CHRIS' COMMENTARY NOTES FOR REVELATION CHAPTER 7
Revelation 7: Intro.
This whole chapter is parenthetical. This means that it is like within parenthesis, like it is important but it explains something more than furthers the narrative. If you read the last part of chapter 6 and move right into chapter 8 the story continues on. Of course a parenthetical chapter or verse is equally important as anything else, having been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Another famous parenthetical chapter is in Genesis 38.
This is sometimes referred to as “Israel’s 144,000 sealed” (Rev. 7:1-8) and the “blood washed multitude” (Rev. 7:9-17). Where does this fall in the Revelation timeline? “John Brown says that this view "between the seals [is] to give John and us a more complete picture of the redeemed saints before the throne!" (Source 1). So the 144,000 (and the Gentiles in the second half of this chapter) are those who the LORD has made able to stand (in answering the question from Rev. 6:17).
Six, pause, Seven Model. McGee points out that John uses the interlude between sixes and sevens throughout Revelation. It's used in the breaking of the seals (Rev chapters 6-8), seven trumpets (Rev. 8:7-11:19), seven performers (Rev. 12:1-13:18) and seven bowls of wrath (Rev. 15:1-16:21). McGee says this model is there so "we don't lose our way" (Source 2).
References:
Source 1: John Brown, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/brown_john/Rev/Chap_07.cfm?a=1174001.
Source 2: J. Vernon McGee, Revelation: Chapter 6-13, p. 57.
This whole chapter is parenthetical. This means that it is like within parenthesis, like it is important but it explains something more than furthers the narrative. If you read the last part of chapter 6 and move right into chapter 8 the story continues on. Of course a parenthetical chapter or verse is equally important as anything else, having been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Another famous parenthetical chapter is in Genesis 38.
This is sometimes referred to as “Israel’s 144,000 sealed” (Rev. 7:1-8) and the “blood washed multitude” (Rev. 7:9-17). Where does this fall in the Revelation timeline? “John Brown says that this view "between the seals [is] to give John and us a more complete picture of the redeemed saints before the throne!" (Source 1). So the 144,000 (and the Gentiles in the second half of this chapter) are those who the LORD has made able to stand (in answering the question from Rev. 6:17).
Six, pause, Seven Model. McGee points out that John uses the interlude between sixes and sevens throughout Revelation. It's used in the breaking of the seals (Rev chapters 6-8), seven trumpets (Rev. 8:7-11:19), seven performers (Rev. 12:1-13:18) and seven bowls of wrath (Rev. 15:1-16:21). McGee says this model is there so "we don't lose our way" (Source 2).
References:
Source 1: John Brown, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/brown_john/Rev/Chap_07.cfm?a=1174001.
Source 2: J. Vernon McGee, Revelation: Chapter 6-13, p. 57.
Notes on Revelation 7:1-17
7:1 After these things. This is an interval between seals 1-6 (chapter 6) and seal 7 (chapter 8).
Four angels standing at the four corners of the earth. This is the directions, therefore every direction around the globe. McGee tells a story of a talk that a famous Bible commentator named Dr. Ironside was giving. When Ironside reached this portion "a smart-alecky young fellow" stood up and said, "'I told you the Bible was unscientific!' Dr. Ironside replied, 'Young man, I am amazed that you didn't know that the earth has four corners. They are North, East, South, and West'" (Source 1). As a further proof that the Bible has always been scientifically accurate, it states the world is round (even when current "science" said otherwise) in Isaiah 4:22. MacArthur calls these “corners” the “four quadrants of the compass; that is, the angels will take up key positions on earth” (Source 2).
Holding the four winds. Halley’s says it seems that the “four winds” are “agencies of the Lamb’s Wrath, just mentioned in [Rev.] 6:16, and identical with the Seven Trumpets soon to follow, held back till the Sealing of the Elect is finished” (Source 3). Henry says these are "spirits of error" that would cause "a great deal of trouble and mischief to the church of God" (Source 4). McGee calls them "winds of judgment" and refers to Psalm 148:8 (Source 1).
The wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. This means that no calamities can hurt the earth in any way, until God allows it.
Regarding “trees” I can’t find a commentator who will talk about why “trees” are mentioned here. Barnes thinks they represent “the productions of the earth” (Source 5). Fausset notes that in the Greek this says “against any tree" as opposed to “on the earth” (Source 6). The word in the Greek is dendron (G#1186) and simply means “a tree.” Thayer’s gives a little more, stating, “to grow to the shape and size of a tree, Mt. [13:32]; Lk. [13:19] (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1186&t=KJV).
7:2. Another angel. Who is this angel? He is obviously different from the first four mentioned and God has given him authority.
ascending from the east. Why from the “east”? Fausset says that in the Greek the phrase is “the rising of the sun” (Source 6). Gill says, “from Judea, from Zion, from whence Christ, as the salvation, or Saviour of Israel, came, (Psalms 14:7) ; and whose name is the east, as some render (Zechariah 3:8)” (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/revelation-7-2.html).
Seal of the living God. This doesn’t appear to be one of the 7 seals that were on the scroll from Rev. 5-6. My OPINION is that it’s the seal that will be placed on the forehead of the 144,000.
7:3. Do not harm the earth, sea, or the trees. This is a temporary pause until the 144,000 are sealed then the harm will come.
Regarding “trees”, see note on Rev. 7:1 titled, “The wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree” for more.
Till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. These servants are obviously still on earth at this point.
What does this “sealed” mean? The word “sealed” in the Greek is sphragizo (G4972) meaning 1. “to set a seal upon, mark with a seal”, specifically “in order to mark a person or a thing.” It can also mean “in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing”, specifically “to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4972&t=KJV). This is the same “seal” as Matthew 27:66 (“So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”) and Ephesians 4:30 (“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”)
Henry wisely doesn't hypothesize about exactly what this seal would look like. He merely states, "by this Mark they were set apart for mercy and safety in the worst of times" (Source 4). McGee says he doesn't know what this seal will be and although many people say they know exactly what it is, no two of them can agree on it (Source 1). We're not told and therefore aren't meant to know. Needless to say it is some kind of indication that protects them until they are meant to die.
It's an interesting contrast: in Matthew 24:21-22 it says that it will be so bad that the days will be shortened for the "elect's sake" but we see that people who come to faith in Christ will have to die for him. My OPINION is that this seal doesn't protect them indefinitely, it just keeps them safe for long enough to make a commitment for Christ and do His work, for as long as He desires. Then they also will die a martyrs death. This seal yet again demonstrates Gods long-suffering that none should perish but all come to salvation (1 Tim. 2:4, 2 Pet. 3:9). Guzik says, “In Ezekiel 9, a similar protective seal is given to the righteous before Jerusalem is judged. The seal is the Hebrew letter tau ("t," as in the shape of a small cross)” (Source 7).
Other views (that I disagree with) are: Halley’s says that it seems to be the “process of evangelization going on, in the Roman Empire, before it fell, or, in the Whole World, throughout the Whole Course of History, before the Final Day of the Lamb’s Wrath” (Source 3). I don’t see how it could be evangelization since preaching the gospel has been happening and continues to happen all the way through (I don’t see where this word is ever used for “evangelization”), I don’t see how it could be the ancient Roman Empire since this apparently takes places as part of the end of the sixth seal or at the very least as an interval between the sixth and seventh seal; I also don’t see how it could apply to all of history for the same reason just mentioned (it is specifically happening on earth at the time after the sixth seal.
7:3. Sealed. This means God puts some sort of mark on the 144,000 foreheads. See note under rev. 7:3 titled, “Till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” Also the following verses mentioning the "one hundred and forty-four thousand" or tribes of "twelve thousand", etc. might be helpful. And see note titled, "Revelation 7:5-8" for more information.
On their foreheads. This is for the 144,000 only, because it is for those "sealed" and the "number of those who were sealed" is "one hundred and forty-four thousand."
7:4. one hundred and forty-four thousand. We’ll see these 144,000 again in Rev. 14. Why are there 144,000? I believe this to be a literal total. Others say it is symbolic. Some say it is spiritual. Why not?
Symbolically? Halley’s says that the 144,000 should not be understood “numerically, but symbolically, representing the Sum Total of the Elect of Israel, the Firstfruits of the Gospel, or, the Sum Total of Christians” (Source 3). But this isn’t symbolic since the number is broken down into specific groups of 12. Another reason Guzik mentions is “Their tribal affiliation is emphatic and known to God. Even if God only knows it, there is absolutely no reason to regard their tribal affiliation as symbolic, not literal” (Source 7).
Spiritually? See note directly below, titled “Tribes of the children of Israel” for why this isn’t a spiritual number. Also see note titled, “Revelation 7:5-8.” Also there is no place in the Bible where the Church is referred to as “Israel.”
Literal. One concern I have is that people are allowing anti-Semitism to override Biblical literacy. In an issue of "Israel My Glory" (Vol. 72, issue 3, May/June 2014) the article "New Wave Anti-Semitism" it talks about how it has become fashionable again to hate Jews. Even some who call themselves Evangelicals have started supporting anti-Israel propaganda (pp. 10-12). Could it be that Pastors and Bible commentators allow anti-Semitism to be their foundation and therefore look for any excuse that what Revelation says about Israel is not true? It is possible that misdirecting the understanding of these 144,000 is a plan straight from Satan.
Some take these to be a select number of the Jews who were reserved for mercy at the destruction of Jerusalem; others think that time was past, and therefore it is to be more generally applied to God's chosen remnant in the world; but, if the destruction of Jerusalem was not yet over (and I think it is hard to prove that it was), it seems more proper to understand this of the remnant of that people which God had reserved according to the election of grace..." (Matthew Henry, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_007.cfm?a=1174001).
Tribes of the children of Israel. Genesis chapter 49 lists the tribes of Israel. This phrase helps us see that number is not spiritual, as some believe it to represent the Church (replacement theology says Hebrews are out and the Church takes their place). Obviously the word "tribes", specifying "children of Israel" and then naming each individual tribe (Judah, Reuben, etc.) are all signs that this can only be fulfilled by practicing Hebrews. Guzik gives 6 facts about this group, which all point away from this being the Church (Source 7).
Revelation 7:5-8. The groups of "twelve thousand" are not symbolic but literal. See note on Rev. 7:4 titled, “one hundred and forty-four thousand” for more. We know this because each tribe is specifically named. This can only be fulfilled by practicing Hebrews. Many say this is symbolic because the list of tribes is “irregular.” Guzik asks ‘what is a regular listing?’ Considering “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” (Source 7).
Note that two tribes are missing: Dan and Ephraim. Why?
Regarding “Dan” missing, Guzik says it may be left out because they “introduced idolatry into the nation of Israel (Genesis 49:17; Judges 18:30).” Others think that the Anti-Christ comes from the tribe of Dan from Daniel 11:37 and Jeremiah 8:16, although this is just opinion. Although there’s hope: “Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel's millennial role call of the tribes (Ezekiel 48)” (Source 7).
Regarding “Ephraim” being absent, Guzik says that since Joseph was split into Manasseh and Ephraim (see note on Rev. 7:8. Titled, “Joseph”) the listing of Joseph here must indirectly mean Ephraim.” So why not name Ephraim? He says, “Perhaps it is because the tribe of Ephraim was also associated with great idolatry (Hosea 4:17)” (Source 7).
7:8. Joseph. Why is Joseph here? Didn't his inheritance get split between Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:5)? See note about Ephraim under “Revelation 7:5-8.”
Revelation 7:9-17. McGee says, "This means that in the Great Tribulation the gospel of the kingdom will be preached through the world. ...The 144,000 witnesses in the Great Tribulation are going to do in seven years what the church up to the present has not done in over 1900 years... It is possible that most of this company were martyred during the Great Tribulation period, but they were faithful to the end. The Lord Jesus said in all of this course speaking of the same period, 'but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved' (Matt. 24:13)." McGee goes on to say they will only make it through because the Holy Spirit has sealed them. "When [Jesus] returns to the earth, the great company, martyred for Him in the Great Tribulation, will be included in the first resurrection, and they are going to be there" (Source 1, p. 70-71).
7:9. A great multitude. Where are they found? “before the throne and Lamb” (v. 9), “before the throne of God” (v. 15), in His temple (v. 15) – all heavenly locations! (see John 10:16 & Luke 12:32 notes).
No one could number. I believe this to literally mean what it says. No man can number the amount of people that are here. Some commentators think it’s just a big number but John received the impression of the exact number of the 144,000 so if God had wanted him to know exactly how many there were here, John would have known. It is important to note that the point here is that God is merciful and has saved an innumerable number of people.
Before the throne and before the Lamb. See notes on Rev. 4:2 titled, “One sat on the throne” and Rev. 5:1 titled, “Him who sat on the throne”, for more on the “throne.” And see notes on Rev. chapter 5 (specifically Rev. 5:6 titled, “Stood a Lamb as though it had been slain” for more on “the Lamb”).
White robes. See note on Rev. 3:5 titled, “Clothed in white garments.”
Palm branches. MacArthur says, “in ancient times, they were associated with celebrations, including the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8:17; John 12:13)” (Source 2). McGee says in the Greek it's literally "palm trees" which he says is a sign of victory (Source 1, p. 71).
7:13. One of the elders. This is one of the 24 elders mentioned in Rev. 4 (see notes on Rev. 4:4 titled, “Twenty-four elders” for more).
7:14. Washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These are martyrs from during the tribulation only (see Rev. 6:11).
Revelation 7:15-17. The descriptions of what happens here are to the Great Tribulation martyrs. Many people like to say that this is what heaven will be like for all Christians. Some portions might be (as long as it’s mentioned elsewhere in the Bible as applicable to all believers) but we shouldn’t take this portion out of context. In fact Revelation chapter 21 re-states many of the descriptions here.
Future Look: Note that from here to the end of the chapter (v. 17) seems to be a future look to what will happen to this multitude. After this look (kind of like how chapter 5 ended) we’ll go back to our timeline, finding out what happens with the 7th seal. For a little more on this see Rev. 7:15 titled, “in His temple.”
7:15. In His temple. See notes here for more on “The Temple” .
7:16. The sun shall not strike them, nor any heat. McGee believes this to be the literal burning heat of the sun (Source 1, p. 77). Henry says this shows that they will be free from “all the inconveniences of this present life…from sickness and pain” (Source 4).
7:17. Shepherd them. As MacArthur points out “in a beautiful mix of images, the Lamb has always been the Shepherd (Ps. 23; John 10:14ff.; Heb. 13:20)” (Source 2).
Lead them to living fountains of waters. Jesus promises “fountains of living water” to the believer in John 7:38. It is interesting that this is mentioned after the “sun” and “heat” (see note under Rev. 7:16 titled, “The sun shall not strike them, nor any heat”) so this is a physical comfort. But it should also be taken spiritually…maybe more so. The idea of living water shows the wonderful eternal life that a believer inherits. There is a horrible insatiable spiritual thirst of dissatisfaction in the soul that doesn’t know the Lord. This can only be satisfied when Jesus has been welcomed into one’s heart and has become their master. See note on Rev. 21:6 titled, “I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts”. Also see Isaiah 44:3; Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:14; etc.
Wipe away every tear from their eyes. This is very comforting to every believer but I think that it may be more comforting for the martyr. They have truly known what suffering for spiritual things is.
This is reminiscent of Rev. 21:4 (see notes under “wipe away every tear from their eyes” and “nor crying”). Contextually this is specifically to the Great Tribulation martyrs however it is comforting to know that all believers get to receive this blessing (since it is mentioned in the aforementioned verse).
References:
Source 1: J. Vernon McGee, Revelation: Chapter 6-13, pp. 59; 70-71; 77.Source 2: John MacArthur, MacArthur Study Bible, p. 2001-2002.
Source 3: Halley's Bible Handbook, p. 714.
Source 4: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Bible, NT, p. 774.
Source 5: Barnes, http://www.godvine.com/bible/revelation/7-3.Source 6:
Source 6: Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Rev/Rev_007.cfm?a=1174003
Source 7: Guzik, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Rev/Rev_7.cfm?a=1174003
7:1 After these things. This is an interval between seals 1-6 (chapter 6) and seal 7 (chapter 8).
Four angels standing at the four corners of the earth. This is the directions, therefore every direction around the globe. McGee tells a story of a talk that a famous Bible commentator named Dr. Ironside was giving. When Ironside reached this portion "a smart-alecky young fellow" stood up and said, "'I told you the Bible was unscientific!' Dr. Ironside replied, 'Young man, I am amazed that you didn't know that the earth has four corners. They are North, East, South, and West'" (Source 1). As a further proof that the Bible has always been scientifically accurate, it states the world is round (even when current "science" said otherwise) in Isaiah 4:22. MacArthur calls these “corners” the “four quadrants of the compass; that is, the angels will take up key positions on earth” (Source 2).
Holding the four winds. Halley’s says it seems that the “four winds” are “agencies of the Lamb’s Wrath, just mentioned in [Rev.] 6:16, and identical with the Seven Trumpets soon to follow, held back till the Sealing of the Elect is finished” (Source 3). Henry says these are "spirits of error" that would cause "a great deal of trouble and mischief to the church of God" (Source 4). McGee calls them "winds of judgment" and refers to Psalm 148:8 (Source 1).
The wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. This means that no calamities can hurt the earth in any way, until God allows it.
Regarding “trees” I can’t find a commentator who will talk about why “trees” are mentioned here. Barnes thinks they represent “the productions of the earth” (Source 5). Fausset notes that in the Greek this says “against any tree" as opposed to “on the earth” (Source 6). The word in the Greek is dendron (G#1186) and simply means “a tree.” Thayer’s gives a little more, stating, “to grow to the shape and size of a tree, Mt. [13:32]; Lk. [13:19] (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1186&t=KJV).
7:2. Another angel. Who is this angel? He is obviously different from the first four mentioned and God has given him authority.
ascending from the east. Why from the “east”? Fausset says that in the Greek the phrase is “the rising of the sun” (Source 6). Gill says, “from Judea, from Zion, from whence Christ, as the salvation, or Saviour of Israel, came, (Psalms 14:7) ; and whose name is the east, as some render (Zechariah 3:8)” (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/revelation-7-2.html).
Seal of the living God. This doesn’t appear to be one of the 7 seals that were on the scroll from Rev. 5-6. My OPINION is that it’s the seal that will be placed on the forehead of the 144,000.
7:3. Do not harm the earth, sea, or the trees. This is a temporary pause until the 144,000 are sealed then the harm will come.
Regarding “trees”, see note on Rev. 7:1 titled, “The wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree” for more.
Till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. These servants are obviously still on earth at this point.
What does this “sealed” mean? The word “sealed” in the Greek is sphragizo (G4972) meaning 1. “to set a seal upon, mark with a seal”, specifically “in order to mark a person or a thing.” It can also mean “in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing”, specifically “to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4972&t=KJV). This is the same “seal” as Matthew 27:66 (“So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”) and Ephesians 4:30 (“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”)
Henry wisely doesn't hypothesize about exactly what this seal would look like. He merely states, "by this Mark they were set apart for mercy and safety in the worst of times" (Source 4). McGee says he doesn't know what this seal will be and although many people say they know exactly what it is, no two of them can agree on it (Source 1). We're not told and therefore aren't meant to know. Needless to say it is some kind of indication that protects them until they are meant to die.
It's an interesting contrast: in Matthew 24:21-22 it says that it will be so bad that the days will be shortened for the "elect's sake" but we see that people who come to faith in Christ will have to die for him. My OPINION is that this seal doesn't protect them indefinitely, it just keeps them safe for long enough to make a commitment for Christ and do His work, for as long as He desires. Then they also will die a martyrs death. This seal yet again demonstrates Gods long-suffering that none should perish but all come to salvation (1 Tim. 2:4, 2 Pet. 3:9). Guzik says, “In Ezekiel 9, a similar protective seal is given to the righteous before Jerusalem is judged. The seal is the Hebrew letter tau ("t," as in the shape of a small cross)” (Source 7).
Other views (that I disagree with) are: Halley’s says that it seems to be the “process of evangelization going on, in the Roman Empire, before it fell, or, in the Whole World, throughout the Whole Course of History, before the Final Day of the Lamb’s Wrath” (Source 3). I don’t see how it could be evangelization since preaching the gospel has been happening and continues to happen all the way through (I don’t see where this word is ever used for “evangelization”), I don’t see how it could be the ancient Roman Empire since this apparently takes places as part of the end of the sixth seal or at the very least as an interval between the sixth and seventh seal; I also don’t see how it could apply to all of history for the same reason just mentioned (it is specifically happening on earth at the time after the sixth seal.
7:3. Sealed. This means God puts some sort of mark on the 144,000 foreheads. See note under rev. 7:3 titled, “Till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” Also the following verses mentioning the "one hundred and forty-four thousand" or tribes of "twelve thousand", etc. might be helpful. And see note titled, "Revelation 7:5-8" for more information.
On their foreheads. This is for the 144,000 only, because it is for those "sealed" and the "number of those who were sealed" is "one hundred and forty-four thousand."
7:4. one hundred and forty-four thousand. We’ll see these 144,000 again in Rev. 14. Why are there 144,000? I believe this to be a literal total. Others say it is symbolic. Some say it is spiritual. Why not?
Symbolically? Halley’s says that the 144,000 should not be understood “numerically, but symbolically, representing the Sum Total of the Elect of Israel, the Firstfruits of the Gospel, or, the Sum Total of Christians” (Source 3). But this isn’t symbolic since the number is broken down into specific groups of 12. Another reason Guzik mentions is “Their tribal affiliation is emphatic and known to God. Even if God only knows it, there is absolutely no reason to regard their tribal affiliation as symbolic, not literal” (Source 7).
Spiritually? See note directly below, titled “Tribes of the children of Israel” for why this isn’t a spiritual number. Also see note titled, “Revelation 7:5-8.” Also there is no place in the Bible where the Church is referred to as “Israel.”
Literal. One concern I have is that people are allowing anti-Semitism to override Biblical literacy. In an issue of "Israel My Glory" (Vol. 72, issue 3, May/June 2014) the article "New Wave Anti-Semitism" it talks about how it has become fashionable again to hate Jews. Even some who call themselves Evangelicals have started supporting anti-Israel propaganda (pp. 10-12). Could it be that Pastors and Bible commentators allow anti-Semitism to be their foundation and therefore look for any excuse that what Revelation says about Israel is not true? It is possible that misdirecting the understanding of these 144,000 is a plan straight from Satan.
Some take these to be a select number of the Jews who were reserved for mercy at the destruction of Jerusalem; others think that time was past, and therefore it is to be more generally applied to God's chosen remnant in the world; but, if the destruction of Jerusalem was not yet over (and I think it is hard to prove that it was), it seems more proper to understand this of the remnant of that people which God had reserved according to the election of grace..." (Matthew Henry, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_007.cfm?a=1174001).
Tribes of the children of Israel. Genesis chapter 49 lists the tribes of Israel. This phrase helps us see that number is not spiritual, as some believe it to represent the Church (replacement theology says Hebrews are out and the Church takes their place). Obviously the word "tribes", specifying "children of Israel" and then naming each individual tribe (Judah, Reuben, etc.) are all signs that this can only be fulfilled by practicing Hebrews. Guzik gives 6 facts about this group, which all point away from this being the Church (Source 7).
Revelation 7:5-8. The groups of "twelve thousand" are not symbolic but literal. See note on Rev. 7:4 titled, “one hundred and forty-four thousand” for more. We know this because each tribe is specifically named. This can only be fulfilled by practicing Hebrews. Many say this is symbolic because the list of tribes is “irregular.” Guzik asks ‘what is a regular listing?’ Considering “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” (Source 7).
Note that two tribes are missing: Dan and Ephraim. Why?
Regarding “Dan” missing, Guzik says it may be left out because they “introduced idolatry into the nation of Israel (Genesis 49:17; Judges 18:30).” Others think that the Anti-Christ comes from the tribe of Dan from Daniel 11:37 and Jeremiah 8:16, although this is just opinion. Although there’s hope: “Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel's millennial role call of the tribes (Ezekiel 48)” (Source 7).
Regarding “Ephraim” being absent, Guzik says that since Joseph was split into Manasseh and Ephraim (see note on Rev. 7:8. Titled, “Joseph”) the listing of Joseph here must indirectly mean Ephraim.” So why not name Ephraim? He says, “Perhaps it is because the tribe of Ephraim was also associated with great idolatry (Hosea 4:17)” (Source 7).
7:8. Joseph. Why is Joseph here? Didn't his inheritance get split between Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:5)? See note about Ephraim under “Revelation 7:5-8.”
Revelation 7:9-17. McGee says, "This means that in the Great Tribulation the gospel of the kingdom will be preached through the world. ...The 144,000 witnesses in the Great Tribulation are going to do in seven years what the church up to the present has not done in over 1900 years... It is possible that most of this company were martyred during the Great Tribulation period, but they were faithful to the end. The Lord Jesus said in all of this course speaking of the same period, 'but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved' (Matt. 24:13)." McGee goes on to say they will only make it through because the Holy Spirit has sealed them. "When [Jesus] returns to the earth, the great company, martyred for Him in the Great Tribulation, will be included in the first resurrection, and they are going to be there" (Source 1, p. 70-71).
7:9. A great multitude. Where are they found? “before the throne and Lamb” (v. 9), “before the throne of God” (v. 15), in His temple (v. 15) – all heavenly locations! (see John 10:16 & Luke 12:32 notes).
No one could number. I believe this to literally mean what it says. No man can number the amount of people that are here. Some commentators think it’s just a big number but John received the impression of the exact number of the 144,000 so if God had wanted him to know exactly how many there were here, John would have known. It is important to note that the point here is that God is merciful and has saved an innumerable number of people.
Before the throne and before the Lamb. See notes on Rev. 4:2 titled, “One sat on the throne” and Rev. 5:1 titled, “Him who sat on the throne”, for more on the “throne.” And see notes on Rev. chapter 5 (specifically Rev. 5:6 titled, “Stood a Lamb as though it had been slain” for more on “the Lamb”).
White robes. See note on Rev. 3:5 titled, “Clothed in white garments.”
Palm branches. MacArthur says, “in ancient times, they were associated with celebrations, including the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8:17; John 12:13)” (Source 2). McGee says in the Greek it's literally "palm trees" which he says is a sign of victory (Source 1, p. 71).
7:13. One of the elders. This is one of the 24 elders mentioned in Rev. 4 (see notes on Rev. 4:4 titled, “Twenty-four elders” for more).
7:14. Washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. These are martyrs from during the tribulation only (see Rev. 6:11).
Revelation 7:15-17. The descriptions of what happens here are to the Great Tribulation martyrs. Many people like to say that this is what heaven will be like for all Christians. Some portions might be (as long as it’s mentioned elsewhere in the Bible as applicable to all believers) but we shouldn’t take this portion out of context. In fact Revelation chapter 21 re-states many of the descriptions here.
Future Look: Note that from here to the end of the chapter (v. 17) seems to be a future look to what will happen to this multitude. After this look (kind of like how chapter 5 ended) we’ll go back to our timeline, finding out what happens with the 7th seal. For a little more on this see Rev. 7:15 titled, “in His temple.”
7:15. In His temple. See notes here for more on “The Temple” .
7:16. The sun shall not strike them, nor any heat. McGee believes this to be the literal burning heat of the sun (Source 1, p. 77). Henry says this shows that they will be free from “all the inconveniences of this present life…from sickness and pain” (Source 4).
7:17. Shepherd them. As MacArthur points out “in a beautiful mix of images, the Lamb has always been the Shepherd (Ps. 23; John 10:14ff.; Heb. 13:20)” (Source 2).
Lead them to living fountains of waters. Jesus promises “fountains of living water” to the believer in John 7:38. It is interesting that this is mentioned after the “sun” and “heat” (see note under Rev. 7:16 titled, “The sun shall not strike them, nor any heat”) so this is a physical comfort. But it should also be taken spiritually…maybe more so. The idea of living water shows the wonderful eternal life that a believer inherits. There is a horrible insatiable spiritual thirst of dissatisfaction in the soul that doesn’t know the Lord. This can only be satisfied when Jesus has been welcomed into one’s heart and has become their master. See note on Rev. 21:6 titled, “I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts”. Also see Isaiah 44:3; Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:14; etc.
Wipe away every tear from their eyes. This is very comforting to every believer but I think that it may be more comforting for the martyr. They have truly known what suffering for spiritual things is.
This is reminiscent of Rev. 21:4 (see notes under “wipe away every tear from their eyes” and “nor crying”). Contextually this is specifically to the Great Tribulation martyrs however it is comforting to know that all believers get to receive this blessing (since it is mentioned in the aforementioned verse).
References:
Source 1: J. Vernon McGee, Revelation: Chapter 6-13, pp. 59; 70-71; 77.Source 2: John MacArthur, MacArthur Study Bible, p. 2001-2002.
Source 3: Halley's Bible Handbook, p. 714.
Source 4: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Bible, NT, p. 774.
Source 5: Barnes, http://www.godvine.com/bible/revelation/7-3.Source 6:
Source 6: Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Rev/Rev_007.cfm?a=1174003
Source 7: Guzik, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Rev/Rev_7.cfm?a=1174003