THE 144,000 JEWS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
This article will show what we know about the 144,000 Jews of the book of Revelation and how they fit into the end of this Age and in the Millennium.
First, who are the 144,000?
We know that they are 12,000 Jews from each of 12 tribes of Israel listed in Revelation 7:4-8:
It is interesting that the tribe of Dan is not listed. Some say that the tribe of Dan might have really erred in some way. The Levites, who were not counted at times because of the priesthood, are now included. Also interesting is that long ago, Joseph gave his inheritance to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, but here we see Ephraim left out and Joseph included. There is no doubt some significance in regard to who is included and who is not, but for now, we are just noting it.
Many try to say that these 144,000 are the best of the Jehovah's Witnesses (who believe in salvation by works) which is obviously in error. Some say the 144,000 are sent down from heaven. But the bible says they are “redeemed” of “the earth” and of “the specific tribes of Israel” (Revelation 7:2-8,14b).
Why are these 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each tribe of Israel sealed?
Part of the answer is here.
So we can know that “harm” is coming to the earth, sea and trees but must be held back until these 144,000 are sealed for their protection. At this point, the first five of the seven seals will have been opened and completed with the last two seals being the rapture which most likely were just completed also. The seven trumpets of God's judgment & wrath will begin shortly (in this viewpoint, the last trumpet of the seven trumpets is not the same trumpet of the rapture (for more information, see the article, The Last Trump).
By seeing what the first four trumpets will do, we can see the confirmation that they are most likely to be four the angels commanded to wait (held back):
These first four angels with their trumpets and specific purposes certainly seem to be the ones that will be held back until the 144,000 are sealed for their protection.
The other 4 possible ones might be the first four angels of the bowls of God's wrath or some combination of the angels of the trumpet or bowls, but do to the bowls leading up to Armageddon, it would seem more likely to be the trumpets. Just for consideration, here is a list of the first four bowls.
Whether it be through four angels of the trumpets and/or bowls, or four that are solely dedicated to hold back the others, the judgment and wrath of God will be coming upon the earth and its inhabitants for the last 3 ½ years and these 144,000 remnant Jews must be protected for the duration. This could also be what is meant by the following verses:
Revelation 9:4, confirms the 144,000 are still here and being protected during the last 3 ½ years, as they are still here for the 5th trumpet.
We can also see that the term of their protection and care to be 3 1/2 years as shown in these verses:
A “time and times and half a time” is 3 ½ prophetic years. During this time, Israel is protected and nourished. Israel is represented by the sealed 144,000 (12,000 from each tribe) of Israel.
These 144,000 can only fit in properly with the future events in the truth. And unless someone is willing to admit that they might not see things in the right order, the truth of it will be missed. For example, these 144,000 are not sealed for the first 3 ½ years as some say, they are sealed in the middle for the latter half. Which coordinates perfectly as the latter half is for when the judgment and wrath of God will be poured out. Understanding the Bible about the events of the last days of the last days, can only be seen by addressing large amounts of Scripture. So if one wants to know the truth for themselves, they must seek it out in God's Word personally and prayerfully; and even with the help of others through the various teachings available.
There has been a hatred of the Jews by many in the Middle East and even by others globally for thousands of years, but there will be an amazing twist.
The devil hates Israel and her offspring. He hates those born physically Jewish and he also hates Christians. But what is so unique and contrary to many other eschatological views, is that the devil's Antichrist/false-messiah will deceive many by pretending to be pro-Jewish, pro-Israel. But the deception will be only temporary. Once the false-prophet has the abomination that brings desolation, the beast's image, set-up in the holy place of the new temple in Jerusalem, and demands worship of the evil one and commands the mark of this beast to be taken by all; then, his utter hatred of the Jews will come out in full force.
When the image is set up and worship demanded, the eyes of the 144,000 will be opened.
And it seems that because these people had been pure in keeping clean hearts and making sacrifices before God, that they will be spared God's wrath that is to come. And that they will realize the real Messiah (Jesus Christ, Yeshuah Ha-Mashiach) at the rapture, but it will be too late to be included; thus causing the need for them to be sealed for their protection.
When they refuse to bow to “the man” they had thought was their Messiah, he will turn on them and they will have to flee for their lives. Not only will the “pressure” be upon these Jews, but it will be upon all Christians who refuse.
Consider this next selection of verses. Luke 21:20-24 is a double prophecy that was fulfilled first in 70 AD, but will also happen again.
Many people consider the preceding verses in Luke 21 the same as the following verses in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 but there is a difference. Please read the verses below from Matthew and Mark and more will be explained. Even if you have read them many times before, please read them again!
The verses in Luke 21 foretell of fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the dispersion of the Jews and them being forcefully taken away captive to other countries and that the time of the Gentiles must happen. But notice the verses in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, warn specifically of “the abomination of desolation” - “standing in the holy place where it ought not” as spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 11:31) and later prophesied of in the book of Revelation by the apostle John (Revelation 13:12-17). What all three have in common is for those of Judea to flee for their lives' sake because of horrible tribulation.
Many will try to say these verses have already been fulfilled. Some say it was fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes during the time of the Maccabees, about 170 years before Christ, which could not be, simply because Jesus said it was yet to come. And for those who try to say it happened only in 70 AD, at the destruction of the temple and the fall of Jerusalem, they are not realizing that the book of Revelation was not even written yet with its prophecy about the same event. This event will not happen until the false-prophet (second beast) of Revelation 13 arrives on the scene to fulfill his evil mission.
So, the 144,000 and any other Jews who will not bow to the evil one will need to flee for their lives. Christians will have to flee also. The Lord will rapture up all surviving Christians but until He does, there will be tremendous pressure to kill all who will not bow to the evil one. This will be a tremendous tribulation. The biblical definition of “tribulation” is “suffering resulting from pressure, suffering resulting from being pressed.” And the 144,000 male Jews will have to be sealed for their protection for the duration of the last half of these final 7 years of this Age.
What is the seal of the 144,000?
The Father's name is written on their foreheads which also correlates with Revelation 7:3b saying, “... till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."
We know they are redeemed.
So what happens to the 144,000 at the end of the 7 years?
The Bible never says these 144,000 ever leave the earth. The Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming conclude the last 7 years of this Age (with the Antichrist and false-prophet being cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone as shown in Revelation 19:20), followed by what is called the Millennium. Some try to say it has been the Millennium since Jesus came, but in fact, it has been almost “two millennium” and in these (nearly) 2000 years, Jesus has not done yet what He will actually do in this specific Millennium. Jesus will be physically here on earth ruling and reigning.
At the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon, God will have the devil bound and put away for this special 1000 year period of time.
This section of verses also show that people who believe these events (preterists) to be fulfilled already are mistaken. The devil is running to and fro about this earth right now.
We believe these 144,000 “will birth the new Israel” for this last 1000 years.
During the last 7 years of this age, these were virgins who did not defile themselves with women; who were not deceitful and who kept themselves right before God.
Consider these verses once more:
We see Jesus on Mt. Zion on earth with these 144,000 with Him. We can rest assured it is the Mt. Zion of earth because a voice from heaven is then heard in verse 2. This shows it to be the Millennium.
We can also see that they are firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Firstfruits literally means: “the first, in place, time, order or rank, the beginning”—Strong's Dictionary. To put it simply, in order for anything to be firstfruits, means there is more coming.
Consider the example of Jesus as a firstfruits.
Jesus is the firstfruits, followed by all who die in Him and will rise in Him.
Consider the verses once again:
If we consider again that firstfruits means the beginning of something, then what are the 144,000 male Jews the firstfruits of?
These men could be the firstfruits of the redeemed Israel that will come into fruition during the Millennium. They are called “virgins” but like many of us, we were virgins until we married. Who would they marry? That is a great question. Personally, I believe only the males are listed. I believe the women are not counted here for whatever the reason. God never intended for man to be alone. Somehow, some way, these consecrated gentlemen will birth the New Israel.
Who would the people of the Millennium be? Who would Jesus and the saints rule and reign over?
All Christians will be transformed at the rapture and the Bible says that Christians will no longer marry or die (Luke 20:34-36). But this group of firstfruits were sealed by God and not given transformed bodies. This means they will still be able to procreate.
In another train of thought, they could be the first part of the redeemed of the Millennium.
Some of us really believe Jesus that when He said, He is the only way to the Father; that what He said is 100% true. Some believe that God would judge some based upon their works that never had the chance to hear the Gospel. Others believe, those who never had the chance to really hear the Gospel are simply eternally doomed. But what really will happen for the people who would have chosen Jesus Christ but never heard the Gospel? And what will happen to the people who were not born in their right minds or die young? Could it be that there are aborted babies along with these others and whoever else the Lord deems should be there, to have their chance to accept or reject the Jesus in the Millennium? If so, the 144,000 might be considered the firstfruits of the redeemed in a new way. The day of salvation as we currently know it, will be over at the Rapture. But could it be that the Millennium is the time set aside for wrapping it all up? For giving those that need a fair chance to accept or reject the Gospel? We do know the devil is loosed briefly after the conclusion of the Millennium. Which would stand to reason in that a time of testing is necessary for everyone.
There are some people who believe that God will replenish mankind for the Millennium by using "survivors" of the Battle of Armageddon and the pressing of the grapes of wrath in God's wine press.
This thought does not seem biblical. At the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon, God wipes out the rest of mankind. We know this according to the Bible. Here are the verses that show it.
“The rest” are those who will have joined in making war against the Lord. Does it say "the rest" - except for those the Lord spares? There are not any survivors left after the trumpets and bowls of God's judgment and wrath and Armageddon. These people will have be the ones who will have taken the mark of the beast and sided with the devil against God. They are also “the grapes” those that will be crushed in God's wrath. The first harvest (Revelation 14:14-16) is the Rapture and the second harvest is the harvest of the wicked, and is believed by many to happen at the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon and the conclusion of the end of the Age.
For those that say that any survivors would be left after the Battle of Armageddon and the crushing of the grapes of wrath, beyond “the sealed ones of God” seems ridiculous and unscriptural. Anyone who worships the beast and his image and receives the mark of the beast, is doomed forever and not eligible to live in any Millennium as shown in the following verses.
The very thought that God would pick and choose from “any wicked survivors,” as some suggest, to be part of "the re-start of mankind" for His new Millennium seems impossible.
In this case of seeking understanding, and in all cases when something is not explained, it is one thing. But when things are stated or explained, then it is whatever it is.
Here are some of the facts about the 144,000 we can know from Scripture:
We are only allowed to know so much. We can state what we know and consider some of the possibilities. In time, everything will come into being, just as the Lord has said and it will all make sense then. In the meantime, we must “trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and not lean on our own understanding; and in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, in the singular present tense).
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THE 144,000
The enemy hates Israel which is represented by the sealed 144,000 that are taken care of in the wilderness and also helped by the earth.
Just because they are virgins for a while, does not mean that they will not eventually marry and procreate to birth the new Israel of the Millennium and repopulate earth. Throughout all history, God has never been without a remnant!
First, who are the 144,000?
We know that they are 12,000 Jews from each of 12 tribes of Israel listed in Revelation 7:4-8:
- Revelation 7:4-8 “And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand (144,000) of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.”
It is interesting that the tribe of Dan is not listed. Some say that the tribe of Dan might have really erred in some way. The Levites, who were not counted at times because of the priesthood, are now included. Also interesting is that long ago, Joseph gave his inheritance to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, but here we see Ephraim left out and Joseph included. There is no doubt some significance in regard to who is included and who is not, but for now, we are just noting it.
Many try to say that these 144,000 are the best of the Jehovah's Witnesses (who believe in salvation by works) which is obviously in error. Some say the 144,000 are sent down from heaven. But the bible says they are “redeemed” of “the earth” and of “the specific tribes of Israel” (Revelation 7:2-8,14b).
Why are these 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each tribe of Israel sealed?
Part of the answer is here.
- Revelation 7:1-3 “After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then 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 granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."
So we can know that “harm” is coming to the earth, sea and trees but must be held back until these 144,000 are sealed for their protection. At this point, the first five of the seven seals will have been opened and completed with the last two seals being the rapture which most likely were just completed also. The seven trumpets of God's judgment & wrath will begin shortly (in this viewpoint, the last trumpet of the seven trumpets is not the same trumpet of the rapture (for more information, see the article, The Last Trump).
By seeing what the first four trumpets will do, we can see the confirmation that they are most likely to be four the angels commanded to wait (held back):
- Trumpet 1 / Revelation 8:7 "The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up."
- Trumpet 2 / Revelation 8:8-9 "Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed."
- Trumpet 3 / Revelation 8:10-11 "Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter."
- Trumpet 4 / Revelation 8:12 "Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night."
These first four angels with their trumpets and specific purposes certainly seem to be the ones that will be held back until the 144,000 are sealed for their protection.
The other 4 possible ones might be the first four angels of the bowls of God's wrath or some combination of the angels of the trumpet or bowls, but do to the bowls leading up to Armageddon, it would seem more likely to be the trumpets. Just for consideration, here is a list of the first four bowls.
- Bowl 1 / Revelation 16:2 "So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image."
- Bowl 2 / Revelation 16:3 "Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died."
- Bowl 3 / Revelation 16: 4-6 "Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due."
- Bowl 4 / Revelation 16:8-9 "Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory."
Whether it be through four angels of the trumpets and/or bowls, or four that are solely dedicated to hold back the others, the judgment and wrath of God will be coming upon the earth and its inhabitants for the last 3 ½ years and these 144,000 remnant Jews must be protected for the duration. This could also be what is meant by the following verses:
- Revelation 18:4 “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.”
Revelation 9:4, confirms the 144,000 are still here and being protected during the last 3 ½ years, as they are still here for the 5th trumpet.
- Trumpet 5 / Woe 1 - Revelation 9:1-4 "Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”
We can also see that the term of their protection and care to be 3 1/2 years as shown in these verses:
- Revelation 12:13-17 “Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
A “time and times and half a time” is 3 ½ prophetic years. During this time, Israel is protected and nourished. Israel is represented by the sealed 144,000 (12,000 from each tribe) of Israel.
These 144,000 can only fit in properly with the future events in the truth. And unless someone is willing to admit that they might not see things in the right order, the truth of it will be missed. For example, these 144,000 are not sealed for the first 3 ½ years as some say, they are sealed in the middle for the latter half. Which coordinates perfectly as the latter half is for when the judgment and wrath of God will be poured out. Understanding the Bible about the events of the last days of the last days, can only be seen by addressing large amounts of Scripture. So if one wants to know the truth for themselves, they must seek it out in God's Word personally and prayerfully; and even with the help of others through the various teachings available.
There has been a hatred of the Jews by many in the Middle East and even by others globally for thousands of years, but there will be an amazing twist.
The devil hates Israel and her offspring. He hates those born physically Jewish and he also hates Christians. But what is so unique and contrary to many other eschatological views, is that the devil's Antichrist/false-messiah will deceive many by pretending to be pro-Jewish, pro-Israel. But the deception will be only temporary. Once the false-prophet has the abomination that brings desolation, the beast's image, set-up in the holy place of the new temple in Jerusalem, and demands worship of the evil one and commands the mark of this beast to be taken by all; then, his utter hatred of the Jews will come out in full force.
When the image is set up and worship demanded, the eyes of the 144,000 will be opened.
And it seems that because these people had been pure in keeping clean hearts and making sacrifices before God, that they will be spared God's wrath that is to come. And that they will realize the real Messiah (Jesus Christ, Yeshuah Ha-Mashiach) at the rapture, but it will be too late to be included; thus causing the need for them to be sealed for their protection.
When they refuse to bow to “the man” they had thought was their Messiah, he will turn on them and they will have to flee for their lives. Not only will the “pressure” be upon these Jews, but it will be upon all Christians who refuse.
Consider this next selection of verses. Luke 21:20-24 is a double prophecy that was fulfilled first in 70 AD, but will also happen again.
- Luke 21:20-24 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Many people consider the preceding verses in Luke 21 the same as the following verses in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 but there is a difference. Please read the verses below from Matthew and Mark and more will be explained. Even if you have read them many times before, please read them again!
- Matthew 24:15-22 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.”
- Mark 13:14-20 "So when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not" (let the reader understand), "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”
The verses in Luke 21 foretell of fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the dispersion of the Jews and them being forcefully taken away captive to other countries and that the time of the Gentiles must happen. But notice the verses in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, warn specifically of “the abomination of desolation” - “standing in the holy place where it ought not” as spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Daniel 11:31) and later prophesied of in the book of Revelation by the apostle John (Revelation 13:12-17). What all three have in common is for those of Judea to flee for their lives' sake because of horrible tribulation.
Many will try to say these verses have already been fulfilled. Some say it was fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes during the time of the Maccabees, about 170 years before Christ, which could not be, simply because Jesus said it was yet to come. And for those who try to say it happened only in 70 AD, at the destruction of the temple and the fall of Jerusalem, they are not realizing that the book of Revelation was not even written yet with its prophecy about the same event. This event will not happen until the false-prophet (second beast) of Revelation 13 arrives on the scene to fulfill his evil mission.
So, the 144,000 and any other Jews who will not bow to the evil one will need to flee for their lives. Christians will have to flee also. The Lord will rapture up all surviving Christians but until He does, there will be tremendous pressure to kill all who will not bow to the evil one. This will be a tremendous tribulation. The biblical definition of “tribulation” is “suffering resulting from pressure, suffering resulting from being pressed.” And the 144,000 male Jews will have to be sealed for their protection for the duration of the last half of these final 7 years of this Age.
What is the seal of the 144,000?
- Revelation 14:1 “Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.”
The Father's name is written on their foreheads which also correlates with Revelation 7:3b saying, “... till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads."
We know they are redeemed.
- Revelation 14:3-4 “They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb."
So what happens to the 144,000 at the end of the 7 years?
The Bible never says these 144,000 ever leave the earth. The Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming conclude the last 7 years of this Age (with the Antichrist and false-prophet being cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone as shown in Revelation 19:20), followed by what is called the Millennium. Some try to say it has been the Millennium since Jesus came, but in fact, it has been almost “two millennium” and in these (nearly) 2000 years, Jesus has not done yet what He will actually do in this specific Millennium. Jesus will be physically here on earth ruling and reigning.
- Revelation 20:4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
At the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon, God will have the devil bound and put away for this special 1000 year period of time.
- Revelation 20:1-3 “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.”
This section of verses also show that people who believe these events (preterists) to be fulfilled already are mistaken. The devil is running to and fro about this earth right now.
We believe these 144,000 “will birth the new Israel” for this last 1000 years.
During the last 7 years of this age, these were virgins who did not defile themselves with women; who were not deceitful and who kept themselves right before God.
Consider these verses once more:
- Revelation 14:1-5 “Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
We see Jesus on Mt. Zion on earth with these 144,000 with Him. We can rest assured it is the Mt. Zion of earth because a voice from heaven is then heard in verse 2. This shows it to be the Millennium.
We can also see that they are firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Firstfruits literally means: “the first, in place, time, order or rank, the beginning”—Strong's Dictionary. To put it simply, in order for anything to be firstfruits, means there is more coming.
Consider the example of Jesus as a firstfruits.
- 1 Corinthians 15:20 “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”
Jesus is the firstfruits, followed by all who die in Him and will rise in Him.
Consider the verses once again:
- Revelation 14:5, “These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.”
If we consider again that firstfruits means the beginning of something, then what are the 144,000 male Jews the firstfruits of?
These men could be the firstfruits of the redeemed Israel that will come into fruition during the Millennium. They are called “virgins” but like many of us, we were virgins until we married. Who would they marry? That is a great question. Personally, I believe only the males are listed. I believe the women are not counted here for whatever the reason. God never intended for man to be alone. Somehow, some way, these consecrated gentlemen will birth the New Israel.
Who would the people of the Millennium be? Who would Jesus and the saints rule and reign over?
All Christians will be transformed at the rapture and the Bible says that Christians will no longer marry or die (Luke 20:34-36). But this group of firstfruits were sealed by God and not given transformed bodies. This means they will still be able to procreate.
In another train of thought, they could be the first part of the redeemed of the Millennium.
Some of us really believe Jesus that when He said, He is the only way to the Father; that what He said is 100% true. Some believe that God would judge some based upon their works that never had the chance to hear the Gospel. Others believe, those who never had the chance to really hear the Gospel are simply eternally doomed. But what really will happen for the people who would have chosen Jesus Christ but never heard the Gospel? And what will happen to the people who were not born in their right minds or die young? Could it be that there are aborted babies along with these others and whoever else the Lord deems should be there, to have their chance to accept or reject the Jesus in the Millennium? If so, the 144,000 might be considered the firstfruits of the redeemed in a new way. The day of salvation as we currently know it, will be over at the Rapture. But could it be that the Millennium is the time set aside for wrapping it all up? For giving those that need a fair chance to accept or reject the Gospel? We do know the devil is loosed briefly after the conclusion of the Millennium. Which would stand to reason in that a time of testing is necessary for everyone.
There are some people who believe that God will replenish mankind for the Millennium by using "survivors" of the Battle of Armageddon and the pressing of the grapes of wrath in God's wine press.
This thought does not seem biblical. At the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon, God wipes out the rest of mankind. We know this according to the Bible. Here are the verses that show it.
- Revelation 19:19-21 "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh."
“The rest” are those who will have joined in making war against the Lord. Does it say "the rest" - except for those the Lord spares? There are not any survivors left after the trumpets and bowls of God's judgment and wrath and Armageddon. These people will have be the ones who will have taken the mark of the beast and sided with the devil against God. They are also “the grapes” those that will be crushed in God's wrath. The first harvest (Revelation 14:14-16) is the Rapture and the second harvest is the harvest of the wicked, and is believed by many to happen at the conclusion of the Battle of Armageddon and the conclusion of the end of the Age.
- Revelation 14:18-19 “And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.”
For those that say that any survivors would be left after the Battle of Armageddon and the crushing of the grapes of wrath, beyond “the sealed ones of God” seems ridiculous and unscriptural. Anyone who worships the beast and his image and receives the mark of the beast, is doomed forever and not eligible to live in any Millennium as shown in the following verses.
- Revelation 14:9-11 "Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
The very thought that God would pick and choose from “any wicked survivors,” as some suggest, to be part of "the re-start of mankind" for His new Millennium seems impossible.
In this case of seeking understanding, and in all cases when something is not explained, it is one thing. But when things are stated or explained, then it is whatever it is.
Here are some of the facts about the 144,000 we can know from Scripture:
- They are called “the servants of our God” here. (Revelation 7:3)
- They are sealed for their protection. (Revelation 7:1-3)
- Their seal is the seal of God, which is the Father's Name written on their foreheads. (Revelation 7:3,14:1)
- They are taken care of by God for a time, and times and half a time. (Revelation 12:14)
- The dragon hates them and will seek to destroy them. (Revelation 12:15)
- They are virgins not defiled with women. (Revelation 14:4a)
- They are not deceitful and are right before God. (Revelation 14:5)
- They will be redeemed from among men. (Revelation 14:4)
- They will be firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. (Revelation 14:4)
- Not only are they Jewish but also true followers of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 7:4,14:4b)
- They are humans of earth, not sent from heaven or anywhere else.(Revelation 7:2-3,14:4b)
We are only allowed to know so much. We can state what we know and consider some of the possibilities. In time, everything will come into being, just as the Lord has said and it will all make sense then. In the meantime, we must “trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and not lean on our own understanding; and in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, in the singular present tense).
BIBLE VERSES ABOUT THE 144,000
- Revelation 7:1-8 “After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then 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 granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: 5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; 6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; 7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; 8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.”
- Revelation 9:4 “They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”
- Revelation 12:6 “Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”
- Revelation 12:13-17 “Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
The enemy hates Israel which is represented by the sealed 144,000 that are taken care of in the wilderness and also helped by the earth.
- Revelation 14:1-5 “Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
Just because they are virgins for a while, does not mean that they will not eventually marry and procreate to birth the new Israel of the Millennium and repopulate earth. Throughout all history, God has never been without a remnant!
OTHER "POST RAPTURE" ARTICLES
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THE MILLENNIUM
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A word study, taking a deeper look at original context.
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The best biblical mindset for living in the last days, as shown in 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
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Copyright 2017 E. Cockrell May be used for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.