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NASB | Revelation 7:4 ¶ And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 7:4 ¶ And I heard how many were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand; [twelve thousand] sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: |
Subject: Who are the 144000? Is it literal |
Bible Note: CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS POST..... And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. So here the 144000 are with the 24 elders. Now in this chapter there is every reason to take it as spiritual. 1) the 24 elders are beyond all question spiritual representation of redeemed people from every tribe people and nation and tongue. So why wouldn't the 144000 be a representation of a larger group since they are seen here at that same place. 2) the Lord is not respector of persons and does not save only men from the Tribulation and exclude women. 3) God does not consider a prophet less of a holy prophet if he is married. So what is the message then and why number all the tribes? Possible answers are that God is trying to tell us that.. a) all saints enter into the True Israel of God which is in the heart b) The numerical message is that ALL of Israel will be saved, 12000 of each tribe and 12 tribes is significant of the fact that the promises of God concerning Israel, (if they turn to Christ) will be fulfilled. c) It will be in this time of Jacobs trouble that Israel as a nation begins to change their religion to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord. There will be those that do not of course but I think there will be national revival that will include the Israeli government, which in Israel's case is critical to obeying God. When that happens certain promises and prophecies will be fulfilled. And they will be COMPLETE, this will be their final counting. The numbers of the OT have to do with this day. You thought those numbers were just about historical data but those numbers in the OT are prophetic. The last numbering of Israel will be when they come in to the kingdom. And God will close the doors afterwards. This numbering is not meant to be literal but a vision that John has of a bigger picture. I have not yet expressed the fulness of this picture, but it is coming to me as I examine the text and pray. May God Bless you in your Study of His Word. |