Chapter 7
Introduction
Our consideration of Revelation, chapter 6 involved a review of the events of the Sixth Seal, which saw Constantine fully established by the year A.D. 324.
These events were further elaborated in the 12th chapter of the Apocalypse.
The Seal Periods
The great periods of the Christian Era have been divided by the Divine hand into seven periods, known as “Seals”.
In Rev. 5. A we are informed of the “book” or scroll written within and on the back. The scroll had seven seals, which could only be unlocked or loosed by Christ (the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David). As each seal was unloosed so there was revealed further details of the periods which would elapse in our Master’s absence.
The Sixth Seal ended with Constantine’s establishment as supreme ruler of the Roman Empire in A.D. 324.
Over sixteen centuries have been involved so far in the events of the Seventh Seal.
A Preview of the End of the Seventh Seal “After these things” verse 1
The period being brought before our notice in these words was that immediately succeeding the end of the 6th Seal in A.D. 324.
Four Angels Holding Four Winds
In the scripture “winds” frequently represent armies, and this is so in Jeremiah 4. 11-12, also in Daniel 7. 2. When we use the four points of the compass in conversation, that is, north, south, east and west, we really mean “all directions”. So in this first verse is indicated a period during which all armies were restrained.
The Roman Empire enjoyed a period of comparative quiet until the year A.D. 396.
Earth, Sea or Tree
These terms indicate peoples and are so used in Isa. 55. 11-13.
“Another Angel”
From the surrounding context, particularly v. 3, where the plural term “we” occurs, it is obvious that the angel represents a number or a class of people whose main work is sealing or preaching the word of God.
The whole of the western empire had a period of peace up to A.D. 396 and in this time the true servants of God spoke the “word” on every hand, even though there were schisms and a great struggle with the Catholic party.
“Ascending from the East”
The Greek term used here indicates (see “Eureka”) that the sealing angel had already “ascended”. To say “having ascended from the east” would be more correct. Preaching of God’s truth had commenced in Palestine (Acts 10. 3) and spread throughout the Middle East and the Western Roman Empire. Paul wrote that the Gospel message had been preached to every creature under heaven, “whereof I Paul am a witness”. Paul’s witness had been in the Roman Empire.
The Sealing
A seal is a mark or insignia which, when pressed upon wax, leaves a clear and lasting impression.
It is to be noted that the servants of God were to be “sealed” in “their foreheads”. The term “foreheads” indicates that those who would be the servants of the living God must have an understanding of His Word. The Truth must make a lasting impression on their intellect (see Job 33. 16; 2 Cor 1. 21-22; John 6. 27; Rev. 14. 1). Henceforth they belong to the Master, who possesses the seal or gives them his authority.
On the other hand the “mark” or seal of the “beast” was the corrupt teaching of Catholicism, imbibed by its adherents.
The Number Sealed
Verse 4 informs us that the number of those sealed is 144,000. It is not to be thought that only this number will be saved out of all the ages from Adam to the return of Christ.
One hundred and forty-four is obtained by multiplying 12 x 12, the thousands being added to indicate a great number.
The use of the base figure 12 indicates the Israelitish foundation upon which the redeemed are based.
This is shown by Paul in Ephesians 2. 12, from which we can see quite clearly that a person “in Christ” by belief and baptism is thereby a member of the Commonwealth of Israel, and his hope is centred in the fulfillment of the Covenants of Promise.
Order of the Twelve Tribes
A close examination of verses 5 to 8 reveals that the tribes of Ephraim and Dan are omitted and the names of Joseph and Levi included. If it be claimed that only the actual sons of Jacob are to be included, we must then explain why Manasseh, the son of Joseph, is included and Dan, the actual son of Jacob, omitted.
We can rest assured there is a special significance in the Divine arrangement of the names, but it does not appear to be particularly apparent at present.
“After this” v. 9
These two words indicate that the sealing is finished, and John looks upon a vast number of people whom he describes as being from “all nations, kindreds, people and tongues”.
As James in his address to the Jerusalem council had stated that God was calling out from among the nations a people for His Name, so John beholds the completion of the process.
Clothed with White Robes
White indicates righteousness. As we are all aware, at our baptism we put on the name of Christ, and we are then covered by His righteousness. It is possible, of course, that by our actions and our way of life, we are no longer covered by His righteousness.
Those whom John sees, however, have retained their covering. Jesus warned His servants in Rev. 16. 15 that they must keep their garments. We are further told in Rev. 19. 8, “And to her (the Lamb’s wife) was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints”.
“Palms in their Hands”
John described the multitude in the presence of the Lamb seated on the throne as not only clothed in white, but added that they “had palms in their hands”.
Palms were used in the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, which was a provision of the Mosaic Law.
The purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles was to celebrate the in-gathering of the fruit of Israel’s land. For details of the feast see Leviticus 23. 39-43.
Feast of Tabernacles in the Future
The Feast of Tabernacles will again be kept in the Kingdom Age. This will be seen by referring to Hosea 12. 9, also particularly in Zechariah 14. 16-19, where it is made quite clear that the keeping of the feast will be compulsory, and all nations will be involved. While it will be a joyful occasion it will also impose a strict discipline, which will be beneficial to mankind.
“Salvation to Our God!”
The redeemed are stated by John to ascribe their salvation to the one sitting upon the throne. They joyfully and willingly acknowledge that their salvation has only been made possible by God’s provision as shown in the person and suffering of the Lord Jesus, who was declared to be the “Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world”. The one seated on the throne is the Lord Jesus, who is the manifestation of God. He said of himself, “He that bath seen me, hath seen the Father”.
The Coronation of Christ King of Kings—and Lord of Lords
Verses 11 and 12 of chap. 7 now introduce what will be the greatest scene up to that time. The scenes depicted in these two verses are paralleled by those of the 5th chapter, verses 8-13.
Christ, having overcome in all things and having prevailed over his enemies, is now accorded the highest station. Pilate’s question, “Art thou a king then?” will have received its final answer, and the words of Heb. 1. 6 will be fulfilled, “And let all the angels of God worship him”. He will be adored and praised by all creation. It will be the most momentous, the most magnificent coronation ever to have taken place. The subject nations, the saints, and the angels will pay their sincere homage to him of whom it is written, “King of kings and Lord of Lords”.
“Who are these arrayed in white robes?”
The words of verses 14 to 17 are supplied in answer to the question recorded in verse 13.
The purpose behind the question and its answer is to emphasize what is promised to the saints, and the effort necessary on their part.
They are said to have come out of great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14).
Throughout the ages the saints have suffered—oft-times without others knowing it, although also on many occasions actively and even physically opposed. Many have been killed.
When a person repents and, through an understanding of God’s will, seeks to come under the blood of the covenant, by baptism into the name of Christ, he obeys the injunction of lsa. 1 16-18. He thereby makes himself white in the blood of the Lamb and is then clothed upon with the righteousness of Christ.
“He shall dwell among them!”
Christ will be the visible representative of God on earth. The worship in the magnificent temple to be erected will be under His control.
In the beatitudes Jesus taught, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled”. The saints will no longer “hunger and thirst”. Their nature will have been changed; their goal achieved.
Sun and Heat
Sun and heat are indicative of persecution and opposition. This will no longer apply to the saints.
He shall feed them
The 17th verse reminds us of Isa. 9. 6-7, where the Revised Version says of Jesus that he is to be “the Father of the future age”, or as some have it, “The age-lasting Father” (see also the Diaglott).
Jesus’ promise to the woman at the well of Samaria concerning living waters will be realized.
“God shall wipe away all tears”
For the saints all forms of suffering, of trial, and of sorrow will be at an end. Those who attain to that age shall be equal to the angels, unable to die any more. Let all the waiting saints echo the prayer, “Even so, come Lord Jesus”.
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