The Word of God clearly indicates the 144,000 are Jews (Revelation 7:1-8), yet some groups take that passage figuratively, often applying the designation to themselves. They point to the fact that the tribe of Dan is missing from the list and that the name of “Joseph” is used instead of Ephraim. Some have mused that the The Beast arises from Dan, and thus is absent.
I am of the opinion the idea of the 144,000 are non-Jews developed as a result of many before 1948 being incapable of viewing the literal fulfillment of the passage because there was no Israel on the map. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have their roots in the 1800s through Charles Taze Russell, feel the elite among themselves comprise that number. Originally, all followers of Russell were considered of that group, but they had to refine their theology (as they often do) when their membership grew past that number (1).
Regardless, the wealth of information within the Holy Bible, the fact its prophecies come to pass literally, and sound hermeneutics indicate the passage means exactly what it says: these are Jews, the children of Israel as verse 4 clearly states. Given the fact they receive a seal from God on their foreheads and are seen with Christ on Mount Zion and declared to be redeemed, they are Jews that will have turned to Jesus Christ, probably during the early part of The Great Tribulation.
Revelation 14:4-5 further describes the 144,000: “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
As you see, verse five speaks of a high level of moral purity. The second sentence of verse four is clear about their commitment to Christ (redeemed), and they “first fruits,” probably meaning the first redeemed when Daniel’s (Daniel 9:27) seventy seventh (most likely a period of seven years) begins.
Most intriguing to me is “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.” It is clear they are Jewish males, but I suspect, for various reasons, very young males, perhaps in their preteen years. I also suspect that if the Beast (Antichrist) be a human, he too shall be a child. As God permits, I will bring these thoughts out more in an upcoming article.
For our purposes though, I would say the greatest description of these devout Jews is that they received the seal of God, quite similar to what is described in Ezekiel 9 when devout Jews received God’s mark of protection from judgment. They received that mark because they detested the practices of the unfaithful Jews as described in Ezekiel 8. We, too, should make sure we are sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13) , and keep that seal (Ephesians 4:30). By the way, 2 Timothy 2:19 reveals what that seal states: “The Lord knoweth them that are his,” and “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
Notes:
(1) Wright, J. Stafford (Douglas, J. D., General Editor), The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church: Zondervan, Grand Rapids MI; 1974, p.75
For an overview of Holy Bible prophecy please see, Futuristic Bible Prophecy At A Glance.
God willing, this will be part of my Bible GemLight Series as onyx016.
Great Share.
What I know is that 144,000 is a very small number indeed. Thoughts?
Most interesting article, Pete. Thanks for the insights on this passage of scripture.
I think your opinion of the privileged 144,000 is correct.
144,000 is small number. Perhaps there is only small number of people who keep high level of purity in the end of time.
Very good but now it is back to the Bible for more research as I personally need a deeper and more complete answer. I do agree with what you have said here but I think there is much more…Write on.