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Revelation 14:1
Verse
Context
The Lamb and the 144,000
1Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.2And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps.
Sermons
Derek Prince
Zac Poonen
Chuck Smith
Willie MullanZac Poonen
Hans R. Waldvogel
Rolfe BarnardSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A Lamb stood on the mount Sion - This represents Jesus Christ in his sacrificial office; mount Sion was a type of the Christian Church. And with him a hundred forty and four thousand - Representing those who were converted to Christianity from among the Jews. See Rev 7:4. His Father's name written in their foreheads - They were professedly, openly, and practically, the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. Different sects of idolaters have the peculiar mark of their god on their foreheads. This is practised in the east to the present day, and the mark is called the sectarial mark. Between eighty and ninety different figures are found on the foreheads of different Hindoo deities and their followers. Almost every MS. of importance, as well as most of the versions and many of the fathers, read this clause thus: Having His Name and his Father's name written upon their foreheads. This is undoubtedly the true reading, and is properly received by Griesbach into the text.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb,.... The Alexandrian copy, and some others, read "the Lamb"; the same that had been seen before in, the midst of the throne, Rev 5:6; and all the Oriental versions have the same article also; the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for mention is made of his Father in a following clause; the King of Zion, where he is seen standing, and the Redeemer of his people, who are at large described; it is the same Lamb who is so often spoken of in this book before: in the two preceding chapters an account is given of the state of the church, as oppressed under Rome Pagan, and Rome Papal, and here of its more glorious and victorious condition, with Christ at the head of it; in the last chapter antichrist is described, with his followers and worshippers, and as exercising tyranny and cruelty upon the saints, and here Christ and his followers are represented in vision, and some hints given of the fall of Babylon, and of the wrath of God upon the worshippers of the beast, and of the happiness of those who belong to the Lamb: and of him it is here said, that he stood on the Mount Zion; by which is meant not heaven, but the church on earth; why that is called Mount Zion; see Gill on Heb 12:22; here Christ the Lamb stood, as presiding over it, being King of Zion, or the church; where he stood and fed, or ruled, in the name of the Lord, and in the majesty of his God; and where he appeared in the defence of his church and people, oppressed by antichrist; for he is Michael that standeth for the children of his people, and who stands with courage, and in the greatness of his strength, and is invincible; nor does he stand here alone: and with him an hundred forty and four thousand; the same with those in Rev 7:3, though all the world wondered after the beast, and all that dwelt upon the earth worshipped him, yet there was a number preserved that did not bow the knee to him; a remnant according to the election of grace, who were called out of the world, and brought to Zion, and were on the side of the Lamb, and abode by him, and cleaved unto him: having his Father's name written in their foreheads; not baptism, administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, as some think; nor eternal election, as others, though as their names were written in the Lamb's book of life, so this was manifest to themselves and others, as if his name and his Father's had been written in their foreheads; but rather adoption, the new name of a child of God, they having the spirit of adoption, whereby they cried, "Abba", Father, and being openly and manifestly the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus; unless it should be thought there is an allusion to the inscription in the mitre on the forehead of the high priest, "holiness to the Lord", and so be expressive of that visible holiness which will be on the saints in the spiritual reign of Christ, which this vision respects; see Zac 14:20; or to the frontlets between the eyes of the people of Israel, to put them in mind of the law, and their obedience to it, Deu 6:8; and so may here denote the engagements of those saints in the service of God; though perhaps no more is intended than their open and hearty profession of their faith, and that they were not ashamed of appearing in the cause of God and truth; nor of Christ and his words, his Gospel and ordinances: the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read, "having his name, (the Lamb's,) and his Father's name written in their foreheads"; and the Ethiopic version adds, "and of his Holy Spirit". Mr. Daubuz thinks this vision refers to the times of Constantine, and to the Christians then, and particularly the council of Nice, and as contemporary with that in Rev 7:9.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have one of the most pleasing sights that can be viewed in this world - the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants. Here observe, 1. How Christ appears: as a Lamb standing upon mount Zion. Mount Zion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church and in the midst of her in all her troubles, and therefore she is not consumed. It is his presence that secures her perseverance; he appears as a Lamb, a true Lamb, the Lamb of God. A counterfeit lamb is mentioned as rising out of the earth in the last chapter, which was really a dragon; here Christ appears as the true paschal Lamb, to show that his mediatorial government is the fruit of his sufferings, and the cause of his people's safety and fidelity. 2. How his people appear: very honourably. (1.) As to the numbers, they are many, even all who are sealed; not one of them lost in all the tribulations through which they have gone. (2.) Their distinguishing badge: they had the name of God written in their foreheads; they made a bold and open profession of their faith in God and Christ, and, this being followed by suitable actings, they are known and approved. (3.) Their congratulations and songs of praise, which were peculiar to the redeemed (Rev 14:3); their praises were loud as thunder, or as the voice of many waters; they were melodious, as of harpers; they were heavenly, before the throne of God. The song was new, suited to the new covenant, and unto that new and gracious dispensation of Providence under which they now were; and their song was a secret to others, strangers intermeddled not with their joy; others might repeat the words of the song, but they were strangers to the true sense and spirit of it. (4.) Their character and description. [1.] They are described by their chastity and purity: They are virgins. They had not defiled themselves either with corporal or spiritual adultery; they had kept themselves clean from the abominations of the antichristian generation. [2.] By their loyalty and stedfast adherence to Christ: They follow the Lamb withersoever he goes; they follow the conduct of his word, Spirit, and providence, leaving it to him to lead them into what duties and difficulties he pleases. [3.] By their former designation to this honour: These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits to God, and to the Lamb, Rev 14:4. Here is plain evidence of a special redemption: They were redeemed from among men. Some of the children of men are, by redeeming mercy, distinguished from others: They were the first-fruits to God, and to the Lamb, his choice ones, eminent in every grace, and the earnest of many more who should be followers of them, as they were of Christ. [4.] By their universal integrity and conscientiousness: There was no guile found in them, and they were without fault before the throne of God. They were without any prevailing guile, any allowed fault; their hearts were right with God, and, as for their human infirmities, they were freely pardoned in Christ. This is the happy remnant who attend upon the Lord Jesus as their head and Lord; he is glorified in them, and they are glorified in him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:1-5 The true Lamb and his followers starkly contrast with the evil trinity. 14:1 standing: See 5:6; study note on 12:18. • 144,000: God’s righteous remnant (see study note on 7:4-8). • The brand on their foreheads (contrast 13:16-17) is the name of both the Lamb and his Father, reflecting the union of Jesus and the Father (see John 5:20-23; 14:5-10; 17:22).
Revelation 14:1
The Lamb and the 144,000
1Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.2And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Glimpses of the Future - Part 2
By Derek Prince2.8K28:24JER 30:3MAT 24:21REV 7:14REV 14:1REV 14:6
This sermon delves into the prophecies of Jeremiah, Matthew, and Revelation, focusing on the return of the Jewish people to Israel, the unique period of tribulation known as Jacob's trouble, and the significance of the 144,000 sealed servants of God. It emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical prophecy, the role of the Jewish people in God's plan, and the distinction between the true Messiah and the false Messiah in the end times.
Few Find the Way to Life
By Zac Poonen2.1K57:22Narrow WayMAT 7:13MAT 24:35MRK 8:38HEB 12:14REV 3:5REV 7:14REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving and putting total attention into following the words of Jesus. He criticizes the current state of preaching, stating that many preachers do not emphasize the need to strive for salvation. The preacher highlights the significance of our daily decisions, comparing them to sowing seeds in a vineyard. He warns against making careless decisions like Esau, who traded his birthright for a single meal. The sermon encourages listeners to be mindful of their choices and to seek fellowship with humble believers.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 13-15
By Chuck Smith2.0K1:26:30Through The BibleEXO 15:1MAT 23:37JHN 14:9REV 7:3REV 14:1REV 15:3REV 16:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the final judgments of God and the coming of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that mankind has reached the peak of rebellion against God, and it is now time for God's final judgments to be executed. The preacher mentions an angel with a sharp sickle who gathers the vine of the earth and casts it into the wine press of God's wrath. He also mentions a lost satellite that was supposed to carry the everlasting gospel, highlighting the importance of spreading the message of salvation. The sermon concludes with a prayer of gratitude for Jesus' redemptive work and a call to hide God's word in our hearts.
(Revelation) Visions and Voices Part 1
By Willie Mullan1.9K57:38VisionsREV 7:1REV 14:1REV 14:7REV 14:13REV 14:15In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the first five verses of Revelation chapter 7. He mentions a previous chapter, chapter 7, which describes the four angels holding back the winds of the earth. Another angel with the seal of the living God tells the four angels not to harm the earth, sea, or trees until the servants of God are sealed. The preacher then introduces the vision of the triumphant remnant, the 144,000, who have endured the three-and-a-half years of tribulation and are now on Mount Zion with the Lord. He emphasizes their spiritual records, highlighting their lack of deceit and fault before the throne of God. The preacher concludes by mentioning a hymn that speaks of God's ability to deliver and promises to delve deeper into the topic in the next sermon.
(Revelation) Revelation 14:13-16:18
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:00:43MAT 19:6JHN 14:151JN 2:181JN 5:3REV 3:21REV 14:1REV 14:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of both faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the commandments as essential marks of a New Testament saint. He emphasizes that these two aspects should not be separated, as God has joined them together. The preacher also mentions the concept of overcomers, who are those who have wholeheartedly followed the Lord and overcome the spirit of the Antichrist throughout church history. Finally, the sermon highlights the need for the perseverance of the saints, as mentioned in Revelation 14:12.
Jesus Is Seeking Overcomers
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K23:34OvercomersISA 1:18ACT 2:17JAS 1:26REV 13:5REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of loving God. He highlights how people who engage in sinful behavior and worship false gods are blinded by the devil. The preacher also discusses the need to guard one's heart and mouth, as idle words and complaints show a lack of love for God. He compares the carefulness of a bride preparing for her wedding to the carelessness of believers towards their spiritual garments. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which brings believers out of darkness, death, and sin into righteousness and freedom.
The Gospel in the Days of Anti-Christ
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K58:20MAT 6:33TIT 2:14REV 13:7REV 13:16REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a woman who passed away but was incredibly happy in heaven. He then goes on to talk about Jesus and all the titles and roles He holds, emphasizing that He is the Savior of sinners and a friend to the friendless. The preacher encourages the audience to bow down to Jesus and sings a chorus as a farewell. He also discusses the importance of taking the battle to the enemy and not just defending ourselves. The sermon concludes with a warning about the judgment we will face based on the light and opportunities we had in life. The preacher criticizes the popular perception of God as a milk cow and emphasizes the need to fear God and give Him glory. He mentions a seer who claims to have seen the antichrist.
The Pure Heart #5
By Milton Green9611:01:05ISA 29:13MAT 13:11REV 14:1REV 17:5REV 18:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, turning away from idols and sins, and seeking God with a pure heart. It warns against following false teachings and doctrines of demons, highlighting the need to cleanse oneself from all rebellion and defilement. The message calls for a return to God, following His word, and being marked with His name on the forehead as a sign of purity and allegiance.
The Hour of His Judgement Is Come
By Bakht Singh8801:34:51JudgementREV 3:12REV 7:4REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 14:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first five verses of the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the vision given to John and its relevance to believers. The speaker discusses the concept of judgment and how it is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. He also highlights three key details about the company mentioned in the verses: they are in the clouds, they have the name of the Lamb, and they follow the Lamb wherever he goes. The speaker encourages believers to strive for purity and maintain their original love and devotion to Christ.
The Lamb of God and the Overcomers
By Stephen Kaung83954:19REV 14:1This sermon delves into Revelation chapter 14, focusing on the vision of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000, symbolizing the overcomers who are blameless and follow the Lamb wherever He goes. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually pure, confessing the name of the Lord, and being prepared as the link for Christ's return, highlighting the significance of experiencing God's grace and living a life of testimony.
Consider the Overcomer
By Stephen Kaung8291:14:15REV 14:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the imminent return of the Lord, focusing on the need to be overcomers who are prepared to meet Him. It highlights the significance of living a life dedicated to Christ, being faithful, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us. The message stresses the urgency of repentance, consecration, and being filled with Christ, as well as the call to overcome self-centeredness and the works of the enemy.
The Overcomers at End Days
By Stephen Kaung62254:18REV 14:1
This sermon from Revelation chapter 14 focuses on the call to be overcomers in the last days, emphasizing the need to overcome ourselves and follow the Lamb wherever He goes. It highlights the importance of being chaste before God, following the example of the 144,000 who are blameless and have the names of the Father and the Son written on their foreheads. The sermon urges believers to be ready for the imminent return of the Lord and to treasure the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.
The Bride Standing With the Lamb
By Zac Poonen53429:23MAT 10:32JHN 1:47ROM 8:29EPH 2:8REV 7:9REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 19:7
The sermon delves into the symbolism of the 144,000 in the book of Revelation, contrasting them with the great multitude. It emphasizes the importance of being cleansed by the blood of Christ and having the name of the Father and Jesus on their foreheads. The sermon highlights the significance of living a life without lies or hypocrisy, following the Lamb wholeheartedly, and being prepared as the bride of Christ through righteous actions.
The Requirements for an Overcomer
By Jerry Aman4181:09:01OvercomingREV 14:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and being responsible in serving God. He uses the example of three young girls who stay behind to help reset chairs and tables after a gathering, highlighting their testimony of dedication. The speaker also mentions the story of David, who despite his failures, remained faithful and had a deep desire to build a house for God. The sermon encourages parents and grandparents to prioritize spending time with God and building a relationship with Him, rather than just focusing on performance and outward actions.
Leadership and Ministry Training #3
By Stephen Kaung25256:58REV 2:7REV 3:21REV 12:5REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 15:2REV 19:7REV 21:2REV 22:14
This sermon from Revelation chapter 14 emphasizes the call to overcome, highlighting the importance of being overcomers in Christ. It discusses the vision of the Lamb and the 144,000, the significance of following the Lamb wherever He goes, and the need for believers to be prepared for Christ's imminent return. The message stresses the urgency of surrendering to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and being clothed with Christ's righteousness and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to be prepared as the bride of the Lamb for eternity.
September 24. 1678. the Passover.
By Jane Lead0EXO 12:111CO 5:7REV 3:7REV 14:1REV 20:6Jane Lead preaches about the significance of Redemption and the process of yielding to God's will, emphasizing the need to remove any impurity from our lives as the Lord's Passover approaches. Believers are called to partake in the Passover of the Philadelphian Church, symbolizing liberation from captivity and bondage to serve God. Through faith and divine revelation, believers are encouraged to embrace a new spiritual state that leads to vivification and the celebration of the great Triumphant Passover.
Jesus Condemns the Scribes and Pharisees
By John F. Walvoord0DEU 30:1EZK 36:26MAT 23:3ROM 11:25REV 14:1John F. Walvoord delivers a sermon on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, where Jesus warns about their false teachings and outward righteousness while lacking true holiness and mercy. Jesus pronounces seven woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their blocking of others from the kingdom of God, their greed, trickery, hypocrisy, and persecution of prophets. Despite the severe judgment pronounced, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing God's desire for their salvation and the future hope of a generation turning back to the Lord. The sermon concludes with a message of restoration and revival for Israel, as prophesied in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Mark of Deliverance
By Edward Payson0PRO 24:11EZK 9:4MAT 25:401CO 10:112CO 7:10JAS 4:171PE 4:171JN 3:17REV 7:3REV 14:1Edward Payson preaches about the importance of being suitably affected by the sins of our fellow creatures, drawing from Ezekiel's vision of God setting a mark of deliverance on those who mourn for abominations. He emphasizes the need to mourn for sin more than its consequences, to actively work towards reformation by example, exertion, and prayer, and to be deeply affected by personal sins. Payson highlights that God sets a mark of deliverance on those who are genuinely affected by sin, showcasing justice, holiness, and faithfulness. He encourages the congregation to examine their hearts and actions to see if they bear the mark of deliverance.
God's Blessing or God's Approval
By Zac Poonen0MAT 5:45MAT 6:24LUK 11:1ROM 12:2ROM 15:32CO 5:15HEB 11:5REV 7:9REV 14:1Zac Poonen preaches about the two types of believers - those who seek only God's blessing and those who seek God's approval. He highlights the importance of seeking God's approval, which involves living a life centered on pleasing God rather than just receiving material blessings. Poonen emphasizes the need to mature spiritually by renewing our minds to focus on what God desires from us, rather than what we can gain from Him. True spirituality, according to Poonen, is about living a sacrificial, God-centered life like Jesus and the apostles did, seeking God's approval above all else.
The Company on Mount Zion
By T. Austin-Sparks0PHP 3:10HEB 12:22REV 3:12REV 14:1REV 14:3T. Austin-Sparks delves into Revelation 14:1-5, emphasizing the significance of the Lamb and the 144,000 who follow Him wherever He goes. He addresses the controversy surrounding the phrase 'firstfruits' and the importance of understanding its true meaning. Sparks highlights the exclusive fellowship with Christ as the Lamb that this unique company shares, marked by their utter devotion and capacity for suffering. These overcomers are described as a virgin people, symbolizing their purity and separation from the world's spiritual system. Their deep suffering leads to a profound understanding of God's love and a unique song of worship before the throne.
"Who Shall Ascend?"
By T. Austin-Sparks0JOB 42:6PSA 22:6PSA 24:3EPH 1:20PHP 3:13HEB 13:201PE 5:4REV 14:1T. Austin-Sparks delves into the profound question posed in Psalms 24:3 about who can ascend to the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place, providing an answer from Revelation 14:1-5 where the Lamb stands on mount Zion with a select group of 144,000. The sermon emphasizes the journey from the Cross to the glory, portraying the Lamb's victory and the company's complete oneness with Him. It highlights the end goal of God to have a company fully united with His Son, reflecting His nature and character, and serving a significant vocation in the ages to come.
Jesus Is Seeking Overcomers (Revelation 14:1-5)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0OvercomingPurity of HeartJHN 14:23JAS 1:26JAS 3:61JN 3:3REV 14:1Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes that Jesus is actively seeking overcomers who will follow Him instead of the beast, highlighting the importance of purity in speech and heart. He contrasts the mark of the beast, represented by an unholy tongue, with the Father's name written on the foreheads of the faithful. Waldvogel calls for believers to guard their hearts and tongues, as true religion is not merely about outward appearances but about Christlikeness and purity. He reassures that the Lamb of God is pursuing each individual, desiring a deep, transformative relationship that leads to holiness. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to open their hearts to Jesus, allowing Him to reign supreme in their lives.
Rev. 21:10. the Holy City
By Horatius Bonar0The Blood of ChristHeavenly JerusalemHEB 9:23REV 5:6REV 7:16REV 14:1REV 18:10REV 21:10Horatius Bonar preaches about the Holy City, the heavenly Jerusalem, emphasizing its divine origin and the necessity of the blood of the Lamb for its purification and the protection of its inhabitants. He describes the city as great, well-built, well-lighted, well-watered, well-provisioned, well-guarded, well-governed, well-peopled, holy, glorious, and blessed, highlighting that it is a place of eternal peace and joy for the redeemed. Bonar urges listeners to value the precious blood of Christ that grants access to this city and encourages them to seek citizenship in this glorious place through faith in Jesus.
Day 245, Revelation 7
By David Servant0EPH 2:71TH 5:9REV 7:3REV 14:1REV 22:4David Servant delves into the intricate details of the seventh-chapter interlude in the 'seal judgments' in Revelation, exploring the significance of the mark on the foreheads of the 144,000 bond-servants of God, possibly representing all believers marked with the names of the Lamb and His Father. He raises thought-provoking questions about the lineage of the 144,000 and the timing of events such as the rapture and the torment of non-believers during the tribulation. Despite the uncertainties and mysteries surrounding these prophecies, believers are assured that they are not destined for God's wrath but for eternal blessings and grace in Christ Jesus.
(Gaining God's Approval) 10. the Company of God's Approved Ones
By Zac Poonen0MAT 10:371JN 2:6REV 3:18REV 7:9REV 14:1REV 19:7Zac Poonen preaches about the small company of disciples in Revelation 14 who followed the Lord wholeheartedly and stood as overcomers in the final day, contrasting them with the vast multitude in Revelation 7. This remnant of 144,000, whether literal or symbolic, was true and faithful to God, obtaining His approval and being declared blameless. They are God's first fruits and the bride of Christ, showing the worth of being faithful in all things. Poonen emphasizes the importance of seeking God's approval over earthly gain and honor, highlighting the eternal loss for those who prioritize anything above the Lord.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A Lamb stood on the mount Sion - This represents Jesus Christ in his sacrificial office; mount Sion was a type of the Christian Church. And with him a hundred forty and four thousand - Representing those who were converted to Christianity from among the Jews. See Rev 7:4. His Father's name written in their foreheads - They were professedly, openly, and practically, the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. Different sects of idolaters have the peculiar mark of their god on their foreheads. This is practised in the east to the present day, and the mark is called the sectarial mark. Between eighty and ninety different figures are found on the foreheads of different Hindoo deities and their followers. Almost every MS. of importance, as well as most of the versions and many of the fathers, read this clause thus: Having His Name and his Father's name written upon their foreheads. This is undoubtedly the true reading, and is properly received by Griesbach into the text.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb,.... The Alexandrian copy, and some others, read "the Lamb"; the same that had been seen before in, the midst of the throne, Rev 5:6; and all the Oriental versions have the same article also; the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for mention is made of his Father in a following clause; the King of Zion, where he is seen standing, and the Redeemer of his people, who are at large described; it is the same Lamb who is so often spoken of in this book before: in the two preceding chapters an account is given of the state of the church, as oppressed under Rome Pagan, and Rome Papal, and here of its more glorious and victorious condition, with Christ at the head of it; in the last chapter antichrist is described, with his followers and worshippers, and as exercising tyranny and cruelty upon the saints, and here Christ and his followers are represented in vision, and some hints given of the fall of Babylon, and of the wrath of God upon the worshippers of the beast, and of the happiness of those who belong to the Lamb: and of him it is here said, that he stood on the Mount Zion; by which is meant not heaven, but the church on earth; why that is called Mount Zion; see Gill on Heb 12:22; here Christ the Lamb stood, as presiding over it, being King of Zion, or the church; where he stood and fed, or ruled, in the name of the Lord, and in the majesty of his God; and where he appeared in the defence of his church and people, oppressed by antichrist; for he is Michael that standeth for the children of his people, and who stands with courage, and in the greatness of his strength, and is invincible; nor does he stand here alone: and with him an hundred forty and four thousand; the same with those in Rev 7:3, though all the world wondered after the beast, and all that dwelt upon the earth worshipped him, yet there was a number preserved that did not bow the knee to him; a remnant according to the election of grace, who were called out of the world, and brought to Zion, and were on the side of the Lamb, and abode by him, and cleaved unto him: having his Father's name written in their foreheads; not baptism, administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, as some think; nor eternal election, as others, though as their names were written in the Lamb's book of life, so this was manifest to themselves and others, as if his name and his Father's had been written in their foreheads; but rather adoption, the new name of a child of God, they having the spirit of adoption, whereby they cried, "Abba", Father, and being openly and manifestly the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus; unless it should be thought there is an allusion to the inscription in the mitre on the forehead of the high priest, "holiness to the Lord", and so be expressive of that visible holiness which will be on the saints in the spiritual reign of Christ, which this vision respects; see Zac 14:20; or to the frontlets between the eyes of the people of Israel, to put them in mind of the law, and their obedience to it, Deu 6:8; and so may here denote the engagements of those saints in the service of God; though perhaps no more is intended than their open and hearty profession of their faith, and that they were not ashamed of appearing in the cause of God and truth; nor of Christ and his words, his Gospel and ordinances: the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read, "having his name, (the Lamb's,) and his Father's name written in their foreheads"; and the Ethiopic version adds, "and of his Holy Spirit". Mr. Daubuz thinks this vision refers to the times of Constantine, and to the Christians then, and particularly the council of Nice, and as contemporary with that in Rev 7:9.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have one of the most pleasing sights that can be viewed in this world - the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants. Here observe, 1. How Christ appears: as a Lamb standing upon mount Zion. Mount Zion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church and in the midst of her in all her troubles, and therefore she is not consumed. It is his presence that secures her perseverance; he appears as a Lamb, a true Lamb, the Lamb of God. A counterfeit lamb is mentioned as rising out of the earth in the last chapter, which was really a dragon; here Christ appears as the true paschal Lamb, to show that his mediatorial government is the fruit of his sufferings, and the cause of his people's safety and fidelity. 2. How his people appear: very honourably. (1.) As to the numbers, they are many, even all who are sealed; not one of them lost in all the tribulations through which they have gone. (2.) Their distinguishing badge: they had the name of God written in their foreheads; they made a bold and open profession of their faith in God and Christ, and, this being followed by suitable actings, they are known and approved. (3.) Their congratulations and songs of praise, which were peculiar to the redeemed (Rev 14:3); their praises were loud as thunder, or as the voice of many waters; they were melodious, as of harpers; they were heavenly, before the throne of God. The song was new, suited to the new covenant, and unto that new and gracious dispensation of Providence under which they now were; and their song was a secret to others, strangers intermeddled not with their joy; others might repeat the words of the song, but they were strangers to the true sense and spirit of it. (4.) Their character and description. [1.] They are described by their chastity and purity: They are virgins. They had not defiled themselves either with corporal or spiritual adultery; they had kept themselves clean from the abominations of the antichristian generation. [2.] By their loyalty and stedfast adherence to Christ: They follow the Lamb withersoever he goes; they follow the conduct of his word, Spirit, and providence, leaving it to him to lead them into what duties and difficulties he pleases. [3.] By their former designation to this honour: These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits to God, and to the Lamb, Rev 14:4. Here is plain evidence of a special redemption: They were redeemed from among men. Some of the children of men are, by redeeming mercy, distinguished from others: They were the first-fruits to God, and to the Lamb, his choice ones, eminent in every grace, and the earnest of many more who should be followers of them, as they were of Christ. [4.] By their universal integrity and conscientiousness: There was no guile found in them, and they were without fault before the throne of God. They were without any prevailing guile, any allowed fault; their hearts were right with God, and, as for their human infirmities, they were freely pardoned in Christ. This is the happy remnant who attend upon the Lord Jesus as their head and Lord; he is glorified in them, and they are glorified in him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:1-5 The true Lamb and his followers starkly contrast with the evil trinity. 14:1 standing: See 5:6; study note on 12:18. • 144,000: God’s righteous remnant (see study note on 7:4-8). • The brand on their foreheads (contrast 13:16-17) is the name of both the Lamb and his Father, reflecting the union of Jesus and the Father (see John 5:20-23; 14:5-10; 17:22).