Revelation 7

Summary

 

In summary, Revelation 7 provides a temporary pause in the sequence of seal judgments to introduce two visions: the sealing of the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel and the vast multitude from every nation who have come through the great tribulation and are now standing before God's throne in worship. These visions emphasize God's mercy, protection, and the ultimate redemption of a diverse and numerous group of believers.

 

1. The Sealing of the 144,000 (Revelation 7:1-8): Before the seventh seal is opened, John sees four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back destructive winds. Another angel, ascending from the east, commands them not to harm the earth until the servants of God are sealed. These servants are 144,000, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are marked on their foreheads, symbolizing God's protection during the impending judgment.
2. The Multitude from Every Nation (Revelation 7:9-17): After witnessing the sealing of the 144,000, John sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and the Lamb. They are dressed in white robes, holding palm branches and praising God and the Lamb. One of the elders explains to John that these individuals have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. They will be sheltered by God, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

 

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