Revelation 7
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Revelation 7 Meaning
In Revelation 7, the apostle John describes a vision he had of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God in heaven. These individuals were clothed in white robes, holding palm branches, and worshiping God with loud voices. They are referred to as the “great multitude” and are said to have come out of the “great tribulation.” They are also described as being in the presence of God and the Lamb (Jesus) and having their tears wiped away.
Commentary and Explanation of the Bible Verses
The vision described in Revelation 7 is a profound depiction of the ultimate destiny of believers in Christ. It highlights the incredible diversity and inclusivity of God’s redemption plan. The apostle John witnesses a great multitude, so vast that it cannot be numbered, standing before the throne of God. This multitude consists of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language, representing the universal scope of God’s salvation (Revelation 7:9). It is an awe-inspiring sight, affirming that God’s love and grace extend to people from all walks of life.
The white robes worn by the multitude symbolize the righteousness and purity of the believers. This imagery echoes several other passages in the Bible, such as Isaiah 1:18, where God promises to wash away our sins and make us as white as snow. It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that we are made clean and receive the covering of His righteousness. We are no longer defined by our past or our sins but are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Himself (Isaiah 61:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
In their hands, the multitude holds palm branches. This act recalls the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where the people waved palm branches and exclaimed, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:12-13). The palm branches carried by the multitude symbolize their victory and triumph over the challenges and tribulations they faced during their earthly lives. Just as Jesus overcame sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection, these believers have persevered through trials and tribulations, remaining faithful to Christ until the end.
The mention of the “great tribulation” refers to the difficult times that believers face on earth. Jesus Himself warns us of the trials and tribulations we will encounter as His followers (John 16:33). However, this vision in Revelation brings great encouragement and comfort. It assures us that we are not alone in our sufferings, that God is with us in every trial, and that He will bring us through to the other side. He promises to wipe away every tear from our eyes, signifying the end of pain, sorrow, and suffering. This promise is a reflection of the beautiful words in Isaiah 25:8: “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.”
The gathering of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language emphasizes the all-encompassing love and grace of God. It reminds us that regardless of our backgrounds, cultures, or languages, we are all one in Christ. This unity is a theme emphasized throughout the Bible (Galatians 3:28). No matter where we come from, we are all part of a vast family of believers who have persevered through various trials and tribulations, ultimately finding our eternal home in the presence of God.
In the broader context of the book of Revelation, this vision comes after the opening of the sixth seal, which brings cosmic disturbances and terror upon the earth. The numbering of the sealed refers to the sealing and protection of God’s chosen people during the tribulation period. The sealing signifies their belonging to God and their protection from the impending judgments that will come upon the earth (Revelation 7:3).
This vision also provides a glimpse of the heavenly worship that takes place before the throne of God. The multitude lifting their voices in worship and praise to God reveals the eternal nature of worship. Here, worship transcends language barriers and cultural differences as all believers join together to glorify God. It brings to mind the words of Psalm 96:7-9: “Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations… Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.”
The ultimate message of this vision is one of hope and encouragement for believers. It reminds us that our present struggles, no matter how challenging, are temporary. God’s ultimate plan is to bring us into His eternal presence. It invites us to fix our eyes on the eternal realities rather than the transient circumstances of this world (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). It affirms that God holds the ultimate victory, and as His faithful children, we will share in that victory.
The vision in Revelation 7 not only gives us a glimpse of the glorious future awaiting believers but also offers lessons for our present lives. First and foremost, it teaches us about the inclusivity of God’s salvation. We are reminded that our faith spans continents, cultures, and languages, and we should embrace and celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ.
Secondly, this vision calls us to persevere in the face of tribulation. The sight of believers who have come out of great tribulation reminds us that even in the darkest times, God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us. It encourages us to remain faithful and steadfast, knowing that our perseverance will be rewarded.
Lastly, this vision offers us comfort and hope. It assures us that in the presence of God, there will be no more sorrow, pain, or tears. It reminds us to find solace in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, who promises to wipe away every tear. It invites us to trust in His promises and lean on Him for comfort and strength, especially in times of difficulty.
The vision in Revelation 7 paints a beautiful picture of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God in worship. It reminds us of the inclusive nature of God’s salvation, the need for perseverance in times of tribulation, and the ultimate hope and comfort found in the presence of God. Let us hold fast to this vision and live each day in the light of eternity, knowing that our faithful endurance will lead us to join that multitude before the throne, praising and worshiping our Lord and Savior forevermore.
Also Read: Revelation 5 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Revelation 7
In the broader context of the book of Revelation, this vision comes after the opening of the sixth seal, which brings cosmic disturbances and terror upon the earth. The numbering of the sealed refers to the sealing and protection of God’s chosen people during the tribulation period. The sealing signifies their belonging to God and their protection from the impending judgments that will come upon the earth.
The multitude John sees is not limited to a specific number, but rather is described as an innumerable multitude. The reference to “every nation, tribe, people, and language” reinforces the inclusive nature of God’s salvation. It affirms that the Gospel is not limited to a particular group but is meant for people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe.
The vision also provides a glimpse of the heavenly worship that takes place before the throne of God. The palm branches held by the multitude are reminiscent of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where the people waved palm branches and hailed Him as the King. Here, it symbolizes the victory and triumph of the believers who have remained faithful to Christ until the end.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 7
1. The sealing of the chosen: Before the judgments are unleashed upon the earth, God’s chosen people are sealed for their protection.
2. The great multitude: The vision shows an innumerable multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God, worshipping Him with loud voices.
3. The white robes and palm branches: The white robes symbolize the righteousness and purity of the believers in Christ, obtained through His sacrifice. The palm branches represent victory and triumph over the challenges and tribulations of life.
4. The great tribulation: The believers are said to have come out of the great tribulation, referring to the trials and sufferings experienced on earth. It highlights the perseverance and faithfulness of the believers in the face of adversity.
5. Gathering in the presence of God: The vision culminates in the believers being in the presence of God and the Lamb, experiencing the fullness of His love, peace, and comfort. Their tears are wiped away, signifying the end of pain and sorrow.
Lessons From Revelation 7
1. Inclusivity of God’s salvation: The vision reveals that God’s salvation is inclusive and embraces people from all nations, cultures, and backgrounds. It reminds us to value and embrace the diversity within the body of Christ.
2. Perseverance in Tribulation: The sight of believers who have come out of the great tribulation reminds us to remain faithful and steadfast in our walk with Christ, even in the face of trials and challenges. It assures us that our perseverance will be rewarded.
3. Hope and Comfort in God’s Presence: The vision assures us that our present sufferings are temporary and will be replaced with eternal joy in the presence of God. It encourages us to find hope, comfort, and solace in His loving embrace.
Final Thoughts
The vision in Revelation 7 provides a glimpse of the ultimate destiny of believers in Christ. It assures us that God’s salvation is all-encompassing, embracing people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. It encourages us to persevere in the face of trials, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded in the presence of God. It fills our hearts with hope and comfort, reassuring us that our tears will be wiped away, and we will experience eternal joy in His presence. Let us hold fast to this vision and live each day with faith, knowing that our ultimate destination is to stand before the throne, worshiping our Lord and Savior for all eternity.