AM Bible Study Group; September 2, 2009
Revelation 13:1-10
Theme: This passage gives us further details about the 144,000. .
Chapter 14 gives us background information concerning the time period just before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth after the tribulation period. It is, in this sense, a parallel to chapter 7—which also speaks of the intermission before the outpouring of God’s wrath.
In the first five verses, the spotlight is turned on to ‘the 144,000’—that group that was mentioned to us in 7:3-8. There, we learned that they were “sealed servants of God” (7:3)—sealed in their foreheads; and that they are Jewish—12,000 men of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This morning’s passage gives us further information about them.
I. THE ONE WITH WHOM THEY STAND (v. 1).
A. John looks and sees “a Lamb” (or as it is in the original text, “the Lamb”); “standing on Mount Zion”. The Lamb here is none other than the Lord Jesus—the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5-6). In chapter 5, He was shown to be in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and twenty-four elders—standing as if slain. But here, He is shown “standing”—not in the heavens, but on the earth at Mount Zion (a symbol for Israel). This image is meant to give a contrast to the dreadful darkness that will characterize the time of the great tribulation (chapters 12-13). We are here shown that, even in the time of the greatest apparent victory of evil, our mighty Lord Jesus stands ready to conquer; and to receive the kingdoms of this earth to Himself.
B. Note that standing with Him are the 144,000. They are thus shown to be in secure union with Him who is destined to reign. They have His and His Father’s name written upon their foreheads as a mark of ownership (see 7:3); which presents them as in stark contrast to those on the earth who will have received the mark of the beast (see 13:16-17). Those who were deceived by the beast received the mark by choice; but these 144,000 will be sealed by God as an act of grace. They are thus clearly distinguished on the earth as belonging to Him.
II. THOSE WHO SING THEIR SONG IN HEAVEN (vv 2-3).
A. The attention of John is drawn now to what he hears in the heavenlies. He hears a voice (or a sound) from heaven—one in number. It was like the voice of “many waters”—that is, as loud as a mighty waterfall. This perhaps illustrates its great volume. But he also hears it “like the voice of loud thunder”, which may illustrate its sharp clarity. What is this voice? Ezekiel 42:2 describes the voice of God in this manner; and Revelation 1:15 also describes the voice of the Lord Jesus in similar terms. But in Revelation 19:6, the voice of the multitude of the redeemed in heaven are described in this way. And since, in verse 3, “they” are referred to, it seems best to see this as the voice of the redeemed in glory—speaking in a singularity of unity, and in a manner that matches that of their Lord. They would be the redeemed described in 7:9-17.
B. He also hears the sound (same word as “voice”) of harpists playing their harps. In Scripture, harps accompany joyous and thankful worship (see 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8; 15:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalm 33:2-3; 71:22; 144:9; 150:3). They are a far cry from the caricature we often associate with harps in heaven—quiet, peaceful music. The harps here are meant to convey loud and joyous triumph!
C. The “they” of this verse would be those who make this joyful, singular sound in heaven. And as John now shows us, the “voice” and “sound” is music! It is “as it were, a new song”—not new to heaven, but new in experience to the redeemed before God’s throne. A ‘new song’ is associated in Scripture with salvation (see Psalm 33:2-5; 144; 9-10). It is the multitudes of the redeemed in glory, who sing before the throne (4:2) and the four living creatures (4:6-8), and the elders (4:4).
D. We’re told that no one could learn this song except the 144,000; who were redeemed from the earth (see v. 4). There is unity between this redeemed group and the redeemed multitudes in heaven. It is the song that only the redeemed can sing.
III. THE CHARACTER THEY DISPLAY ON EARTH (vv. 4-5).
A. These 144,000 are the ones who “were not defiled with women, for they are virgins”. This does not mean that marital love defiles, or that a man is defiled by experiencing marital love with his wife. Rather, it is meant to speak of how this group stands out during the dark times of the reign of Antichrist. Apparently, extreme sexual immorality will characterize that time; but these 144,000 Jewish men will not have given themselves over to sexual sin; and will thus be fit instruments through which a holy God can work.
B. They are the ones who “follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (see Matthew 16:24). It may be that they follow Him even to great persecution! But where He leads, they follow.
C. They are “redeemed” (that is “bought out”) from among men. They are separated and distinct—not by their initiative, but by God’s initiative. And they are “redeemed” to be “first-fruits” to God and to the Lamb. “First-fruits” are the first of the harvest; and were therefore considered to be the best, and thus worthy to be devoted to God (Deuteronomy 18:3-5). But “first-fruits” are also symbolic of the promise of more yet to come (see 1 Corinthians 15:20).
D. In their mouths was found no deceit. They will be preachers with integrity. What a contrast they will be to the deceitfulness that will characterize the tribulation period (see 13:14)!
E. They are without fault. (Some texts add “before the throne of God”). It’s not that they are sinless, for only Christ is sinless. But they are justified before His sight and live consistent lives before Him on earth. What powerful witnesses they will be for the Lamb during those dark days!
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What an encouragement this passage is! Even at a time when evil will seem to rule, God lets us know that our Savior stands ready to reign—and that He even has His “sealed servants” prepared to bear His witness in this dark world!