![[article cover study.wiki.png]] **[Practical Christianity Wiki Home page]( https://publish.obsidian.md/practical-christianity/About/Biblical+Studies)** [Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) # Exegesis of Revelation 7: Thought-by-Thought Analysis **Scripture Reference: [Revelation 7:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.1&version=AMP)** --- **Cross Reference**: #Revelation #eschatology, #divine_protection, #apocalyptic_literature --- ## Introduction: Interlude Between the Sixth and Seventh Seals Revelation 7 serves as an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals. It offers a glimpse of divine mercy in the midst of judgment, focusing on God’s protection of His people. The chapter is divided into two visions: the sealing of 144,000 servants from the tribes of Israel and the great multitude from every nation. This interlude provides hope, assuring believers of God’s care during times of tribulation and reinforcing the promise of ultimate deliverance. --- ## Revelation 7:1-3 – The Four Angels Holding Back Judgment - **[Revelation 7:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.1&version=AMP):** Four angels stand at the four corners of the earth, holding back the winds of judgment. The phrase “four corners” symbolizes the universality of their task, indicating that no part of creation is exempt from divine control. - **[Revelation 7:2-3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.2-3&version=AMP):** A fifth angel commands the four angels to delay their judgment until the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads. The seal represents divine protection, signifying that God’s people are marked as His own during the impending tribulation. --- ## Revelation 7:4-8 – The 144,000 Sealed from Israel - **[Revelation 7:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.4&version=AMP):** John hears the number of those sealed—144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel. The specific number has been interpreted symbolically by some as representing the fullness of God’s people, while others take it as a literal reference to faithful Jewish believers in the end times. - **[Revelation 7:5-8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.5-8&version=AMP):** Each tribe is listed with 12,000 sealed individuals. Notably, the tribe of Dan is absent, possibly due to its association with idolatry in biblical history ([Judges 18:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+18.30&version=AMP)). The tribe of Joseph is included, along with Levi, highlighting God’s sovereign choice in sealing His people. --- ## Revelation 7:9-10 – The Great Multitude Before the Throne - **[Revelation 7:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.9&version=AMP):** John sees a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and the Lamb. This vision emphasizes the global scope of God’s redemptive plan, fulfilling promises made throughout Scripture about the inclusion of the nations. - **[Revelation 7:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.10&version=AMP):** The multitude cries out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” This declaration underscores that salvation is God’s work, accomplished through Christ. --- ## Revelation 7:11-12 – Worship by the Heavenly Host - **[Revelation 7:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.11&version=AMP):** The angels, along with the elders and four living creatures, fall on their faces and worship God. This scene reflects the unity of heaven in worship, as all beings acknowledge God’s sovereignty and glory. - **[Revelation 7:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.12&version=AMP):** The heavenly host offers a sevenfold doxology: “Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might.” This complete expression of worship reflects the fullness of God’s attributes and His worthiness of praise. --- ## Revelation 7:13-14 – Identity of the Great Multitude - **[Revelation 7:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.13&version=AMP):** One of the elders asks John about the identity of the great multitude. This rhetorical question draws attention to the significance of their presence in the heavenly scene. - **[Revelation 7:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.14&version=AMP):** The elder reveals that these individuals have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. This imagery emphasizes the [[atoning sacrifice]] of Christ, through which believers are made pure and victorious. --- ## Revelation 7:15-17 – The Promise of Eternal Blessing - **[Revelation 7:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.15&version=AMP):** The multitude is described as serving God day and night in His temple. This reflects their eternal communion with God, free from the limitations of earthly worship. - **[Revelation 7:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.16&version=AMP):** They will no longer hunger or thirst, and the sun will not harm them. These promises reflect God’s care and provision, fulfilling the hope expressed in [Isaiah 49:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49.10&version=AMP). - **[Revelation 7:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7.17&version=AMP):** The Lamb will shepherd them, leading them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. These promises highlight the intimate care of Christ for His people and the end of suffering in God’s presence. --- #### Call to Action: - Trust in the protection and provision of God, even in times of tribulation. - Worship God for His sovereignty and redemptive work through Christ. - Find hope in the promise of eternal communion with God, where suffering will be no more. --- **Related Concepts:** - [[Atoning Sacrifice]] - [[Great Tribulation]] - [[Divine Protection]] - [[Heavenly Worship]]