Revelation 7 KJV |
Commentary |
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1And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. |
7:1 Here the angels are pictured as holding back the winds of disaster. The Lord is in control of events. He is preserving this world from total destruction for the sake of His people. There is a work to be done in them and by them as a witness to the world before the winds can be released.
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2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. |
7:2-3 The devastation that will precede the second coming of Christ is put off until the “servants of God” and “sealed” “in their foreheads.” The seal is a mark of God’s protection for His people. Cf. Ezekiel 9:4, 6; Exodus 12:13. It is identical to the name of God “written in their foreheads.” Revelation 14:1; 22:4. God’s name signifies His character. Exodus 34:5-7. The “forehead” is where the conscience resides and decisions are made. So the “seal” or “name” in the forehead is the character of God written in the mind. |
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4And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. |
7:4-8 The Bible tells us that the number of those who will receive the seal of the living God is 144,000 “of the children of Israel.” It is said of them that they are, “redeemed from the earth,” have a unique victory song, are called the “first fruits,” are “without fault” and “they follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” Revelation 14:1-5. This group who will be alive at the Second Coming of Christ will have Christ’s righteousness and His character. The message for us is to follow Jesus wherever He may lead. |
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9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; |
7:9 In addition to the 144,000, we see here the great multitude of the redeemed, “which no man could number,” gathered from every nation. In their hands they have palm branches, a symbol of victory over the world and sin, and they are clothed with “white robes” which represent Christ’s righteousness. |
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10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. |
7:10-12 The spontaneous praise of the redeemed will be a joyous part of life in heaven! |
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13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
7:13-14 This multitude have come through great adversity. Their characters have been purified through “the blood of the Lamb.” 1 John 1:7. If we are in Christ, we will have strength to go through any affliction.” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. He will give us peace, grace, and strength of character to live in the last days of earth’s history! |
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15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. |
7:15-17 “It is over” is Jesus’ promise to His precious children who have suffered great trials. Hunger and thirst and other hardships are no more. He wipes away their tears and He, the Bread of Life, the Source of Living Water, gives them food and quenches their thirst. Those who have made Jesus their Lord and Saviour will have the Lamb among them for all eternity. There are unimaginable joys, wonders and delights for all who accept His invitation to “come.” Revelation 3:20; Matthew 11:28. |
Ahead to Revelation 8
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Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 1 Commentary: The Revelation of Jesus
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 2 Commentary: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira
Revelation 3 Commentary: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
Revelation 4 Commentary: The Throne in Heaven
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 5 Commentary: The Scroll and the Lamb
Revelation 6 Commentary: The Vision of Seven Seals
Revelation 7 Commentary: The 144,000
Revelation 8 Commentary: Seven Trumpets
Revelation 9 Commentary: The Bottomless Pit
Revelation 10 Commentary: A Little Book
Revelation 11 Commentary: Two Witnesses
Revelation 12 Commentary: The Woman and the Dragon
Revelation 13 Commentary: Two Beasts
Revelation 14 Commentary: Three Angels' Messages
Revelation 15 Commentary: Seven Angels, Seven Plagues
Revelation 16 Commentary: Seven Bowls of God's Anger
Revelation 17 Commentary: A Woman Rides the Beast
Revelation 18 Commentary: Babylon Falls
Revelation 19 Commentary: The Rider on the White Horse
Revelation 20 Commentary: Millennium and the Judgment
Revelation 21 Commentary: The New Jerusalem
Revelation 22 Commentary: Invitation and Warning