1. The Lamb is
standing in Revelation 14:1. Who does the Lamb represent (Revelation
5:5-6)?
2. Mount Zion
spoken of here is located where, as also described by Paul in Hebrews 12:22 and
Galatians 4:26?
3. The 144,000
are identified as what ethnic group in Revelation 7:4?
The Father's name in the forehead seals the twelve tribes of Israel from the
torment and destruction of the plagues. As the mark of the beast that the
wicked receive in their foreheads is closely associated with Antichrist's name (Revelation
13:16-17), so too, the seal of the Father and Son is associated with the
Divine name.
The mark destroys, but the seal saves. In times past, the royal
seal signified both ownership and domain, and authenticity of the document when
affixed by the ruling king. The Ten Commandments hold a divine seal as found in
the fourth commandment, wherein is discovered both the name of King--"Lord"
Creator, and His domain--"earth, sea and all therein." In this sense the
Sabbath signifies the seal of the Divine decrees, and the 144,000 are keepers of
the Covenant commandments of God. However, this seal is more than a
conscientious observer of God’s commandments, which is of the heart. It is a
seal of glowing protection that will encircle the saint.
A
Hebrew servant could voluntarily decide to serve his master by declaring, "'I
love my master... and do not want to go free," then his master must take him
before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his
ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life,"
Exodus 21:5-6. This mark was a visible sign of his allegiance to his master,
just as the 144,000 receive the seal of God as the sign of allegiance and
voluntary service for the rest of their lives.
The 144,000 are sealed by ownership for divine protection, just as the blood of
the slain lamb was painted over the doorposts of Israel in Egypt so the death
angel would pass by. John saw that the righteous 144,000 will one day stand on
Mount Zion in the New Jerusalem, triumphant over the beast and his image,
eternally secure from any further conflict.
John hears harp players and their voices in Heaven. In chapter 15 John
identifies the musical players as the great multitude-- "those who had been
victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name," (v.
2).
5. However, the
prophet writes that only the 144,000 are able to learn this new song of melody
and with Messiah sing its words. Why?
No doubt John remembers the words of Psalms 149:1-3 that say, "Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise
in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing
and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in
His people; He crowns the humble with salvation."
The 144,000 will have just endured THE END--the 40 days of Jacob's trouble--a
time of Great Tribulation when the plagues are falling, terrible calamities
threaten to destroy them, food and shelter are scarce and the enemy is pursuing
them. Only Moses, Elijah and Jesus endured similar 40-day experiences without
food and shelter.
Just five days after the
Yom Kippur, the
Feast of Tabernacles is observed as the annual festival when Israel steps
out of the comfort of their familiar surroundings to stay in temporary huts (sukkah;
plural sukkot) which God commanded (Leviticus
23:34-44). Jewish scholars associate living in makeshift shelter as a
remembrance of the forty years the children of Israel wandered in the
wilderness living in tents on their way to the Promise Land.
The last generation, in turn, will be scattered into the wilderness of the earth
and from Yom Kippur until the end of time will endure hardship for
40 days--each day for a year (Numbers
14:33-34)--on their way to Mount Zion. See the
Appointed Times & Seasons Calendar #15.
6. Revelation 14:4-5
identifies the 144,000 as chosen males, not having been defiled with women, so
they are called what?
Virginity signifies purity. In contrast, fallen Jerusalem is identified as a
prostitute and the wicked involved with her sins as adulterers in Revelation 17:1,
18. Because of their purity, the 144,000 members of the twelve
tribes of Israel
will have the unique privilege of following the Lamb wherever He travels in the
kingdom to come. In contrast, the "great multitude" of all nations, who gave
their lives in service on earth, will serve God the Father "day and night in His
Temple," Revelation 7:9, 15.
Firstfruits focus on setting apart as holy to God the first of all
blessings. Israel was
set apart and consecrated in that they were the first to be led through the
wilderness to the promise land--Canaan. The firstborn and firstfruits were to
be set apart as holy unto God in the family and daily agricultural duties.
Christ was called the firstfruits of those who will be raised from the dead. In
this regard, the firstfruits indicate the first of a larger harvest, meaning the
holy harvest that will emerge at the end of the millennial delay at the general
resurrection.
The 144,000 have been "redeemed" and "purchased" by the blood of the Lamb.
Christ gave His life that He might surround Himself with faithful followers of
His own choosing who know the depth of His love. He will single out for Himself
only those who are found without lying tongues and with blameless hearts.
"The remnant of
Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies" or deceit. Only by the divine
help of Christ, are they saved. Jude 24 says, "To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to
present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy."
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