THE 144,000 OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL PART I

The book of Revelation prods the reader to view the events from Jesus Christ death to the end of this age. John records the words of an angel who announces when the final events of the Lord's day should begin. John says the book contains: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place" (Rev. 1:1).

Again John urges, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it: For the time is near” (Rev. 1:3). To be sealed is a symbolic way of saying that these people are identified as belonging to God. The servants mark or seal is also to be contrasted in a vision, John will shortly see with the mark what the followers of the beast will receive. They are branded with the mark of the beast (Rev. 14:11, 16:2, 19:20). This singles out and labels such people as the enemies of God.

The 144,000 that were sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel consecrating the persons from each tribe in a more special manner to God, and showing by this mark of God upon him, that they were under his more immediate protection, and nothing should hurt them. Those who were sealed and became the first fruits came from the people of Israel that turned to Jesus and repented from the day of Pentecost to the time of the destruction of their Government, Temple, and Jerusalem. The Temple was burned Aug. 10th, 70 A.D. The city was destroyed by Titus, the General of the Roman army on Sept. 8th. in 70 A. D.

Since the beast is symbolic, why isn't the sea, wind, and trees symbolic? God uses the sea, or "many waters" to symbolize people, multitudes and nations, (Rev.17:1-2,15). In Isa.8:7-8 God symbolizes the King of Assyria and his invading armies as rivers that overflowed its banks. Daniel spake and said: "Behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the sea;” wind symbolizes destruction; sea symbolizes people (Dan.7:2-7,17). Also, in Daniel he used Belteshazzar symbolically as a tree that was hewn down (Dan. 4:20-23). Wind (destruction), Sea (people), Trees (kings or rulers).

As the seventh chapter of Revelation begins, we find that the wrath of God--the day of the Lord--is temporarily being held up. John sees "four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth" (verse 1). Until the 144,000 are sealed. The 144,000 is the first group to be sealed and protected from the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Who are these individuals? They are the servants of God, all Jews converted to Christianity, 12,000 out of each of the 12 tribes. John says of this group: "These are the ones who were not defiled with woman, for they are virgins." (They are pure from idolatry). In their mouth was found no guile. When brought before kings and rulers they did not dissemble, but boldly confessed the Lord Jesus Christ. This group, however, is only the first to come under God's grace. They are the "firstfruits," as Revelation 14:4 points out of a much greater spiritual harvest to come.

Rev.7:1 Holding the four winds of the earth.
Dan.7:2-7 Behold the four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea. (winds) They are, alternative symbols for the four horsemen. (Destructive energy, terrible punishment) (sea) people).
Eze.13:13 In my fury to consume it. (destruction)
Psa.1:3-4 He, Man shall be like a tree.

John shows us four angels restraining all the forces of chaos and ruin until 70 A.D., the earth, sea, and trees which they temporarily protect and stand for the world of men.

Rev.7:2 Seal of the living God.
Eze.9:4-6 A mark upon the foreheads
Eph.4:30 Whereby ye are sealed.
2 Tim.2:19 The lord knoweth them that are his.
The Christians bear a mark upon their foreheads; a sign visible to God and His agents alone because they are under His protection, singled out from the wicked on whom His judgment shall fall.

Rev.7:3 Sealed, the servants in their foreheads.
Deut 6:1-8 Sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

Deut.11:18 Lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul.
Rev.14:1 Having His Father's name written in their foreheads.
The mark, or seal in their foreheads hinted that they must act prominently in God's service: the mark is invisible to men, yet its possession is eventually to be recognized by all men. And this prominent service of God is to hearken diligently unto His Commandments which He commands you this day, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul (Deut. 11:13). His Commandments shall be for a token upon thine hand (working with your hands for the Lord), and for frontlets between thine eyes (with your mind) (Ex. 13:16). For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not (2 Cor. 8:12).

Rev.7:4 There were sealed 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Acts 3:22-26 His Son Jesus, sent him to bless first the house of Israel.
Matt. 10:5-6 Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matt. 15:24 I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Acts 13:46 That the word of God should first have been spoken to you.