The reference to the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation (7:4-8; 14:1-5; 20:4-6) is one of the most mysterious and controversial passages in the Bible. The identity and role of these people have been the subject of many interpretations among theologians and commentators of the Bible.
“And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand people from all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed.” (Revelation 7:4)
Who are in the group of 144,000?
Investigating who exactly are among the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation has led to much debate and controversy among Christians.
Christians believe that the number 144,000 does not represent the total number of people who will be saved from wrath and eternal damnation throughout history.
Generally, Christians interpret this verse as either a literal meaning of 144,000 people, or they believe that this specific number is symbolic of an unspecified number of people.
One may believe that the number mentioned in the Bible is a definite count and still hope to reach heaven.
This interpretation, which points to the future, holds that the 144,000 are “sealed Jews” who will be protected from the wrath of the Antichrist during the Tribulation. This group of people will evangelize during this period and lead to the salvation of the millions mentioned in Revelation 7:9.
There are problems with the theory that the 144,000 are “sealed Jews”:
Tribal distinctions in Revelation: The tribal distinctions mentioned in Revelation had disappeared long before John wrote the book.
A symbol of Christian religions: It can be logically held that the separation of tribes was used to symbolize the large number of Christian religions and their equality in terms of the number of adherents. No one will be barred from entering heaven or given more favors based on lineage.
Adam Clarke’s Comment: Methodist theologian Adam Clarke writes in his commentary that the 144,000 include “all the Jews who were converted to Christianity; 12,000 people from each of the 12 tribes. But this number should only represent a certain number for an uncertain number; Because it is not assumed that exactly 12,000 people from each of the 12 tribes believed.”
144,000 is a symbol of perfection
Use of numbers in Revelation: Numerology is probably used in the use of the number 144,000. The number “twelve” is used throughout the Bible to symbolize the perfection, integrity, and power of God, such as the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 disciples of Jesus.
James Kaufman’s Commentary: According to James Kaufman’s interpretation, in the case of the 144,000, “the number twelve is multiplied by itself and then by a thousand, which represents perfection and flawlessness in the ultimate degree.”
Charles Spurgeon’s Commentary: Charles Spurgeon, in a sermon titled “The Joyful Hopes of the Believer,” provides an explanation of Revelation 7:4-9.
Twelve thousand people from each tribe: Twelve thousand people from each of the 12 tribes are on an equal footing with the unity of Judah and Benjamin. Spurgeon declared, “The day will come when the first and the last will be reunited in the equal blessing of God Almighty.” He noted that the tribe of Dan was missing, but explained that “we will never understand all the works of God.”
A great multitude: Spurgeon described the “great multitude that no man could number” as “a great gathering of multitudes of Gentiles saved by the blood [of Jesus Christ], who have been numbered by God, and shall never be numbered by men, for they are as the sands of the seashore.” The sea is uncountable!”
Today in the article : Who Are the 144,000 Mentioned in Revelation? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
