“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” –Daniel 12:1
An examination of Revelation 7
Revelation seven returns us to the sub plot regarding the reconciliation of Israel (ethnic), drawing it’s theme from the repentance of Israel (ethnic) which has already begun in Revelation 1:7 where, “All the tribes (Jews) of the land (Israel) will mourn on account of Him”. The ultimate conclusion to this plot line is the reconciliation of ethnic Israel to G-d.
Following this, a new part of the vision is revealed but not fully resolved. When the multitude is presented, they’re pictured well into the future, at the very end of days, after the final judgement. Yochanan records what he’s seen like a skilful screen writer, setting up a plot thread and then putting it aside to build his characters before bringing all the threads together in a satisfying conclusion. Revelation seven therefore, is a literary break from the chronology of the opening of the seven seals. It’s meant to reveal additional elements regarding the main characters of the vision, but is out of chronological order with the main narrative. The text returns to the opening of the final seal (seventh seal) at the beginning of Revelation 8, after a brief intermission (Revelation 7).
Yochanan’s eschatology revolves around the reconciliation of the tribes of Israel (ethnic) in a very similar way to the visions of Ezekiel the prophet. By failing to observe this obvious fact and or by making the mistake of allegorizing it, many foolish Christian scholars over the centuries have dug deeply into the soil of error and have lead the wider Church with them into the pit of heresy, the blind leading the blind. The theology that teaches that the Church is Israel and Israel is the Church is nothing more than a satanic lie. In all its forms: Replacement theology, Supersessionism etc. It is a teaching that places a blindfold over the eyes of Gentile believers and a noose around the necks of Jews. The day is coming when those who teach it will come under harsh judgement from G-d, Who is fierce on behalf of His people, ethnic Israel.
7:1 After this I saw four messengers standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.
The phrase, “After this” reminds us that we have just heard Yochanan describe the latter days when the enemies of G-d from throughout the earth, ranging from kings and rulers to the common and poor, will “hide themselves in the caves nd among the rocks of the mountains; saying to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand? Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’”
These four messengers, like the horsemen of Zechariah’s vision (Zech. 6:5), are the riders of the four horses of Revelation 6.
“I asked the messenger speaking with me, ‘What are these, my master?” 5 The messenger answered me, ‘These are the four winds of the sky that go out, after presenting themselves before the master of all the land.” –Zechariah 6:5
The four corners of the earth reflect the points of the compass and symbolize the entry points of the coming events which will consume the entire globe. The naming of the land, sea and vegetation is simply a reference to the key elements of the earth, meaning that the destruction brought by the winds (the four horsemen) will be withheld from the earth temporarily.
The prophet Daniel calls the four winds, “The four winds of heaven” (Dan. 8:8). The prophet Isaiah calls them, “The four winds of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12). Jeremiah 49:46 combines these two elements, showing that the four winds of heaven act as the four winds of the earth.
Jewish tradition teaches that messengers/angels stand at the gates of the four winds, “with the keys of the winds in their hands.” (Raziel, fol. 36. 1. 2.), and call these messengers, “Angels of the winds” (Targum in 1 Reg. xix. 11.) In addition, Jewish tradition conveys the understanding that there are angelic beings who have authority over the elements. This is affirmed by Revelation 14:18, “the angel of the fire” and Revelation 16:5, “the angel of the waters”.
The withholding of the winds of judgement, conveys a season of reprieve, a length of time between the commandment to go out into all the earth and the enacting of that command by the horsemen.
Apocryphal Jewish literature supports the concept of angelic beings holding back the elements. In the book of Enoch the angels of the waters are commanded by G-d to hold back the waters until Noah has completed the Ark (Enoch 66:1-2). 2 Baruch tells of angels with burning torches who are commanded to hold back their fire until the sacred vessels of the Temple could be hidden away (2 Baruch 6:4).
It’s important to remember that in Biblical Jewish thought secondary scientific causes aren’t explained. This is not to say that science has no place in our spirituality, rather it is a reminder that all things are subject to the direction of G-d.
2 Then I saw another messenger coming up from the east, having the seal of the living G-d.
The Messenger from the East:
Symbolically speaking the East is a source of blessing, the place where light originates. Eden was located in the East (Gen. 2:8), and the Shekinah (manifest feminine glory of G-d) came to the Temple from the East (Ezekiel 43:2). In addition the Magi who visited Yeshua after His birth said, “We have seen His star in the East” (Matthew 2:2). It’s impossible to determine who the angel/messenger from the East is. It seems most likely that given His responsibility in carrying the seal/mark of the Living G-d, that he is one of the arch angels, in particular Michael, who is the angel that stands in time of conflict, acting in favour of the Jewish people.
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” –Daniel 12:1
The Zohar (eleventh century Kabbalistic text written in Aramaic) speaks of an angel/messenger named “Gazardiel (Possibly means: Circumcised or divided by G-d),” that presides at the eastern part of the heavens, who is also one of the angels who are in charge of making sure that the sun rises and sets on time and receive the prayers of the Israelites. This same angel is said to offer up the prayers of the saints (Rev. 8:3).
"(Gazardiel)… kisses the prayers of the faithful and conveys them to the supernal firmament." –Zohar in Exod. fol. 79. 2.
The Seal:
The Hebrew equivalent to the Greek, “sphragis” meaning to permanently seal is, “Tav” which is also the name of the last character of the Hebrew Alphabet. This is symbolic of the fact that the Jews who are about to be sealed are a catalyst for the final judgement and the resurrection of the dead as alluded to by Rav Shaul/Paul in Romans 11:15:
“For if their (Ethnic Israel) rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their (Ethnic Israel) acceptance be but life from the dead?” –Romans 11:15
The Hebrew, “Tav” means to, “mark, scratch, imprint, engrave, desire”. This is not a seal in the sense of a seal used to secure a document, although those receiving it are certainly made secure in Messiah, rather it’s a seal/mark like the one received by the righteous Jews of Jerusalem prior to the smiting of the wicked (Ezekiel 9:4-6). It is like the holy engraving of the golden plate that was made a seal on the High priests forehead () and a mark of belonging, a seal of approval and of G-d’s desire for His people, ethnic Israel.
The seal brought forth by the angle from the East is most likely a priestly seal, like the gold plate placed on the forehead of the High Priest, engraved with the words, “Kadosh le’HaShem” Holy unto YHVH (Exodus 28:36).
“You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, ‘Holy to YHVH (the L-rd).’” –Exodus 28:36
This is confirmed in the text of Revelation 14:1, which tells us that it is the Father’s Name (YHVH) that is written on the foreheads of the 144,000.
This is a fulfilment of the calling of ethnic Israel as a nation of priests:
“ For you are a chosen people, (Isaiah 43:20; Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15) the King’s cohanim (priests), (Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6) a holy nation, (Exodus 19:6) a people belonging to (sealed for) G-d! (Isaiah 43:21; Exodus 19:5) That you might declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are G-d’s people (Hosea 2:23); before, you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” –1 Peter 2:9-10
These verses from 1 Peter 2 can also be applied as a midrash to all believers, both Jew and Gentile, however, in the context of Revelation 7, via the seal, the application is unto ethnic Israel alone.
The seal marked on the forehead of each of the 144,000 Jews is a symbol of authority. The head (Rosh) is the beginning and the guide of the body, symbolically speaking. Thus the Head over all things (Yeshua), sends forth His mark to be placed on the heads of His elect.
While the seal/mark is clearly a spiritual mark, engraved upon the minds of the Jewish faithful, it is also represented in the prayer practice of donning Tefillin (Prayer boxes), which are warn by devote Jewish men in prayer (Deut. 6:8), and, are a sign of the priesthood of every Jew (Exodus 19:5).
It is noteworthy that these boxes contain the written Word (ketvi) of G-d and therefore symbolize Messiah Himself (Ketvi, D’var, Memra etc.): they are warn on the left arm next to the heart and on the forehead over the mind, they are wound around the arm three times to represent the unity of G-d and the character Shin, which is the first character of the Hebrew words Shaddai (Mighty G-d) and Shalom (Prince of Peace). They are then wound seven more times around the arm to symbolize action (halakhah) and perfection, and finally they’re wrapped around the centre finger of the left hand which is said to mark the point of the most direct blood flow from the heart and is significant because it is known as the finger of betrothal. While the finger is wrapped three times the final blessing of donning Tefillin is prayed, it’s a direct quote from Hosea 2:19-20:
“I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness (tsaddikim) and justice (mishpat),
in loving kindness (chesed) and compassion (racham).
I will betroth you in faithfulness (emunah),
and you shall know (yada) HaShem.” –Hosea2:19-20
This entire practice finds its sum in the Shema (Central prayer of Judaism) which says:
“Hear, listen, receive and understand O Israel (Who overcomes in G-d), The L-RD YHVH (Father, Merciful) your G-D Elohim (Son, Judge), The L-RD YHVH (Ruach—Holy Spirit, Comforter) is echad (complex unity). You shall love The L-RD YHVH your G-D Elohim with all your heart, mind and strength/action. ” –Deuteronomy 6:4
Therefore, seal/mark on the foreheads of the 144,000 Jews, symbolizes G-d’s desire for His people ethnic Israel, His having sealed them with the mark of His Son Yeshua (The Word), The head (Rosh) over creation, and the great High Priest (le’kadosh Adonai); Who has betrothed them to Himself in love and has redeemed them and is sanctifying their hearts (core being), minds (Thoughts and motivations) and actions (Mitzvot, good works).
The seal, like the blood on the doors of Israel’s homes in Egypt, will act as a sign of protection when the avenging angels of HaShem come to bring judgement against the pagan peoples of the earth. (Exodus 12:23)
The Seals of Jewish Tradition:
The Zohar speaks of the east gate of one of the heavenly palaces, which is said to be shut for the six days of the work week, and on the Sabbath day is opened, and the ruler of the palace has two subordinate messengers/ministers/angelic beings, one on his right hand, and one on his left, and they each have a seals in their hands: these are, "the seal of life", and the “seal of death”, and all the books of the world are before them. Some of those who are recorded in the books are sealed to life, and some to death (Zohar in Exod. fol. 100. 1.)
Of course the seal/mark (seal of life) brought by the angel of the East, finds its dark counterpoint in the mark of the beast (Seal of death) of Revelation 13:16. This mark also represents belonging, unfortunately it is the seal received by those who belong to eternal punishment.
The Living G-d:
The title, “Elohim Chayim (Living G-d)” is used throughout Scripture. It is a title that sets HaShem apart from the dead deities of Israel’s enemies. Isaiah 44:9-17 describes the futility of the worship of idols and contrasts the dead pagan gods with the “Living G-d” of Israel. Joshua reminds Israel that “The Living G-d” is with them to defeat their enemies (Joshua 3:10). Hosea reminds Israel that once they were not a people but through G-d’s mercy they have become children of the “Living G-d” (Hosea 1:10).
“My soul thirsts for G-d, for the living G-d.
When can I go and meet with G-d?” –Tehilim/Psalm 44:2
The seal of the, “Living G-d” is a mark/seal of Chayim (life), secured in His mercy through the blood of His Son, the sacrificial Lamb Yeshua (Jesus).
Notice that the life that is secure in G-d through Yeshua is Chayim (plural form: which denotes intensity and longevity), it’s full, intense and eternal.
He called out in a loud voice to the four messengers (Horsemen) who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our G-d.”
The loud voice of the angel from the East is an indication of the fact that his voice reaches to the four corners of the earth where the four Horsemen are situated.
It is the four riders of Revelation 6 who have been given power to bring the various judgements of G-d and the Lamb which have been firmly decided upon.
The command not to harm the earth (Land, sea and trees), affirms G-d’s decision to hold back judgement until He has marked those who belong to Him.
As we will see from the following verses, the servants spoken of here are those who have been set apart among the tribes of ethnic Israel. While it’s true that G-d has sealed all who belong to Him both Jew and Gentile, that is not the intended meaning here. The language of the text is very specific.
4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5 From the tribe of Judah (Praise) 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben (Behold a son) 12,000, from the tribe of Gad (a troop is coming) 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher (Happy am I) 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali (wrestling) 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh (Causing to forget) 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon (Hearing) 12,000, from the tribe of Levi (Joined to) 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar (there is reward) 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun (Exalted) 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph (YHVH has added) 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin (Son of my right hand) 12,000.
The text doesn’t tell us from whom Yochanan heard the number of those being sealed. It may have
been spoken by the angel from the East who brought the seal, however it’s also possible that this
number was spoken to Yochanan’s spirit for the purpose of qualifying what he was witnessing.
What is clear beyond any doubt or misinterpretation, is that the 144,000 are ethnic Jews “from all
the tribes of Israel.” The fact that this is the p’shat (Plain meaning) of the text is irrefutable. Those
who see the Gentile Church represented here are looking through an anti-Semitic and Satanic lens:
some because they’re unaware, others out of pride, pursue this view intentionally. Ignorance is not
the absence of knowledge, it is refusing to know.
Some have suggested that based on Revelation 14:1-5 we are able to determine that these 144,000
Jews are male infants. As proof they site the fact that the 144,000 are “virgins” (Rev 14:4), who
“have never spoken a lie” (Rev 14:5). However a closer look at the text of Revelation 14 proves these
assertions to be untenable.
“These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among humanity, being the firstfruits unto G-d and to the Lamb. And in their mouths was found no guile (dolos: trickery, deceit, guile, subtlety): for they are blameless before the throne of God.” –Revelation 14:4-5
We can agree that these 144,000 are virgins. However this isn’t evidence of infancy. My wife and I
were virgins when we married at 21 and 22 years of age respectively. Furthermore, Jewish tradition
required virginity prior to marriage and no ancient Jewish marriage took place prior to Bar Mitzvah
age (12 years). Therefore the fact that they are virgins is not valid proof.
The second proof offered, that of there having been, “No lie found in their mouths” is simply a
mistranslation and a misunderstanding of what being blameless before G-d actually means in
Biblical terms. The Greek word, “dolos” which is often translated as, “lie” has a wealth of greater
meaning that is better suited to the context. It can mean, “Trickery, deceit, guile, subtlety”. The
better translation follows the same usage as John 1:47 and should read:
“And in their mouths was found no guile (dolos) for they are blameless before the throne of God.”
Neither being devoid of guile nor being blameless are proof of infancy. Nathaniel was without guile
and yet an adult (John 1:47) and both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, the parents of Yochanan the
Immerser, are called blameless (Luke 1:6). This is clearly not intended to infer that they’re sinless, for
we are vulnerable to sin from our conception, which is the point at which conscious life begins for
every human being (Psalm 51:6; Isaiah 49:1; Hosea 12:3; Luke 1:41-44).
“For all (not some) have sinned and fallen short of the glory of G-d.” –Romans 3:23
Notice also that these 144,000 blameless Jewish males are later pictured, “before the throne of
G-d (Rev 7:9)”, along with the righteous of the nations, meaning that they are blameless because
they have been washed in the blood of Yeshua, redeemed and resurrected and singing before G-d’s
throne having been, “redeemed from the earth”, that is, they were redeemed on the earth and are
now redeemed from the earth. The context denotes that this is taking place in the heavens at a later point in time.
Therefore there is no reason to believe that these 144,000 Jewish males are infants.
The number 144,000 is perfectly rounded and like many other numbers in the Tanakh (OT) it has a
symbolic rather than literal meaning. There are 12 tribes and 10 Instructions (commandments) upon
which Judaism finds it’s ethnic and spiritual foundation in G-d. In addition the 12 tribes are
represented in the 12 talmidim (disciples) of Yeshua. 12 squared equals 144 and 10 cubed (unity of
G-d 3 as echad/one) equals 1000: therefore the fulfilled nation of Israel multiplied by the fulfilled
Instruction of G-d equals the redemption of ethnic Israel and the resurrection of all humanity unto
judgement. 144 x 1000 = 144,000. The number of Jews sealed therefore, is a symbolic way of saying
what Rav Shaul/Paul the apostle says in Romans 11:25-27.
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brother, so that you may not be conceited: ethnic Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all of ethnic Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion (That is out of the East);
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.” –Romans 11:25-27 (Isaiah 59:20, 21; 27:9; Jer. 31:33,34)
Rav Yechiel Lichtenstein explains that:
“Israel numbered 7,200,000 at the time of the destruction of the second Temple. The t’rumah [the offering to cohanim from the firstfruits] is usually one fiftieth (Mishna, T’rumot 4:3), which here comes to be 144,000. At Romans 11:16 Paul remarked that ‘if the challah offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole loaf.’ Thus the meaning is that if the firstfruits of Israel, the 144,000 Messianic Jews who put their trust in Yeshua, is holy, then the whole loaf, all of Israel, is holy. Therefore Paul continues, ‘In this way all Israel will be saved. As the Tanakh says, “Out of Zion will come the redeemer; He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Romans 11:26).’ This is in accordance with my comment on Revelation 1:7, which says that when the sign of the Son of man is seen in heaven, the children of Israel will repent, recognize Messiah, and mourn because they pierced Him unjustly. That is when all Israel will be saved.” (Commentary to the New Testament, on Rev 7:9)
The conclusion we reach is that all of the remnant of ethnic Israel who remain at the time of these
events will be saved prior to the four judgements meted out by the four horsemen and before the
final judgement of all humanity.
The order of the tribal listing is significant for a number of reasons. Judah comes first because it is
from Judah that the Branch (Messiah) comes forth. Levi is mentioned, which is unusual because a
number of Tanakh listings of the tribes exclude Levi due to the fact that the priestly tribe has no
separate allotment of land. Levi is mentioned here to affirm the fact that ethnic Israel is finally
becoming a true nation of priests through Yeshua the Great High Priest.
Some commentators site Dan’s idolatrous behaviour as the reason he’s not mentioned, however this
is unnecessary. All the tribes of Israel have black marks against them for some reason or another and
yet they are listed here. We should note that the writer considers, “all the tribes” of ethnic Israel to
be represented here. Therefore the unmentioned tribes of Ephraim and Dan are represented by the
fact that they’re part of the nation of Israel. Ephraim finds validation under Joseph as the second of
the two sons of promise (Ephraim and Manasseh), and Dan, whose name means Judge, is
represented in the judgements that are about to take place.
We further note that one might interpret the listing of the tribes in this way: Jacob blesses the 12 tribes in Genesis 49 according to their position as his sons and heirs. He does not list Ephraim and Manasseh among the blessed in Genesis 49. This of course is outworked in the fact that Ephraim and Manasseh are half tribes under Joseph. They are listed elsewhere in the Tanakh (OT) and Levi (The Priestly tribe) is not, because the priestly tribe receives its inheritance from HaShem. In the context of Genesis 49, the tribes or sons of Jacob are subject to the judgement of Joseph, who is a figure for the King Messiah, one rejected by the tribes but latter received. Joseph as judge over the tribes (sons) of Jacob (Israel) is a prefigure of the Messiah our King and Judge at the end of the age. Therefore, in the context of Revelation 7, it makes sense that Manasseh (Cause to forget) is mentioned in place of Dan (Judgement) because it is Joseph (the judge of his brothers) who is needed (in his role as prefigure of the Judge Messiah) in order that the judgement of men (Dan) be superseded by the judgement of God (Yeshua) Who will forgive Israel's sin and cause it to be forgotten (Manasseh). Therefore, the two unlisted tribes Ephraim and Dan find their home in Joseph who (in the tribal listing of Revelation 7) represents Judge (Dan) and Double Fruitfulness (Ephraim) unto everlasting life.
Rav Yechiel Lichtenstein says of these verses:
“Some say Dan is excluded because he sinned by worshipping idols (Judges 18:30; 2 Kings 10:29); as
proof they quote 1 Chronicles 2-7, where the tribe of Dan is not mentioned. But this is not a valid
proof , because Z’vulun is not mentioned there either; and the reason in both cases is that the
author, Ezra, wrote in his book only what he found in the scrolls available to him. This is why the
subjects there often follow one another without logical connection—there are missing links…
Concerning Dan, Ya’akov, when blessing his sons, said, ‘Dan will judge his people as one of the
tribes of Israel’ (Genesis 49:16). Moreover, Ezekiel 48:32 attributes one gate to Dan, one to Yosef,
since Joseph includes Efrayim and Ma’nasheh in respect to the heritage, and one to L’vi.”
–Rav Yechiel Lichtenstein (Commentary to the New Testament)
Perhaps there is also a remez (hint) in the meanings of the tribal names and the order in which they
follow one another? A sod (mystery) that might read like this:
I give Praise (Judah) because I have seen a son (Reuben) and He is coming with heavens armies
(Gad). I am Happy (Asher), though I once wrestled with G-d (Naphtali), He has caused me to forget
my sin (Manasseh). Having heard (Simeon) His Gospel I am joined to (Levi) Him in love. His reward
(Issachar) is with Him and His name is exalted (Zebulun) I have been added in YHVH (Joseph) to the
book of life, by the Son of G-d’s right hand (Benjamin).
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
The phrase, “After this” is an indication to the reader that the emphasis has shifted and a new part
of the vision is being presented. Meaning that what we are now about to read takes place after the
events of Revelation 7:1-8 at some undetermined point in the future.
The description of the multitude is different from that of the sealed 144,000. This is
because it’s a description of the Church (Ecclesia) as a whole, “from every nation, tribe (Israel),
people and language,” People who belong to G-d through Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.
This multitude is seen at a future time after the great tribulation. This means that the multitude is
the unity of both Jewish and Gentile believers pictured before the throne at a later date. This
multitude is not the 144,000.
They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
The white robes, as before, represent the righteous actions of the set apart ones and the purity
Purchased for them by the blood of the Lamb of G-d who takes away the sin of the world.
The palm branches are waved before the L-rd on the first day of Sukkot along with leafy trees, citrus
and willows. This is known as a lulav (Date tree frond: Lev. 23:40) and symbolizes thankfulness to
G-d for His abundant provision. This practice also anticipates the coming of HaShem’s Shekinah glory
and the dwelling of His presence within the Sukkot (booths) of Israel, along with the Ushpizin
(Angelic guests).
The palm is also a sign of triumph and coronation for the Kings of the East. It was used to welcome
victorious kings and their armies into the capital cities of their kingdoms. Yochanan’s Gospel records
a similar practice being applied to Yeshua’s entry into Jerusalem.
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hoshanah (Save us now)! Blessed is he who comes in the name of HaShem! Blessed is the king of Israel (ethnic)!’” –John 12:13
The righteous themselves are said to be like palm trees:
“The righteous one will flourish like the palm tree,
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” –Tehilim/Psalm 92:12
The multitude is celebrating Yeshua’s victory over sin and death and waving the offering of the
abundant overflow of their faith in Him.
10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
Their praise is heard throughout heaven and earth.
“Salvation (Yeshua) belongs to our G-d,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
This should be understood in a similar way to the text of Psalm 98:2:
“His right hand and His mighty arm have brought forth for Him salvation/victory (Yeshua)”
Salvation has been purchased by HaShem through His own blood, which is G-d with us as the Lamb Yeshua. Therefore praise is due to The Father and The Son.
11 All the messengers (angelic beings) were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped G-d,
This is a description of all the heavenly host, every order of angelic being from greatest to least and the heavenly priesthood who serve before the throne, bowing down to G-d’s absolute sovereignty over all things. They worship in complete humility.
12 saying:
“Amen!
The first thing these mighty ones say is, “We agree (Amen) with all that the multitude of believers have said.”
Praise (1) and glory (2) (k’vod)
and wisdom (3) and thanks (4) and honour (5)
and power (6) and strength (7)
be to our G-d for ever and ever.
Amen!”
These are seven words of praise to reflect the attributes of G-d and His eternal nature, followed by a rhetorical “Amen?” spoken to the multitude, seeking their affirmation.
13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
It seems that even in visions of the heavenly court there is good old fashioned Hebrew debate. This delightful rhetoric between the elder and Yochanan is akin to listening to a Rabbi and his student.
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
This, “Great Affliction” is not an allusion to the persecution of believers throughout the centuries, rather it is a specific great trial that is to come upon the world in the future (that is Yochanan’s future).
We can take comfort however in the words of the Scriptures as they apply to all who follow Messiah unto the glory of G-d:
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” –Daniel 12:1
“For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equalled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” –Matthew 24:21-22
They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The multitude have endured persecution, however, there robes are not made white by their deeds, to the contrary, they are made white by being washed in the blood of the lamb. Right action is born of Messiah’s work.
It is important however, to note that they (the multitude) washed their robes, meaning that Messiah offered His cleansing blood but every believer must receive and appropriate the salvation of G-d. We are not saved by inaction. Messiah offers us the gift of His saving sacrifice but we must unwrap it.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says HaShem.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 1:18
15 Therefore,
Because those in the multitude have, “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
“They are before the throne of G-d
and serve Him day and night in His temple (Mishkan/Tabernacle);
and He who sits on the throne
will dwell among them (Mishkan) with his Shekinah presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat. Isaiah 49:10
This will take place after the resurrection when the Heavenly Temple and the New Jerusalem come down from the heavens and G-d dwells (tabernacles) with His people (Jew and Gentile). This is a depiction of a type of eternal Sukkot (Feast of Booths). There are two clues in the text that indicate the future chronology intended. First, the multitude are those who have survived the great tribulation, some of whom have passed away. While in Sheol in Abraham’s bosom those who have passed away in Messiah are within time and are not above in the heavens (Specifically the third heaven), therefore they are not yet located in the heavenly Temple. Second, The Scripture speaks of a time when G-d will dwell (Tabernacle/Mishkan) among them with His Shekinah (feminine light presence). This will not happen until the very end of days following the final judgement. This is affirmed in Revelation 21:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! G-d’s dwelling (Tabernacle/Mishkan) place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and G-d himself will be with them and be their G-d. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” –Revelation 21:3-4
Therefore the present passage must be understood as corresponding chronologically to the text of Revelation 21. This is further reinforced by the fact that Revelation 7 is a type of intermission between the opening of the sixth seal at the end of Revelation 6 and the opening of the seventh seal in the beginning of Revelation 8. This is a literary tool that builds almost to completion and then is left open to await its conclusion in the latter chapters.
7 For the Lamb at the centre of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘He will lead them to springs of living water.’ Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 2:13; Ezekiel 34:23
‘And G-d will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Isaiah 25:8 (Rev. 21:3-4)
“He (G-d) will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign HaShem will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
He will remove His people’s (ethnic Israel’s) disgrace
from all the earth.
HaShem has spoken.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 25:8
“And the ransomed of HaShem will return
And come with singing unto Zion,
With everlasting joy upon their heads.
They will find gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.” Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 35:10
The Lamb is seated at the centre of the throne because He is echad, G-d is One. Yeshua is G-d with us.
From ancient times G-d has called Himself the shepherd of ethnic Israel. This vision testifies to a future day when the ultimate fulfilment of G-ds role as shepherd over all His people (Jew and Gentile) will be seen.
“HaShem is my shepherd, I shall want for nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters,
3 He refreshes my entire being.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod (discipline/protection)and your staff (guidance),
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil (Holy Spirit);
my cup overflows (Kiddush cup).
6 Surely your goodness and merciful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell (tabernacle/live in a sukkah) in the house (New Jerusalem) of HaShem
forever.” –Tehilim/Psalm 23
© Alastair Brown 2015
Revelation seven returns us to the sub plot regarding the reconciliation of Israel (ethnic), drawing it’s theme from the repentance of Israel (ethnic) which has already begun in Revelation 1:7 where, “All the tribes (Jews) of the land (Israel) will mourn on account of Him”. The ultimate conclusion to this plot line is the reconciliation of ethnic Israel to G-d.
Following this, a new part of the vision is revealed but not fully resolved. When the multitude is presented, they’re pictured well into the future, at the very end of days, after the final judgement. Yochanan records what he’s seen like a skilful screen writer, setting up a plot thread and then putting it aside to build his characters before bringing all the threads together in a satisfying conclusion. Revelation seven therefore, is a literary break from the chronology of the opening of the seven seals. It’s meant to reveal additional elements regarding the main characters of the vision, but is out of chronological order with the main narrative. The text returns to the opening of the final seal (seventh seal) at the beginning of Revelation 8, after a brief intermission (Revelation 7).
Yochanan’s eschatology revolves around the reconciliation of the tribes of Israel (ethnic) in a very similar way to the visions of Ezekiel the prophet. By failing to observe this obvious fact and or by making the mistake of allegorizing it, many foolish Christian scholars over the centuries have dug deeply into the soil of error and have lead the wider Church with them into the pit of heresy, the blind leading the blind. The theology that teaches that the Church is Israel and Israel is the Church is nothing more than a satanic lie. In all its forms: Replacement theology, Supersessionism etc. It is a teaching that places a blindfold over the eyes of Gentile believers and a noose around the necks of Jews. The day is coming when those who teach it will come under harsh judgement from G-d, Who is fierce on behalf of His people, ethnic Israel.
7:1 After this I saw four messengers standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.
The phrase, “After this” reminds us that we have just heard Yochanan describe the latter days when the enemies of G-d from throughout the earth, ranging from kings and rulers to the common and poor, will “hide themselves in the caves nd among the rocks of the mountains; saying to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand? Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’”
These four messengers, like the horsemen of Zechariah’s vision (Zech. 6:5), are the riders of the four horses of Revelation 6.
“I asked the messenger speaking with me, ‘What are these, my master?” 5 The messenger answered me, ‘These are the four winds of the sky that go out, after presenting themselves before the master of all the land.” –Zechariah 6:5
The four corners of the earth reflect the points of the compass and symbolize the entry points of the coming events which will consume the entire globe. The naming of the land, sea and vegetation is simply a reference to the key elements of the earth, meaning that the destruction brought by the winds (the four horsemen) will be withheld from the earth temporarily.
The prophet Daniel calls the four winds, “The four winds of heaven” (Dan. 8:8). The prophet Isaiah calls them, “The four winds of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12). Jeremiah 49:46 combines these two elements, showing that the four winds of heaven act as the four winds of the earth.
Jewish tradition teaches that messengers/angels stand at the gates of the four winds, “with the keys of the winds in their hands.” (Raziel, fol. 36. 1. 2.), and call these messengers, “Angels of the winds” (Targum in 1 Reg. xix. 11.) In addition, Jewish tradition conveys the understanding that there are angelic beings who have authority over the elements. This is affirmed by Revelation 14:18, “the angel of the fire” and Revelation 16:5, “the angel of the waters”.
The withholding of the winds of judgement, conveys a season of reprieve, a length of time between the commandment to go out into all the earth and the enacting of that command by the horsemen.
Apocryphal Jewish literature supports the concept of angelic beings holding back the elements. In the book of Enoch the angels of the waters are commanded by G-d to hold back the waters until Noah has completed the Ark (Enoch 66:1-2). 2 Baruch tells of angels with burning torches who are commanded to hold back their fire until the sacred vessels of the Temple could be hidden away (2 Baruch 6:4).
It’s important to remember that in Biblical Jewish thought secondary scientific causes aren’t explained. This is not to say that science has no place in our spirituality, rather it is a reminder that all things are subject to the direction of G-d.
2 Then I saw another messenger coming up from the east, having the seal of the living G-d.
The Messenger from the East:
Symbolically speaking the East is a source of blessing, the place where light originates. Eden was located in the East (Gen. 2:8), and the Shekinah (manifest feminine glory of G-d) came to the Temple from the East (Ezekiel 43:2). In addition the Magi who visited Yeshua after His birth said, “We have seen His star in the East” (Matthew 2:2). It’s impossible to determine who the angel/messenger from the East is. It seems most likely that given His responsibility in carrying the seal/mark of the Living G-d, that he is one of the arch angels, in particular Michael, who is the angel that stands in time of conflict, acting in favour of the Jewish people.
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” –Daniel 12:1
The Zohar (eleventh century Kabbalistic text written in Aramaic) speaks of an angel/messenger named “Gazardiel (Possibly means: Circumcised or divided by G-d),” that presides at the eastern part of the heavens, who is also one of the angels who are in charge of making sure that the sun rises and sets on time and receive the prayers of the Israelites. This same angel is said to offer up the prayers of the saints (Rev. 8:3).
"(Gazardiel)… kisses the prayers of the faithful and conveys them to the supernal firmament." –Zohar in Exod. fol. 79. 2.
The Seal:
The Hebrew equivalent to the Greek, “sphragis” meaning to permanently seal is, “Tav” which is also the name of the last character of the Hebrew Alphabet. This is symbolic of the fact that the Jews who are about to be sealed are a catalyst for the final judgement and the resurrection of the dead as alluded to by Rav Shaul/Paul in Romans 11:15:
“For if their (Ethnic Israel) rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their (Ethnic Israel) acceptance be but life from the dead?” –Romans 11:15
The Hebrew, “Tav” means to, “mark, scratch, imprint, engrave, desire”. This is not a seal in the sense of a seal used to secure a document, although those receiving it are certainly made secure in Messiah, rather it’s a seal/mark like the one received by the righteous Jews of Jerusalem prior to the smiting of the wicked (Ezekiel 9:4-6). It is like the holy engraving of the golden plate that was made a seal on the High priests forehead () and a mark of belonging, a seal of approval and of G-d’s desire for His people, ethnic Israel.
The seal brought forth by the angle from the East is most likely a priestly seal, like the gold plate placed on the forehead of the High Priest, engraved with the words, “Kadosh le’HaShem” Holy unto YHVH (Exodus 28:36).
“You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, ‘Holy to YHVH (the L-rd).’” –Exodus 28:36
This is confirmed in the text of Revelation 14:1, which tells us that it is the Father’s Name (YHVH) that is written on the foreheads of the 144,000.
This is a fulfilment of the calling of ethnic Israel as a nation of priests:
“ For you are a chosen people, (Isaiah 43:20; Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15) the King’s cohanim (priests), (Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6) a holy nation, (Exodus 19:6) a people belonging to (sealed for) G-d! (Isaiah 43:21; Exodus 19:5) That you might declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are G-d’s people (Hosea 2:23); before, you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” –1 Peter 2:9-10
These verses from 1 Peter 2 can also be applied as a midrash to all believers, both Jew and Gentile, however, in the context of Revelation 7, via the seal, the application is unto ethnic Israel alone.
The seal marked on the forehead of each of the 144,000 Jews is a symbol of authority. The head (Rosh) is the beginning and the guide of the body, symbolically speaking. Thus the Head over all things (Yeshua), sends forth His mark to be placed on the heads of His elect.
While the seal/mark is clearly a spiritual mark, engraved upon the minds of the Jewish faithful, it is also represented in the prayer practice of donning Tefillin (Prayer boxes), which are warn by devote Jewish men in prayer (Deut. 6:8), and, are a sign of the priesthood of every Jew (Exodus 19:5).
It is noteworthy that these boxes contain the written Word (ketvi) of G-d and therefore symbolize Messiah Himself (Ketvi, D’var, Memra etc.): they are warn on the left arm next to the heart and on the forehead over the mind, they are wound around the arm three times to represent the unity of G-d and the character Shin, which is the first character of the Hebrew words Shaddai (Mighty G-d) and Shalom (Prince of Peace). They are then wound seven more times around the arm to symbolize action (halakhah) and perfection, and finally they’re wrapped around the centre finger of the left hand which is said to mark the point of the most direct blood flow from the heart and is significant because it is known as the finger of betrothal. While the finger is wrapped three times the final blessing of donning Tefillin is prayed, it’s a direct quote from Hosea 2:19-20:
“I will betroth you to me forever;
I will betroth you in righteousness (tsaddikim) and justice (mishpat),
in loving kindness (chesed) and compassion (racham).
I will betroth you in faithfulness (emunah),
and you shall know (yada) HaShem.” –Hosea2:19-20
This entire practice finds its sum in the Shema (Central prayer of Judaism) which says:
“Hear, listen, receive and understand O Israel (Who overcomes in G-d), The L-RD YHVH (Father, Merciful) your G-D Elohim (Son, Judge), The L-RD YHVH (Ruach—Holy Spirit, Comforter) is echad (complex unity). You shall love The L-RD YHVH your G-D Elohim with all your heart, mind and strength/action. ” –Deuteronomy 6:4
Therefore, seal/mark on the foreheads of the 144,000 Jews, symbolizes G-d’s desire for His people ethnic Israel, His having sealed them with the mark of His Son Yeshua (The Word), The head (Rosh) over creation, and the great High Priest (le’kadosh Adonai); Who has betrothed them to Himself in love and has redeemed them and is sanctifying their hearts (core being), minds (Thoughts and motivations) and actions (Mitzvot, good works).
The seal, like the blood on the doors of Israel’s homes in Egypt, will act as a sign of protection when the avenging angels of HaShem come to bring judgement against the pagan peoples of the earth. (Exodus 12:23)
The Seals of Jewish Tradition:
The Zohar speaks of the east gate of one of the heavenly palaces, which is said to be shut for the six days of the work week, and on the Sabbath day is opened, and the ruler of the palace has two subordinate messengers/ministers/angelic beings, one on his right hand, and one on his left, and they each have a seals in their hands: these are, "the seal of life", and the “seal of death”, and all the books of the world are before them. Some of those who are recorded in the books are sealed to life, and some to death (Zohar in Exod. fol. 100. 1.)
Of course the seal/mark (seal of life) brought by the angel of the East, finds its dark counterpoint in the mark of the beast (Seal of death) of Revelation 13:16. This mark also represents belonging, unfortunately it is the seal received by those who belong to eternal punishment.
The Living G-d:
The title, “Elohim Chayim (Living G-d)” is used throughout Scripture. It is a title that sets HaShem apart from the dead deities of Israel’s enemies. Isaiah 44:9-17 describes the futility of the worship of idols and contrasts the dead pagan gods with the “Living G-d” of Israel. Joshua reminds Israel that “The Living G-d” is with them to defeat their enemies (Joshua 3:10). Hosea reminds Israel that once they were not a people but through G-d’s mercy they have become children of the “Living G-d” (Hosea 1:10).
“My soul thirsts for G-d, for the living G-d.
When can I go and meet with G-d?” –Tehilim/Psalm 44:2
The seal of the, “Living G-d” is a mark/seal of Chayim (life), secured in His mercy through the blood of His Son, the sacrificial Lamb Yeshua (Jesus).
Notice that the life that is secure in G-d through Yeshua is Chayim (plural form: which denotes intensity and longevity), it’s full, intense and eternal.
He called out in a loud voice to the four messengers (Horsemen) who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our G-d.”
The loud voice of the angel from the East is an indication of the fact that his voice reaches to the four corners of the earth where the four Horsemen are situated.
It is the four riders of Revelation 6 who have been given power to bring the various judgements of G-d and the Lamb which have been firmly decided upon.
The command not to harm the earth (Land, sea and trees), affirms G-d’s decision to hold back judgement until He has marked those who belong to Him.
As we will see from the following verses, the servants spoken of here are those who have been set apart among the tribes of ethnic Israel. While it’s true that G-d has sealed all who belong to Him both Jew and Gentile, that is not the intended meaning here. The language of the text is very specific.
4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5 From the tribe of Judah (Praise) 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben (Behold a son) 12,000, from the tribe of Gad (a troop is coming) 12,000, 6 from the tribe of Asher (Happy am I) 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali (wrestling) 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh (Causing to forget) 12,000, 7 from the tribe of Simeon (Hearing) 12,000, from the tribe of Levi (Joined to) 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar (there is reward) 12,000, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun (Exalted) 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph (YHVH has added) 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin (Son of my right hand) 12,000.
The text doesn’t tell us from whom Yochanan heard the number of those being sealed. It may have
been spoken by the angel from the East who brought the seal, however it’s also possible that this
number was spoken to Yochanan’s spirit for the purpose of qualifying what he was witnessing.
What is clear beyond any doubt or misinterpretation, is that the 144,000 are ethnic Jews “from all
the tribes of Israel.” The fact that this is the p’shat (Plain meaning) of the text is irrefutable. Those
who see the Gentile Church represented here are looking through an anti-Semitic and Satanic lens:
some because they’re unaware, others out of pride, pursue this view intentionally. Ignorance is not
the absence of knowledge, it is refusing to know.
Some have suggested that based on Revelation 14:1-5 we are able to determine that these 144,000
Jews are male infants. As proof they site the fact that the 144,000 are “virgins” (Rev 14:4), who
“have never spoken a lie” (Rev 14:5). However a closer look at the text of Revelation 14 proves these
assertions to be untenable.
“These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among humanity, being the firstfruits unto G-d and to the Lamb. And in their mouths was found no guile (dolos: trickery, deceit, guile, subtlety): for they are blameless before the throne of God.” –Revelation 14:4-5
We can agree that these 144,000 are virgins. However this isn’t evidence of infancy. My wife and I
were virgins when we married at 21 and 22 years of age respectively. Furthermore, Jewish tradition
required virginity prior to marriage and no ancient Jewish marriage took place prior to Bar Mitzvah
age (12 years). Therefore the fact that they are virgins is not valid proof.
The second proof offered, that of there having been, “No lie found in their mouths” is simply a
mistranslation and a misunderstanding of what being blameless before G-d actually means in
Biblical terms. The Greek word, “dolos” which is often translated as, “lie” has a wealth of greater
meaning that is better suited to the context. It can mean, “Trickery, deceit, guile, subtlety”. The
better translation follows the same usage as John 1:47 and should read:
“And in their mouths was found no guile (dolos) for they are blameless before the throne of God.”
Neither being devoid of guile nor being blameless are proof of infancy. Nathaniel was without guile
and yet an adult (John 1:47) and both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth, the parents of Yochanan the
Immerser, are called blameless (Luke 1:6). This is clearly not intended to infer that they’re sinless, for
we are vulnerable to sin from our conception, which is the point at which conscious life begins for
every human being (Psalm 51:6; Isaiah 49:1; Hosea 12:3; Luke 1:41-44).
“For all (not some) have sinned and fallen short of the glory of G-d.” –Romans 3:23
Notice also that these 144,000 blameless Jewish males are later pictured, “before the throne of
G-d (Rev 7:9)”, along with the righteous of the nations, meaning that they are blameless because
they have been washed in the blood of Yeshua, redeemed and resurrected and singing before G-d’s
throne having been, “redeemed from the earth”, that is, they were redeemed on the earth and are
now redeemed from the earth. The context denotes that this is taking place in the heavens at a later point in time.
Therefore there is no reason to believe that these 144,000 Jewish males are infants.
The number 144,000 is perfectly rounded and like many other numbers in the Tanakh (OT) it has a
symbolic rather than literal meaning. There are 12 tribes and 10 Instructions (commandments) upon
which Judaism finds it’s ethnic and spiritual foundation in G-d. In addition the 12 tribes are
represented in the 12 talmidim (disciples) of Yeshua. 12 squared equals 144 and 10 cubed (unity of
G-d 3 as echad/one) equals 1000: therefore the fulfilled nation of Israel multiplied by the fulfilled
Instruction of G-d equals the redemption of ethnic Israel and the resurrection of all humanity unto
judgement. 144 x 1000 = 144,000. The number of Jews sealed therefore, is a symbolic way of saying
what Rav Shaul/Paul the apostle says in Romans 11:25-27.
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brother, so that you may not be conceited: ethnic Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all of ethnic Israel will be saved. As it is written:
“The deliverer will come from Zion (That is out of the East);
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.” –Romans 11:25-27 (Isaiah 59:20, 21; 27:9; Jer. 31:33,34)
Rav Yechiel Lichtenstein explains that:
“Israel numbered 7,200,000 at the time of the destruction of the second Temple. The t’rumah [the offering to cohanim from the firstfruits] is usually one fiftieth (Mishna, T’rumot 4:3), which here comes to be 144,000. At Romans 11:16 Paul remarked that ‘if the challah offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole loaf.’ Thus the meaning is that if the firstfruits of Israel, the 144,000 Messianic Jews who put their trust in Yeshua, is holy, then the whole loaf, all of Israel, is holy. Therefore Paul continues, ‘In this way all Israel will be saved. As the Tanakh says, “Out of Zion will come the redeemer; He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Romans 11:26).’ This is in accordance with my comment on Revelation 1:7, which says that when the sign of the Son of man is seen in heaven, the children of Israel will repent, recognize Messiah, and mourn because they pierced Him unjustly. That is when all Israel will be saved.” (Commentary to the New Testament, on Rev 7:9)
The conclusion we reach is that all of the remnant of ethnic Israel who remain at the time of these
events will be saved prior to the four judgements meted out by the four horsemen and before the
final judgement of all humanity.
The order of the tribal listing is significant for a number of reasons. Judah comes first because it is
from Judah that the Branch (Messiah) comes forth. Levi is mentioned, which is unusual because a
number of Tanakh listings of the tribes exclude Levi due to the fact that the priestly tribe has no
separate allotment of land. Levi is mentioned here to affirm the fact that ethnic Israel is finally
becoming a true nation of priests through Yeshua the Great High Priest.
Some commentators site Dan’s idolatrous behaviour as the reason he’s not mentioned, however this
is unnecessary. All the tribes of Israel have black marks against them for some reason or another and
yet they are listed here. We should note that the writer considers, “all the tribes” of ethnic Israel to
be represented here. Therefore the unmentioned tribes of Ephraim and Dan are represented by the
fact that they’re part of the nation of Israel. Ephraim finds validation under Joseph as the second of
the two sons of promise (Ephraim and Manasseh), and Dan, whose name means Judge, is
represented in the judgements that are about to take place.
We further note that one might interpret the listing of the tribes in this way: Jacob blesses the 12 tribes in Genesis 49 according to their position as his sons and heirs. He does not list Ephraim and Manasseh among the blessed in Genesis 49. This of course is outworked in the fact that Ephraim and Manasseh are half tribes under Joseph. They are listed elsewhere in the Tanakh (OT) and Levi (The Priestly tribe) is not, because the priestly tribe receives its inheritance from HaShem. In the context of Genesis 49, the tribes or sons of Jacob are subject to the judgement of Joseph, who is a figure for the King Messiah, one rejected by the tribes but latter received. Joseph as judge over the tribes (sons) of Jacob (Israel) is a prefigure of the Messiah our King and Judge at the end of the age. Therefore, in the context of Revelation 7, it makes sense that Manasseh (Cause to forget) is mentioned in place of Dan (Judgement) because it is Joseph (the judge of his brothers) who is needed (in his role as prefigure of the Judge Messiah) in order that the judgement of men (Dan) be superseded by the judgement of God (Yeshua) Who will forgive Israel's sin and cause it to be forgotten (Manasseh). Therefore, the two unlisted tribes Ephraim and Dan find their home in Joseph who (in the tribal listing of Revelation 7) represents Judge (Dan) and Double Fruitfulness (Ephraim) unto everlasting life.
Rav Yechiel Lichtenstein says of these verses:
“Some say Dan is excluded because he sinned by worshipping idols (Judges 18:30; 2 Kings 10:29); as
proof they quote 1 Chronicles 2-7, where the tribe of Dan is not mentioned. But this is not a valid
proof , because Z’vulun is not mentioned there either; and the reason in both cases is that the
author, Ezra, wrote in his book only what he found in the scrolls available to him. This is why the
subjects there often follow one another without logical connection—there are missing links…
Concerning Dan, Ya’akov, when blessing his sons, said, ‘Dan will judge his people as one of the
tribes of Israel’ (Genesis 49:16). Moreover, Ezekiel 48:32 attributes one gate to Dan, one to Yosef,
since Joseph includes Efrayim and Ma’nasheh in respect to the heritage, and one to L’vi.”
–Rav Yechiel Lichtenstein (Commentary to the New Testament)
Perhaps there is also a remez (hint) in the meanings of the tribal names and the order in which they
follow one another? A sod (mystery) that might read like this:
I give Praise (Judah) because I have seen a son (Reuben) and He is coming with heavens armies
(Gad). I am Happy (Asher), though I once wrestled with G-d (Naphtali), He has caused me to forget
my sin (Manasseh). Having heard (Simeon) His Gospel I am joined to (Levi) Him in love. His reward
(Issachar) is with Him and His name is exalted (Zebulun) I have been added in YHVH (Joseph) to the
book of life, by the Son of G-d’s right hand (Benjamin).
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from
every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
The phrase, “After this” is an indication to the reader that the emphasis has shifted and a new part
of the vision is being presented. Meaning that what we are now about to read takes place after the
events of Revelation 7:1-8 at some undetermined point in the future.
The description of the multitude is different from that of the sealed 144,000. This is
because it’s a description of the Church (Ecclesia) as a whole, “from every nation, tribe (Israel),
people and language,” People who belong to G-d through Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.
This multitude is seen at a future time after the great tribulation. This means that the multitude is
the unity of both Jewish and Gentile believers pictured before the throne at a later date. This
multitude is not the 144,000.
They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
The white robes, as before, represent the righteous actions of the set apart ones and the purity
Purchased for them by the blood of the Lamb of G-d who takes away the sin of the world.
The palm branches are waved before the L-rd on the first day of Sukkot along with leafy trees, citrus
and willows. This is known as a lulav (Date tree frond: Lev. 23:40) and symbolizes thankfulness to
G-d for His abundant provision. This practice also anticipates the coming of HaShem’s Shekinah glory
and the dwelling of His presence within the Sukkot (booths) of Israel, along with the Ushpizin
(Angelic guests).
The palm is also a sign of triumph and coronation for the Kings of the East. It was used to welcome
victorious kings and their armies into the capital cities of their kingdoms. Yochanan’s Gospel records
a similar practice being applied to Yeshua’s entry into Jerusalem.
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hoshanah (Save us now)! Blessed is he who comes in the name of HaShem! Blessed is the king of Israel (ethnic)!’” –John 12:13
The righteous themselves are said to be like palm trees:
“The righteous one will flourish like the palm tree,
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” –Tehilim/Psalm 92:12
The multitude is celebrating Yeshua’s victory over sin and death and waving the offering of the
abundant overflow of their faith in Him.
10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
Their praise is heard throughout heaven and earth.
“Salvation (Yeshua) belongs to our G-d,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
This should be understood in a similar way to the text of Psalm 98:2:
“His right hand and His mighty arm have brought forth for Him salvation/victory (Yeshua)”
Salvation has been purchased by HaShem through His own blood, which is G-d with us as the Lamb Yeshua. Therefore praise is due to The Father and The Son.
11 All the messengers (angelic beings) were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped G-d,
This is a description of all the heavenly host, every order of angelic being from greatest to least and the heavenly priesthood who serve before the throne, bowing down to G-d’s absolute sovereignty over all things. They worship in complete humility.
12 saying:
“Amen!
The first thing these mighty ones say is, “We agree (Amen) with all that the multitude of believers have said.”
Praise (1) and glory (2) (k’vod)
and wisdom (3) and thanks (4) and honour (5)
and power (6) and strength (7)
be to our G-d for ever and ever.
Amen!”
These are seven words of praise to reflect the attributes of G-d and His eternal nature, followed by a rhetorical “Amen?” spoken to the multitude, seeking their affirmation.
13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
It seems that even in visions of the heavenly court there is good old fashioned Hebrew debate. This delightful rhetoric between the elder and Yochanan is akin to listening to a Rabbi and his student.
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
This, “Great Affliction” is not an allusion to the persecution of believers throughout the centuries, rather it is a specific great trial that is to come upon the world in the future (that is Yochanan’s future).
We can take comfort however in the words of the Scriptures as they apply to all who follow Messiah unto the glory of G-d:
“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” –Daniel 12:1
“For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equalled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” –Matthew 24:21-22
They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The multitude have endured persecution, however, there robes are not made white by their deeds, to the contrary, they are made white by being washed in the blood of the lamb. Right action is born of Messiah’s work.
It is important however, to note that they (the multitude) washed their robes, meaning that Messiah offered His cleansing blood but every believer must receive and appropriate the salvation of G-d. We are not saved by inaction. Messiah offers us the gift of His saving sacrifice but we must unwrap it.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says HaShem.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 1:18
15 Therefore,
Because those in the multitude have, “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
“They are before the throne of G-d
and serve Him day and night in His temple (Mishkan/Tabernacle);
and He who sits on the throne
will dwell among them (Mishkan) with his Shekinah presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat. Isaiah 49:10
This will take place after the resurrection when the Heavenly Temple and the New Jerusalem come down from the heavens and G-d dwells (tabernacles) with His people (Jew and Gentile). This is a depiction of a type of eternal Sukkot (Feast of Booths). There are two clues in the text that indicate the future chronology intended. First, the multitude are those who have survived the great tribulation, some of whom have passed away. While in Sheol in Abraham’s bosom those who have passed away in Messiah are within time and are not above in the heavens (Specifically the third heaven), therefore they are not yet located in the heavenly Temple. Second, The Scripture speaks of a time when G-d will dwell (Tabernacle/Mishkan) among them with His Shekinah (feminine light presence). This will not happen until the very end of days following the final judgement. This is affirmed in Revelation 21:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! G-d’s dwelling (Tabernacle/Mishkan) place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and G-d himself will be with them and be their G-d. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” –Revelation 21:3-4
Therefore the present passage must be understood as corresponding chronologically to the text of Revelation 21. This is further reinforced by the fact that Revelation 7 is a type of intermission between the opening of the sixth seal at the end of Revelation 6 and the opening of the seventh seal in the beginning of Revelation 8. This is a literary tool that builds almost to completion and then is left open to await its conclusion in the latter chapters.
7 For the Lamb at the centre of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘He will lead them to springs of living water.’ Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 2:13; Ezekiel 34:23
‘And G-d will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Isaiah 25:8 (Rev. 21:3-4)
“He (G-d) will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign HaShem will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
He will remove His people’s (ethnic Israel’s) disgrace
from all the earth.
HaShem has spoken.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 25:8
“And the ransomed of HaShem will return
And come with singing unto Zion,
With everlasting joy upon their heads.
They will find gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.” Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 35:10
The Lamb is seated at the centre of the throne because He is echad, G-d is One. Yeshua is G-d with us.
From ancient times G-d has called Himself the shepherd of ethnic Israel. This vision testifies to a future day when the ultimate fulfilment of G-ds role as shepherd over all His people (Jew and Gentile) will be seen.
“HaShem is my shepherd, I shall want for nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters,
3 He refreshes my entire being.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod (discipline/protection)and your staff (guidance),
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil (Holy Spirit);
my cup overflows (Kiddush cup).
6 Surely your goodness and merciful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell (tabernacle/live in a sukkah) in the house (New Jerusalem) of HaShem
forever.” –Tehilim/Psalm 23
© Alastair Brown 2015
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