Revelation #13: Revelation Chapter 7 – The Saints of the Great Tribulation

Revelation #13: Revelation Chapter 7 – The Saints of the Great Tribulation

Introduction:

The seventh chapter introduces a pause between the sixth and seventh seals. This chapter answers the question posed at the end of Chapter 6: “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:17). Even in times of divine judgment, God’s compassion shines through, similar to the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk, who entreated the Lord to “in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).

Chapter 7 exemplifies God’s recurring mercy. For instance:

• Before the flood, God sheltered Noah and his family in the ark.
• Prior to Sodom’s destruction, God ensured Lot’s safety (Genesis 19:22).

Here, God stays judgment temporarily, allowing His servants to be sealed with His mark before the divine wrath continues.

The Ministry of Four Angels and a Fifth (Verses 1-3)

Revelation 7:1-3 describes four angels at the four corners of the Earth, controlling the winds and holding back any harm. Then, a fifth angel ascends from the east, carrying the seal of the living God. This angel instructs the four to delay harm until God’s servants are marked with a seal. The angel appears as if in higher authority, tasked with securing God’s chosen before impending judgment unfolds. This seal represents ownership and divine protection—a concept parallel to believers in Christ who are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). The purpose of this sealing is to ensure the survival of these servants through the coming tribulations.

The Sealing of 144,000 from Israel (Verses 4-8)

John then hears the number sealed: 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, 12,000 from each tribe are marked. Notably, the tribe of Dan is omitted, possibly due to its history with idolatry, with Levi taking its place. Yet, these tribes will be restored when Israel is fully reinstated in the Messianic Kingdom (Ezekiel 48:1-7). These Jewish believers will be divinely preserved throughout the Tribulation period, remaining steadfast on Earth until they meet the Lamb on Mount Zion in Chapter 14.

A Vast Multitude from Every Nation (Verses 9-12)

Following the sealing of the 144,000, John witnesses a vast multitude that no one can count, representing all nations, tribes, and tongues, standing before God and the Lamb. This group, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, praises God for His salvation, shouting, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10). This scene portrays a global worship gathering, where angels and elders fall in reverence before God, proclaiming His wisdom, honor, and glory.

Understanding the Multitude (Verses 13-17)

One of the elders explains to John that these individuals in white robes have come out of the great tribulation, having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. Now, they stand before God’s throne and serve Him continually, protected under His divine presence. They experience perfect rest and protection from all suffering, receiving nourishment and guidance from the Lamb Himself, who leads them to living waters.

This scene highlights God’s ultimate plan for those redeemed, offering eternal relief from the world’s tribulations. In this grand finale, John sees God comforting His people: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).

Reflection:

Chapter 7 of Revelation serves as a powerful reminder of God’s mercy even amid judgment. This interlude focuses on the protection of the 144,000 Jewish believers, symbolizing God’s faithfulness to Israel, while the countless multitude reflects His promise of salvation to all who believe. For today’s reader, the challenge remains to recognize God’s overarching sovereignty and grace, knowing that ultimate redemption and peace rest in Him alone.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer