers, how do people come to faith in Christ? We find the answer to this in the sealing of the 144,000 who are sealed at the beginning of the Tribulation. These are the first

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converts (Rev. 14:4), and it would appear from the combination of the sealing of the 144,000 in 7:1-8, followed by the great multitude saved in 7:9-17, the 144,000 become the great evangelists of the Tribulation period. God supernaturally protects them in their witness.This chapter contains two pictures: first the sealing of the 144,000; second, the great multitude worshiping before God’s Throne. The result is this chapter deals with the mercy of God in the midst of Tribulation.The Seventh Day Adventists and the Jehovah’s Witnesses both have claimed this in their theological writings as themselves being the 144,000.Israel is the centerpiece 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 also much more subtle in reference in the New Testament.

It is interesting how Israel, again, is at the center of world events today. Jerusalem is such a small city with no real world significance, like a seaport or something. Yet it seems to be at the center of world peace now. Chapter 7 deals with the “sealing” of the 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. But let’s first highlight some common unfortunate misconceptions.

Myth No. 1: Replacement Theology (Reconstructionism)

There is a commonly held view that... (Kingdom Now, Dominionist, Replacement Theology) A) Israel rejected her messiah; therefore she forfeited the promises to her;B) The Church, thus, replaces Israel, becoming “spiritual Israel,” etc. However:

1. The promises involved to Israel were unconditional; (she couldn’t forfeit these);

2. Paul, in his definitive statement of Christian doctrine called The Book of Romans, spends three chapters (9, 10, and 11) stressing that God is not finished with Israel;

3. The Seventy-Week prophecy of Daniel 9 outlines the prophetic role of Israel after the “interval” of the Church period. The Church is not present in the 69 weeks, nor is it on the earth in the 70th; the interval between the 69th and 70th week (Dan 9:26) is the period of the church on the earth.

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4. Jesus has yet to fulfill the promise given to Mary to take David’s Throne, etc.(Luke 1:30-33)

Israel appears 75 times in the New Testament. Each time it refers to national Israel, including the solitary ostensible exception in Gal 6:16—the kai grammatically sets apart the “Israel of God” from the church, and prevents synonymity. [Lindsey, p.268-9; Johnson; Fruchtenbaum.]

From Augustine to AuschwitzAfter the adoption of “Christianity” by the secular leadership after Constantine, the notion that Jesus was to literally return to rule the earth and free it from Satan’s evil world system was not popular with the administration in power—it was not “politically correct.” Origen’s system of allegorical interpretation led to Augustine’s amillennialeschatology, which became a tradition that would dominate the church for over a thousand years. The contention that the church was the inheritors of Israel’s promises and therefore must take ultimate authority over the political powers of this world became the preoccupation of the Medieval Church. Even the Reformation, despite its effective focus on salvation by faith alone, failed to reexamine and return to a literal, pre-millennial eschatology. One of the tragedies of this “replacement” or “reconstruction” view is that it led to the anti-Semitism that resulted in the Holocaust. (See The Road to Holocaust, by Hal Lindsey.) These views led to the tragedies of the Crusades, the blood-libel hoax, the scapegoats for the Black Death, and other tragic misconceptions. The real root cause of anti-Semitism is, of course, the Red Dragon of Revelation 12: Satan. There are a number of apparent motivations, not the least of these being the possible attempt to thwart the Second Coming by wiping out the Remnant before they can repent as required by Hosea 5:15, et al. It is important to distinguish the origin and destiny of Israel from the origin and destiny of the Church: they are clearly distinguished in the Scriptures.

Israel in the Past—ElectedFrom Genesis 12 onward, the Biblical message focuses on four unconditional covenants God made with Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob. The destiny of the entire world is secured through these covenants! (The only conditional covenant is the Mosaic.) The blasphemy that God has discarded Israel—and the completion of these covenants—is prevalent throughout the church today and the misconception underlying the misguided policies presently leading the Middle East—and the whole world—to Armageddon.

Abrahamic Covenant - Genesis 12:1-3Seven “I Will’s”:

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1. and I will make of thee a great nation,2. and I will bless thee, (personally)3. and make thy name great;4. and thou shalt be a blessing:5. And I will bless them that bless thee, 6. and curse him that curseth thee: (against anti-Semitism)7. and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Hint of

what is coming)

Warning to Anti-SemitesNations will be judged on how they treat Israel! The sheep and goat judgment.This curse is still valid at the Second Coming: Sheep and Goat Judgment in Mt 25:31f. The “third party” is Jesus’ (Remember Jesus was Jewish). (Note: the Church cannot be present during the Tribulation, since in the church there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile.)

Salvation is of the Jews: John 4:22.

The Palestinian CovenantThe Jews were promised the Land: Gen 12:7; 13:14-17 (“forever). The Title Deed was sealed in Gen 15:9-19—note the performing parties: only one. This was a unilateral covenant. [Note: 10 nations in opposition...is this deed related to Rev 5?] Moses and Ezekiel confirm the covenant. (Curses are just as binding as blessings: Deut 30:1-8; Ezek 16:59-63). Not conditional: “when,” not “if,” delineates the consequences and prophetic destiny. Amplified and confirmed in Ezek 36:17-28. To seal the covenant they cut up the heifer into two pieces and walked between the pieces.

(Gen 15:7-21) 7And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. 8And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 9And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. 10And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. 11And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.12And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall

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serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.17And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. 18In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: 19The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, 21And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

This became known as to “cut a covenant” the military term “to cut orders” is in reference to this event.

The Davidic Covenant2 Sam 7:11-16. Prophesied in the time of the Judges: Book of Ruth, Ch 4. Confirmed to Mary: Luke 1:30-33 (throne to be vacant for a period of time and it has been: Hos 3:4,5). Yet future: Ezek 37:21-28; Acts 1:3-6; Acts 15:16-18 (q. Amos 9:8-9).

The New CovenantJer 31:31-34. The unilateral “I Will” again. This covenant is partially in force (Heb 10:14-18). Available to the Christian through his union with Christ, a son of Abraham and David.

Is God a liar? Num 23:19; Ezek 36:22. People that try to sell other ideas must think so.Paul’s Great Discourse: Romans 9 - 11: He deals with the questions “who is Israel, why are they presently “blinded” (Luke 19) and set aside for a time, and what is their subsequent destiny prophetically?”

Israel’s Present RejectionTheir present rejection is neither total (Rom 11:1-10) nor final (Rom 11:11-32). “Until” of Rom 11:25 is Rev 7. The exact number is known to God (2 Tim 2:19).

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(2 Tim 2:19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

“Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth unseen, both when we sleep and when we awake” - John Milton

Van Impe: The seventh seal is discussed in chapter 8. However, before we get there, God has a parenthesis for us in this chapter. Chapter 7 may be divided into two portions dealing with two groups-verses 1 through 8-the 144,000 Israelites, and verses 9 through 17- the multitudinous Gentiles. This chapter also portrays God as compassionate, merciful, and loving. This is right, for God is love (1 John 4:8). In fact, God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16,17). It's mankind's wickedness, rebellion, and sin that produce judgment: For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same (Job 4:8). The judgments already described were unleashed because of the hardness of men's hearts. They rebelled-and continue to rebel-for thousands of years. God, however, is so great that, at this point, He declares a "time out." He still loves the human race and longs to save mankind. He desires for men everywhere to open their minds and hearts and come unto Him. The result is this chapter, which deals with the mercy of God in the midst of Tribulation. God, in love, creates a lull before the storm in order to call men to salvation and revival.2

Revelation 7:1And 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.

2 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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[And after these things] Meta tauta After the Church Rev 2 and 3 – Post Church. Rev. 7 is the first parenthetical passage. It is inserted between the sixth and seventh seals and contains explanatory matter about that which will transpire from the sixth seal through the rest of the week.

[four angels] Angels, are prominent in Revelation, and are the instruments that God uses to temporarily suspend judgment on the earth. They are used both to withhold judgment (7:1-3) and to execute it (8:2).

[four corners of the earth] Meaning the 4 directions of the earth, the whole earth, (cp. Rev. 7:1; Isaiah 11:12 with Rev. 20:8; Matthew 24:31; Jer 49:36; Dan 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zech 2:6; Mt 24:31. The “four corners of the earth” speak of global authority and activity under God’s sovereignty. The four corners of the earth is a figure of speech we all use. The four compass points.

[winds] Jer 49:36; 51:1; 2 Sam 22:11 (winds of judgments)

[four winds] represent destructive forces from every direction.

[trees] are individuals or individuals authority (Ps 1:3; Judg 9:8-15; Dan 4,). In this passage may have double reference, to trees and to Jewish people or people.

[earth] is often referred to as Israel, however in this passage probably refers to literal whole world.

[sea] is often referred to as the Gentiles Revelation picks up on Old Testament idioms.

The question was raised in 6:17 whether any would be saved in the Tribulation. This is answered in this chapter, and two classes of the saved are mentioned specifically: (1) those that are saved in Israel, (2) those of all nations who, though saved spiritually, are martyred. Though these are never described by the term “church” they are constantly called saints, that is, those set apart as holy to God and saved through the sacrifice of Christ. It is important to remember that people were saved before Pentecost when the Spirit of God came to indwell the church, and it should be clear from other Scriptures that the Holy Spirit is always omnipresent. He has always been in the world and always will be, in keeping with the divine attribute of omnipresence.

Four angels were told to withhold judgment on the earth until the servants of… God were sealed (v. 3). The seal on their foreheads symbolizes protection and ownership and God’s intention to protect the 12 tribes that are mentioned, much as He protected Noah from the Flood, Israel from the plagues of Egypt, and Rahab and her household in Jericho.

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Gentiles often personified the elements of nature themselves or recognized gods attached to them; Jewish people believed that God had delegated his authority over various features of nature (including winds) to angels under his command (e.g., in Jubilees; cf. Ps 148:1–12). “Four corners” of the earth was meant figuratively, even in ancient times. A few people thought that the world was spherical, but most people viewed it as circular; “four corners” was nevertheless conventional speech, as was the idea of four winds from the four directions of heaven (probably viewed as angels even in Zech 6:5). The winds had both positive and negative effects in ancient sources. According to some views, the wind carried along the sun and moon chariots (1 Enoch 72:5; 73:2), or God founded the heavens on the winds (1 Enoch, Joseph and Asenath), and the stoppage of winds could signal the advent of a new age (Sibylline Oracles, on the postdiluvian era). Like writers today, the biblical writers used the language conventional to the genre in which they were writing; this could include, as here, symbolic imagery.3

Van Impe: The fact that the angels are standing on the four corners of the earth does not signify that the earth is square. God knows the world He made is round: He sitteth upon the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40:22). This statement was in the Bible when Christopher Columbus allegedly was making a fool of himself by claiming, contrary to public opinion, that the world was round. The God who made it and sits upon the circle of it knows it is not square. Therefore, the term the four corners of the earth" is but a Bible expression depicting north, south, east, and west-the four points of the compass. The four angels, standing at these four positions administering judgment, are commanded to relent so there might be a time of great revival as the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.4

Revelation 7:2And 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,

Gentiles *Gentile. Anyone who is not Jewish. In ancient Jewish parlance, this was often the equivalent of “pagan.”Jubilees Jubilees. A theologically shaped midrashic reworking of Genesis and part of Exodus. It circulated in (and probably derived from) Essene circles in the second century B.C.1 Enoch 1 Enoch. An apocalypse whose five sections may drive from different authors, 1 Enoch is mainly (excepting the Similitudes) from the second century B.C. Probably written in Aramaic, it circulated especially in Essene circles and survives in part in the Dead Sea Scrolls and in full in later Ethiopic manuscripts.genre Genre. The kind of writing a work is: for example, letter, historical narrative, biography, poem or bomb threat.3Keener, C. S., & InterVarsity Press. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary : New Testament (Re 7:1). Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.4 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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[another angel] means this is a fifth angel. He is apparently of a higher rank than the other four because he gives them orders. As we see in the Book of Daniel and also in the Epistle to the Ephesians, there are gradations of orders of angels, both good and bad. Satan has the demon world well organized; he probably has generals, lieutenant colonels, majors, lieutenants, sergeants, and then a great many privates. On the other side, God also has His angels arranged. This angel gives orders to the other four.5

[from the east] Solomon’s Temple faced the east. “East” is the original meaning of the word “orient”; that is, in facing east one was “oriented.” When God departed the temple in Ezekiel 11:23, He went by way of Mount of Olives, on the east side of the city. In a later vision he say the glory returning from the way of the east Ezekiel 43:2. Therefore it seems appropriate that this angel coming from God comes from the east. Greek, "the rising of the sun." The quarter from which God's glory oftenest manifests itself.

[seals] Ezek 9:4,6, 10:23; 11:7. Sealed by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13; 4:30); Here, sealed are protected (Rev 9:4). Cain protected with seal in Gen 4:15.Note: Counterfeit seal by antichrist in Rev 13:16-18.

[living God] God is the living God, not an inanimate object or an impersonal force or principle like gravity. Living also suggests personal, with the particular characteristic of awareness of what is going on in the lives of His people who are enduring suffering.

[loud voice] In the Greek this is phoune megale. If you turn phoune megal around, you can see where we get our English word megaphone. means “great”; phoune means “noise or voice

Revelation 7:3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

[till] relates to the “till” of Rom 11:15? (Or 25)

[servants of our God] The 144,000 Jews are not servants when the rapture takes place in Rev. 4:1, for all in Christ at that time will be translated (1 Thes. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:23). They will be saved after the rapture in the revival predicted in Acts 2:16-21. They are to be saved and become servants of God by the time they are sealed. This is why they have God's name written on them (Rev. 7:3; Rev. 14:1). Proof the mark is literal:

Disciples elevated to the rank of “friends” rather than “servants” in John 15:15.5 McGee, J. V. (1997, c1981). Thru the Bible commentary. Based on the Thru the Bible radio program. (electronic ed.) (5:948). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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Note mark used in Ezekiel:

(Ez 9:4-6) 4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.5And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

The servants of our God are sealed on their foreheads so that certain plagues, such as the one from the fifth trumpet (9:4), will not affect them. Yechiel Lichtenstein writes, “From 14:1 it seems that on the seal was written the name of the Lamb and of his Father.” See also Ezekiel 9:4, where a mark is set on the foreheads of those who oppose the abominations done in Jerusalem. 6

Van Impe: The wicked get their seal-666-under the super-deceiver, the great imitator, the Antichrist (chapter 13, verses 17 and 18). The genuine believers receive their seal from the angel of God at this point in time.7

Chuck Smith Commentary: Now we come to chapter seven, and before the seventh seal is opened, we have now here a little parenthetical kind of a side exposition as John sees these four angels holding back the winds of the earth that they should not blow on the earth nor the sea, nor any tree. Now we know that during the Great Tribulation or during the seven-year period, of which three and a half years would be designated the Great Tribulation. Now during the first three and a half years of this period, when the antichrist is setting up his power, his kingdom, that God has two witness, which we will be introduced to in the eleventh chapter, who bear witness for forty-two months or three and a half years. During the time of their witness, they shut up the heavens that it rained not during the time that they are witnessing. This lack of rain, of course, will probably be one of the instruments that will perpetrate the great famine that we have in the third seal. It could be that the holding back of the winds by these four angels is that which causes the rain to cease. You see, we have our hydraulic cycle where the ocean waters are evaporated into the atmosphere and then carried by the winds over the lands. Whereas the clouds begin to cool, the gases condense and form into rain that fall to the earth; and thus, the earth is watered in this hydraulic cycle. It is a beautiful engineering plan of God to water the

6Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:2). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.7 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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earth. But if the winds were held back, then the water that would evaporate into the atmosphere would not be carried over the earth and would probably start being sustained within the atmosphere itself, again causing some very interesting atmospheric kind of phenomena, as the water would again be suspended in a greater concentration in the atmosphere. Here are four angels standing in the four corners of the earth. And the word "corners" is probably a poor translation. The Greek word is translated in the present time into quadrants. And we talked about the four quadrants of the earth, which is the north, east, south and west. So you have your north wind, east wind, south wind and west winds, the four quadrants of the earth.People who are always looking to find fault with something in the Bible, and they say the Bible was reflecting the superstition or the intelligence of the day, because they say the four corners of the earth. So evidently John believed that the earth was flat, and thus you have the four corners and he was guilty of the flatter theory. Thus, you can't rely on the Bible because it does have fallacies, such as the four corners of the earth.Well I saw a sign that said the Marines were in the four corners of the earth, so you can't trust the defense department, because they don't realize that the earth is round. They think that it has corners. No. The idea is the quadrants; north, east, south and west. But interestingly enough, the physicists and all now declare that there really are four corners on the earth. The earth isn't actually round. The poles are flattened somewhat to make the bulge at the equator. So, the earth is more of an elliptical shape, but the bulge actually creates about four corners of the earth. And that is one of the latest declarations of those men who study such things. But it is talking about the four quadrants, four winds; the north, east, south and west winds. And it is interesting to me that these angels, and they must be very fascinating creatures, have the power to hold back the winds that they blow not. Here they are holding back the winds, but they are told by this other angel who ascends from the east, having the seal of the living God, crying with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, "Don't hurt them until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads."8

Revelation 7:4And 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.

Note: “in Christ” (the Church) there are neither Jews nor Gentiles (Gal 3:27-28). This scene, emphasizing a distinction, is “post-church.”

(Gal 3:27-28) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

8 Chuck Smith Sermon Notes, Commentary on Revelation, Calvary Fellowship, Costa Mesa, CA

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There is no use speculating here or trying to draw on symbols. Some even say that the number—144,000—is a symbol of another number. Cannot God say what He wants to say? Cannot He count? Certainly He can. If He says 144,000, I do not think He means 145,000. I think He means exactly 144,000.This group will create the largest revival the earth has ever seen. They will save many souls.

(Zech 8:23) Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

12 is also prominent in Rev 21:12,14, et al. 12 and 144 (12 X 12 ) will be discussed in the notes for Chapter 21. The New Jerusalem has both Israel and the Church in view.

[children] Greek, "sons of Israel."

Myth No. 2: The “Lost 10 Tribes”The myth of the “Ten Lost Tribes” is the basis for “British-Israelism” and similar legends, but has no real Biblical basis. (Cf. Pentecost: 12 tribes. Epistles of James, 1 Peter: “to 12 tribes.”) Prophecies of 12 Tribes: Gen 49; Deut 33. The myth is based on a misconception derived from the misreading of passages such as 2 Kgs 17:7-23, 2 Chr 6:6-11, etc.

The Faithful Voted With Their FeetBefore the Assyrian captivity, substantial numbers from the northern tribes had identified themselves with the house of David (1 Kgs 12:16-20; 2 Chr 11:16-17). The rebellion of Jeroboam and subsequent crises caused many to repudiate the northern kingdom and unite with the southern kingdom in a common alliance to the house of David and to worship the Lord (2 Chr 19:4; 30:1,10-11,25-26; 34:5-7,22; 35:17-18).In 930 B.C., Jeroboam ruled the Northern Kingdom from his capital in Samaria (1 Kgs 11:43-12:33). When Jeroboam turned the Northern Kingdom to idolatry, the Levites (and others who desired to remain faithful) migrated south to Rehoboam (2 Chr 11:14-17). Horrified that Jeroboam set up a rival religion with golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan, many Northerners moved south, knowing that the only place acceptable to God was the Temple on Mt. Moriah (Deut 12:5-7; 16:2-6; Isa 18:7). Those who favored idolatry migrated north to Jeroboam.

Later, when Asa reigned as king in the south, another great company came from the north (2 Chr 15:9).

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Years after the deportation by Assyria, King Hezekiah of Judah issued a call to all Israel to come and worship in Jerusalem and celebrate Passover (2 Chr 30:5-6,10-11,21).

Eighty years later, King Josiah of Judah also issued a call, and an offering for the temple was received from “Manasseh and Ephraim and all the remnant of Israel...” (2 Chr 34:9).Eventually, all 12 tribes were represented in the south. God even addresses the 12 tribes in the south: “Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin...” (2 Chr 11:3).The “tribe of Judah” (2 Kgs 17:18, et al.) is used idiomatically for the Southern Kingdom (Cf. 1 Kgs 11:13,32, etc.) When encountering the tribal designations, it is important to distinguish between the territories allocated to the tribes and the people themselves.

The Northern Kingdom FallsIn 724 B.C., Shalmaneser V besieged Samaria, 3 years. King Hoshea of Israel attempted to revolt against paying Assyrians annual tribute money—a treaty with Pharaoh of Egypt did not help (2 Kgs 18:2)— and Samaria, Jeroboam’s capital, fell in 722 B.C.; Sargon II seized power in 721 B.C. Assyrians pulled down towers, took 27,290 captive, placed an Assyrian ruler over the city, looted it of 50 royal chariots and other items, etc. The Assyrians implemented their infamous policy of mixing conquered peoples to keep them from organizing a revolt. Israelite captives were mixed with Persians and others; strangers from far-off lands were resettled in Samaria. The resulting mixed, quasi-Jewish populations resulted in “Samaritans” (John 4:20-22).

Not all from the northern kingdom was deported. Archaeologists have uncovered annals of the Assyrian Sargon, in which he tells that he carried away only 27,290 people and 50 chariots (Biblical Archaeologist, VI, 1943, p.58). Estimates of the population of the northern kingdom at that time range from 400,000 to 500,000; less than 1/20th were deported—mostly the leadership from around the capital, Samaria.

The Babylonians Take OverWhen the northern kingdom went into captivity (722 B.C.), all 12 tribes were also represented in the south. When the Babylonians took the southern kingdom into captivity (586 B.C.), members of all 12 tribes of Israel were involved. Isaiah, prophesying to Judah, refers to them as the “House of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel...”(Isa 48:1; cf. vv12-14).

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The Northern Kingdom was taken by Assyria as slaves, which were a valuable commodity. (It is difficult to view them as careless enough to let them wander off to Europe.) When the Babylonians take over Assyria, the descendants of the “10 tribes” were probably again commingled with the captives of Judah.

Commingled TerminologyEven before the death of Rehoboam, God looked upon all the as a unity, seeing “all Israel in Judah and Benjamin” (2 Chr 11:3). After the Babylonian captivity, the terms Jew and Israelite are used inter-changeably.

Ezra calls the returning remnant Jews 8 times and Israel 40 times. (Ezra speaks of “all Israel”: Ezra 2:70; 3:11; 8:35; 10:25, et al.)

Nehemiah calls them Jews 11 times, Israel 22 times. Nehemiah speaks of “all Israel being back in the land: Neh 12:47. The remnant that returned from Babylon is represented as “the nation” (Mal 1:1)

The same is true in the New Testament. Our Lord is said to have offered Himself to the nation, “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 10:5-6; 15:24). Other tribes than Judah are mentioned specifically in the NT as being represented in the land (Mt 4:13,15; Lk 2:36; Acts 4:36; Phil 3:5; “the twelve tribes” Acts 26:7; Jas 1:1). Anna knew her tribal identity from the tribe of Asher (Lk 2:36). Paul knew he was of the tribe of Benjamin (a “Jew” and an “Israelite”) Rom 11:1; Acts 2

Jewish New Testament Commentary: 144,000. Whether this number is to be taken literally or figuratively, the obvious question is: why exactly this number? The answer is usually along these lines: there are twelve tribes of Israel and twelve emissaries; there are Ten Commandments; squaring the former and cubing the latter bespeaks perfection, the perfection and fullness of Israel. Yechiel Lichtenstein (MJ 3:13N) offers an intriguing explanation: “Israel numbered 7,200,000 at the time of the destruction of the Second Temple. The t˒rumah [the offering to cohanim from the firstfruits] is normally one fiftieth (Mishna, T’rumot 4:3), which here comes to 144,000. At Ro 11:16 Paul remarked that ‘if the challah offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole loaf.’ Thus the meaning is that if the firstfruits of Israel, the 144,000 Messianic Jews who put their trust in Yeshua, is holy, then the whole loaf, all of Israel, is holy. Therefore Paul continues, ‘In this way all Israel will be saved. As the Tanakh says, “Out of Zion will come the Redeemer; he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Ro 11:26).’ This is in accordance with my comment on 1:7, which says that when the sign of the son of man is seen in heaven, the children of Israel will repent, recognize the Messiah, and mourn because they pierced him unjustly. That is when all Israel will be saved. Yet the condition for this is the prior salvation of 144,000.” (Commentary to the New Testament, on Rv 7:9)

Although there is no way of knowing exactly how many Jews there were in 70 C.E., scholars agree that the number was between five and ten million. The number of

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Messianic Jews then, as now, was surely in six figures (see Ac 21:20N), but it would be sheer speculation to fix it at 144,000.

From every tribe of the people of Israel. The plain sense, the p˒shat, of this phrase is “from among the entire Jewish people.” But many commentators say it refers to the Church. In Ro 2:28–29N I suggest that even where the p˒shat of a text refers to Jews, there may be a midrashic application to the entire Body of the Messiah. Moreover, at Ga 6:16 and Ep 2:11–13 (see notes there and at Ro 11:26a), “Israel” is used in a way that does include saved Gentiles, new creations formerly distant but now brought near and grafted in (Ro 11:17–24). However, the case that the 144,000 from every tribe of the people of Israel means “the Church” is harder to make here; because v. 9 below speaks of “a huge crowd, too large for anyone to count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.” Apparently, this innumerable crowd of saved Gentiles is to be contrasted with the delimited number of saved Jews in the present verse. Furthermore, to emphasize the fact that these 144,000 are Jews, vv. 5–8 lists the twelve tribes; this would have no immediate relevance to the Church. See also 14:1–5&NN, where the number 144,000 reappears.

One objection sometimes made to interpreting these 144,000 as Jews is that there is supposedly no reason why Jews would be singled out for special protection. Such thinking contradicts the whole of salvation history as set forth in the Tanakh and reflects an unawareness on the part of Gentile Christian commentators that they have been joined to Israel, that is, to the Jewish people. God, by his grace, has singled out the Jewish people for special protection for thousands of years. After centuries of dispersion and persecution, culminating in the Holocaust, we would not exist at all without such protection. This protection is promised over and over by the Prophets, even when Israel becomes sinful and breaks covenant; though it is not always promised to the entire people, but rather only to a remnant (see Ro 9:27–29, 11:1–32)—such as the 144,000. Moreover, the sealing of the Jewish people from judgment corresponds specifically to God’s promise at Zechariah 9:14–16 (see 8:2 on “shofars”).

The Jehovah’s Witnesses used to claim that their adherents constituted the 144,000. When their membership came to exceed this number, they simply revised their theology! Such a blatant appeal to pride at being among the supposed spiritual elite is a favorite tactic of cults.9

Chuck Smith: Now that is very plain isn't it? How many are sealed? One hundred and forty-four thousand. Who are they? Of all of the tribes of Israel. What could be plainer than that? Now a lot of people have trouble with the book of Revelation, because they say, "Well, you can't understand it." You see the one hundred and forty-four thousand doesn't really mean one hundred and forty-four thousand. It is a symbolic number of twelve times twelve thousand. And twelve being the number of human government. And they start getting into it further and further and further, so it means that one man is going to rule one month during the thousand years of the kingdom age, and all kinds of weird speculations.

9Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:4). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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And of course, the Jehovah Witnesses think that they are the one hundred and forty-four thousand. And Herbert W. Armstrong in his plain truth of the World Tomorrow says, "No, we are the one hundred and forty-four thousand." And if you will double and triple tithe to the church of God, you can become one of the hundred and forty-four thousand, the inner circle. And when the precise time comes we will send you a telegram that you can flee to this wilderness where we have prepared survival for the one hundred and forty-four thousand. So, they are trying to be the one hundred and forty-four thousand, as the Jehovah witnesses are trying to be the one hundred and forty-four thousand, and many other groups have tried to take this identity upon themselves. But obviously in doing so you have to disregard the text itself and you have to start reading into the text, and say, "Well, God didn't mean what He said. That is all symbolic language in a spiritual sense, and we are spiritual Israel, and I'm of the spiritual tribe of Aser or Benjamin or whatever." Just to keep this kind of speculation from taking place the Lord then lists the twelve tribes.Now, you are familiar with the fact that there are actually thirteen tribes, are you not? You remember when Jacob came to Joseph in Egypt, having thought he was dead for many years, now discovering him to be alive and one of the leaders of Egypt, Jacob, this elderly man came down to Joseph and when Joseph came to his father Jacob he brought his two sons Ephraim and Mannaseh. And Jacob said unto Joseph, "These two sons are mine. Whatever sons you have born after these can be yours, but these two sons are mine." And he claimed the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Mannaseh. So Ephraim and Manneseh both became tribes in Israel. So, the tribe of Joseph is divided into two, the tribe of Ephraim and Mannaseh. So the Levitical tribe became the thirteenth tribe, but was usually not numbered among the tribes. For instance, in the division of the land there was no portion for Levi, because the Lord was their portion. So, the land was apportioned into twelve sections, one for each of the tribes. And Ephraim and Mannaseh both received their allotments.Now as a rule, you don't read of the tribe of Joseph because it was divided into two tribes. Here we find the tribe of Joseph and the tribe of Mannaseh. So when it refers to the tribe of Joseph, no doubt it is the tribe of Ephraim, because Mannaseh is also listed as being sealed, the twelve thousand here in the seventh chapter. So the interesting thing is that the tribe of Levi is also listed here, but the tribe of Dan is thus omitted. Dan was the first of the tribes to go into idolatry. If you go into the tel of Dan in northern Israel today, they have excavated quite a large area of pagan worship, as the tribe of Dan was the leader in idolatry, the first tribe to go into idolatry. And it could be that that is the reason why God has not sealed them from some of the things that are going to transpire during the Great Tribulation period. You will find as we move along in the book that the one hundred and forty-four thousand that are sealed are protected divinely by God from many of the judgments that are going to come upon the earth.So twelve thousand of each tribe, the tribe of Judah being listed first because Rueben lost his birthright. Because of going into his father's concubine he lost his birthright and it was given over to Judah. And to Judah was given the scepter that Judah should be the reigning tribe. And of course we know that David came from the tribe of Judah and then Jesus later, who was that branch out of Judah the stem of Jesse that would arise, the branch of Jesse that should come out of Judah, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. So the tribe

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of Judah listed first and then Reuben who was the oldest son but lost his ranking, and of Gad and each of the sons the twelve thousand and after this, verse nine. So that is the one hundred and forty-four thousand. They are sealed now. Later on we will come across them again as we see them protected from various judgments that are coming.10

Revelation 7:5Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

[Judah] is mentioned first

Revelation 7:6Of 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.

Revelation 7:7Of 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.

[Levi] This tribe is not ordinarily listed with the 12 tribes of Israel, being the ministers of the nation; but in this case Dan is left out because none of that tribe have yet turned to God in the revival saving the 144,000 Jews (Rev. 7:3).

Revelation 7:8Of 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 twelve tribes are mentioned 20 times in scripture. Each time in different order. Interesting when some are missing from the list. There are actually 13 tribes of Israel.

Two Tribes Missing: Dan and Ephraim. – Ephraim is actually there with Joseph (His dad). Ephraim is included with Joseph in verse 8. However they are not mentioned by name and may be a little put out with this. Manasses the other son of Joseph is mentioned in verse 6. Ephraim is also referred to only elliptically: Joseph, minus Manasseh = Ephraim. Ephraim also associated with Jeroboam’s idolatry (Hos 4:17).

10 Chuck Smith Sermon Notes, Commentary on Revelation, Calvary Fellowship, Costa Mesa, CA

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Ephriam means, “multiply” while Joseph means, “adding.” This may show the diminished influence of Ephriam and Israel as a whole. The number of converts during the Tribulation Period may be classified as a “great multitude,” but compared to the exploding population, they will only constitute an “adding” to the body of believers, rather than a “multiplying.”

Dan - Why Omitted?Idolaters to be separated; name to be blotted out: Deut 29:18-21. (“...or tribe...”) Dan prophesied (Gen 49:17). Curse: Jer 8:16. Dan’s idolatry recorded (Lev 24:10-16; Judg 18:1,2,30-31). A leader in apostasy under Jeroboam (1 Kgs 12:28-30; and 100 years later (2 Kgs 10:29). The “Voice of Calamity” Jer 4:14 (Heb); Amos 8:14 (Heb).Dan accused of cowardice under Deborah and Barak (Judg 5:17).This throng preserved through (sealed) the Tribulation, not “kept out” of it, as in 3:10.Note: Gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rom 11:29):Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel (Gen 49:16); in Ezekiel 48:1, Dan is mentioned first to receive inheritance. The name Dan means “judge.”There is a tradition that the antichrist will come from the Tribe of Dan.

The 144,000 are destined to be the glorious Temple “body-guard” (Rev 14:4).An added dimension to the kingdom message of the 144,000 servants of God will be their ability to announce the approximate time of the Lord's return. Tribulation chronology will make this possible.

Van Impe: This group cannot be the Church, for the Church is already in heaven (chapter 4, verse 1). Also, the Church is not Jewish, but is composed of all races, people, and tongues. Again, this group does not picture the Seventh Day Adventists or the Jehovah's Witnesses. Both have claimed this in their theological writings. The Seventh Day Adventists say that the 144,000 are not Englishmen or Americans either, as the advocates of British Israelism teach. They make the Israelites forerunners of the Anglo-Saxons. Come on now, Armstrongites and Garner Ted. Surely you cannot be that foolish! These are Jewish tribes with Jewish names. Do the names Juda, Reuben, Gad, Aser, Nepthalim, Manasses, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zabulon, Joseph and Benjamin sound British? Had they been named Heathcliff, Sir Winston, or Sherlock Holmes you might have had reason to propose such nonsense. Under the circumstances, however, you had better allow Jews with Jewish names to head up Jewish tribes in a Jewish nation-Israel.Presently the Jews are not certain of their tribal heritage. However, the omniscient, all-knowing God will untangle this condition at the appointed time. Actually, no one today really knows what his stock is. As a result of migrations, most people are a hodgepodge of differing nationalities. Perhaps it is best not to know or trace one's ancestry. We might be embarrassed to discover our roots! One might learn that he is a descendant of Attilla the Hun! Persons planning to study their family tree should beware. They might find

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some of their relatives hanging by the neck, while the evolutionists find theirs hanging by the tail! The 144,000 Jewish evangelists are anointed by the Spirit. Joel 2:28,29 describes the situation as these Spirit-filled preachers proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. We need to pause here briefly because there is a great deal of confusion concerning the presence of the Holy Spirit during the Tribulation hour. This has resulted from a faulty understanding and interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2:7: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. The term letteth is the Old English word for hinders. The picture being painted here is the rise of the Antichrist. Second Thessalonians 2:6 states: Ye know what withholdeth that [the Antichrist] might be revealed in his time. Then verse seven makes it clear that the Hinderer-the Holy Spirit-continues to hinder the Antichrist's rise until He-the Holy Spirit-is taken out of the way. Here is another reason millions believe in the pre-Tribulation Rapture. Why? The Hinderer lives in the hearts of His people: If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his (Romans 8:9). Also, 1 Corinthians 3:16: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Because of this truth, God's Spirit cannot be taken unless those in whom He lives are taken. Hallelujah! One should note, however, that the Spirit's removal only speaks of His restraining power.Let me prove this assertion: The Holy Spirit is God, the third member of the Trinity. As God, He is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful), and omnipresent (everywhere at all times). Therefore, the Holy Spirit cannot be removed from the earth because He, as God, is in all places constantly. David states in Psalm 139:7-10: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Since the Holy Spirit is everywhere at all times, only His restraining influence over sin is removed during the Tribulation hour. Presently Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). The evacuation of Christians, in whose hearts the Holy Spirit lives, is the way-the only way-His restraining influence on sin is removed, ridding the world of salt and light. Christians are God's preservative forces, as well as the dispellers of darkness. Imagine what happens when the Spirit's restraining influence (the Church) is removed via the Rapture. Quite literally, all hell will break loose upon earth. Still, even during this time, His continuing personal presence on earth produces one of the greatest revivals in the history of mankind. The message of the 144,000 centers on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the emphasis of the Old Testament preachers: To [Jesus] give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43). In addition to preaching the message of the shed blood of Jesus, the 144,000 proclaim the advent of the King: And this gospel [or good news] of the kingdom shall be preached

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in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14). This is not the message of His first coming-the Rapture (chapter 4, verse 1) but the Revelation or revealing of Christ as King (chapter 19, verse 16).In order to get a picture of the complete message the kingdom messengers proclaim, one must study the life of John the Baptist. John's message was: (1) Repentance: He said, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2); (2) the blood: again, He saith, behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This message of repentance and the blood was to prepare the hearts of the people for the third part of His message-the coming of the King. Though Christ was rejected in the days of John the Baptist, He will be accepted when the 144,000 Jews preach the identical message. At this time a worldwide revival ensues, for one of the elders asks, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 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 (chapter 7, verses 13 and 14). Let's study this God-sent, Holy Spirit-empowered revival, step by step.11

Jewish New Testament Commentary: No matter who the 144,000 are, there is a problem with these verses, in that the listing of the twelve tribes is very strange: (1) Dan is missing, (2) Efrayim is missing but included in Yosef, who was Efrayim’s father, (3) M’nasheh is counted twice, since Yosef was also his father, (4) Y’hudah, not Re’uven, is mentioned first, and (5) L’vi is included, even though this tribe is sometimes not counted, since it was not assigned a portion in the Land. Efrayim and M’nasheh were the two sons of Yosef, and their descendants were at first counted as half-tribes; but over time they became elevated to the status of tribes because Yosef, after saving his family from starvation, was treated like the firstborn and given a double portion (Genesis 48:22).

On these verses Yechiel Lichtenstein writes in his Commentary to the New Testament: “Rabbi Yitzchak of Troki’s Chizzuk-Emunah accused Yochanan of not knowing the number of the tribes. This is nonsense, since Yochanan in his book demonstrates wonderful knowledge of the Tanakh.

“Some say Dan is excluded because he sinned by worshipping idols (Judges 18:30, 2 Kings 10:29); as proof they quote 1 Chronicles 2–7, where the tribe of Dan is not mentioned. But this is not a valid proof, because Z’vulun is not mentioned there either; and the reason in both cases is that the author, Ezra, wrote in his book only what he found in the scrolls available to him. This is why the subjects there often follow one another without logical connection—there are missing links.

“Concerning Dan, Ya‛akov, when blessing his sons, said, ‘Dan will judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel’ (Genesis 49:16). Moreover, Ezekiel 48:32 attributes one gate to Dan, one to Yosef, since Joseph includes Efrayim and M’nasheh in respect to the heritage, and one to L’vi.”

Here is Lichtenstein’s solution to the problem: “It seems to me that a scribal error was made when the book of Revelation was being prepared for transmission to the world. Instead of ‘M’nasheh’ we should read ‘Dan.’ Yochanan also mentioned Y’hudah before Re’uven, because the Messiah came out of Y’hudah (see 1 Chronicles 2–7, where Y’hudah is also mentioned first, and the Jewish commentators on it). Next he mentions Re’uven, because he was the firstborn of the tribal patriarchs. But after this Yochanan paid no more attention to the subject.”11 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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In other words, when Yochanan proofread the manuscript of his book he failed to notice anomalies in the tribal listing. It is always tempting to attribute a difficult reading to scribal error, but I am not sure this explanation should be invoked so quickly here.

Shim‛on is missing from Moses’ blessing of the tribes in Deuteronomy 33. There too corruption of the manuscript is offered as a possible reason, although a more specific one is that his tribe had no extended area of its own—his inheritance of 19 cities was spread through the territory of Y’hudah (Joshua 19:2–9).

It is suggested that Dan is absent from the present list because the Anti-Messiah is to come from this tribe. This idea can be found in the second-century church father Irenaeus; in Jewish tradition it can be traced back to the Pseudepigraphic Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, written around 100 B.C.E., where Dan is told: “In the last days you will depart from the Lord …. For I have read in the book of Enoch the righteous that your prince is Satan.” (Testament of Dan 5:4–7)

But for this idea there is no biblical evidence. Another reason for Dan’s omission might be this tribe’s poor reputation due to its

weakness for idol-worship. The Midrash Rabbah explains Numbers 2:25, “The standard of the camp of Dan is to be on the north side,” thusly: “ ‘The north.’ From there comes darkness [since the sun is in the south]. Why is this relevant to Dan? Because Dan darkened the world by idolatry. For [King] Jeroboam made two calves of gold. And idolatry is darkness, as it is said, ‘Their works are in the dark’ (Isaiah 29:15). Jeroboam went about all over Israel, but they would not receive his teaching, except for the tribe of Dan, as it is said, ‘The king took counsel, made two calves of gold … and set the one in Dan’ (1 Kings 12:28–29). This is why the Holy One commanded that Dan should set up his camp on the north.” (Numbers Rabbah 2:10)

If it is meant literally that 12,000 from each tribe are to be selected, it can be objected that no one will know who belongs to which tribe, since genealogies no longer exist. One answer: God, who will be doing the choosing, will know.12

The arrangement of this list of tribes seems to yield a hidden message, as in Genesis Chapter 5. First we shall give the meanings of their names, then consider the particular combination that appears to form a message:

1. Judah “confession” or “praise of God”2. Reuben “viewing the Son”3. Gad “a troop or company”4. Asher “blessed”5. Nepthali “wrestler” or “striving with”6. Manasses “forgetfulness”7. Simeon “hearing” and “obeying”8. Levi “joining” or cleaving to”9. Issachar “reward” or “what is given by way of reward”10. Zabulon “a home or dwelling place”11. Joseph “added” or “an addition”12. Benjamin “son of the right hand” and “son of old age”

12Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:5). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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Deut Study by Missler Pg. 201Judah Praise the Lord,Reuben He has looked on my affliction (and)Gad granted good fortune.Asher Happy am I,Napthali my wrestlingMannasah has made me forget my sorrow.Simeon God hears me;Levi has joined me,Issachar purchased me, (and)Zebulun exalted me (by)Joseph adding to meBenjamin the Son of His right hand.

Joseph Seiss (1823-1904), author of The Apocalypse, deciphered the message as, “Confessors or praisers of God, looking upon the Son, a band of blessed ones, wrestling with forgetfulness, hearing and obeying the word, cleaving unto the reward of a shelter and home, an addition, sons of the day of God’s right hand, begotten in the extremity of the age”.

As a whole, the message seems to be specific for the Tribulation Period. These 144,000 will be “confessors” and “praisers” as a result of “looking upon the Son!” Their spiritual eyes will be opened to the fact that Jesus is their Messiah. They will become “a band of blessed ones” who will “strive” with the spiritual “forgetfulness” of their forefathers. Their spiritual “hearing” will be restored to the point that they will “understand and obey the Scriptures.” They will “cleave to their homeland” in spite of all efforts to evict them. They are the “sons of God’s right hand” – the hand we saw holding the scroll or title deed to Creation in chapter 5. And finally, they are “born in the extremity of the age” – as Benjamin was the son of Jacob’s old age. That is, they are born in the concluding years of the sixth millennium. Rev 7: I will praise the Lord, (for) He has looked on my affliction (and) granted good fortune. Happy am I (because) my wrestling (is) making me forget. God hears me; He has purchased me a dwelling (and) He will add to me the Son of His right hand. (Tribes lesson – Missler Pg 66)

Revelation 7:9After 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;

This group is notably different than the 144,000 because they are a great multitude which is unnumbered, individuals in the group relate to

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every nation, tribe, people, and language, and it is clear that they are no longer in earth but in heaven. Here, the greatest harvest of souls the world has ever seen will take place! (Written in Isa 49:10-12; 60:1-3.)

[which no man could number] “A great multitude…” Not only will men be saved, but their number will be beyond human computation. Of course God numbers them and knows everyone that is His (2 Tim. 2:19), but unlike the 144,000, there is no definite number here.

[nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues] The 144,000 were all Israelites, but this group is composed of all nationalities and groups. The number 4 is the number of the world or earth. Using 4 descriptors here may be another indication that people from all over the world will be saved.

Many Bible students believe that four is the number of the world. It marks God’s creative works. We might say that it is the signature of the world, or the universal aspect. (1) On the fourth day God finished the material creation, i.e., the heavens and earth (Gen. 1:14-19).(2) Revelation 7:9 gives us four divisions of mankind: nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.(3) There are four directions or regions: north, south, east, and west.(4) There are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.(5) In presenting the Lord Jesus to men, there are four gospels.(6) There are four kingdoms: animal, mineral, vegetable, and spiritual; (7) Finally, in Daniel’s portrayal of the times of the Gentiles, we are given only four great world powers or kingdoms of prophecy, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

[stood before the throne, and before the Lamb] This is the same throne mentioned earlier (Rev. 4-5) and shows they are in heaven in the presence of the Lamb of God as saved people. This is a place of privilege and honor. These are martyred Tribulation saints who are now in the presence of God and the Lamb. They are here in their intermediate state without their resurrection bodies since the resurrection of Tribulation believers does not occur until after the Tribulation (Rev. 20:4; Dan. 12:1-2). Death for the Tribulation saints, as with the New Testament saints, means being in the presence of the Lord in heavenly bliss and away from the trials of this life (7:15-17), but also in a conscious state (no soul sleep) where believers are still concerned about the glory of God (cf. 6:10).

[Clothed in white robes] again speaks symbolically of the imputed righteousness of Christ given to them at the point of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This means they are in Him and share in His righteousness as justified saints. As verses 14 and 15 will show, this is the reason they have immediate access into God’s presence.

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[And palm branches in their hands] suggests the element of joy and worship. The use of palm branches according to ancient traditions symbolized festive joy and worship as well as victory or triumph. “And this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith, and who is he that overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5). “Thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14).Palm branches: as on “Palm Sunday,” cf. John 12:13. This may be linked with the triumphal entry, when Jesus came into Jerusalem. Also, possible link with Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:39,43; 2 Chr 20:19; Ezra 3:11-12; Jn 12:12-13; Neh 8:15-17). This feast is associated with the palms.

People will be saved during the tribulation – How can anyone be saved apart from the Holy Spirit? 2 Thes 2:7 talks about the Holy Spirit being taken away.

Joel 2:28-32 (quoted in Acts 2:16-21) links with these prophecies of the Great Tribulation.

A second century church theologian, Tertullian who was born in AD 145 offered the following view. “Who, pray, are these so blessed conquerors, but martyrs in the strict sense of the word? For indeed theirs are the victories whose also are the fights; theirs, however, are the fights whose also is the blood. But the souls of the martyrs both peacefully rest in the meantime under the altar, and support their patience by the assured hope of revenge; and, clothed in their robes, wear the dazzling halo of brightness, until others also may fully share in their glory. For yet again a countless throng are revealed, clothed in white and distinguished by palms of victory, celebrating their triumph doubtless over the Antichrist, since one of the elders says, “These are they who come out of that great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” They are martyrs who have suffered at the hands of the Antichrist.

Comparisons Between to the Two Groups Described in Revelation 7144,000 of 7:1-8 The Multitude of 7:9-17

Are Israelites only, 12,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel.

Come out of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues.

Consist of a specific number. A great multitude which no one can number.

Still upon the earth in mortal bodies that need the protection of God.

In a state of glory before the very throne of God.

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Van Impe: John states: After this. After what? After the 144,000 Jewish evangelists are sealed by the Spirit of God. God's message is always to the Jew first, then to the Gentile. That's why Romans 1:16 declares, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Since the Jews have heard, John sees a great multitude standing before the throne which no man could count, from every race and nationality. Their white robes prove that they have trusted in the message of the blood and are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The waving of the palms in their hands signifies victory. They have overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. They are joyous because they have survived the first six seals of judgment and their joy leads to praise.13

Revelation 7:10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Hosanna - the praise of salvationVictory. Greek sôtêria usually means “salvation” or “deliverance,” but KJV’s “Salvation to our God … ” is awkward, since God does not need to be saved. Here (and at 12:10, 19:1) the sense is as at Psalm 98:2: “His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him [God] the victory.” The Hebrew word there is the verb related to “yeshu˓ah” (“salvation”). 14

This multitude recognizes the source of their salvation and victory. They cannot be kept silent. Who can be silent when the grace of God does its mighty work of salvation in one's heart? Immediately the angels join with them in praise to the Father and to the Son.

Chuck Smith: Now interesting they are clothed with white robes and palms in their hands and what is their cry? Salvation. Now we remember another crowd with palms in their hands and their cry was the same. Hosanna means salvation, or "save now" literally. They were crying salvation unto the Lord. So there is a lot of similarities between this crowd and that crowd on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem on the day that Jesus made His descent from the Mount of Olives on a donkey and the disciples were waving palm branches and the multitudes there were saying, "Hosanna, Hosanna: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Salvation, salvation, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. So here is a crowd now in heaven, a great number of them; however, these are from all over the world, from all of the various races, ethnic groups. Their cry is the same, "salvation to our God, which sits upon the throne and unto the Lamb". And all of the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God,

13 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe14Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:10). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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Saying, So be it: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen (Rev 7:11-12).15

Revelation 7:11And 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,

Revelation 7:12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Seven Blessings – again shows designThis is a fabulous, fantastic scene of universal worship of God by His creatures. The church is here, the Old Testament saints are here, and the tribulation saints are here. And now the angels join in on it.

“Amen” always refers back to something said previously (Mt 5:18N). The first “Amen” of the elders and the four living beings in v. 12 is their response to the shout of the crowd at v. 10. The second one is a signal to that crowd to respond by affirming the elders’ and living beings’ own words of praise (see Ro 9:5N).

To our God. Or: “come from our God.” See v. 10. 16

What a glorious scene as the angels surrounding the throne and God's people (represented by the elders) fall on their faces in worship, praise, and adoration!Their sevenfold praise session to God centers around:

1. Blessing, 2. Glory 3. Wisdom 4. Thanksgiving 5. Honour 6. Power and 7. Might

Forever and forever! No wonder they say, "Amen!" Then one of the elders asks a question.17

Chuck Smith: Now when the church sings its song of redemption, verse nine of chapter five, they sang the new song saying, "thou art worthy." The angels respond to that song in worship saying, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive the power and riches, and

15 Chuck Smith Sermon Notes, Commentary on Revelation, Calvary Fellowship, Costa Mesa, CA16Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:11). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.17 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." Here are the same things with a couple of differences. To the churches' song they refer to riches, for interestingly enough, the Lord considers us as His treasure. Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they might receive a Spirit of wisdom and understanding. That they might know what is His riches in the saints, or you might know how much God values you. You remember the parable of Jesus concerning the kingdom of heaven was likened to a man going through the field and discovering a treasure and who, for the joy thereof, went out and sold everything so he could buy the field and have the treasure (Matthew 13:44). "Now the field", Jesus said, "is the world", and He was the one that gave everything. He gave His life to purchase the world in order that He might obtain the treasure. "So if you only knew", Paul said, "how highly the Lord treasures or values you". And Peter writing says, "We are His peculiar treasure." Well it is peculiar to me that God would take such value in me, that God would treasure me, but we are His inheritance. So when the church declares its song, we are His inheritance, His riches. When this group sings, thanksgiving is substituted for riches, and so that is the difference in the response to the two groups. As the angels respond to the second group, the response is not of riches, but of thanksgiving. Interesting little difference here. They are different groups. We do not see the church here in chapter seven, but we see those who were in chapter six under the fifth seal who were martyred during the Great Tribulation for their testimony. Who were crying for vengeance on those who dwelt upon the earth, who were given white robes and told to wait for a short season until their full number be complete. They were saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, before we can enter into the heavenly scene." The Lord gave them white robes and said, "Wait until your full number is complete and you can come in." Now we see their number is completed and we see them entering into the heavenly scene. And this is really taking us on out to the end. In chapter seven, as we have this little vignette, it is one that now takes us out and shows us the whole picture and then we will come back to the seals again as we get to chapter eight. So this is just a little side view, a side journey and a view of this little segment here on out to the end.So the angels respond to their song of salvation, worshipping God and ascribing to God the blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power and might unto our God for ever and ever. So be it. 18Now, one of the elders asked John a rhetorical question, saying

Revelation 7:13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

(John didn’t know he would get an oral quiz.) White robes given out in Rev 6:11

18 Chuck Smith Sermon Notes, Commentary on Revelation, Calvary Fellowship, Costa Mesa, CA

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Who are they, John, and where did they come from? And it was a rhetorical type of a question that was designed to open the door for an answer. It wasn't really looking to John for an answer, but it was just designed to open the door to give the answer to John.

Revelation 7:14And 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.

John apparently doesn’t recognize who they are. Why are they distinguished from those prior to the tribulation? Is it because their predecessors are already in heaven? He knows the raptured Church is in heaven. These are the tribulation saints. John did not anticipate them.

What a paradox: white robes made white by blood. Of course, this is obviously a reference to the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. The point is they acted in faith, trusting in the person and work of Christ and God then justified them, imputing or crediting the righteousness of Christ to their account (Rom. 4-5).

Some say the Holy Spirit is gone and people can not be saved.

(2 Thes 2:3) 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

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The Great Persecution (KJV, “great tribulation”); compare Daniel 12:1, also Mt 24:21–22&N. Verses 14–17 offer comfort to any believer undergoing persecution.

They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb. The metaphor, which only gains power from being contradictory when taken literally, means that those who did not capitulate under persecution have become clean and are regarded by God as sinless (compare Isaiah 1:18) because they have remained faithful to Yeshua, who shed his blood for them (see 1:7&N).19

Van Impe: This is another proof that the Church is in heaven, not upon earth. Why? John does not recognize this group. He knows the raptured Church in heaven (chapter 4, verse 1), but not the ones on earth in this text. These are Tribulation saints who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Please hear God once again: These are they which came out of great tribulation. That settles it and explains why John-who recognized the Church in heaven-is in a fog concerning these individuals. They are new brothers and sisters in Christ, though unknown to John. They have been saved in a different period of time-a time when he and the Church were in heaven. The Church was not on earth to make their acquaintance. The next scene is exciting. Each group saved during different dispensations of time has different duties to perform. The Church is the bride of Christ and enjoys the 1,000-year honeymoon upon earth (chapter 20, verse 4). They reign as rulers, kings, and priests (1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6). The 144,000 serve as bodyguards of the Lamb and His bride (chapter 14, verse 4). The Gentiles saved during the Tribulation will be Temple servants, waiting on Christ and His bride. They serve in the glorious Temple (described in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48) which is set up immediately after Russia-under the names of Gog, Magog, Meshech, Tubal, and Rosh-is destroyed (Ezekiel 38 and 39). Everything is so near. Russia could march soon, then Antichrist would be smashed and the Lord would return with His bride. At that time the millennial Temple is erected and the Gentiles serve.20

Revelation 7:15Therefore 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.

[day and night] This may be the Millennial Temple because in heaven there is no night (Rev 21:25; 22:5).Their position before the throne is mentioned twice in these verses (vs. 9, 15) perhaps to stress the awesomeness of having access to the very throne of God through faith in Christ in contrast to the awful conditions on the earth. The focus here is on the reason. Such access is the result of having the white robes, the righteousness of Christ. Note especially

19Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:14). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.20 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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the words, “for this reason” that introduces the statement about being before the throne.Note the contrasts and comparisons between these and believers of the church age. This shows that these Tribulation saints are distinct and different from the church age saints.

Church Age Saints Tribulation Saints

Kept out of the Tribulation by the rapture (3:10) Come out of the Great Tribulation through Martyrdom (7:14)

Clothed in white raiment or garments (himation, mantle, cloak (3:5; 4:4)

Clothed in white robes (stole„, a festal robe) (7:9)

Sit on thrones about the throne (4:4) Stand before the throne (7:10)

Wear crowns (stephanos, the victor’s crown as promised to the church) (4:4)

No crowns mentioned

Have harps and golden bowls full of incense (5:8) Palm branches in their hands (7:9)

Sing a new song (5:9) Cry out with a loud voice (7:10)

Declared to be a kingdom of priests who will reign with Christ (5:10)

Serve Him day and night (7:15, cf. 20:4)

His Temple. According to Jewish tradition, God has a temple in heaven. Compare the book of Messianic Jews, in which Yeshua is presented as a cohen serving God in heaven. See also MJ 8:2–6a&N, which refers to the Tent (Tabernacle) in heaven and gives references in Exodus.

Will put his Sh˒khinah upon them. Or: “will spread his tent over them,” giving protection. The Greek word “skênôsei” (“will spread his tent, will dwell”) is related to the Hebrew words “mishkan” (“tent, tabernacle”) and “Sh˒khinah” (“dwelling,” used in rabbinic Judaism to mean “God’s manifest glory dwelling with mankind”; see MJ 1:2–3N). Compare Ezekiel 37:27, where, in the valley of dry bones, God says, “V˒hayah mishkani ˓aleihem” (“and my tent will be upon them”). 21

Because God is dwelling among them, the depravations they suffered under the Antichrist are now abolished. Under the reign of the world dictator, there was little food and one had to take the mark of the beast, 666, to obtain sustenance. These believers who refused the number had to eke out an existence day by day. Now, with the Lord in their midst, the picture changes.22

Chuck Smith: Now we find that ultimately these are to receive all the rights and the privileges of God's redeemed people, the church. At the present time, they were not allowed to come into the scene in chapter six, the fifth seal. Now that they come in, they come in, in a serving capacity, serving Him in His temple day and night. Where as the church is reigning with Him and the promise to the church is that they would reign with

21Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:15). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.22 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe

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Him. "Unto Him that loved us and purchased us with His blood, we shall reign with Him." These are serving Him there in the temple of God and He that sits upon the throne shall dwell among them. Now they came up out of the Great Tribulation, which means that they were no doubt martyred during this tribulation period. And we will read where when the antichrist takes over, he is going to bring in a new economic system which requires everyone receiving a mark, and no one being able to buy or sell without that mark. However, anyone who takes the mark will be consigned to a hopeless eternal future, no hope for salvation for anyone who takes the mark of the beast. So they have power, though, to put to death those that refuse to take the mark. Of course not being able to buy or sell, you can probably starve to death quite easily. So, a great number of people will be saved after the church is raptured. Now there is an indication that those that will be saved after the rapture are those who had never heard the Gospel before. That indication comes from Paul in writing to the Thessalonians, his second epistle, talking about the coming of the antichrist, he declared, "that because they did not want to believe the truth, God gave them over to deception that they would believe the lie" (2 Thessalonians 2:11). So those that have consciously and willingly rejected the truth that is in Jesus Christ, when the antichrist comes, will bring a strong delusion and God will allow them to be deluded, because they did not want to keep the truth. But there are perhaps two billion people on the earth today who have never heard the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. During this period of time, the message of salvation will be declared by the hundred and forty-four thousand that have been sealed; it will also be declared by angels flying through the midst of heaven. And among the two billion people who have never heard the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ, there will be many who will receive the witness and the message of the one hundred and forty-four thousand and of the angels and will be saved, martyred, and brought into the heavenly scene. A great number that no man could count, we are told from all over the world, from all of the nations, kindreds and people and tongues. So, an interesting group in heaven. John did not recognize them. Had they been the church and the elders said, "Who are these? Where did they come from?" John would have said, "Well, that is the church. I know them. I am a part of that group." But he did not recognize them, because they are a saved multitude that are not the church. Thus to John, it is a mystery, but the mystery is explained by the elder. They came up out of the Great Tribulation. They were martyred during the Great Tribulation period, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.23

Revelation 7:16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Isa 49:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them

23 Chuck Smith Sermon Notes, Commentary on Revelation, Calvary Fellowship, Costa Mesa, CA

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shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

This refers to the scorching effects of the sun during the Tribulation hour: [As] the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire (chapter 16, verse 8). In addition, the word heat refers to the fires of persecution as described in 1 Peter 1:7. Such trials are finished forever.From this point onward the people of God from all dispensations enjoy the presence of God. Their days of suffering, heartache, and abuse by an ungodly world are finished. Tears are wiped way as every remembrance of past sorrow is obliterated from their minds.24

Revelation 7:17For 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.

The fruits of the 144,000, they save and incredible amount of people, more than can be numbered

Church vs. the Fruits of the 144,000

Church is kept out of the tribulation, 3:10These came out of the tribulation, vs. 14 (John didn’t recognize them!)

Church will sit on thrones (1 Cor 6:2,3; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6)These stand before thrones

Church is crowned; these are uncrowned.Harps vs. palms; sing new song vs. cry, loud voice(Palms: Lev 23:40; John 12:13; Neh 8:17)Church reigns as kings & priests (1 Cor 6:2,3; 1 Pet 2:9;Rev 1:6); These serve Him day and night...

The Lamb can be at the center of the throne because he is identified with God. Springs of living water. See 21:6. Wipe away every tear.25

This is a very controversial chapter in some respects. Raises issues on the proper role of Israel in the book of Revelation and in the end times.

The Hebrew Letter ז Zayin:

24 A Message of Hope from Dr. Jack Van Impe, Commentary on The Book of Revelation, Van Impe25Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 7:17). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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The very essence of this seventh chapter corresponds to the various meanings of ז zayin – the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. First of all, the ז zayin is said to be the letter of “spirit, sustenance and struggle.” We can see this meaning in the protection of the 144,000. They must endure the catastrophic judgments befalling mankind during the Tribulation. Secondly, the numerical value of ז zayin is seven. Rabbi Munk points out that “seven comprises the six physical directions of expansion (east, west, north, south, up, down) plus one representing its own individual focal point.” The 144,000 are caught in the midst of the most turbulent period of human history, yet they are sealed, protected so that they might carry on the work of God with confidence. Thirdly, Rabbi Munk notes that the Hebrew word zahn, beginning with the letter zayin, is the verb “to sustain.”

John 7 – Revelation 7 ComparisonEach chapter in John’s Gospel seems to offer a commentary on the theme of each corresponding chapter in Revelation. They appear to cover the same category of subjects, based closely upon the meanings of the Hebrew letters – the Gospel of John covering the story of Christ’s First Advent and Revelation offering the story of His Second Advent.

In this case, John tells us that Jesus goes up to Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. He stands up and boldly teaches in the Temple, at the surprise of the Temple authorities. They had been plotting His arrest, but somehow, are unable to follow through. Just as the Savior spoke boldly at the Temple in Jerusalem, the 144,000 will speak boldly at the site of the ancient Temple, to the consternation of the Antichrist.

The Temple soldiers were powerless to apprehend Jesus. In like manner, the 144,000 righteous Jews will be protected from the forces of the Antichrist.

“I had a million questions to ask God: but when I met Him, they all fled my mind; and it didn’t seem to matter” - Christopher Morley

Old Testament References

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7:1 Isa 11:2; Jer 49:36; Ezek 7:2; 37:9; Dan 7:2; Zech 6:57:3 Ezek 9:4-67:4 Gen 49:1-287:9 Lev 23:407:10 Ps 3:87:14 Gen 49:117:15 Lev 26:117:16 Ps 121:5-6; Isa 49:107:17 Ps 23:1-2; Ezek 34:23

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