Revelation 7

Revelation 7:1

D. The Saved in the Great Tribulation (Chap. 7) Chapter 7 comes between the sixth and seventh seals and introduces us to two important companies of believers. The chapter answers the question at the end of chapter 6, Who is able to stand? Those described in this chapter will stand in the sense that they will be spared to enter the Millennium with Christ. 7:1-4 The vision of four angels standing at the four corners of the earth and holding back the four winds means that a great storm is about to burst on the world. However, the angels are told to delay this terrible destruction until the servants of God have been sealed on their foreheads. Twelve thousand persons from each of the twelve tribes of Israel are then sealed.7:5-8 The 144,000 are clearly Jewish believers, not members of some 20th century Gentile cult. These Jewish saints are saved during the early part of the Tribulation. The seal on their foreheads brands them as belonging to God and guarantees that they will be preserved alive during the ensuing seven years. Two tribes are absent from the list: Ephraim and Dan. Perhaps they are omitted because they were leaders in idolatry. Some think that the Antichrist will come from Dan (Gen_49:17). The tribes of Joseph and Levi are included in the list, Joseph doubtless taking the place of his son, Ephraim. 7:9 The people described in this section are Gentiles from all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. They stand before the throne and before the Lamb with white robes (the righteous acts of the saints, Rev_19:8) and holding palm branches, which are a symbol of victory. 7:10 These are Gentiles who will be saved during the Great Tribulation by trusting the Lord Jesus. In their song they celebrate their salvation and attribute it to their God and to the Lamb. 7:11, 12 The angels … and the elders and the four living creatures join in worshiping God, although the subject of redemption is missing from their praise. As the hymnwriter said, Angels never felt the joy that our salvation brings. But they do chant His praises and pronounce Him worthy of seven distinct forms of honor. 7:13, 14 When one of the elders asked John who were these people in white and where did they come from, John confessed ignorance but a desire to know. Then the elder explained that they had come out of the great tribulation, and had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. When we stand face to face with an inexplicable mystery, writes F. B. Meyer, how comforting it is to be able to say in perfect faith, Thou know est.7:15 The elder went on to explain their present location and service. Bible students are not agreed as to whether this Gentile multitude is seen in heaven or on the millennial earth.

The blessings described are true of either place. If the Millennium is in view, then the throne of God and His temple refer to the temple which will be located in Jerusalem during the Kingdom Age (Ezek. 40-44). Notice the blessings that are described: Perfect nearness: Therefore they are before the throne of God. Perfect service: and serve Him day and night in His temple. Perfect fellowship: He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.7:16 Perfect satisfaction: They shall neither hunger nor thirst anymore; Perfect security: the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;7:17 Perfect guidance: for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to fountains of the waters of life (NKJV margin). Perfect joy: God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.