Revelation 7

Revelation 7 serves as a pause between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals in John's vision. It reveals a scene where God seals 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, ensuring their protection. It also presents a multitude from every nation, standing before the throne, celebrating their salvation. This chapter emphasizes the security and redemption of God's people during times of judgment and tribulation.

Revelation 7:1 (NKJV)
“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.”

The four angels standing at the four corners of the earth represent God's restraint on destructive forces. The winds symbolize chaos or judgment, which God holds back for a time. This portrays God's sovereignty over the timing of events and His control over global destruction, ensuring that His purposes unfold according to His will.

Revelation 7:2-3 (NKJV)
“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.’”

Here, another angel emerges with God’s seal, marking the protection of His people before judgment comes upon the earth. The seal signifies ownership and protection, showing that those marked by God will be spared from the coming destruction. This emphasizes God’s care for His faithful servants amidst coming tribulations.

Revelation 7:4 (NKJV)
“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.”

John hears that 144,000 people are sealed from the tribes of Israel. This number symbolizes completeness or fullness and could represent a select group from Israel who are spiritually preserved. These sealed individuals are likely part of a remnant that remains faithful to God during times of great trial.

Revelation 7:5-8 (NKJV)
“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.”

These verses list the twelve tribes from which 12,000 are sealed, making a total of 144,000. The inclusion of specific tribes emphasizes the focus on Israel and God's faithfulness to His covenant people. It also highlights the completeness of the sealing, ensuring that none of God’s chosen are overlooked or lost during this time of judgment.

Revelation 7:9 (NKJV)
“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.”

John now sees a vast multitude from every nation, symbolizing the global reach of God's salvation. They are dressed in white robes, representing their purity through Christ's sacrifice, and hold palm branches, symbols of victory and joy. This scene highlights the inclusivity of salvation and the universal nature of God's grace.

Revelation 7:10 (NKJV)
“and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”

The multitude praises God and the Lamb for their salvation. This acclamation acknowledges that salvation is entirely the work of God and Jesus Christ. Their loud voice reflects the overwhelming gratitude and joy that fills heaven for the redemption that has been granted to this vast and diverse group of people.

Revelation 7:11-12 (NKJV)
“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.’”

In response to the salvation of the multitude, the angels, elders, and living creatures join in worship. Their praise acknowledges God's infinite attributes—blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might. The repeated “Amen” emphasizes the certainty and truth of God's worthiness to receive all worship.

Revelation 7:13-14 (NKJV)
“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.’”

An elder explains to John that the multitude in white robes are those who have endured the great tribulation. Their robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb, symbolizing their purification through Christ’s sacrifice. This shows that their suffering has been transformed into victory through the power of Christ’s redemptive work.

Revelation 7:15 (NKJV)
“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.”

Because they have been redeemed, the multitude now stands before God's throne, serving Him continually. This suggests an intimate relationship with God and highlights the joy of being in His presence. God's dwelling among them points to the ultimate fulfillment of His promise to be with His people eternally.

Revelation 7:16-17 (NKJV)
“They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 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.”

These closing verses offer a beautiful picture of the final peace and comfort that God’s people will experience. No longer will they endure hunger, thirst, or suffering. The Lamb, acting as their shepherd, will provide for them, and God Himself will remove all their sorrows. This depicts the eternal comfort and satisfaction found in God's presence.