Rev 7:1-17 What about the Saints?
Rev 7:1-8 Sealing the 144,000.
After this announcement of the terrible judgements that are about to come upon the Earth, the question was asked, “who shall be able to stand?”
Put another way this question is:- What about the Saints? What about all the Christians? What is going to happen to them?
Well now in Chapter Seven we take time out from our story to answer this question before we continue with the opening of the 7th Seal in Chapter Eight.
Rev 7:1-3 Four Angels.
“four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth”
1) “Four angels.”
Rev 7:2, 3. These four angels are sometimes looked upon as being evil angels because it appears they desire to hurt the earth but a closer look at this verse reveals that they are holding back the destructive winds that would harm the earth. Verse 3 tells us these four angels have control over the winds.
A parallel passage to the four angels is the four chariots found in Zech 6:1-8.
They can also be linked to the four horsemen we saw in Chapter Six.
2) “Four winds.”
Winds have often been used by God to carry out His judgements or His will.
Gen 8:1 Wind was used by God to dry the earth after the Great Flood in Noah’s time.
Ex Wind was used to make a dry path through the Red Sea during the Exodus so the people of Israel could escape from the Egyptians.
Jer 49:34-36 Wind was used by God during the destruction of Elam.
Dan 7:2 Wind was used as an announcement of judgement.
Four angels are mentioned here, in allusion to the four spirits of the heavens, in Zech 6:5; and though the earth is not a plain square with angles, but round and globular, yet it is said to have four corners, with respect to the four points of the heavens; and though there is but one wind, which blows sometimes one way, and sometimes another, yet four are named with regard to the above points, east, west, north, and south, from whence it blows. These are commonly called "the four winds of heaven", Dan 8:8 11:4; "from the four winds of the earth". And such things as are chiefly affected with winds are particularly observed, as the earth, upon which buildings are thrown down by them; and the sea, in which ships are wrecked; and trees, which by the violence of them, are blown down, and torn up by the roots
John Gill’s Expositor - Online Bible.
John Gill touches on an interesting point when he links these angels to Zech 6:5. In both cases they have been sent by God, in both cases, their purpose is to bring God's judgement upon wicked men. The question can then be asked, do these 4 winds have any connection to the four horsemen of Chapter Six? Again, with both the four horsemen and with the four winds being considered here we are shown they are sent by and directed by Jesus Christ on behalf of His Father. So while it is possible they could be one in the same, it's also possible they are different aspects, different forces involved in delivering God's judgements upon a sinful world.
The concept of sealing against Gods judgement is not a new one in the Bible. Back in Exodus when Moses warns the people to be ready for the night of the Passover he says Ex 12:23 "He will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses or strike you down." The agent of God's wrath against the Egyptians is described as "a band of destroying angels" Ps 78:49.
Now coming forward to this text we are considering we see God's wrath in the form of four winds. Again the Old Testament holds the key, "I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven." Jer 49:36. Here again, forces sent by God to bring His wrath against unrighteous people are directed to spare those who are sealed. This idea also links back to the four horsemen of Chapter Six, agents of destruction sent by God.
The concept of sealing against Gods judgement is not a new one in the Bible. Back in Exodus when Moses warns the people to be ready for the night of the Passover he says Ex 12:23 "He will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses or strike you down." The agent of God's wrath against the Egyptians is described as "a band of destroying angels" Ps 78:49.
Now coming forward to this text we are considering we see God's wrath in the form of four winds. Again the Old Testament holds the key, "I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven." Jer 49:36. Here again, forces sent by God to bring His wrath against unrighteous people are directed to spare those who are sealed. This idea also links back to the four horsemen of Chapter Six, agents of destruction sent by God.
3) Commanding Angel.
a) Came from the east.
“ascending from the rising of the sun”
This angel rose from the rising sun, from the east. More modern translations tend to use "coming up from the east" or "ascending from the east."
Some commentaries link this to the fact that Judea and Zion were situated to the east of Patmos but there is a deeper meaning than this. The sun, particularly the rising sun, was held to be a symbol of rightness having the idea that the purity of light overcomes the evil of darkness. Even though modern translations do not mention the sun I believe they still contain the same meaning; that is the goodness of light overcoming the evil of darkness.
Some commentaries link this to the fact that Judea and Zion were situated to the east of Patmos but there is a deeper meaning than this. The sun, particularly the rising sun, was held to be a symbol of rightness having the idea that the purity of light overcomes the evil of darkness. Even though modern translations do not mention the sun I believe they still contain the same meaning; that is the goodness of light overcoming the evil of darkness.
b) “having the seal of the living God”
This seal was a mark by which the saved could be identified.
To mark the servants of God, that they might be distinguished from others.
Family New Testament Notes - Online Bible
Here the signet ring, like that used by an Oriental monarch, to give validity to the official documents.
Robertson’s NT Word Pictures - Online Bible.
c) Commanded the other four angels.
“and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels”
4) Commanded to hold back the winds.
“Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”
1) The Sealing.
a) There is a similar passage to this in Ezek 9:3-8 where all in the city of Jerusalem were slain except those with the mark of God upon their forehead.
b) This sealing can be compared with -18 where we see the followers of Satan also sealed, in this case with the number 666. Just as the followers of Satan are sealed it makes sense that the followers of God should also carry the seal of the one they follow.
Ancient documents were rolled as scrolls and tied. Often clay or wax was pressed over the knot. The sender/writer would then stamp the clay/wax with his signet ring (see the word signed) or roll it with a cylinder seal. Once the clay/wax dried and hardened the document was authenticated and the contents protected by the seal which had to be broken before the contents could be seen.
Ancient documents were rolled as scrolls and tied. Often clay or wax was pressed over the knot. The sender/writer would then stamp the clay/wax with his signet ring (see the word signed) or roll it with a cylinder seal. Once the clay/wax dried and hardened the document was authenticated and the contents protected by the seal which had to be broken before the contents could be seen.
c) This seal on the foreheads of the righteous is the name of God. Rev 22:4.
d) There is another similar sealing known as the Passover in Ex 11 where God protected His people from the final plague of Egypt. In this case, rather than a seal being placed on each person, blood was placed on each door to protect all those inside.
e) Biblical purposes of sealing were to:-
i. To protect against tampering. Matt 27:66 Rev 5:1
ii. To show ownership or destination. 11 Tim 2:19
iii. To certify genuineness. Esther 3:12
Now, this sealing is the most precious thing under heaven. Scripture speaks of the seal in a threefold sense. First of all, a seal protects against tampering. Thus the tomb of Jesus was sealed with a guard, Matt 27:66. Secondly, a seal marks ownership. Thus, we read in Song of Solomon 8:6 “Set me as a seal upon thy heart.” Thirdly, a seal certifies genuine character. Thus, the decree that all Jews should be wiped out was sealed with the signet of King Xerxes Esther 3:12.
Now, the Christian is sealed in this threefold sense. The Father has sealed him, for the believer enjoys the father’s protection throughout life. The Son has sealed him, for He has bought and redeemed the believer with His own, precious blood. Hence He owns us. The Spirit sealed him, Eph , for He certifies that we are sons of God, Rom 22:4.
More Than Conquerors – William Hendriksen, pg 132-133.
I believe the 144,000 sealed on earth represents the church "militant", i.e., the redeemed on earth. While they may be on the earth when God's judgment and wrath are outpoured, they are sealed and thereby spared from God's wrath Ezek 9:1-11. This does not mean they will not suffer tribulation, for while they may escape God's wrath they may still face the efforts of Satan Rev 12:17; 13:7.
Revelation Notes by Mark Copeland. Pg 35.
2) The Number.
The 144,000. The number of the sealed.
John did not see the sealing or count them himself, he only heard. A hundred and forty and four thousand, this number is symbolical and so is not to be considered as the accurate number of those who had been sealed.
The number stands for perfection or completeness rather than a true value. The emphasis here should be on ‘none are missed who should have been sealed’ rather than trying to establish the exact numbers who are to be saved. Putting this another way, you could say that this number is measuring the quality of those sealed not the quantity sealed.
Let's break this number down.
144,000 this is the number of the sealed.
144,000 = 12 x 12 x 1000.
To show that these are ones who have been redeemed.
First, we take the number 3, standing for the Holy Trinity.
This is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Then we take the number 4, meaning the earth or creation.
Four corners of the earth, north, south, east and west.
3 x 4 = 12 God x Creation.
12 – symbolical of God operating in the world, organized religion.
12 x 12 = 144 12,000 out of each of 12 tribes.
To emphasise that this is not just a portion but the entire number of the redeemed.
5 + 5 = 10 – Human completeness, 10 fingers & 10 toes.
10 x 10 x 10 indicates a perfect cube – 1,000
1,000 symbolic of the most complete number.
So when John wanted a number to express the total redeemed or the total that were to be saved he chose 144,000. Much has been made of this number, many trying to unlock its meaning but.
So when John wanted a number to express the total redeemed or the total that were to be saved he chose 144,000. Much has been made of this number, many trying to unlock its meaning but.
3) Who Were Sealed?
Much has been made of this number, many trying to unlock great meanings from it. What we need to focus on is that this number stands for those who were sealed, who received protection from God. There are two opposite views here as to who were sealed. The first view is one taking the sealed as referring only to Jews (either actual Jews as a remnant or just Jewish Christians). The other view includes Gentiles, as well as Jewish Christians, are the true Israel as in Rev 2:9; 3:9 and like Paul says in Galatians and Romans. This is the more probable view and it takes the twelve tribes in a spiritual sense. But in either view, there remains the difficulty about names of the tribes. The list is not geographical since Levi is included, but Dan is omitted and Manasseh put in his place, although he was the son of Joseph.
There are various lists of the tribes in the O.T.
Gen 35:22; 46:8; Ex 1:1; Num 1:2; 13:4; 26:4; Deut 27:11; 33:6
Josh 13-22; Jud 5; 1Chr 2-8; 1Chr 12:24; 27:16; Ezek 48.
Josh 13-22; Jud 5; 1Chr 2-8; 1Chr 12:24; 27:16; Ezek 48.
In these scriptures, the tribes are given in various orders. In 1Chr for example both Dan and Zebulon are omitted. Joseph is given here in place of Ephraim.
Notice the difference between Gen 35:22 and Rev 7:4-8. Reuben was first in Genesis and named as the first-born but in Revelation, he is listed second since he has lost his birthright.
When we compare this list of the 12 tribes with lists from other parts of the Bible we must always remember that the importance should be placed on the fact there are 12 listed, not the composition of the list. To fit in with the symbolic meaning of 12 there must be only 12 tribes listed even though we know that there were more than 12 tribes. We see the same situation when we speak of the 12 Apostles when it is clear there were at least 14 Apostles mentioned in the Bible.
4) The Church.
There are many New Testament passages that talk about the church or members of the church being sealed by God:-
Eph 1:13-14 “….having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
Rom “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”
II Cor 1:21-22 “He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us in God who sealed us and gave us the Spirit…”
Eph “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
See also 1 John 3:1-2; Heb 13:5-6; II Thess 1:6-10; Rom 8:31; Phil 3:20-21; Col 3:1-4.
This sealing theme is found in various places throughout the book of Revelation both in the sealing of the redeemed and among those who follow the beast (Satan):-
Rev 7:1-8 “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”
Rev 13:16-18 “….the name of the beast or the number of his name…his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (666)”
Rev 14:1 & 9 “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or upon his hand…”
Rev 20:4 “…those who had not worshipped the beast and his image and had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand…”
Rev 22:4 “…and they shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads.”
5) The sealing here cannot be compared with the souls under the altar in Chapter Six. Here we are considering a different group of people. The souls under the altar were already in heaven where as these that were sealed are still alive on the earth. The sealing is to protect them from God’s judgements upon the earth and its people of which the ones sealed are still a part. They need to be identified as being of God and so, therefore, can be protected from God’s wrath.
6) This sealing that we are considering here has the emphasis placed on ownership and therefore protection against God’s judgement on sinful men. We see that they are sealed on their foreheads.
7) In Rev 14:1 we see these 144,000 again. Here we read that they have on their foreheads the name of the Lamb and the name of the Father. It is very likely that these names are the seal that we see in Chapter Seven.
Rev 7:9-17 The Great Multitude.
This vision is not a continuation of the 144,000 but rather a completely new vision. Unlike the sealed ones in the preceding vision, this crowd was numberless.
1) Who were they? Rev 7:9
a) All nations.
b) All tribes.
c) All peoples.
d) All tongues.
2) Where were they? Rev 7:9
Standing before the throne. This is the same throne as in Chapter 4.
3) What were they wearing? Rev 7:9
a) “White robes” – robes of justification, holiness and purification.
b) “Holding palm branches” – triumphant victory.
“Palms”; in token of their victory over sin, sorrow, and death.
Family New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
4) Their Song. Rev 7:10-12
a) “Salvation to God and Jesus.”
b) “The rest of heaven join them in worship to God and the Lamb.”
5) John Questioned. Rev 7:13-17
It is interesting to note how this information was handed to John. First one of the elders asked John the question, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they and from where have they come?”
The elder asked John the question to develop his interest and John replies, “My Lord, you know.” In this reply, John acknowledges his own ignorance and attributes knowledge to the angel. He also in a very humble manner, asks the elder for the explanation of the vision.
a) . He is shown that these are the victors in Christ. They have come through the great tribulation.
b) . They are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. This points to their special relationship with Christ. They are followers of Christ.
c) . They still worship and serve God. They serve Him day and night, meaning their service is a continual, on going service.
d) . They are before the throne of God, meaning they enjoy the protection of God. He looks upon them as His children.
e) God provides their comfort.
i) . No hunger or thirsting. They have been delivered from every care and every hardship. They will face no more trials or persecution of any sort.
ii) . Protection from the Sun.
iii) . The Lamb is their shepherd. He will lead His flock to springs of living water. The water here symbolizes spiritual salvation and eternal life. (See Rev 22:1-5.)
iv) . No more tears. Not only are their tears wiped away, but God Himself wipes their tears away. God is the author of this perfect salvation.
See Rev 21 & 22.
Such a glorious appearance will the faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud voice, they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be made perfect.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
This Interlude Explained.
Some writers explain the two visions we have seen in this interlude as being Jewish believers for the 144,000 and Gentile believers for the great multitude. As proof, they put up the passage in Eph which talks about “breaking down the dividing barrier” between Jew and Gentile. They use the fact that the 144,000 are seen to come from the twelve tribes of Israel to explain that these people could have only come from among the Jews.
When they come to the great multitude their reasoning is harder to explain because this second vision is clearly showing a people now in direct fellowship with God.
My problem with this view concerns the explanation given to John by the elder. The elder explains that they now have “no more hunger or thirsting” and “God shall wipe every tear from their eyes.” These two phases, as well as the Lamb being their shepherd, relate very closely to Rev 21:1-7 and to Rev 22:1-5 in which we see God with His people in the New Jerusalem. Therefore we must conclude that the great multitudes are in heaven before the throne of God. In other words, they are a group of people who have come through the tribulations and God’s judgement to be in fellowship with God before His throne.
Going back to the first vision, if we look closely at the number 144,000 that were sealed, taking it as a symbolic value rather than a literal value, we easily come to the conclusion that these people are a saved people. Taking the three parts of this number:- God – the trinity, mankind – the world or creation, and 1,000 with its meaning of being perfect, we see a group of spiritual people in God’s protection. Not just a group who have come from the Jews but a universal group, all those of all races and all peoples who have been saved.
So the easiest way to explain these two visions is to see them as before and after views of the same people. In the 144,000 they are still on earth having just been sealed to identify them and protect them, saving them from God’s Judgement. In the second vision, they are seen as a great multitude in heaven before the throne in perfect fellowship with God and the Lamb (Christ).
Overview – The Story so Far.
The Seven Churches of Asia.
The Introduction Rev 1:1 – 3:22
The Vision of the Son of Man. Rev 1:9-20.
Letters to the Seven Churches. Rev 2:1 – 3:22
The Vision of the Seven Seals. Rev 4:1 – 11:19
The Throne Scene Rev Chapter 4
The Lamb and the Sealed Book. Rev Chapter 5
First Six seals are broken. Rev Chapter 6
The Four Horsemen Rev 6:1-8
The Souls Under the Altar. Rev 6:9-11
Warning of the Coming Judgement. Rev 6:12-17
An interlude:- What About the Saints. Rev 7:1-17
We are still in the ‘Throne Scene’ and God is still on His throne. We have seen the Lamb (Christ) step forward and take the sealed book (scroll) from His Father. The book was bound with seven seals and as each was broken we were presented with a vision. After the sixth seal, the question was asked: “What about the Saints?”
This chapter has been an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals in which this question has been answered. Here is a summary of this interlude.
1) The winds of destruction were held back so the sealing could be done.
2) We saw 144,000 being sealed. The number rather than being an exact number stands for protection or completeness. The number is the total number of the redeemed, the total number of those chosen by God.
3) After the tribulation, we saw another great multitude now in fellowship with God and Jesus. This group is the same group as we saw above but now they are in Heaven.
The Message:- Hope is given to Christians that they will be protected from God’s judgement upon the world. Although many of them will suffer, in the end, they will be saved because they wear the seal of God upon their foreheads.
Notice that this interlude was laid out in two sections rather like a before and after photo of the same group.
Now we move on to the last or seventh seal. It is at this point that Revelation becomes harder to understand as more and more visions are presented to us. Of course, we will be popping up for air from time to time for an overview where we view the section we are considering the greater picture of the whole book. So don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in this maze of images and visions.
Remember that we have now reached the seventh seal of the scroll God gave to the Lamb. The next four chapters will all be under the general idea and heading of this seventh seal.
