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Revelation 7

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‹ Chapter 6 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 8 ›

1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back its four winds so that no wind would blow on land or sea or on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, with the seal of the living God. And 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 sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4 And 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, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. 9 After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen." 13 Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?" 14 “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ 17 For the Lamb in 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.’ “

‹ Chapter 6 Revelation — All Chapters Chapter 8 ›

Study Notes — Revelation 7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Revelation chapter 7 can be divided into two main sections: the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:1-8) and the description of the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-17). The chapter begins with four angels holding back the winds of judgment, and Jesus commands another angel to seal the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel. The chapter then shifts to a description of the multitude in white robes, who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. The chapter ends with a description of the heavenly worship and the redemption of the multitude.

Context for the Chapter

Revelation chapter 7 is situated in the larger context of the book of Revelation, which is a book of prophecy and apocalyptic literature. The chapter is part of a larger section that describes the seven seals, which are a series of judgments that will be poured out on the earth. The chapter also has connections to the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ezekiel, where the concept of the seal is first introduced (Ezekiel 9:4-6).

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of God's protection and redemption, and encourages us to trust in Him during times of tribulation. As we face challenges and hardships, we can take comfort in the fact that God is our Shepherd and will guide and protect us. We can also be encouraged to share the gospel with others, knowing that it is a message of hope and redemption for people from every nation, tribe, and language.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Revelation chapter 7 describes God's protection of His people during a time of great tribulation. The chapter highlights the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. As seen in Revelation 7:3 and Revelation 7:10, God's protection and redemption are central themes of the chapter.

Voices from the Church

“The seal of God is a mark of ownership, a sign of protection, and a symbol of redemption.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The multitude from every nation, tribe, and language is a testament to the power and universality of the gospel.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Sealing of the 144,000 (Revelation 7:1-8) — The chapter begins with four angels holding back the winds of judgment, and Jesus commands another angel to seal the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel.
  2. The Description of the Multitude (Revelation 7:9-10) — The chapter shifts to a description of the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
  3. The Heavenly Worship (Revelation 7:11-12) — The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as seen in the heavenly host worshiping God and the Lamb.
  4. The Redemption of the Multitude (Revelation 7:13-14) — The chapter emphasizes the redemption of the multitude, who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
  5. The Conclusion (Revelation 7:15-17) — The chapter ends with a description of the heavenly worship and the redemption of the multitude, emphasizing God's protection and care for His people.

Core Doctrines

The Protection of God
This chapter teaches that God protects His people during times of tribulation, as seen in Revelation 7:1-8.
The Universality of the Gospel
The chapter emphasizes the universality of the gospel, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10.
The Importance of Worship
The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as seen in Revelation 7:11-12.
The Redemption of the Multitude
The chapter emphasizes the redemption of the multitude, who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, as seen in Revelation 7:13-14.

Lessons from Revelation 7

  1. God's Protection — The chapter teaches that God protects His people during times of tribulation, as seen in Revelation 7:1-8.
  2. The Universality of the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes the universality of the gospel, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10.
  3. The Importance of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as seen in Revelation 7:11-12.
  4. The Redemption of the Multitude — The chapter emphasizes the redemption of the multitude, who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, as seen in Revelation 7:13-14.
  5. God's Care for His People — The chapter ends with a description of God's care for His people, emphasizing His protection and redemption, as seen in Revelation 7:15-17.

Themes from Revelation 7

  1. Protection — The chapter teaches that God protects His people during times of tribulation, as seen in Revelation 7:1-8.
  2. Redemption — The chapter emphasizes the redemption of the multitude, who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, as seen in Revelation 7:13-14.
  3. Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as seen in Revelation 7:11-12.
  4. Universality of the Gospel — The chapter emphasizes the universality of the gospel, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10.
  5. God's Care for His People — The chapter ends with a description of God's care for His people, emphasizing His protection and redemption, as seen in Revelation 7:15-17.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the seal of God represent in this chapter?
  2. How does the chapter describe the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language?
  3. What is the significance of the heavenly worship in this chapter?
  4. How does the chapter emphasize the redemption of the multitude?
  5. What does the chapter teach about God's protection of His people during times of tribulation?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Sealing of the 144,000 (Revelation 7:1-8)

7:1 The chapter begins with four angels holding back the winds of judgment.
7:2 Another angel commands the four angels not to harm the land or the sea or the trees until the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are sealed.
7:3 The seal is a symbol of God's protection and redemption, as seen in the command not to harm the land or the sea or the trees until the 144,000 are sealed.
7:4 The 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are sealed, as seen in the list of the tribes and the number of those sealed from each tribe.
7:5 The tribe of Judah is listed first, with 12,000 sealed from that tribe.
7:6 The tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin are also listed, with 12,000 sealed from each tribe.
7:7 The tribes of Dan is not listed, but the tribe of Joseph is listed, with Manasseh as a separate tribe.
7:8 The total number of those sealed is 144,000, with 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel.

2. The Description of the Multitude (Revelation 7:9-10)

7:9 The multitude from every nation, tribe, and language is described, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
7:10 The multitude is clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and they cry out in a loud voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'

3. The Heavenly Worship (Revelation 7:11-12)

7:11 The angels, the elders, and the four living creatures fall down on their faces before the throne and worship God.
7:12 The heavenly host says, 'Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'

4. The Redemption of the Multitude (Revelation 7:13-14)

7:13 One of the elders asks who the multitude is and where they came from.
7:14 The answer is given that the multitude has come out of the great tribulation and has washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, making them white.

5. The Conclusion (Revelation 7:15-17)

7:15 The multitude serves God day and night in His temple, and the One who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.
7:16 The multitude will never again be hungry or thirsty, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.
7:17 The Lamb in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd and will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the 144,000 in Revelation 7?

The 144,000 represent the redeemed people of God from the tribes of Israel, who are sealed and protected by God during a time of great tribulation, as seen in Revelation 7:1-8.

What is the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language in Revelation 7?

The multitude represents the redeemed people of God from every nation, tribe, and language, who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10.

What is the significance of the heavenly worship in Revelation 7?

The heavenly worship emphasizes the importance of worship and the recognition of God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Revelation 7:11-12.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Revelation 7:1 → Psalm 121:4 The concept of God's protection and care for His people is also seen in Psalm 121:4, where God is described as the Keeper of Israel.
2 Revelation 7:3 → Ezekiel 9:4-6 The concept of the seal is also seen in Ezekiel 9:4-6, where God commands the angel to mark the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over the abominations committed in Jerusalem.
3 Revelation 7:9 → Isaiah 2:2-3 The concept of the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language is also seen in Isaiah 2:2-3, where the nations will stream to the mountain of the Lord's house.
4 Revelation 7:10 → Psalm 3:8 The concept of salvation belonging to God is also seen in Psalm 3:8, where salvation belongs to the Lord.
5 Revelation 7:11 → Hebrews 12:22-24 The concept of the heavenly worship is also seen in Hebrews 12:22-24, where the church has come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God.
6 Revelation 7:12 → Psalm 148:13 The concept of blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might belonging to God is also seen in Psalm 148:13, where the name of the Lord is to be praised.
7 Revelation 7:14 → Isaiah 1:18 The concept of washing robes in the blood of the Lamb is also seen in Isaiah 1:18, where the people's sins will be made as white as snow.
8 Revelation 7:15 → Isaiah 4:5-6 The concept of God's tabernacle being over the multitude is also seen in Isaiah 4:5-6, where the Lord will create over the whole area of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night.
9 Revelation 7:16 → Psalm 121:5-6 The concept of the sun not beating down on the multitude is also seen in Psalm 121:5-6, where the Lord is their shade at their right hand.
10 Revelation 7:17 → Psalm 23:1-4 The concept of the Lamb being the Shepherd of the multitude is also seen in Psalm 23:1-4, where the Lord is the Shepherd of His people.

Sermons on Revelation 7

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson A Whole New World Is Coming by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having joy and confidence in one's Christian life. He encourages those who may be doubting their readiness for heaven to c
Leonard Ravenhill Worship (Part 3 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a perso
A.W. Tozer The Holiness of God - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the word of God and the need to regain a sense of reverence for the holy. The sermon references the book of Revelation, sp
A.W. Tozer (Revelation - Part 2): A Prognosis of Events by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He uses a story about a boy who eagerly awaits his father's return
David Pawson Israel in the End Times by David Pawson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs that Jesus gave regarding his second coming. He explains that there are four main signs: famine, wars, earthquakes in the world; a g
A.W. Tozer (Revelation - Part 12): Who Are the 144,000 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the imagery of four angels standing on the four corners of the earth as described in the book of Revelation. He addresses the criticism that
David Wilkerson Man’s Hour of Darkness Is God’s Hour of Power by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. He emphasizes that Jesus never acted without significance and that th
K.P. Yohannan Authentic Missions, Part One by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, Brother K. P. Johannon discusses the concept of authentic missions and what it looks like according to the teachings of Jesus. He begins by acknowledging that Jesus
Roy Hession The Power of the Blood by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine burden for prayer and seeking God's presence. He shares personal experiences of feeling convicted of his l
Denny Kenaston The Radical Example of Moravian Missions by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the entire Bible is centered around the Lord Jesus Christ and what He can do for humanity. God's ultimate passion is revealed through Hi

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 7

In this chapter, we see the protection and redemption of God's people during a time of great tribulation. The sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel is a symbol of God's protection and care for His people, as seen in Revelation 7:1-8. The multitude from every nation, tribe, and language is a testament to the power and universality of the gospel, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10. The heavenly worship emphasizes the importance of worship and the recognition of God's sovereignty and power, as seen in Revelation 7:11-12. The redemption of the multitude is a reminder of God's love and care for His people, as seen in Revelation 7:13-14. The chapter ends with a description of God's care for His people, emphasizing His protection and redemption, as seen in Revelation 7:15-17. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Protection of God's People

The chapter highlights God's protection of His people during a time of great tribulation, as seen in Revelation 7:1-8, where the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel are sealed.

The Universality of the Gospel

The chapter emphasizes the universality of the gospel, as seen in Revelation 7:9-10, where the multitude from every nation, tribe, and language is described.

The Importance of Worship

The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as seen in Revelation 7:11-12, where the heavenly host worships God and the Lamb.

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