144,000 Jews and the Great Multitude Worshipping God Revelation 7:1-17

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1 144,000 Jews and the Great Multitude Worshipping God Revelation 7:1-17 NKJV Notes by Pastor Mike Sasso Introduction We have just witnessed the opening of six of the seven seals of the great scroll in heaven. Jesus Himself appears as the victorious Lamb of God! God has begun to pour out His wrath on the wicked. As Christians we have been promised that we have not been appointed to receive God s wrath, but rather God s salvation (1 Thess. 5:9). Because of this great promise we are confident that we will not experience the wrath depicted in these chapters. But how do these chapters apply to our lives? And what can we learn from a study of God s wrath being poured out? I am confident that every chapter of Revelation holds many valuable lessons for you and me as we carefully study together. We will learn much about the nature and character of God here. Chapter seven seems to be a parenthesis between the opening of the six and seventh seals of the great scroll in heaven. This is one of the most controversial chapters of Revelation. The way you interpret the particulars in this chapter depends heavily upon the way you view the church versus the way you view the Jews. Many Christians believe that God is finished with the Jews and that the church has replaced the Jews as God s chosen people. This incorrect view twists everything. Those who believe that the church is spiritual Israel will totally miss God s prophetic promises to His chosen people, the Jews. God is not finished with the Jews. They are also His elect. And they will play a very important role in God s plan in the end times (Ezek. 38:16; Hosea 3:5). "But Zion said, The LORD has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me. Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me" (Isaiah 49:14-16, NKJV). Review and discuss what you have learned from last week: 1. What chapter in Matthew does Revelation chapter six correspond with? What are the similarities? 2. The opening of which seal clearly marks the beginning of God s wrath? Explain. Before proceeding on to these study notes take the time to read this entire chapter aloud with your group. STUDY NOTES: verses 1-3 v. 1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree We know that the earth is not square with four corners. Verses like this lead many to prefer symbolic or allegorical interpretations of Revelation. But don t miss the point that these

2 angels are clearly taking control of the natural elements to prevent an outbreak of God s fury through nature until the sealing of the 144,000 of God s elect as stated in verses 2-3. Some insist that there is no chronological sequence of events here, but rather a sequence of visions giving deeper insight to what is happening during the breaking of the sixth seal. This may very well be the case since the seventh seal is not broken until 8:1. The four corners are considered by some to represent the four points of the compass. And the four winds are seen as destructive forces (v. 3) possibly representing the four horsemen of 6:1-8. v. 2-3 Then 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 granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." God does not pour out His wrath indiscriminately upon all. Before His wrath falls, His servants are marked and identified that they might not suffer along with the wicked. When God wages war there is no collateral damage or friendly fire. This is similar to the Jews striking their doorposts with the blood of the lamb so the Lord would Passover their homes while destroying the first born of the Egyptians (Ex. 12-7). TRUTH APPLIED: 1. Are we to interpret the language found in chapter seven as allegorical or literal? Why? STUDY NOTES: verses 4-8 v. 4-8 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. Now we see 144,000 of God s servants sealed for identification and protection. This concept of sealing God s people is nothing new (see John 6:27; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13, 4:20). These servants are Jews. Even their specific tribe of origin is mentioned. Some would argue that if what we are reading is allegorical as verse one seems to indicate, then these are not literal Jews. Yet the scriptures seem to go out of the way to make a distinction between the Jewish believers here and the Gentile believers mentioned soon afterward (v. 9-10).

3 Some hypothesize that the tribe of Dan is not mentioned in this list because the Antichrist arises from this tribe. They use Genesis 49:17, Deuteronomy 29:21, Daniel 11:37, and Jeremiah 8:16 as their proof texts. But David Guzik rightly points out There are not less than 20 different ways of listing the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, including one that omits the tribe of Dan (1 Chronicles 4-7). Just because a list is different doesn t mean it is fanciful symbolism. It is proper to regard each of these lists as legitimate, and to consider that each specific variation serves a purpose, meaning to emphasize something. Who are these 144,000? Again, David Guzik points out Many different groups have claimed to be the 144,000. For example, the Jehovah s Witnesses said their entire group was, until they surpassed 144,000 in number. Now they say that the 144,000 are only a select group of Witnesses who go to heaven. Most scholars either regard the 144,000 as the church or as converted Jews, who are still identified as Israelites in some manner. It is an important issue. If they are a symbol of the church, then the church is definitely in the Great Tribulation, but sealed for survival through the Great Tribulation. It is interesting that those who take the allegorical view of Revelation believe that the number 144,000 is symbolic, derived by multiplying 1,000, the basic military divisions in the camp of Israel (Num. 31:4-5), by 144 (twelve squared), symbolizing the faithful remnant of the Old Israel and of the New Israel Thus forming the true spiritual Israel, the church. The authors of reason thus: "There is no textual basis to support those who claim that the 144,000 are any entity other than physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To spiritualize the 144,000 into a Christian group violates the plain sense of the text. John gives the reader every detail necessary to correctly identify this group. The critical phrase from every tribe of the sons of Israel should settle any debate about their identity. This phrase always refers to physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Out of six hundred and thirty-five occurrences of this phrase throughout the Scriptures, Revelation 7:4 would be the only exception. There is no compelling reason to spiritualize away the literal sense. Every tribe of the sons of Israel has solid biblical support as a referent of Jews only. It is very interesting to note that many cults have claimed to be the 144,000 servants of this chapter. The Jehovah s Witnesses claimed that they were the 144,000. When their membership exceeded this number, they modified their doctrine. The Mormons and the Seventh-Day Adventists have also claimed to be the 144,000. On and on, from The World Wide Church of God to the Children of God, aberrant Christian Cults have tried to lay claim to being this group. This is one of the errors people will fall into when they rule out the Jewish people from being an important part of God s last days plan. This replacement theology which seeks to replace the Jews with the church twists the way you will look at the book of Revelation. God is not through with the Jew! TRUTH APPLIED: 2. What facts can we determine from the distinguishing characteristics of these 144,000 found in 14:4-5?

4 3. Who do you think these 144,000 servants of God are and why? 4. Do you believe the number 144,000 is a literal number or symbolic? Why? STUDY NOTES: verses 9-17 Now the scene changes drastically as John s attention is turned from earth to heaven v After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" Some believe this great multitude in heaven to be those who came to salvation through the testimony of the 144,000. Others merely see this group as the church after the tribulation. Notice the following observations from these verses In contrast to the 144,000 sealed servants on earth, John now observes an innumerable multitude in heaven. Also in contrast to the 144,000 who are said to be Jews, this great multitude is said to be from all nations (a combination of both Jews and Gentiles). Judging from the language they use and the clothing they wear, this great multitude is obviously Christian believers. These robes remind us not only of the covering righteousness of Jesus, but also of priestly service. They are arrayed for holy service, and arrayed at once, for they wear white robes fitted for their priestly service (Spurgeon). Notice also the continual grouping of the Lamb and the throne, hinting again at the deity of Christ. Though we know that the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders reside before the throne, John does not declare that this multitude is standing before them, but before the Lamb and the throne, before God the Father and God the Son. The palm branches remind us of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-16), where Jesus was also praised as Savior and King. The word Hosanna means save now! Palm branches were emblems of victory. It shows this great multitude celebrates a great victory. The palm, the ensign of triumph, indicates most certainly a conflict and conquest. As on earth palm would not be given if not won, we may conclude that the Lord would not have distributed the prize unless there had been a preceding warfare and victory... From the very fact that the glorified carry palms, we may infer that they did not come from beds of sloth, or gardens of pleasure, or palaces of peace, but that they endured hardness, and were men trained for war

5 (Spurgeon). This great multitude is praising God for His Salvation. Unlike so many Christians during their time on earth, these believers in heaven are grateful unto their God, and ever mindful of His salvation. v All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, - saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." - As the great multitude worships God for His gift of salvation, a great eruption of praise takes place before the throne of God. Worship of God is quite appropriately a frequent occurrence in heaven. It would do every Christian good to practice a lifestyle of worship and praise here on earth. The primary reason for this is that God is worthy of our worship. The secondary reason for being a consistent worshipper here on earth would be to get into the habit of what we ll do in heaven. v Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" - And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. John obviously did not know this group s specific identity. So one of the twenty-four elders saw to it that John knew and understood. They are believers in Jesus who have come out of the great tribulation, presumably through martyrdom. They are wearing white robes, made righteous by the blood of Jesus. The question, Where did they come from? is answered in time and not place. In other words, as a group they did not come from a collective place but rather a collective time. v. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. There is great reward for those who endure to the end. What an honor it is to be in the very presence of God serving Him continually. There is really no higher honor for the creature than to serve and dwell intimately with the Creator. Not only are they said to be before the throne of God, but even better, God Himself will dwell among them! v. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; - This is similar to the promise given to God s beloved saints in Psalm 121: "The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." v. 17 For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Here is yet another indication of the deity of Christ as we continually see the Father and the Son working together from the midst of the throne of God. Jesus, the Good Shepard, and the God of all comfort, work together to care for the redeemed forever.

6 Living fountains of waters A picture of refreshing for God s people as the Good shepherd faithfully leads His flock to that which gives life. See John 4:14; 7:37,38. Wipe away every tear from their eyes This promise that God will some day wipe away every tear and give His people everlasting joy has been promised since the prophets of old. See Isaiah 25:8; 30:19; 35:10 and 60:20. In heaven, all the pain and sorrow of our earthly condition will be forever removed in the eternal state. TRUTH APPLIED: 1. Who do you believe the great multitude of verse nine to be? Explain your reasoning. 2. What are some of the benefits or rewards to be received by this multitude? Carefully examine verses and come up with as many blessed promises as you can find. 3. How do you explain the presence of believers in Jesus coming out of the great tribulation (v ) if Christians are not destined for God s wrath? 4. What brings you comfort and encouragement from Revelation chapter seven? 5. Is there anything in your life that should change as a result of what you have learned from this chapter?

7 CONCLUSION: There are indeed many things written in this book that give rise to controversy or disagreement among Christians. But one thing we can all agree upon is that our God cares for His own. We all struggle with many things in this life. We suffer from trials, temptations, sickness, and death. But some day God will make it all worth it for the faithful. Be encouraged my Christian friend. Don t grow weary and give up in your faith or in your struggle against sin. Jesus our Redeemer is well worth following. Looking For That Day, Mike Sasso