OPENING THE BOOK OF REVELATION –PART 26 Listen to Audio

                     September 23, 2009

 

7:1-3- John describes 4 angels standing on the “four corners of the earth”-idiomatic expression for north, south, east and west.  These angels restrain the

winds of the earth.  Another angel appears “having the seal of the living God”—just what the seal is, is not explained.  But it marks “the servants of the living God on their foreheads”—to denote ownership & protection by God and personal godliness- II Tim.2:19.  The churning and chaotic winds are restrained until these servants are sealed.  Clearly, this seal that is applied to their foreheads stands in contrast to the mark of the beast in 13:16-17.   The restraint of the wind emphasizes God’s control in the midst of earthly disaster.

 

7:4- the number and identity of those sealed is of significant interest!  The number is 144,000 and the identity is “tribes of the children of Israel”.

While many attempt to make this material to be idealistic and figurative—

It should be understood to be literal and actual—physical descendants of

Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob or simply, ethnic Israel.

  The 144,000 is divided into 12 groups of 12,000 each—when compared with

the list of tribes in Gen.49 some changes are noted.  Obviously, Dan is omitted with Manasseh replacing him, and Ephraim is also omitted, with Joseph in his place--- some have looked to Hos.4:17 as to why Ephraim is not listed (idolatry) and some have thought according to Gen.49:17 that Dan may be the source of the antichrist (therefore omitted).  Otherwise, no explanation is given in Rev.7.  This 144,000 re-appears in ch.14.

Consider:

1.  These 144,000 are NOT the church—it was removed from the earth at the

   beginning of ch.4 (John as a type of the church)—they are Israelites.

2.  These are “sealed”—their special identity under the God indicates they are

   believers and likely are afforded special protection in the Tribulation

3.  They may function as evangelists (Matt.24:14) carrying the gospel of the

  kingdom (Christ will shortly rule) to the nations as well as proclaiming the

  gospel of grace (salvation solely thru work of Christ and by faith alone).

4.  Other Jews and certainly, Gentiles will be converted in the Tribulation,

  but these 144,000 are “sealed” indicating a special mission.

  Note, that early in the Tribulation period, these Jews are distinguished from among the nations-- Israel as a nation will be a central feature of the Tribulation—Zech.12:2,3, 8 and  14:2-4 as well as the material in Rev.ch.12.

 

7:9-10- Next, John sees “a great multitude which no one could number”-

they are characterized as multi-national and stand before the Throne and Lamb

in white robes/palm branches.  This group is to be distinguished from the 144,000 and may be masses of Gentiles that have come to Christ under the evangelism of the 144,000.  Their loud cry pertains to the deliverance

 

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accomplished by God and the Lamb.  These are Tribulation believers who have died, but not necessarily as martyrs.

 

7:11-17- once again, we have a doxology by elders, 4 living creatures and angels, who in a posture of humility affirm the wonder of God and His work.

Rhetorically, an elder poses a question which prompts John to answer, “Sir, you know”- then the identity and circumstance of this innumerable group is explained.  Time = Great Tribulation  Circumstance= Washed robe, made

white [conversion/discipleship]  and although not stated, it is clear these have died [before the throne] and await resurrection.

  Verses 15-17 expresses divine comfort to these out of the Trib.

A number of statements exhibit God’s loving care:

1- They are before the throne  -- significance

2- They serve Him day & night in His temple- service

3- He who sits on the throne will dwell among them-sanctuary  

4- They will neither hunger nor thirst anymore- sustenance

5- The sun shall not strike them, nor the heat- shelter

6- The Lamb will shepherd them and lead them- safe-keeping

7- God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.- solace

  It is likely that this list is given, so as to contrast the blessings of divine

protection with the horrors of life on a chaotic-earth during the Great Tribulation.

It also contrasts the tenderness of the Lamb toward believers with His role as Initiator and Administrator of divine wrath (breaking the seals) toward the unbelieving on earth.  John is afforded a most unusual insight of observing

both of these actions simultaneously.