NOV 7

Revelation 7:1-12
Memorise Ezekiel 9:1-6
“I heard the number of them which were sealed”

In Revelation 7:2, it is written, “And 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”. What specific reason is given for this enforcement of peace by restraining the four angels holding the wind? That which is revealed to us is the sealing of the 12 tribes of the children of Israel. Twelve thousand from each tribe makes a total of 144,000. In prophetic numerics, 12 is the number of representation, so it may stand for a bigger number. Another observation is that the tribe of Dan is left out and Levi, the priestly tribe is counted in. The tribe of Ephraim is subsumed under the name of Joseph. (To understand this selection of the tribes one must first learn the names of the 12 tribes and that Joseph is represented by two sons, viz, Ephraim and Manasseh which increases them to 13.) To make the number 12, one tribe must be left out and that tribe, as stated above, is Dan. Why Dan? Perhaps it is because she forsook her assigned land and worshipped idols (Judges 18). However, the Scriptures are silent on this point and we must therefore remain silent. This is one of Calvin’s hermeneutical principles.

What then is the meaning of sealing the forehead (Revelation 7:3)? According to Ezekiel 9:1-6, it means sealing upon the persons God’s protection in the midst of terrible destruction. Thus these 144,000 Jews, who are called “the servants of our God” are specially chosen to accomplish God’s purpose during the Great Tribulation to come. Some say they are Jewish evangelists. These are Christian Jews who acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah, therefore they come under God’s “particular providence”. These are described in Matthew 10:16-20 as those who will be given divine utterance as they are brought before government authorities, and who will confound their accusers.

In this, God is showing His grace and mercy upon His chosen people, and fulfilling His promise that He will never forsake them. This time of Jacob’s Trouble will also be a time to drive Jacob to finally acknowledge the Saviour whom they crucified. As witnesses, they will preach the gospel to their fellow Jews, such that by the end of the Great Tribulation, all Israel shall be saved (Romans 11:26)!

Thought: There is no denying that Israel is God’s chosen, and that God will fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Prayer: Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.