Join us for an insightful exploration of the 144,000 Jewish converts during the tribulation, why Dan and Ephraim are absent from this significant list, and the pivotal roles played by prophetic witnesses. With compelling scripture references and a narrative threading together historical and eschatological themes, this episode unpacks the remarkable continuity of God’s promises and plans for the tribes of Israel.
In Revelation chapter 7, the tribe of Dan is missing in the list, number one. Number two, we have a son of Joseph listed, Manasseh, but not his other son, Ephraim. Instead, you’ve got Joseph’s name, verse 8. You get hit by cultists on this, and you also get hit by those who don’t believe the Bible is reliable and accurate and trustworthy. They use this to show the contradictions in the Bible. It’s a standard rule. old argument to prove the Bible is not the Word of God, because it’s mixed up even in listening to 12 tribes, which would have been easy for any scribe to have remembered or looked up and written down in another book. So the Bible obviously cannot be relied on in their view.
SPEAKER 01 :
This is Hope for Today with Bible teacher and author David Hawking. Yesterday on the program, we began our look at Revelation chapter 7 and saw God hold back the winds of judgment while his people were sealed. And we witnessed one of the most powerful scenes in all of Scripture, a massive crowd, too great to count, standing before the throne of God. Well, today, David continues in Revelation chapter 7. Stay right there. First, Matt, it’s always a special moment here at Hope for Today when folks call in or the mail carrier brings the letters and we get to open up a note from one of our listeners. This one comes from Kathy. It’s great. What a special note this is. What does she say?
SPEAKER 02 :
It’s almost like a prayer. She says, Oh, God, thank you for David Hawking. A true, this is great. It says a true truther. A truther. Amen. And she says, David, I love when you pray. Bless the Lord and glory to God for David. Thank you, Father, most for your son, Jesus, our just God and Savior and King. Wow. Amen. We join you with a hearty amen.
SPEAKER 01 :
Wow. Well, Kathy’s note is just one example of correspondence we receive from folks that hear the broadcast, and we’d like to hear from you. If you have a note, maybe a testimony to share of how God is working in your life as you study His Word with us, maybe a prayer request, get in touch, and we’ll tell you just a bit later how to do that. Now turn to Revelation 7, verses 1-17, and here’s David with day two of Tribulation Saints.
SPEAKER 03 :
We got a problem here about the 12 tribes of Israel. Number one, the original list appears in Genesis 35, 22 to 26. This list is the exact same list that appears in the chronological last listing of the 12 tribes. Turn to Ezekiel chapter 48. Now chronological in terms of time, after we get to the tribulation period, we go into the millennium, the thousand year reign of Christ. That’s what the last nine chapters of Ezekiel are about. Telling us about the millennial temple and how the millennial land is going to be divided up. It is not the same as our passage in Revelation 7. And the question is why? In Revelation chapter 7, the tribe of Dan is missing in the list, number one. Number two, we have a son of Joseph listed, Manasseh, but not his other son, Ephraim. Instead, you’ve got Joseph’s name, verse 8. Manasseh and Ephraim aren’t even mentioned in the original list or the last list. The father Joseph is listed. Why is all this happening this way? Take your Bibles and turn to Judges chapter 18. Judges chapter 18. verse 30 and 31. It says, and the children of Dan set up the carved image and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. And they set them up Micah’s carved image or graven image, which he made all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh. Interesting. In 1 Kings chapter 12, verse 28 to 30, we have this information given to us. 1 Kings 12, 28 to 30, it says, whereupon the king took counsel and made two calves of gold and said unto them, it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Now this is after Solomon’s empire is split between And it was split up between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. And Jeroboam has made two calves of gold and is telling the northern tribes, it’s too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. Very interesting. Two golden calves set up by Jeroboam. Now, all the way through the history of the kings, the Bible says that it was Jeroboam, number one, because it was later a Jeroboam, number two. But Jeroboam, number one, the son of Nebat, is the one who led all the children of Israel into sin. That’s what the Bible says. How did he do that? By setting up two golden calves, one at Dan, which is the northernmost point of the nation of Israel, the other one at Bethel, which is just a little bit north of Jerusalem. Interesting. Now turn to Hosea chapter 4. Hosea chapter 4, and look at verse 17. Now, folks, Bethel, where the golden calf is set up, is in the actual territory of Ephraim, not of Judah. Even though it’s just a few miles north of Jerusalem, the border comes between Bethel and Jerusalem. So what Jeroboam did is he set up a golden calf at the southern point of the ten northern tribes and at the furthest northern point. So he would cover the whole territory, so none of them would go into Judah to worship the Lord of Jerusalem. And he’s the one that led the children of Israel into idolatry and sin, and God held them accountable for that. And so Dan and Bethel, or Ephraim and the tribe of Dan, those two tribes were guilty of idolatry, and God is going to judge them. Now turn to Deuteronomy chapter 28. In Deuteronomy chapter 28, verse 58, it says this. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, or too difficult for you to understand, the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and severe sicknesses, and of long continuance. Moreover, he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of. and they shall cleave or cling unto thee. Also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee until thou be destroyed. And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude, because thou wouldst not obey the voice of the Lord thy God. Turn over to chapter 29 and look at verse 18. Chapter 29, Deuteronomy, verse 18. Verse 18. lest there should be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood, and it come to pass when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself at his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. The Lord will not spare him.” But then the anger of the Lord and his jealousy shall smoke against that man. And all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him. And the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven. And the Lord shall… separate or set him apart unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law. Here is what the Jews teach, and here is what Christian Bible teachers who believe the Bible is the word of God teaches. that these passages we have just read clearly indicate that God must judge the tribes that turned Israel to idolatry. And there were two of them, Dan and Ephraim. Now the judgment of God upon the rebels in Israel… Happens during the tribulation period when he brings his vengeance against this world. So God, because of his prophecies, must judge two tribes. And they will come out of that period of time very few in number. They will not be protected. There are no longer 12,000 from each of those tribes protected for the purposes of God in the tribulation. They are going to be exposed, along with the rest of the peoples of the world, to the terrible plagues and judgments, and they will barely survive. The interesting thing is that God also promised never to wipe out and destroy the 12 tribes. So we will see them again in the millennium, for God’s grace abounds even when sin abounds. Isn’t it a wonderful story? Even the whole lineup of everything you see in the Bible fits consistently together. Dan and Ephraim led Israel into idolatry. They could not be a part of those protected. for it would violate what God said he would do in the future in bringing judgment upon those tribes that had led Israel into idolatry. But they must appear again in the millennium because God has promised that he would never wipe out any of the tribes of the children of Israel, for God’s wonderful grace will heal even his backsliding people Israel. And isn’t it good to know that he’ll heal you? Back to Revelation, please, and turn to chapter 14. Just a couple more things about the 144,000. They are Jews. In Revelation 14, we have another interesting statement about them, however, as to the progress in the tribulation period and the people who come to know the Lord there. Apparently, they are the first converts who come to know the Lord in the tribulation. Chapter 14, I looked and lo, a lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000, having his father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the voice of many waters, like the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps. And they sang as it were a new song before the throne and before the four beasts and the elders. And no one could learn that song but the 144,000 who were what? from the earth. These are they who are not defiled with women, for they are virgins. There are two views. One is they are literally celibate. The other view is that it is a moral metaphor, referring to the fact that they are not immoral, for most of the world will be at the time, as Revelation later describes. And both views are good. I think it’s very possible it’s literal. These are they who follow the lamb wherever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men. Now look at this statement. The first fruits unto God and to the lamb. So evidently there’s a bigger harvest coming, but the first fruits are 144,000 Jews. You say, well, how did they come to know the Lord? That’s a good question. I have the following possibilities. One, the Messianic movement in Israel today is God the Holy Spirit’s preparation. Now, today there are more Jews in the world who are what we call Messianic. I did not say Christians. I said Messianic. Problem number two, the United States urged Israel to receive all the deportees from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Well, guess what? Most of these Russian immigrants are Messianic. They believe in a personal Messiah. Now Israel has thousands and thousands of people living in the land who believe that the only hope is a personal Messiah. Now add to that, we have some Hasidic groups. So how do we get 144,000 Jews to get saved right at the beginning? Well, they are a part of the growing Messianic movement. That is creating an environment and a deep hunger for the personal Messiah. And who knows but that the witness of God’s people now to these people will in fact convince them when they see the massive departure, interestingly so, of all those who witness to them. Are you following me? You say, well, I don’t know if that’s right. Okay. View number two. View number two comes from Revelation chapter 11, and that is that there are going to be two witnesses sent here by God, and that through these two witnesses, these Jewish 144,000 are going to come to know the Lord. Let’s take a look at it. Revelation chapter 11, verse 3. I will give power unto my two witnesses. They shall prophesy 1,203 score days. That’d be the first three and a half years of the tribulation period. Clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees. This is referring back to a prophecy in Zechariah chapter 4. The two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. If any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies. Hey, that’s what I call beach evangelism. Boy, you know, you’re down there sharing Christ. Somebody gets mad at you. Next. If any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy, have power over waters to turn them to blood, to smite the earth with all plagues as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, shall overcome them and kill them. Their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Can you imagine Jerusalem being this? Well, if you’ve ever visited there today, you can see. Yeah, it could easily be this. And they of the peoples and kindreds and tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three days and a half on CNN and shall not, my translation, shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put into graves. Can you believe this? They that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, make merry, and shall send gifts one to another. because these two prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth. And after three days and a half, the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon them who saw them. Can you imagine this happening? They heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up here. And they ascended up into heaven in a cloud, and their enemies beheld them. After all, we got all this satellite stuff. We can just watch it. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand, and the remnant were affrighted or terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. The remnant giving glory to the God of heaven is a statement indicating their belief in the Messiah. The point is there’s a remnant belief of Jewish people who upon this happening and the witness of these two men, all of a sudden they’re gone. The remnant gives glory to God. They turn to the Lord and believe. Since the remnant of the Jewish nation doesn’t believe till the end of the tribulation, therefore it is possible that this remnant it is talking about is 144,000 Jews who will come to faith because of the witnessing of two Jews. A Jewish rabbi friend of mine with whom I had lunch one day, and we were discussing prophecy that we evangelicals come up with, and he was very fascinated in our conclusions. And we were talking about the two witnesses, and he asked me who I thought they were. And I said, well, I think one’s Moses because, you know, he does the same things Moses did. And I think the other one’s Elijah because he does the same thing. And he started smiling and laughing. And I said, what are you laughing about? And he said, well, I’ll tell you this. If God brings Moses and Elijah back, a lot of us Jews are going to believe. We’re talking the lawgiver and the greatest of the prophets. So it could be the messianic movement, the Holy Spirit using it to prepare their hearts to turn to the Lord, the witnessing we give to them all of a sudden makes sense as they see the departure of all these people who said they were going to go. Or it could be the two witnesses who bring them to Christ. Or it could be none of the above and God just do it. He doesn’t need anything else.
SPEAKER 01 :
Amen. Amen. Well, that’s David Hawking, and this is Hope for today. David will be back in just a moment or so to continue our study time, so do stay with us. First, Matt’s here, and we want to tell you about a powerful book study by David that you might just want to add to your home Bible study library.
SPEAKER 02 :
Matt? It amazes me how infrequently the major and minor prophets are studied in pulpits, radio, and in print.
SPEAKER 01 :
Faith-building understanding of God’s plan for the ages meant his plan of salvation and eternity is missed as a result.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, that’s why Hope for Today is all about the Bible. The whole Bible. And nothing but the Bible.
SPEAKER 01 :
Nothing but the Bible, yeah.
SPEAKER 02 :
And that’s why my dad has written a thorough study of Zechariah titled Visions of the Future.
SPEAKER 01 :
Zechariah is often referred to as the little revelation of the Old Testament. The historical background follows Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem and the return of the Jews to rebuild the temple. The book also speaks of the centrality of Jerusalem in God’s prophetic plan. And tells how this city will become a cup of trembling to all nations. And prophecy concerning a future invasion of Israel, the Battle of Armageddon. The glorious return of the Messiah to this earth. And the setting up of a kingdom that will never change. ever end.
SPEAKER 02 :
You know, it’s right there in Zachariah, Jim. And my dad’s book, Visions of the Future, will show you all of the vivid details, crucial original text terms, cross-references, and fascinating applications for our lives today.
SPEAKER 01 :
Well, Matt, may God open our hearts and the hearts of everyone listening to the glorious future awaiting all of us. who have put our faith in the coming Messiah. Visions of the Future is our featured offer for August, and we have your copy for just $15. And when you purchase, please consider adding an extra amount as a donation to Hope for Today or make a donation by itself. Your gift makes you a part of this ministry. And always, please start by praying for Hope for Today. Our numbers are 1-800-75-BIBLE, that’s in the U.S., or 1-888-75-BIBLE in Canada, and Bible by the numbers 24253. Our website is DavidHawking.org. And you know, if God is moving your heart to pray for us, do that. Please do that. And if God is also moving your heart to make a contribution above and beyond any resource purchase, well, please do know that that support is fuel keeping this ministry on the front lines, teaching God’s word with clarity and taking hope to people who may never hear it any other way. Every gift pushes the message further into homes, cars, phones, and hearts that need Jesus and the encouragement of God’s Word. Send a gift on our website, davidhawking.org, by phone, or you can also send a gift by mail. In the U.S., write to Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, California. 92781. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO, Seven Oaks, Abbotsford, BC, V2S8P1. And while you’re at it, pick up the Revelation series study notes. These are David’s original sermon notes for our current radio series in Revelation. All 48 messages, the notes for that. There’s cross-references, references, key points, definitions. So much for you there. And the complete package, just $10. Now, you can also order the Revelation series, all 48 messages as a package on MP3 audio. And that resource is $30. And both of these are great ways to preserve what you’re learning in the series and also to follow along with David as he teaches. And again, find them on our website or ask about them when you get in touch with us by phone. Well, once again, here’s David.
SPEAKER 04 :
Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed our study in chapter 7 of Revelation as we’ve looked at 144,000 Jews who will come to know the Lord. What a blessing. Yes, God has never canceled His everlasting covenant with the children of Israel. A lot of people who believe replacement theology say that He has. No, He has not. The fact of the matter is that he’s going to prove it in the tribulation period in spite of the dangers of that period of time. There are going to be people, 144,000 of them, who are going to come to believe in the Messiah of Israel as their only hope of salvation. Well, I hope that you’re excited as we are in studying the matter of Jewish salvation. Romans 11 tells us one day, all Israel, a remnant, is going to be saved. And we say, hallelujah, God has never forsaken His people Israel. And this is a very important matter as we look at chapter 7. And we’re told that there were 12,000 from all 12 tribes, making a total of 144,000. Well, they’re not the only ones who are going to be saved. There’s going to be a multitude of Gentiles as well. So plan to be with us for every broadcast and we’ll pick it up next time.
SPEAKER 01 :
Thank you, David. And just before we go, if you missed any part of today’s program, well, don’t worry. You can head over to DavidHawking.org and re-listen to our most recent broadcasts anytime for a limited time. And while you’re on the website, check out our resources. We have sermon series that walk you through entire books of the Bible, verse by verse study notes, powerful books on prophecy and the life of Jesus, a massive library of streaming video messages in our media center that you can watch free. And all these resources are designed to help you dig deeper and stay rooted in God’s word. That’s at davidhawking.org. Well, next time, a final look at the storm that shook the earth and the countless multitude who made it through, sealed by God, saved out of tribulation, standing before his throne in white robes, forever clean, forever his. Don’t miss David Hawking’s closing insights from Revelation 7. Until then, be sure to invite a friend to listen along with you as we bring you the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible. right here on Hope for Today.
Join us for an insightful exploration of the 144,000 Jewish converts during the tribulation, why Dan and Ephraim are absent from this significant list, and the pivotal roles played by prophetic witnesses. With compelling scripture references and a narrative threading together historical and eschatological themes, this episode unpacks the remarkable continuity of God’s promises and plans for the tribes of Israel.
