Book of Revelation – Bible Study – Chapter 7

 The Book of Revelation Chapter 7”

Introduction: This week we will continue our Bible Study lessons in chapters 7 of the Book of Revelation. In today’s lesson we will be studying about the Jews and Gentiles that will be saved during the Tribulation period. Now every time that we mention the book of Revelation of the Bible; and most people just shake their heads, and say I can’t understand it or this book is just too complicated to read at this time. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this last book of the Bible.

“The Jews and Gentiles; that will be saved during the Tribulation”

I) (The Sealing of Israel) (Revelation 7:1-3)

1) (Read) (Chapter 7:1);  And after these things  I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,  holding the four winds of the earth,  that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. (KJV)

1) Explanation: (Chapter 7:1); And John said after these things the first parenthetical Passage, is coming between the sixth and the seventh Seals. Then I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, which were holding the four winds of the earth. Now actually this refers to Judgment, which will be stopped for a short period of time. Also the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Now the winds of Judgment strive to be turned loose, but they are held in abeyance by the Omnipotence of the Almighty powerful God.

1) Comments: (Chapter 7:1);Now the sixth Seal has been opened, and the people on earth have tried to hide from God, saying, “Who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17); Now just when all hope seems lost, the four Angels hold back the four winds of Judgment until God’s people are sealed as His own. Now only then will our God open the Seventh Seal in (Revelation 8:1). The four angels holding the four winds of heaven and, the angel with the seal of the living God, and sealing the servants of God out of the twelve tribes, whose number were in the amounted to one hundred and forty-four thousand. Now besides these, there was an innumerable multitude from all nations, who gave glory to God and the Lamb. One of the elders shows who these are, and describes their most happy state in, (Revelation 7:13-17).

2) (Read) (Chapter 7:2);  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, (KJV)

 

2) Explanation: (Chapter 7:2); And I saw another angel ascending from the east. (Now the advent of this Angel portrays the fact that this is the beginning of the Restoration of Israel having the seal of the living God. (Now this Seal of God pertains to the Seal of Salvation in (II Timothy 2:19); and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea. (Now these Judgments are to be held in check).

 

2) Comments: (Chapter 7:2); Now a Seal on the book or document identified and protected its contents. Now our God places His own seal on His followers, and this will identify them as His own and guarantees God’s protection over their souls. Now this shows how valuable we are to Him. Now our physical bodies may be beaten, maimed, or even destroyed, but nothing can harm our souls when we have been sealed by our God. Please Read (Ephesians 1:13); for the seal of the Holy Spirit.

 

3) (Read) (Chapter 7:3); Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. (KJV)

 

3) Explanation: (Chapter 7:3); Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. (Now this is not literal, but rather a token, as the sprinkled blood on the lentil protected the house from the destroying Angel at the first Passover).

 

3) Comments: (Chapter 7:3); Now God’s Seal is placed on the foreheads of His servants. Now this seal is the exact opposite of the mark of the beast in (Revelation 13:16). Now these two marks on the people are in two distinct categories which, those owned by God and those owned by Satan. Then we are told that these servants were sealed by our God. There is manifestly an allusion to here. Now by sealing we are to understand consecrating the persons in a more especial manner to God, and showing, by this mark of God upon them, that they were under his more immediate protection, and that nothing should hurt them. Now it was a custom in the East, and indeed in the West too, to stamp with a hot iron the name of the owner upon the forehead or shoulder of his slave. It is worthy of remark that not one Christian perished in the siege of Jerusalem; all had left the city, and escaped to Pella.

 

II) (The Remnant of the 144,000 people out of Israel) (Revelation 7:4-8)

4) (Read) (Chapter 7:4);  And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (KJV)

4) Explanation: (Chapter 7:4); And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousands of all the tribes of the children of Israel. (Now there will be 12,000 from each Tribe; and these are the first-fruits of Israel which are included in the First Resurrection, with all of Israel coming to Jesus Christ at the Second Coming).

4) Comments: (Chapter 7:4); Now the number 144,000 is 12 x 12 x 1000, symbolizing completeness, which means that all God’s followers will be brought safely to Him; and not one will be overlooked or forgotten. When God seals these believers either by withdrawing them from the earth or by giving them special strength and courage to make it through this time of great persecution. Now even though many believers have to undergo persecution, the seal does not guarantee protection from physical harm and many will die, according to (Revelation 6:11). But our God will protect them from spiritual harm. No matter what happens, they will be brought to their reward of eternal life. Now their destiny is secure; but these believers will not fall away from God, even though they may undergo intense persecution.

5) (Read) (Chapter 7:5); Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. (KJV)

5) Explanation: (Chapter 7:5); Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.   (Now there will be 12,000 from each Tribe; and these are the first-fruits of Israel which are included in the First Resurrection, with all of Israel coming to Jesus Christ at the Second Coming).  

5) Comments: (Chapter 7:5); Now our God will select 12,000 Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to be His special servants throughout the Tribulation. Now we are not told what the seal is that God places on their foreheads, but whatever it is, it will keep them with both protection and power from on high. Now the fact that these are Jewish groups indicates that there will be many Jews that will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah at the outset of the Tribulation. Now we can only imagine what evangelistic success these 144,000 servants of God will have. Now they are often likened to the zeal of the Apostle Paul and all of those that were anointed with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in (Acts 2:1-40).

6) (Read) (Chapter 7:6); Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. (KJV)

6) Explanation: (Chapter 7:6); Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.(Now there will be 12,000 from each Tribe; and these are the first-fruits of Israel which are included in the First Resurrection, with all of Israel coming to Jesus Christ at the Second Coming).

 

6) Comments: (Chapter 7:6); Now our God will select 12,000 Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to be His special servants throughout the Tribulation. Now we are not told what the seal is that God places on their foreheads, but whatever it is, it will keep them with both protection and power from on high. Now the fact that these are Jewish groups indicates that there will be many Jews that will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah at the outset of the Tribulation. Now we can only imagine what evangelistic success these 144,000 servants of God will have. Now they are often likened to the zeal of the Apostle Paul and all of those that were anointed with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in (Acts 2:1-40).

 

7) (Read) (Chapter 7:7); Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. (KJV)

7) Explanation: (Chapter 7:7); Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.(Now there will be 12,000 from each Tribe; and these are the first-fruits of Israel which are included in the First Resurrection, with all of Israel coming to Jesus Christ at the Second Coming).

 

7) Comments: (Chapter 7:7); Now our God will select 12,000 Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to be His special servants throughout the Tribulation. Now we are not told what the seal is that God places on their foreheads, but whatever it is, it will keep them with both protection and power from on high. Now the fact that these are Jewish groups indicates that there will be many Jews that will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah at the outset of the Tribulation. Now we can only imagine what evangelistic success these 144,000 servants of God will have. Now they are often likened to the zeal of the Apostle Paul and all of those that were anointed with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in (Acts 2:1-40).

 

8) (Read) (Chapter 7:8); Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. (KJV)

8) Explanation: (Chapter 7:8); Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed (Ephraim) twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. (Now the Tribe of Dan is omitted, and no reason is given.)

 

8) Comments: (Chapter 7:8); Now our God will select 12,000 Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel to be His special servants throughout the Tribulation. Now we are not told what the seal is that God places on their foreheads, but whatever it is, it will keep them with both protection and power from on high. Now the fact that these are Jewish groups indicates that there will be many Jews that will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah at the outset of the Tribulation. Now we can only imagine what evangelistic success these 144,000 servants of God will have. Now they are often likened to the zeal of the Apostle Paul and all of those that were anointed with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in (Acts 2:1-40).

 

III) (Gentiles multitude to come out of the Great Tribulation)

 

9) (Read) (Chapter 7:9);  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number,  of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb,  clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; (KJV)

 

9) Explanation: (Chapter 7:9); After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude. (Now this great multitude pertains to the marrtys who gave their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ in the Great Tribulation). (Which no man could number, and this represents the many, possibly millions of people, who will be saved in the Great Tribulation). Now all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, and by the use of the word “Lamb” we know and relieze that their sin-stained garments have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb). And they were clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. (Now their white robes could be paraphrased, “they are dressed in richest wedding garments of purest, dazzling white”. Now these are God’s Blood bought; and the palms represent the joy in (Nehemiah 8:17).  

9) Comments: (Chapter 7:9); Now who is this great multitude? Now some interpreters identify is as the martyrs that is described in (Revelation 6:9). Now it may also be the same group as the 144,000 just mentioned in (Revelation 7:4-8).

Now the 144,000 were sealed by our God before the great time of persecution; and the great multitude was brought to eternal life. Now our God has promised them that they would be victorious. Now this multitude in Heaven is composed of all those who remained faithful to God throughout the generations. Now God tells all believers that they need not to worry about which group he or she will be in. Now our God protects each of us and we are guaranteed a place in His presence.

10) (Read) (Chapter 7:10);  And cried with a loud voice,  saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. (KJV)

 

10) Explanation: (Chapter 7:10); And cried with a loud voice, (Now the crying with a loud voice proclaims great joy), saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. (Now once again, we are told that how God Almighty has brought about that Great Salvation. But it is the through of what our Lord Jesus Christ did at the Cross, and I can say to My Jesus that you really loved me or you would not have gave your life for the whole world.

 

10) Comments: (Chapter 7:10); Now people try many methods to remove the guilt of sin, good deeds, and even cast blame on others. But the multitude in Heaven, however, will praise God, saying that salvation comes from Him and from the Lamb. Now I tell you that Salvation comes from our Lord Jesus Christ for our sins because Jesus is the only one that can remove the guilt of sin for us.

11) (Read) (Chapter 7:11); And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, (KJV)

11) Explanation: (Chapter 7:11); And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, (Now this tremendous volume of worship and praise has to do with what our Lord Jesus did at the Cross, in His Atoning for all sin by the giving of Himself in Sacrifice).

11) Comments: (Chapter 7:11); Now John tells us that all the Angels stood around the throne with the twenty elders and the four beasts and they all fell on their faces and worshipped our God. Now the four-creatures are not real animals but guard God’s throne and lead others in worship and proclaim God’s holiness. Now the 24 elders represent all the redeemed of God for all time; (both before and after Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. They symbolize all those; both Jews and Gentiles, who are now part of God’s family. Now here the 24 elders show us that all the redeemed of the Lord are worshiping Him.

12) (Read) (Chapter 7:12);  Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)

 

12) Explanation: (Chapter 7:12); Saying, Amen: (Now this is the proclamation that God has provided Salvation to all humanity through the Word of the Lamb). Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. (Now as the praises to God the Father are sevenfold, they are also sevenfold to God the Son in (Revelation 5:12). (Now this shows that both God and the Lamb are regarded in Heaven as they are entitled to equal praise).

 

12) Comments: (Chapter 7:12); Now the Apostle John is telling us that all the blessings and the glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, should be unto our God forever and ever. Now both God and Jesus Christ are equal in praises and glory, and because they are one they are always in perfect harmony. Now by saying, Amen they were giving their most cordial and grateful assent to the praises attributed to God and the Lamb. The blessing, and glory, seven different species of praise are attributed to our God Jehovah and the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac.

 

13) (Read) (Chapter 7:13);  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,  What are these which are arrayed in white robes?  And whence came they? (KJV)

13) Explanation: (Chapter 7:13); And one of the elders answered, saying unto John. What are these which are arrayed in white robes? (Now this would be better translated, “Who are these?”) And whence came they? Or (Where do they come from?) Then one of the Angels said, (these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation with their robes white). And these 144,000 witnesses will be so effective during that chaotic time that an innumerable host of people will be saved.

 

13) Comments: (Chapter 7:13); Now John sees a multitude from all nations, tongues, and tribes standing “before the throne and before the Lamb”. Now this indicates that there will be a great soul harvest during the Great Tribulation. For this multitude will be so enormous that it cannot even be counted. “These are the ones who came out of the Great Tribulation.”

 

14) (Read) (Chapter 7:14); And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (KJV)

14) Explanation: (Chapter 7:14); And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. (Now this presents reverent regard, but definitely not worship). And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and this refers to a specific group of people). Also their robes have been washed, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Now they were saved by trusting our Lord Jesus Christ and what He did at the Cross. Now in the Book of Revelation, the emphasis is placed on the Cross is overwhelming.

 

14) Comments: (Chapter 7:14); Now “the Great Tribulation” has been explained in several ways. There are some people that believe that it refers to the suffering of the believers throughout all the ages. But there are others that believe it is a specific time of intense tribulation that is yet to come. Now either way, these believers come through this time of suffering by remaining loyal to God. Now because they all remain faithful to our God, He will give them eternal life with Him. (Revelation 7:14) Now it is to imagine how blood could make any cloth white, but the blood of Jesus Christ is the world’s greatest purifier because it removes the stain of sin. Now white symbolizes a sinless perfection or holiness, which can be given to people only by the death of the sinless “Lamb of God” on our behalf.

 

15) (Read) (Chapter 7:15); Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (KJV)

15) Explanation: (Chapter 7:15); Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. (Now all of the particular group came out of the Great Tribulation). And God that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. (Now the One who sits on the Throne will cast His protecting Tabernacle over all the Saints of God, which is in His Presence).

 

15) Comments: (Chapter 7:15); Now the Apostle John tells us that this countless number of souls are before the throne day and night giving praises to our God who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Now these are the ones that came out of the Great Tribulation period and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14)

 

16) (Read) (Chapter 7:16); They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. (KJV)

 

16) Explanation: (Chapter 7:16); They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. (Now there will not be any more hunger or be thirsted because they are in a perfect environment with God).

16) Comments: (Chapter 7:16); Now here John gives us an insight of the kind of suffering that the martyrs of the Tribulation Period will experience: such as hunger, the sun, and the heat; which will indicate that they will probably have to flee from the Antichrist and live as vagabonds before being killed. But we that know our God; (Jehovah) believe in His mercy and grace and believe in His promises that He will come again for His Church and take us Heaven to be with Him forever more. (Read) (Revelation 22:14)

 

17) (Read) (Chapter 7:17);  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,  and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (KJV)

 

17) Explanation: (Chapter 7:17); For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them. (Now, not only did the Lamb save them, but our Lord Jesus Christ will take care of them and feed them. And not only does our Salvation come by and through what Jesus Christ did at the Cross, but we “live” by what Jesus Christ did for us at the Cross as well). And He shall lead them unto living fountains of waters. (Now this living fountains of waters is symbolic of the Holy Spirit in (John 7:37-39). Also God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Now Jesus tells us that all things, causing sorrow, will be forever gone).

 

17) Comments: (Chapter 7:17); Now here, the Apostle John tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ will feed the saints and lead them unto a fountain of living waters. There will be no more earthly sorrows for they will all be over and our Lord and Savior will give them a spiritual body. Now God will wipe away all tears from their eyes for there will be absolutely no more crying or sorrows in God’s Holy presence in Heaven.

Now as we come to the end of this chapter seven in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of “your Soul”. If you were to die before this day comes to an end. Where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.

Now if you would like to receive the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, just repent of your sins and put your faith in Jesus Christ alone. Then admit to God that you are a sinner. And from that moment you must turn from the sin that has kept you from God and accept Jesus’ gift of forgiveness. Then confess your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. Then you may express your repentance and faith by praying something like this prayer below.

Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”

 

Note: I pray that this Bible Study lesson about chapter seven will help you in your studies and help you understand Gods’ word in the Bible. Please feel free to pass them on to other people if they have helped you.

 Your, Brother in Christ

 Frank Rose