Revelation 7

There are saints (inc. many martyrs, Rev. 6:9-11), both from Israel and from every other nation, tribe, peoples and languages, during the tribulation period.

Ø 7:1-8: The Sealed Saints of Israel.

During a time of calm 144,000 Israelites are given a seal of protection by God (Rev. 14:1-5 also refers to them).  They are firstfruits (14:4) as there are more Jews who will be saved later (Rev. 12:13-17).

Levi is included as this is not a list telling us who occupies the land (Levi did not receive an inheritance of land; he is excluded and Dan in included in the list in Ezek. 48 of tribes receiving land in the Millennium).  The reason for Dan’s exclusion here is not explained.  Some say it is because the tribe of Dan was the first to fall into idolatry; others suggest his tribe might be in cahoots with the antichrist.  Perhaps this won’t be understood until it actually happens, revealing the accuracy of God’s word.  Also note that Joseph is in place of Ephraim, something that was not uncommon in the Old Testament (e.g. Ezek. 37:16).

Many tie these protected saints to the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-6) who are also sealed by God.  Perhaps these 144,000 are witnesses throughout the world.  Jesus did indicate that during this time the gospel would go to the ends of the earth (Matt. 24:14).  How they would come to faith after the Church is removed would involve the work of God’s Spirit, as always.

Ø 7:9-17: The Multitude of Saints from the Nations.

In Rev. 6:9-11 there were souls of martyrs in heaven awaiting the arrival of even more who would give their lives for Christ.  These saints are those believers and we see them here, in heaven, clothed in white.  John is informed that they were martyred during the “great tribulation.”  How praiseworthy of God that He would draw so many to faith in Christ at a time when faith in Christ likely means martyrdom.  Yet here they are, an innumerable company, from every background you can imagine.   By faith they washed their robes … in the blood of the Lamb.  It is amazing that God brings them to Himself during a time when deception and false gospels abound (2 Thess. 2:9-12).  (The same passage tells us that those who reject Christ in this age will also reject Him in the one to come; one should not count on a second chance when it is more “convenient” to receive Christ.)  

Yet we see them rejoicing (the palm branches indicate this as the crowds used them in Christ’s triumphal entry).  These martyrs rejoice because they serve God, they are in God’s presence, they are free from earthly trials, they are shepherded by the Lamb, and God has wiped away their tears!  What wondrous joy!!

This chapter reminds us why we exist (to serve God), what is truly important (to be cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of Christ), and how to deeply love the people of this world (by insuring they have an opportunity to hear the gospel, the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection).