Finally, I would like to discuss a number of matters on this fascinating subject, which do not have so much to do with the identity of the 144,000, but are mentioned in the context of the book of Revelation, or where people sometimes think it is about them.
the great crowd
First, the relationship of the company of the 144,000 to that other group mentioned in Revelation 7: the great crowd or multitude. Who are they?
Revelation 7
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, from every nation, and tribes, and people, and tongues, standing before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. hands.
all the people
First the 144,000 were sealed and then (>after this) there is talk of a great multitude. This multitude is not numbered like the 144,000, but is gathered from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue. The collection of the 144,000 concerns a selection from the nation of Israel, here it concerns the collection of the entire nation. They are gathered into the land.
faithful Israel
Further on it is explained that they are the ones who will come out of the great tribulation (Rev.7:14). They are the remnant that survived the great tribulation and called on the name of YAHWEH, the part of Israel that was brought to safety outside the land during the great tribulation (Rev.12:6,14) and they are the Israelites who were gathered are to the country. It is now safe in the country. The King has arrived and He has taken His position on the throne and is “spreading His tent over them,” in the sense of overshadowing and protecting His people.
Revelation 7
15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them.
In Revelation 14, where the 144.00 is mentioned again, it says:
Revelation 14
3 (…) and none could learn the song but the hundred and forty-four thousand who were bought from the earth.
4 These are they who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are they who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These are purchased from among men, firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
firstfruits
The 144,000 are firstfruits, the first fruits of the harvest from Israel. They are a selection with the special assignment to gather all Israelites from the nations, after which God gathers all His people to the land (Deut.30:3; Ezek.37:21). In addition, they proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom as a witness to all nations (Matt.24:14). In Rev. 14:6 this good news is called an aeonian gospel, a gospel that relates to the coming aeon.
The great crowd is the gathering of Israelites who are among the nations and respond to the preaching and calling of the 144,000. They are called a very great army in Ezekiel 37:9.
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