(Chapter 7)

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (Rev 7:1 - 3)

Here, we have a brief prophetic description of four angels; and what they are going to do . . . The first verse stating they were holding back the four winds - is symbolic and prophetic. It indicates the great harm and destruction they are going to accomplish. And they are commanded that it is not quite time to do this; and to wait for a group of individuals to be identified. If all wind on the Earth stopped - it would be very, very bad! No rain; no movement of atmosphere; no refreshment of a sea breeze; or movement of ‘fresh air’. All types of trees and plants would cease to live; and the atmosphere would become even worse. Tremendous harm and destruction would result . . .

And, these are not ‘good’ angels; patiently waiting on God to accomplish God’s will. No, these are fallen angles - who only wish to destroy mankind. In chapter Nine; we see a description of their release, and the subsequent results . . .

It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound dedemevnou" (to tie, bind, imprison) at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. (Rev 9:14 - 15)

So - we have these ‘four’ angels who only wish to kill and destroy. But they are told it is not quite time; and they must wait to harm man and the earth - until a seal is put on the foreheads of the servants of our God.

When a person becomes saved - they receive a seal from God. The Holy Spirit indwells them; and seals and proves that they have been born again - and are a new creation in Christ.

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. (Romans 4:11)

Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 9:2)

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:21 - 22)

. . . Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing . . . (Ephesians 1:13 - 14)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

However - this group of people (the twelve tribes of Israel) are already saved. They are believers. The command is to put a seal on the servants of our God. When a person is born again - he/she is automatically sealed to God. And this group of individuals are already saved and believe in Christ. Therefore - the seal which is being discussed - is not the seal of salvation. It is a seal for a different purpose.

Some might believe these are twelve tribes of Jews - who get saved just in the ‘nick of time’. Or are a small group of believers who become saved during the tribulation period - because of the ‘preaching’ of the two witnesses. (R11) Not so! We shall see shortly just who these are - but for now accept that they are saved, and are already believers - who are, and have been - sealed with the Holy Spirit!

In chapter seven, the seal being discussed - is not the redemption seal of salvation.

Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 9:2)

The above is an example of a seal of apostleship - but not of salvation. It is a seal indicating Authority.

Was Jesus sealed?? Did he need a seal from God - guaranteeing his salvation? The salvation He himself provides?? Speaking of Himself - Jesus stated:

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (John 6:27)

We see that the word seal - may be used in the context of servants of God - to indicate something other than salvation. It is the indicator of Paul’s authority as an apostle; and the seal is actually a group of believers whom he has poured his life into . . . And Jesus spoke of receiving a seal of approval from the Father.

So with regards to believers - the word seal - is not always used to indicate a person being saved - or as a guarantee. In the NT; there are three Greek words total - which may be translated in a form to indicate some type of seal.

katesfragismevnon ((pass.) to be sealed up) [Rev 5:1] {G2958}

sfragi'da (seal) [Ro 4:11; 1Co 9:2; 2Ti 2:19; Rev 5:1,2,5,9 /6:1,3,5,7,9,12 /7:2 /8:1 /9:4]  {G5382}

sfragivsante" (to seal, to put a mark on an object to show possession, authority, identity, or security) [Mt 27:66; Jn 3:33 /6:27; Ro 15:28; 2Co 1:22; Eph 1:13 /4:30; Rev 7:3,4,5 /10:4 /20:3 /22:10] {G5381}

These are translated as:

G2958: sealed

G5382: seal, seals, sealed with

G5381: sealed, seal up, set seal of ownership on, putting a seal on, put a seal, on placed seal of approval, marked with a seal, made sure that, certified, [and not translated into the English from the Greek - 2 times]

And demons recognize who is owned by and possessed by God. They recognize the Holy Spirit dwelling within a person. They do not need a special ‘marker’ on the forehead - to know whom God has purchased by His blood!

“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Matthew 8:29)

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune - telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” (Acts 16:16 - 17)

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon - possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all . . . (Acts 19:13 - 16)

Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. (Luke 4:41)

In (R9:4); harm is allowed on those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The emphasis is on those who are not saved. The emphasis is on unbelievers.

They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. (Rev 9:4)

In the above verse - the seal of God does directly relate to salvation, and to those who are standing firm in Christ. And harm is being directed at unbelievers . . .

Chapter seven opens up with the scriptures and God desiring to create a juxtaposition. God wishes to draw your attention and notice - to two different groups of believers. We count a group of believers or Jews; and then we immediately go to a group who cannot be counted . . . We call out one; and then the other . . . The twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude that no one could count! (R7:9) A comparison of believers. Why?? Why does God give us this juxtaposition? What is the purpose of the comparison?

FIRST OFF: All believers are sealed! But not necessarily sealed in the same way. Christ was obviously a man - who walked the earth. But he had a tremendous relationship with God. And Christ was God. Enoch sinned, but yet he had a tremendous relationship with God; so God took him. (Ge 5:24; Heb 11:5) Jesus spoke of positions of leadership and authority in Heaven. And Paul did as well. Salvation is not from works - it is totally from Faith; yet God honors our intimacy, trust, and obedience to Him.

I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1Corinthians 3:11 - 15)

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (James 2:17 - 20)

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. (Rev 3:2)

GOD rewards us for what we DO for him, and in Him. God rewards people per His standard. Not mine! Not yours!

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11 - 12)

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven . . . (Luke 6:23)

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does . . . (Ephesians 6:7 - 8) 

God wishes to create a juxtaposition and highlight two different groups of believers. God rewards us according to our faith and our actions and our intimacy with Him. We will now continue, and examine these two groups of believers . . .

“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (R7:3)

Not just believers in Christ. But servants of the most High. A servant or Slave to God. One who is absolutely committed to God and Jesus. An obedient slave obeys His master. These are dedicated slaves. The stated qualification in this verse - are those who are actual servants of our God.

GOD determines who these true servants are . . . Not me; not you; and not your pastor. GOD. God counts, and GOD declares . . . So how many are called out as servants of God in this passage?? Remember - God is creating a juxtaposition. The question is why? A group that can be counted; and one that cannot . . .

Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. (Rev 7:4)

One Hundred & Forty Four Thousand are sealed for a unique purpose and position. The next group, although saved - are not given this unique seal . . .

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (Rev 7:9)

These are obviously saved individuals . . . They come from EVERY nation on earth; every tribe (including Jews); and every language! They worship God, and are wearing white robes! So - who are they??

The question of WHO these people are - is extremely important! So important - it is ASKED in scripture! John is asked a question . . . The question is given to Highlight the juxtaposition which God deeply desires for you to realize the importance of . . .

A Question:

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?” (Rev 7:13)

I answered, “Sir, you know.” (R7:14)

This question was not given to highlight John’s ignorance, or to embarrass him. The question and the creation of this juxtaposition in scripture - is for our benefit and edification in Jesus Christ!

And the ANSWER:

. . . And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Rev 7:14)

So, the great multitude that could not be counted; they are Christians who experience the coming tribulation. A significant number of individuals. A huge amount. An absolutely HUGE amount of Christians from every people, tribe, nation, and language - who experience the tribulation. An amount so large - that it cannot be counted.

The majority of Christians will go thru, and experience the tribulation. The time of tremendous distress that the World has never before seen, and never will again, has arrived. The majority of Christians - will be right in the heart of this tremendous trouble, and have great difficulty.

. . . There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints . . . Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Rev 14:11 - 13)

Scripture has established that the majority of Christians will experience the great tribulation which is coming upon the whole world to test peiravsai (to test, tempt, to try to trap; to examine (oneself).) those who live on the face of the earth. (R3:10) What of the juxtaposition found in Chapter seven? Who are the One Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand?

Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. (Rev 7:4 - 8)

First - these are One Hundred & Forty Four Thousand - Jews - from all the tribes of Israel. So if you’re a believing Gentile - you are excluded. Right? Wrong!

If you are a believing (born again) Gentile - you ARE a JEW! I am a Jew. I’ve considered myself a Jew in every way that matters (God’s view and perspective), for a large number of years.

If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root . . . (Romans 11:17)

A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. (Romans 2:28 - 29)

See? If you’re a true believer in Christ - you are Jewish! Period! Now, I have heard a lot of people state: “Oh, that’s what you mean. Yeah, Ok, right. But, your not really a Jew . . .”

Plus, in today’s world; major hatred of the Jews is significantly increasing. Individuals all around in the United States, and elsewhere - who regularly attend a Christian church - are constantly stating: “What right do the Jews have to that land anyway? Why are we supporting them . . ? They should just let all of those Palestinians have what they want . . .” etc, etc, etc.

Lets just leave Revelation for a moment, and consider something else . . .

GOD chose the Jews. They did not deserve it. Just like I do not deserve salvation. But GOD chose the Jews. He did so - so that He could make an example of choosing a faithless, undeserving people - and how He would still LOVE them. ANY people or nation He chose - would have acted exactly the same way. But - He had to choose. So He did. He chose the Jews. (Abraham - who was NOT faithless.)

Now, because God chose the Jews, and then set His LOVE on them; Satan HATES the Jews. Satan HATES, and absolutely abhors the Jews - because GOD chose them, and LOVES them.

Now, Satan HATES the entire world. EVERY man, woman, and child. Satan HATES. Totally. Because we are made in God’s Image. So Satan HATES us. If you are a worshiper of Satan - He still HATES you. TOTALLY. He wants only to see you lose your inheritance, and spend ETERNITY - in absolute TORMENT. Satan HATES ALL of mankind, and wants us only to burn forever in Hell.

However, in all of this - Satan has even MORE Hatred for the Jews! Yes, even more. Total, dark black, HATRED for the Jews.

And REMEMBER this - if you are a Christian - if you are born again; if you are a New Creation in Christ - then YOU are a Jew. And Satan HATES all Jews!

Now, get this - Jesus was HATED by the world. Why? Because, He was a Jew, and - the Son of God. So, the world and Satan HATED him.

“You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! (Acts 13:10)

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are . . . (1John 3:10)

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning . . . (John 8:44)

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:18 - 19)

Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. (Luke 6:22)

All men will hate you because of me. (Luke 21:17)

Now, the World rejoices in itself. People dwell in iniquity, and rejoice in evil. Men carouse in darkness, and rejoice in evil. Because their Father is the devil. But - the devil or Satan - HATES them, and HATES us!

If you are born again; if you are a child of God - then the World HATES you, and Satan HATES you even more! Why do you think Christianity is the most persecuted religion on earth? Why are Jews the most persecuted people on earth? Because they both have been CHOSEN by God. If you are a believer in Christ - you are a JEW, and you should LOVE your natural Jewish brethren.

Of course - a true Christian - LOVES unconditionally, and LOVES even His enemies. Because a person who has an intimate relationship with God, wishes ALL people to have that same relationship . . .

My point with the above is that Christians are JEWS . . . and I am so ‘fed up’ with hearing all of these negative and vile remarks with regards to the Jewish people; being stated by various Christians (who ARE Jews) - who have absolutely no understanding of the total, and very real absolute spiritual battle they are in - whether they like it or not . . . (Of course, the remarks which I don’t appreciate - are just another of the numerous items which must and will happen - during the End Times . . . The REALITY - is that it is only going to get worse.)

Getting back to Revelation and chapter seven . . .

These are One Hundred & Forty Four Thousand - Jews - from all the tribes of Israel. And if you are a believer and follower of Christ - than you are a member of a tribe of Israel.

Second - this group is extremely SMALL, and is very countable. The world population is over 7 Billion; and this group barely hits even 0.002% of the population! Most cities throughout the world - have significantly more people - in just one city.

Third - this very small group of believers do not experience the great tribulation!

The juxtaposition which God created here in these verses - emphasized a very small group of believers; and a large, huge, uncountable group of believers - who DID come out of the great tribulation.

Fourth - the number herein given - is symbolic. This group of believers could actually number less; or could number more. The number given is symbolic. It is given for two purposes: to emphasize for the believer that this special group is very small; and to assist with the proper identification of just who these believers are . . .

This blessed group of believers center around the number Twelve. Twelve and multiples of it. Numbers have meaning in scripture . . . Seven is the number of fullness and completeness in God. We have seven days in a week; God rested on the seventh day; we have seven seals, seven lampstands, seven spirits of God, seven thunders, seven eyes of the Lamb, seven requests to listen to the Spirit of God . . . etc, etc.

Twelve is final or absolute total Completeness. Twelve includes the twelve apostles of the Lamb; twelve months in a year; twelve rulers; twelve stone pillars; twelve stones (Ephod); twelve loaves of bread; twelve gold dishes; twelve thousand horses; twelve bulls; twelve lions; a crown of twelve stars; twelve crops of fruit; the Bride of Christ has twelve gates and twelve angels . . .

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:53 - 54)

Various numbers do have meaning in scripture! [There is no doubt a proper sequence of numbers representing the creation order 7, the ritual 3, and the unique 1. Larger numbers such as 40, 80, 120, and 1,000 also are used with significance.] (The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Pradis CD-ROM:Articles/N/Number/II. OT Biblical numbers/E. Symbolic and mystical numbers., Book Version: 4.0.1)

Fifth - these believers who are called out of the twelve tribes of Israel - receive a special seal. We have seen that this is not a salvation seal . . . So what type of seal is it? This seal carries a couple of meanings. It is a seal of authority. And when a Bride is betrothed - she receives a seal of the betrothal. Commonly - this is in the form of a ring; and in some cultures could be a dowry. The marriage seal may take many forms, and may be anything which is agreed upon. And ages ago - was even described as such:

. . . “Let me find favor in your eyes, and I will give you whatever you ask. Make the price for the bride and the gift I am to bring as great as you like, and I’ll pay whatever you ask me. Only give me the girl as my wife.” Because their sister Dinah had been defiled, Jacob’s sons replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor. They said to them, “We can’t do such a thing; we can’t give our sister to a man who is not circumcised. That would be a disgrace to us. We will give our consent to you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males. (Genesis 34:11 - 15)

Who are the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel? This is the BRIDE of CHRIST! Hallelujah!

A husband protects his wife. He keeps her from harm.

. . . Jesus Christ laid down his life for us . . . (1John 3:16)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her . . . (Ephesians 5:25)

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. (R3:10)

Now the 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel - do not experience the great tribulation. That is fairly obvious from the juxtaposition which is described throughout chapter seven. We will now look at other scriptures in Revelation, to further reveal that these 144,000 (symbolic number) constitute the Bride of Christ.

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. (Rev 14:1 - 5)

What is the meaning of the phrase Mount Zion?? In English - the definition of the word Zion is Citadel. Per [The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1973); pg 245]; Citadel: A Fortress in a commanding position in or near a city. [2] Any Stronghold or fortified place; a bulwark. [3] The heavily plated central structure of a war vessel.

The Greek {G4994} word translated as Zion Siwvn (Zion, “{citadel}”) occurs precisely seven times in the New Testament. In the NT; this is also the ONLY word which may be translated as Zion. If you will recall; seven is the number of Fullness and Completeness in God.

Zion means Citadel. A Citadel is a Fortress or Stronghold.

. . . “The LORD is my rock {H6152}, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock {H7446}, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior - from violent men you save me. (2Samuel 22:2 - 3)

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalms 9:7 - 9)

The LORD is my rock {h6152}, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock {H7446}, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalms 18:2)

. . . The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1)

The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying, “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth . . . (Psalms 52:6 - 7)

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge . . . (Psalms 144:2)

The LORD will rule over them in Mount {H2215} Zion from that day and forever. As for you, O watchtower of the flock, O stronghold of the Daughter of Zion . . . (Micah 4:7 - 8)

The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. (Psalms 28:8)

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalms 46:10 - 11)

He alone is my rock {H7446} and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalms 62:2)

. . .you are my rock {H6152} and my fortress. (Psalms 71:3)

But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock {H7446} in whom I take refuge. (Psalms 94:22)

He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress . . . (Proverbs 14:26)

You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock {H7446}, your fortress . . . (Isaiah 17:10)

. . .“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil - this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain {H6152} fortress . . . (Isaiah 33:14 - 16)

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire . . . (Deuteronomy 4:24)

for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29)

From the above, it is easily seen that God is viewed as a Fortress and a Stronghold. Notice also - that God is also identified with being a Rock or a Mountain; and dwelling on the heights. The Hebrew words used in these verses for Rock and Mountain are the following:

[àil]sâ' {H6152} (rock, stone; rock formation: cliff, crag, by extension: stronghold, fortress; God as a “Rock” focuses on stability, faithfulness, and protection)

r™IWx {H7446} (rock, stone mass, rocky crag; a title of God, with a focus of stability, and possibly as a place of security and safety)

rh¢' {H2215} (hill, mountain, range (of hills, mountains); referring to low hills as well as high mountains)

Also, I find it interesting - that the very first instances of [àil]sâ' and r™IWx occurring in scripture; are directly foretelling Jesus as God and the Christ.

They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them . . . (1Corinthians 10:2 - 5)

“Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock {H6152} before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock {H6152} for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” (Numbers 20:8 [first instance])

I will stand there before you by the rock {H7446} at Horeb. Strike the rock,{H7446} and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. (Exodus 17:6 [first instance])

Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,” declares the LORD. “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water . . . (Jeremiah 2:12 - 13)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37 - 38)

God is identified as a Fortress and a Stronghold. God and Jesus are identified as a Rock. God dwells in the heights - on a Holy Mountain. And the word Zion indicates a citadel. The word Zion is also used to reference a Holy City - Jerusalem; and Mount Zion - one specific section of Jerusalem - the SE section. And the word Zion is used in the phrase daughter of Zion. And the daughter of Zion is specifically referenced as a Virgin . . .

[The SE hill of Jerusalem; poetically, the entire city.] (The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Pradis CD-ROM:Articles/Z/Zion, Book Version: 4.0.1)

Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David. (2Samuel 5:7)

. . . So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. (2Samuel 6:12)

“I, Jesus, have sent . . . I am the Root and the Offspring of David . . .” (Rev 22:16)

. . . ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you. The Daughter of Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee. (2Kings 19:21)

that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation. (Psalms 9:14)

This day they will halt at Nob; they will shake their fist (cursed the name of God (R16:9)) at the mount of the Daughter of Zion, at the hill of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 10:32)

Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of the land, from Sela, across the desert, to the mount of the Daughter of Zion. (Isaiah 16:1)

The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’ ” (Isaiah 62:11)

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. (Psalms 43:3)

Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. (Psalms 48:1 - 2)

He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. (Psalms 87:1 - 2)

Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. (Psalms 99:9)

And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 27:13)

This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.” (Zechariah 8:3)

Let us summarize ALL of the above scriptures. Zion is a Fortress (God) or Stronghold. God is also referenced as a Rock; who dwells on a Holy Mountain. The daughter of Zion is declared to be a virgin; and God states that He is a consuming fire, and who can dwell with Him in the Heights. It is stated that only the righteous - those who shut their eyes against even thinking about evil - will dwell with God in the Heights.

In various world cultures, we have the common phrases: “We are the children of God” & “I am a child of God.” The phrase which Jesus used to describe His relationship was: “Son of God”. That phrase is a term for the positional authority, divinity and equality with God - which Jesus held even as a man. With Zion, we see that we have a phrase which is used only with Zion. That is, the phrase: “Daughter of Zion”. And we now know that Zion is a reference to God; and Mount Zion is a reference to the dwelling place of God; and of God’s protective aspect towards those He loves.

We are discussing the twelve tribes of Israel; and in particular - the 144,000. I have stated that these constitute the Bride of Christ. God, is looking for a Bride or Wife for Himself - or for His Son; Jesus. Jesus refers to himself as the Son of God; and now we have the “Daughter of Zion” or in other words: The Daughter of God . . . or a BRIDE for the Lamb. (R21:9)

From the opening of chapter Seven; where the 144,000 are introduced - and a juxtaposition created - we next clearly see the same 144,000 at the beginning of chapter Fourteen. Now that we have reviewed the above scriptures . . .

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. (Rev 14:1 - 5)

A tremendous amount exists in those few opening verses of Chapter fourteen.

First - we see that the 144,000 are standing on Mount Zion (God) with the Lamb or Jesus.

Now scripture assigns various names to Jesus or the Christ. Just as scripture assigns various names to God, the Father. One of those names which is a reference to Jesus; and His sacrifice for us - is the Lamb. The Lamb of God. The Lamb shed his blood for us, and gave His life for us. (R1:5; R5:8,9)

Second - in this prophecy - every time it uses the word Wife, or Bride - this is ALWAYS in reference to the word Lamb or Jesus. The common phrase Bride of Christ is essentially the same as: Wife of the Lamb. It carries with it identical meanings. But the phrase Bride of Christ - does not exist in all of scripture. The meaning and concept of the phrase Bride of Christ is clearly seen in various verses; such as John 3:28 - 29; and statements Jesus made with regards to Wedding Banquets & Bridegrooms.

Chapter fourteen opens not only with the 144,000 standing on God - but they are also standing next to the Lamb. The 144,000 are the ONLY group identified in this prophecy - as having not only Jesus’ or the Lamb’s name written on their foreheads - but ALSO the Father’s name.

In ALL of Revelation - this is the ONLY group identified with being given the Father’s name. Of course I say that - knowing and understanding that the ‘church’ of Philadelphia - is also given the Father’s name.

. . . I will write on him the name of my God . . . (Rev 3:12)

Philadelphia (love of brother/sister) - I stated in discussion on Chapter three - was the first description of the Bride of Christ. Or the Wife of the Lamb. The church of Philadelphia, and the 144,000 - are one and the same. The same group of individuals.

Third - we have a great sound of wonderful music. God gives us living water; and we have the sound of the roar of rushing waters, with Harps being played. And then they sing a song - which they alone are allowed to sing! A glorious new song. A new life, a new start. A wedding is often referred to as starting a new life together. And at weddings - the Bride and Bridegroom - frequently have their own song. Sometimes they sing it to one another; other times they have someone play it for them . . . But Bride and Bridegroom - often have ‘their song’. Same with these verses. A loud, joyful celebration; with the Bride and the Bridegroom - having ‘their’ song. Only a song they are allowed to sing.

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. (Psalms 149:2 - 3)

Fourth - then we have the statement that they did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. And they follow the lamb wherever he goes.

In scripture, and even in today’s life - the wife is generally expected to go - wherever her husband goes . . . In many places of the world - marriage vows include the words: “In sickness and in health . . . till death do us part.”

Now the above words are not: until we decide to get divorced. No, in marriage - two people were to become ONE, and they were to remain so . . . and the wife and the man would live together - being united in purpose and many thoughts; until death dissolved their union.

“Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. (Ezekiel 24:16)

Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” “What did Moses command you?” he replied. They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Mark 10:2 - 9)

So the Bride is with her husband - the Lamb of God. And goes with Him - wherever He goes.

And a man who is marrying the woman he loves - desires for her to be a virgin. For her not to have been being intimate with various men . . . So too - with God! He is looking for intimacy with us, and with His Bride. So Zion is declared to be a virgin; and so too - are the 144,000 declared to be virgins! They have waited on their bridegroom, and kept themselves pure.

The statement: “did not defile themselves with women”; is not in ANY way stating that being married is a defilement. For the marriage bed is undefiled.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure . . . (Hebrews 13:4)

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled . . .  (Hebrews 13:4 KJV)

Neither is it stating that all of the 144,000 (symbolic number) are males! No, a marriage statement is being made here at the beginning of chapter Fourteen; and the fact that the Bride is pure and Holy is being declared. These people are declared by God to be virgins - they are the Daughter of Zion; and they have just been married to the Lamb! The phrase “defile themselves with women” is given for two reasons:

1. Because these verses open up discussing the Wife of the Lamb. So the verses are stating that she is pure, and undefiled.

2. As believers in Christ - if we wish to be part of the Bride; and not experience the great tribulation; if we wish to be part of that select group who are found WORTHY to be the wife of the Lamb - then we are required to be intimate with God. To put off all of the pleasures and distractions of this world - which so easily entangle us, and which encourage us not to be focused on God, and listening to our teacher - Mr. Holy Spirit!

The 144,000 have been focused on, and intimate with God. They LOVE Jesus, and OBEY His commands. They LOVE God; and they LOVE their fellow brethren, and the people all around them - who hate them. They have decided not to be caught up in this world - but to be totally consumed by God - who is a consuming fire. They allowed God to heat them up, and refine them. They allowed themselves to become so intimate with God - that they became absolutely pure . . . And so God consumes them; and they are pure and holy; and they are found worthy to be the Wife of the Lamb.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully . . . (Ephesians 4:22 - 25)

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. . . (Titus 3:3)

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self - control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2Timothy 3:1 - 5)

Fifth - these 144,000 are declared to be FirstFruits. Jesus was the firstfruit and first born for our salvation. And so is His Bride. She has made herself ready, and has clothed herself in righteousness. She is Blameless. FirstFruits, and the sacrifices made for atonement, and celebration of various feasts and harvests - using Bulls, and Lambs, etc. were always to be without any Blemish; and had some age restrictions. Perfection, a Holy virgin with sufficient oil. Note also that they were purchased or redeemed from among men. The first offspring from any womb was required to be redeemed, or purchased. The 144,000 were purchased by Jesus; dedicated to serve God, and given by God to the High Priest of the first born of the resurrection of the dead - Jesus the ultimate High Priest - to be His. The best of the best was given to the Priests who served God.

Just as God made Adam, the first man; and then took a rib from Adam, and made Eve - the first woman; as a wife for Adam - so too Jesus saved and redeemed us all; and God has taken the best of the best from the Church; and made a Wife for the Lamb. Eve was taken from the body of Adam; and the Bride is taken from the Body of Christ - the Church.

. . . They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. (Rev 14:4 - 5)

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. (1Corinthians 15:20 - 21)

The animals you choose must be year - old males without defect, µymöit; (without defect, blameless, perfect) and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. (Exodus 12:5)

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year . . . (Exodus 12:5 KJV)

Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. “Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. “Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD. “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast. “The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning. “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. “Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk. (Exodus 23:15 - 19)

“I give you all the finest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain they give the LORD as the firstfruits of their harvest. All the land’s firstfruits that they bring to the LORD will be yours . . . (Numbers 18:12 - 13)

The first offspring of every womb, both man and animal, that is offered to the LORD is yours. But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. (Numbers 18:15)

“But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep or a goat; they are holy. Sprinkle their blood on the altar . . . (Numbers 18:17)

He said to Aaron, “Take a bull calf for your sin offering and a ram for your burnt offering, both without defect, and present them before the LORD. Then say to the Israelites: ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb - both a year old and without defect - for a burnt offering, and an ox and a ram for a fellowship offering to sacrifice before the LORD, together with a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.’ ” (Leviticus 9:2 - 4)

“On the eighth day he must bring two male lambs and one ewe lamb a year old, each without defect, along with three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and one log of oil. (Leviticus 14:10)

. . . ‘If any of you - either an Israelite or an alien living in Israel - presents a gift for a burnt offering to the LORD, either to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, you must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf. Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the LORD to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable. (Leviticus 22:18 - 21)

You may, however, present as a freewill offering an ox or a sheep that is deformed or stunted, but it will not be accepted in fulfillment of a vow. (Leviticus22:23)

When a calf, a lamb or a goat is born, it is to remain with its mother for seven days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as an offering made to the LORD by fire. (Leviticus 22:27)

On the day you wave the sheaf, you must sacrifice as a burnt offering to the LORD a lamb a year old without defect, together with its grain offering of two - tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil . . . (Leviticus 23:12 - 13)

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming . . . The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet . . . (Matthew 25:1 - 5, 10)

[FIRSTBORN. (Heb. bekhôr, Gr. prototokos). The Hebrew word is used chiefly of men, but is used also of animals (Exod 11:5). It appears that man early felt that God had the first claim on animals (Gen 4:4). Among the ancestors of the Hebrews the first-born offspring of men and animals were sacrificed to the deity. Because the first-born of the Israelites were preserved at the time of the first Passover, every firstborn male of man and beast became consecrated to God (Exod 13:2; 34:19). The beasts were sacrificed, while the men were redeemed (Exod 13:13, 15; 34:20; cf. Lev 27:6). At Sinai the Levites were substituted for the Israelite firstborn (Num 3:12, 41, 46; 8:13-19). On the thirtieth day after birth the father brought his firstborn son to the priest and paid five shekels to redeem him from service in the temple (cf. Luke 2:27).

Among the Israelites the first-born son possessed special privileges. He succeeded his father as the head of the house and received as his share of the inheritance a double portion. Israel was the Lord’s firstborn (Exod 4:22) and was thus entitled to special privileges, as compared with other peoples. Jesus Christ is described as the firstborn (Rom 8:29; Col 1:15; Heb 1:6), an application of the term that may be traced back to Psalm 89:27, where the Messiah is referred to as the firstborn of God. - SB

FIRSTFRUITS (Heb. re’shîth, bikkûrîm, Gr. aparche). In acknowledgment of the fact that all the products of the land came from God, and to show thankfulness for his goodness, Israelites brought as an offering a portion of the fruits that ripened first. These were looked on as a pledge of the coming harvest. Such an offering was made both on behalf of the nation (Lev 23:10, 17) and by individuals (Exod 23:19; Deut 26:1-11). These firstfruits went for the support of the priesthood.

Jesus is the firstfruits of all who die in faith; that is, the resurrection of believers is made possible and is guaranateed by his resurrection (1 Cor 15:20). Believers, in turn, are “a kind of firstfruits” of all that God created (James 1:18); creation will share in the redemption of the children of God (Rom 8:19-21).] (New International Bible Dictionary, Pradis CD-ROM:Articles/F/Firstborn. through Articles/F/Firstfruits, Book Version: 5.1.50)

Possibly - even after all of the above scriptures; you still do not believe or understand that the 144,000 coming out of the twelve tribes of Israel; constitute the Bride of Christ, or the Wife of the Lamb.

So let us look at a couple more scriptures, and remember a couple of previously discussed points . . .

With regards to the church of Philadelphia - Jesus made these statements:

1. He would keep them from the hour of trial that is coming to test those who live on the earth.

2. They would be a pillar in the temple of God.

3. The name of God, the Father - would be written on them.

4. The name of God’s city - the new Jerusalem would be written on them.

5. Jesus has a special intimate name that only He knows. (R19:12) And Jesus’ new name would be written on them.

The 144,000 are referenced coming out of the twelve tribes of Israel. Twelve means final and total completeness. A juxtaposition is created and emphasized in scripture (chapter seven) - between the 144,000 and those who were too numerous to be counted; and who came out of the great tribulation.

Chapter Fourteen continues with the revealing of the 144,000 and states they are standing on Mount Zion; with the Lamb standing next to them . . . And then the verses discuss the 144,000 in language referencing marriage.

Let’s take a brief look at chapter Twenty-One. The main subject of chapter Twenty-One; is clearly the Bride, or the Wife of the Lamb.

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them . . . (Rev 21:2 - 3)

 One of the seven angels . . . came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man’s measurement, which the angel was using. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. (Rev 21:9 - 18)

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. (Rev 21:21)

******

King David requests mercy and deliverance - so that he may declare God’s praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion, and there rejoice in God’s salvation. And God declares that He loves the gates of Zion.

. . . Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation. (Psalms 9:13 - 14)

He has set his foundation on the holy mountain; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God . . . (Psalms 87:1 - 3)

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:10)

. . . fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19 - 20)

. . . “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (1Peter 2:6)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 3:45 - 46)

Here we go again . . . We go to chapter 21; discussing the New Jerusalem, or the Wife of the Lamb - and I toss around scriptures referencing the Daughter of Zion . . . who God makes like the “Son of God.” She is the Daughter of Zion. The Lamb, or Jesus - will not be unequally joined, or yoked.

Members of the church of Philadelphia are not going to experience the great tribulation. And obviously - the Wife of the Lamb - is not going to experience the great tribulation. Most of the church will - but not the Wife! Chapter Twenty-One discusses the Wife of the Lamb. The Wife of the Lamb is almost the entire chapter.

But, the Wife, or the new Jerusalem - is given specific measurements in chapter 21. We are given the symbolic dimensions of the New City of God; or the Wife of the Lamb. Now, those dimensions - are PRECISELY the exact, and same dimensions of the 144,000.

1. The Wife has twelve gates, with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on those gates.

1a. The 144,000 come out of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. The Holy City, or Wife of the Lamb - is now part of a Mountain, Great and High.

2a. The 144,000 are seen standing on Mount Zion.

3. The Wife shines with the Glory of God.

3a. The 144,000 are the Daughter of God (Zion).

4. An Angel measures the Holy City - using a rod of very pure, and refined gold.

4a. An Angel counts or measures the twelve tribes of Israel.

5. The lengths of the Holy City are all equal; and found to be 12,000 stadia.

5a. Out of the twelve tribes of Israel - 12,000 are called out from each tribe.

6. The walls of the Holy City rest on twelve apostles, and are measured to be 144 cubits thick.

6a. The twelve tribes constitute 144 thickness. (12 x 12 = 144)

7. The Holy City has twelve Gates. Each gate is made from a single pearl, which has the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel written on it.

7b. Jesus declared God was looking for a pearl of great price. Each tribe is declared to be a pearl.

Let us look at the dimensions of the city in a slightly different manner. I am not artistically inclined - so please excuse the crudeness of the drawing. It slightly represents the dimensions of the Wife of the Lamb.

The Wife of the Lamb or the Daughter of Zion is described as being laid out like a square . . . and as wide and high as it is long. She has twelve gates, and twelve foundations. A cube is a square - by definition - which has six faces or sides - but Twelve edges. In the simple representation above - I have highlighted nine of the edges. Twelve edges exist.

God never asks us in the Revelation prophecy to attempt to obtain square footage, or some cubic volume measurement. God constantly asks us in Revelation - to learn to Hear the Spirit of God. To develop our ear to Hear God.

If one attempts to obtain the square ‘footage’ of the City - we arrive at the following:

12,000 x 12,000 = 144,000,000

One Hundred & Forty Four Million . . . an interesting number - but somewhat pointless for the significance of what God and the Spirit are declaring.

We open chapter Seven - Counting. Not multiplying, or squaring, or obtaining cubic volume. A number which could be counted; and one which could not.

The dimensions of the city are declared to be 12,000 stadia. Each tribe is 12,000 counted out, for a total of 144,000

Obviously - if we count each of the TWELVE edges or foundations of the Holy City . . .

12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 + 12,000 = 144,000

We could also state this as: 12 (tribes) x 12,000 (per tribe) = 144,000

The city has twelve foundations - with each foundation having the name of one of the apostles of the Lamb written on it. Each of the walls and gates are resting on a foundation. And each gate has one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on it . . .

The thickness of each wall is declared to be 144 cubits.

Twelve tribes form the thickness, resting on the twelve apostles.

12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 = 144

Twelve - the number of total and absolute completeness and finality in God.

Do you know where any number which can be translated as TWELVE first appears in scripture?? It is found at: Genesis 14:4 or in a way - 144

I sincerely hope that you now fully understand - that many, many Christians are going to experience the great tribulation. A very few, select chosen ones - who OBEY God, and TOTALLY LOVE God - are preserved (or kept from) the great tribulation. Jesus protects His Wife. He keeps His Wife from harm. The idea of Jesus having a Wife - is NOT symbolic. In some ways of course - it is symbolic. But many scriptures exist where Jesus compares the Kingdom, etc. to a Marriage and Wedding. Jesus is looking for a Wife. And He is going to have a Wife. One that has made herself Holy and Pure.

The first description of the Wife is found in the reference to the Church of Philadelphia. Whose greatest attribute - is LOVE. Many, many, many people who call themselves Christians; and who do actually know, and have some sort of relationship with Jesus - are sadly lacking in Love. Myself included. LOVE is one of the basic qualifications for the Bride or Wife . . . so you might wish to do yourself a favor - and REPENT for your lack of LOVE for one another . . .

The first description of the Wife for the Lamb is the church of Philadelphia. It is found in verse 3:7

Verse 3:7

3 x 7 = 21

And Three chapters in Revelation - are given to show who the Bride is . . .

Chapter Twenty One is the last chapter giving the identity of the Wife of the Lamb.

The next measurement of the Bride is found in Chapter Seven. (The chapter we are discussing.)

A brief description of the Wife, and her escape from the great tribulation is given in Chapter twelve. Twelve, the number of final and total completeness. In chapter twelve, the Wife of the Lamb is seen absolutely complete. No measurements or qualifications for her marriage are reiterated.

The next description and reference to the Bride is found in Chapter Fourteen (which mostly discusses the Wife in marriage terms and language . . .)

And - chapter fourteen declares the Bride to be a Virgin at verse: 14:4

And the final reference to the Bride or Wife - is found in Chapter Twenty One.

Some other minor references to the Wife do exist in Revelation. For example, (R 19:7) states that the time of the wedding of the Bride has come.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (R19:7)

And a few other verses exist as well - but these are not stating WHO the Bride is . . . They acknowledge the existence of the Bride - but do not declare WHO she is . . . The references we have looked at in R3, R14, & R21 are given so that you might have the opportunity to really start serving and OBEYING God and Jesus. So that you might see your absolutely immense calling in God - and conform yourself to Him - so that you - might be part of His Bride . . . It truly is - our choice. Just as salvation is a choice - so too - is being part of the Bride or the Wife of the Lamb.

Finally, just before we move on in Chapter 7 (the chapter we have been discussing) - please allow me to make one small other point . . .

All of these other scriptures which I have quoted - to show you that the Bride exists, and the 144,000 constitute the Wife of the Lamb - were given for YOUR benefit.

I already knew the 144,000 were part of the Bride. Totally and solely - from reading one prophecy and one book ONLY. Revelation. The prophecy which is Revelation.

The HOLY SPIRIT desperately desires to teach you. To instruct you. Personally. One on One. I have been reading and listening to Revelation virtually every day - since early 2004. It is now late 2010 (10-7-10) - and God is still teaching me and showing me things in this amazing Prophecy. But - I understood that Chapter Seven discussed the Bride - around 2005. I have learned much since then; and God has shown me how this all fits together - but ALL of my knowledge of this prophecy - comes ONLY from reading Revelation - and listening to the Holy Spirit. It does NOT come from researching Greek or Hebrew words; or from reading any books other than the book of Revelation.

It is just that - in a commentary - I am required to ‘prove’ almost everything which I state. So - I can’t just say something . . . I have to ‘back it up’ - with various scriptures. The Holy Spirit has been teaching me the flow and layout of this prophecy - solely because I give Him the time to do so. And rather than confusing myself by reading various commentaries, or other books of the Bible - I have been doing one thing, and one thing only. READING Revelation.

I was absolutely amazed - by the various scriptures (from other books in the Bible) that existed to be cited - as I wrote this commentary - so that these truths (which God had shown me) could be proved in a more fundamental manner. I didn’t know the majority of them . . . I truly have been taught Revelation by the Holy Spirit . . . And I would again BEG you, and PLEAD with you in the name of our wonderful Lord - Jesus Christ - to allow yourself to do the same!

Just READ this wonderful prophecy, over and over and over and over again . . . until they take your Bible away! Let God instruct you. And then you can teach me and others - even more about this wonderful prophecy and the words Jesus has given us - so that we can have PEACE - in a world that has none.

We now move on in chapter 7; and will focus just a little bit more on those who experience and go thru the great tribulation. Although these are not part of the Bride; they persevered and did not renounce Jesus. The time of great tribulation is so horrendous and terrible - that Jesus states that this distress and amount of trial and testing - would occur only once - in all of creation, and history.

For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now - and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:21 - 22)

because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now - and never to be equaled again. If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. (Mark 13:19 - 20)

Chapter Seven goes from the 144,000; to the multitude so huge, that it could not be counted. They come from every tribe, people, nation and language - and they hold palm branches (signifying Victory), and are wearing white robes; and they sing glorious songs of Praise to God and the Lamb. They declare that Salvation comes from God the Father, and God the Lamb. And then everyone falls down, and worships the totality of God. ((Worshiping the Father, the Lamb or Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (seven spirits before His throne).

From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing [G/K 4786 + G/K 2794] puro;" kaiovmenai (fire, flames + to light (a wick), keep burning). These are the seven spirits of God. (R4:5)

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (R7:9 - 10)

Palm branches indicate victory. Here, the indication and statement - is victory during the Great Tribulation. They were not deceived by Satan, they did not take the mark of the Beast; and they maintained the Word of God and their testimony for Jesus. (R6:9)

During the Feast of Tabernacles; Jesus entered Jerusalem. This was a triumphal entry, where the crowds were shouting out Praise to Him. They thought He would overthrow Rome, and make the Jews a great nation again. They were looking to Him as a King and future Ruler. Of course, He is all of that - just in a slightly different context . . . So - since Palm branches signify Victory - the crowds took palm branches with them - to meet and greet Him. The Jewish people were constantly looking for someone to liberate them from Rome. Which is one of the reasons why, after his resurrection; Jesus’ disciples asked Him about His restoration of the Kingdom of Israel.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!’” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:12 - 13)

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? (Luke 22:52)

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. (Luke 23:13 - 14)

So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

[Gladiator

(Latin: “swordsman,” from gladius, “sword”), professional combatant in ancient Rome. The gladiators originally performed at Etruscan funerals, no doubt with intent to give the dead man armed attendants in the next world; hence the fights were usually to the death. At shows in Rome these exhibitions became wildly popular and increased in size from three pairs at the first known exhibition in 264 BC (at the funeral of a Brutus) to 300 pairs in the time of Julius Caesar (d. 44 BC). Hence the shows extended from one day to as many as a hundred, under the emperor Titus; while the emperor Trajan in his triumph (ad 107) had 5,000 pairs of gladiators. Shows were also given in other towns of the Roman Empire, as can be seen from the traces of amphitheatres.

There were various classes of gladiators, distinguished by their arms or modes of fighting. The Samnites fought with the national weapons - a large oblong shield, a visor, a plumed helmet, and a short sword. The Thraces (“Thracians”) had a small round buckler and a dagger curved like a scythe . . .

The shows were announced several days before they took place by bills affixed to the walls of houses and public buildings; copies were also sold in the streets. These bills gave the names of the chief pairs of competitors, the date of the show, the name of the giver, and the different kinds of combats. The spectacle began with a procession of the gladiators through the arena . . . The reward of Victory consisted of branches of Palm, and sometimes of money. (Copyright © 1994-2002 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. [2002 Deluxe Edition CD-ROM; v2002.01.0002.0])]

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (R7:11 - 12)

The all important Question is asked - that we previously discussed. It is stated these came out of the great tribulation qlivyew" (trouble, distress, oppression, tribulation) and that they washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb. And that they shall rejoice, and never hunger or thirst again; and that God Himself - will wipe every tear from their eyes . . . They will be led to the springs of living water which God and the Holy Spirit provides.

Yet you have a few ojlivga (little, small, short, (pl.) few) people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes nikw'n (to overcome, overpower, to conquer, triumph) will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name . . . (R3:4 -5)

Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great megavlh" (great; spatially large; of quantity or degree: loud, intense, violent; of time: long (time); of position: great, important) tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead oJdhghvsei (to lead, guide; explain, instruct) them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev 7:13 - 17)

*Chapter 6*   *Chapter 8*

"Questions??? Give a shout!"

All Greek/Hebrew definitions (unless otherwise noted) are taken from
The NIV Exhaustive Concordance by Edward W. Goodrick & John R. Kohlenberger III © 1990 by The Zondervan Corporation. ISBN 0-310-436970-7

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, International Version®, NIV84®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright 2011 - Revelation Disclosed Updated 10/14/11

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