Tyndale Open Study NotesRevelation 7

The Lamb breaks the seven seals to reveal the significance of history from God’s point of view.

Three interludes occur in Revelation 6–14 (Revelation 7; 10:1–11:14; 12:1–14:20). These interludes explain the place of God’s holy people and help readers understand the scenes that came before them. In this first interlude, which appears before the seventh seal is opened, two visions show how God protects his people and confirms his calling on them.

• Do not … until: God commands the four angels to hold back the winds for a short time. They must not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until the servants of God receive his seal on their foreheads.

• The seal of the living God signifies belonging to God's family; God owns and protects his people (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13–14). In ancient times, sealing or tattooing showed ownership.

• The angel carrying the seal identified God's people, answering who would survive God's wrath (Revelation 6:17; see Ezekiel 9:3–8; John 17:14–15) and furthering the promise of protection (Revelation 3:10; see also 11:1–2).

The first vision in the interlude shows how God protects his faithful followers from any ultimate harm.

Who are the 144,000? This list of the tribes of Israel does not match the twelve physical tribes exactly. Instead, it shows that God knows exactly who belongs to him. By the 90s AD, Israel’s twelve tribes no longer existed. Ten tribes were scattered when Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 17:1–41).

The early Christian church saw itself symbolically as the Israel of God (Matthew 19:28; Romans 2:28–29; 9:6–8; Galatians 3:29; 6:16; Philippians 3:3). The 144,000 likely represent all faithful Christians (compare Revelation 14:1–5; 21:12–17).

The list starts with Judah, the royal tribe of Jesus, but replaces Dan with Manasseh, one of Joseph's two tribes. The tribe of Dan fell into idolatry (Judges 18:14–31; 1 Kings 12:25–30), and early Christians saw it as the symbol of evil.

The second vision in the interlude shows heaven filled with a crowd so large that no one can count it. They rejoice because they are safe in Christ, and all their tears and sorrows have ended.

• This large group of believers (Revelation 7:14) is too numerous to count, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:5; 17:4–5; Romans 4:16–24; Galatians 3:29).

• White robes (Revelation 6:11) and palm branches (John 12:13) are ancient symbols of victory and success. They add to the celebration that happens after God ends the hostile world.

In ancient times, victory parades celebrated conquerors with loud chants. The shout of Salvation means "victory" or "deliverance." It honors God's triumph and prepares readers for his rule.

The angels, elders, and four living beings all bowed before God. They responded together with a sevenfold doxology (complete praise) to honor God's eternal nature. The word Amen comes before and after the doxology, serving as a strong affirmation of God's victory.

• who have come out of: See Revelation 6:9; 20:4.

• the great tribulation: A period of terrible and distressing events (see Revelation 1:9; 2:9–10; Deuteronomy 4:30–31; Matthew 24:21–22; Acts 14:22).

• they have washed their robes … in the blood of the Lamb: This description is a symbol of Christ’s redeeming death for them.

• made them white: This phrase shows their victory over sin and death and their acceptance by God into eternal life.

• serve Him day and night: Serving God is a constant duty for Christians.

• God's temple represents his presence (also see Revelation 11:19; compare 21:22).

• For those living in deserts, water and shade from the sun feel like paradise (see also Revelation 21:6; 22:1, 17; Psalm 23:1–2; Ezekiel 47:1–12; John 7:37–38).

• in the center of the throne: The Lamb is closely connected with God.

• Christ’s role as the shepherd of God’s people (compare Psalm 23; Matthew 15:24; John 10:3, 11, 14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) means he protects and provides for the sheep, bringing hope and salvation to his people (see Ezekiel 34:11–16, 23–24).