Join us as David Hawking takes us through a detailed examination of Revelation Chapter 7. Discover the theological implications of the 144,000 sealed servants and the significance of the multitude standing in the presence of God. Learn about the identity of these sealed servants, their representation in biblical prophecy, and how this passage answers the age-old question of who shall be able to stand during the great day of God’s wrath. Don’t miss this insightful analysis of salvation during the period of tribulation.
00:00:00 Unpacking the 12 Tribes Issue in Revelation
Now, it would be easy for me to do what many, many books on Revelation do, and that is to quickly jump over this problem and move right on to the Gentile multitude that gets saved. But I’m not going to move on. I don’t believe in skipping problems. I don’t think we always have all the answers, but I believe we need to think about it. We’ve got a problem here about the 12 tribes of Israel.
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A worldwide storm, four angels holding back the winds of judgment, and a great crowd, too many to count, standing before the throne, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. Who are they? Tribulation saints, sealed, saved, and standing with God when the world comes apart. These are people who came out of the darkest time in human history, yet they’re clothed in white and singing before God’s throne, forever secure, forever His. Well, stay with us now as David Hawking moves into Revelation chapter 7, verses 1 through 17, as our series in Revelation continues next on Hope for Today. First, you’re invited to check out the Hope for Today Media Center. Wow, you’ve got to see everything that’s in there for you. In the Media Center, you can watch a number of free video teaching series by David. Now, also, when you’re on our website, you can listen to past radio programs, download helpful Bible study resources. Anytime, anywhere, you can connect to the web. Our website, DavidHawking.org. DavidHawking.org. Let’s get into Revelation chapter 7 now, starting at verse 1. And here’s David with day one of his message, Tribulation Saints.
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We ended last time in chapter 6 with that great statement at the end, said by all of the kings of the earth, the great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, every slave, every free man, all the leaders of the world, saying to the mountains and rocks, fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come, and who shall be able to stand? And it’s in the light of that question that we have an insert, a parenthesis, in chapter 7 to tell us who will be able to survive, who will be able to stand the great day of God’s wrath, who will escape. and who will come to be a believer during the tribulation period. Now, I don’t know exactly how many folks are going to be saved in the tribulation, but after we finish reading this chapter, I think you’ll agree with me that maybe, just maybe, more folks are going to be saved in the tribulation period than any other similar period of time in all of history. It’s going to be harvest time. And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And 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 given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth. And I heard the number of them which were sealed, and there were sealed 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Asher were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Naphtali were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Manasseh were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Zebulun were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed 12,000. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed 12,000. After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds and peoples and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne and under the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne and about the elders and the four living creatures, or four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces and worshipped God, saying, Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, Who are these who are arrayed in white robes, and from where did they come? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they who came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Isn’t that good news? Now again, the question of Revelation 6.17, who shall be able to stand, is what is being answered here. When the fifth seal was opened, if you remember, back at chapter 6, verse 9 to 11, we saw the martyrs of history asking questions about the justice and the vengeance of God. And a statement was made in chapter 6, verse 11, if you look back there, please. about those who were about to be killed. In this chapter, chapter 7, we are learning about those who will become believers in the tribulation period and will be both protected by God, as is the case of the 144,000, and those who will also suffer martyrdom, as in the case of the great multitude who come out of the tribulation. So we want to divide the passage into two sections as it does naturally. In the opening eight verses, you have the sealed servants of our God who are absolutely protected from all the judgments and the terrible things that are happening in the tribulation. There’s 144,000 of them, the sealed servants of our God. And then in verses 9 to 17, we’re looking at the saved saints who come out of the great tribulation. Now, let’s take a look at these sealed servants of our God. And I want to draw at least three things to your attention. One, the identity of the four angels in chapter 7, verse 1. I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth. Now, some people say, well, you see, the Bible, you know, is not really scientifically accurate. It’s not a textbook on science. There are not four corners of the earth. Well, I’m sorry, there actually are four corners on the earth. Believe it or not, on this sphere, there are four corners. And I don’t believe that in order for God to fulfill this, that they have to stand on those magnetic poles. I don’t believe that at all. I think it’s a simple statement in the vernacular, like we all talk in speaking of the whole world. And when he says they’re holding back the four winds of the earth, that was used also in the book of Daniel, chapter 7, verse 2. The four winds of the earth. Some say it’s referring to direction, north, south, east, west. But the point is, these four angels, I think, are the same four living creatures of the first four trumpet judgments. So this statement is a parenthesis telling us that before those judgments hit, this is what God is going to do. You say, are you sure? Yes, because it says in verse 2 and 3, the instruction that’s given to these angels, that they’re not to hurt the earth, the sea, the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. So if you are making a chart of the tribulation period, we have first the rapture, which means we are out of here, praise God. We are gone. The church of Jesus Christ goes. Somewhere in the world at that moment is also a leader coming to power among a confederation of nations that could be almost anywhere. Some say Europe, some say Middle East, some say the whole world will be divided into ten divisions. We really don’t know. But a leader will be coming to power. but the servants of our God will be sealed, protected by God before any of the judgments hit before the earth or the trees are hurt. Now that’s important to remember because we’ve already looked at the first four seals and have found out there’s a lot of judgment and a lot of trial and a lot of people are killed. And as a matter of fact, in the sixth seal, we have a terrible earthquake. Um, seals announcing them as they’re opened because chapter 6 verse 1 says one of the four living creatures said come and see so I think it’s the same ones and they are as it were about ready to unleash God’s wrath against the world and they’re holding it all back until something takes place And that is the sealing, S-E-A-L-I-N-G, of the servants of our God. So the identity of those four angels, I think they’re the same four living creatures, and we are intended by the Scripture to make that connection, to show that these people are going to be protected from all that tragedy that’s going to happen starting with these judgments. Now, in addition to the instruction that was given to them to seal and protect the servants of God, I want to give you some information regarding the identity of these sealed servants of God. Number one, they are not merely Jehovah Witnesses. First, for, well, they’re called the servants of our God. What a reminder. This special group, we all are to be the servants of our God. And verse 4 tells us that they come from all the tribes of Israel. Now, here’s where we get into a major problem. People say, well, but the listing here is leaving some tribes out. Now, it says very clearly, verse 4, there were 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. We are told that they’re sealed in their foreheads. Verse 3 mentions, until we’ve sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Flip over to chapter 14 and look at verse 1. Chapter 14, verse 1. It says, I looked, and lo, a lamb stood on Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his father’s name written in their foreheads. Turn to 2 Timothy chapter 2. 2 Timothy chapter 2. Verse 19, 2 Timothy 2, 19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his, and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The Lord knoweth those that are his. They have this seal. The Lord knows who you are, and God’s going to make sure everybody knows who the 144,000 are, and he’s going to put his Father’s name written in their foreheads. Now, a lot of people have tried to figure out what that name might be. But actually, in the Greek text here, it’s both the name of the Lamb of God and the name of his father. So whatever those names are, we know at the end of the book, It says that his name is the Word of God. It says that he has the name King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And who knows what our Heavenly Father might be called, because there are many, many names of our Heavenly Father that are mentioned in the Bible. Who knows what it is? All I know is, right on the forehead, representing the way we think, what we see, what we understand, everything that’s important in life, our total perspective will be stamped with the name of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, on their foreheads. Is that good or what? Now, it would be easy for me to do what many, many books on Revelation do, and that is to quickly jump over this problem and move right on to the Gentile multitude that gets saved. But I’m not going to move on. I don’t believe in skipping problems. I don’t think we always have all the answers, but I believe we need to think about it. We’ve got a problem here about the 12 tribes of Israel. So if you’ve got a pencil or paper, I’ll try to give you a little information here that might help you. Number one, there are 29 lists of the 12 tribes in Israel. You’ll be happy to know I’m not going to go over all 29 lists. But there are 29 lists in the Bible of the 12 tribes of Israel. Now, the original list appears in Genesis 35, 22 to 26. I want you to go there right now, please. The original list is in Genesis chapter 35. In Genesis 35, 22 to 26, we have the original list of the 12 tribes of Israel. Verse 22. And it came to pass when Israel dwelled in that land that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve, the sons of Leah, Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid, Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid, Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddam Aram. Now, the interesting thing to me is that this list is the exact same list that 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. And it’s kind of interesting to see that in Ezekiel chapter 48, the original list of names appears again exactly the same. It is not the same as our passage in Revelation 7. And the question is why, which we’re getting to. Genesis chapter 48, out of these 29 lists in the Bible, the first one and the last one in terms of chronological order are exactly the same. chapter 48, beginning at verse 30. These are the goings out or egresses of the city on the north side, 4,500 measures. The gates of the city should be after the names of the tribes of Israel. Three gates northward, one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. At the east side, 4,500 measures and three gates, one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. At the south side, 4,500 measures and three gates, one gate of Simeon, one gate Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. At the west side, 4,500 measures with their three gates, one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali. It was round about 18,000 measures, and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is There. Now, the last listing of the tribes in chronological order is exactly the same in names as the original list. Now let’s come to Revelation chapter 7. In Revelation chapter 7, the tribe of Dan is missing in the list, number 1. 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. Very interesting. So we actually have two changes in this list. Dan and Ephraim are not mentioned. Manasseh and Ephraim aren’t even mentioned in the original list or the last list. The father, Joseph, is listed. Why then is the tribe of Dan missing? And why is Joseph listed here and his son Manasseh, but not Ephraim? Why is all this happening this way?
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That’s Bible teacher and author David Hawking, and this is Hope for Today. Before David returns to close out our study time, Matt Hawking is here, and together we’re going to share a powerful study tool with you. Matt?
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You may not know what you’re missing in the book of Zechariah until you open up our book. Visions of the Future. It’s a study guide through Zechariah.
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Inside, your dad, David Hawking, applies his in-depth Bible study regimen. Boy, your dad is always thorough to reveal the powerful historical significance of Zechariah. and to detail and explain its prophecies for the past, present, and future.
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Yeah, and Visions of the Future is our featured resource for August. It’s a dynamic study of Zechariah chapters 1 through 14. And Matt, let’s take a quick look inside. Jim, part one is titled The Eight Night Visions and reveals marvelous prophecies showing the role and ministry of the Messiah in his first coming and the future second advent that will mark the beginning of the messianic age and millennial reign of Christ. And your dad refers to Zechariah as the gospel of the Old Testament.
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Amen.
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Amen. Well, part two? Covering Zechariah 7 and 8 has four essential messages to God’s people on rebuke, repentance, restoration, and rejoicing.
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And then in part three, your dad investigates the prophecies given to Zechariah, revealing two burdens for the future, the rejection of the anointed king and the return and reign of
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Amen. And also in this section, we see teaching on the appearance of our Lord, judgment of Israel’s enemies, mourning for the one they pierced, cleansing from sin, the second coming, and more.
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Well, discover some outstanding treasures, outstanding treasures in Zechariah with David’s book, Visions of the Future, our featured resource for August. And Matt, how much is it? Just $15. You can purchase it at DavidHawking.org or when you call. And consider adding a donation to your order to help us continue this ministry or become a regular monthly supporter. And join with us in ministry. And please faithfully pray for hope for today. Yes, please do. Well, again, our contact info is 1-800-75-BIBLE. That’s in the U.S. Or 1-888-75-BIBLE in Canada. And Bible, again, by the numbers 24253. our website, davidhonking.org. And you know, if God is stirring your heart to give above and beyond the cost of your resource purchase, well, let us know when you call or reach out. You know, your giving isn’t just a number. It’s fuel for this ministry to do what God has called us to do, bring the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible to a world that’s lost, confused, and desperate for truth. And the body of Christ needs the teaching of God’s Word and the encouragement that only it provides. You know, every gift keeps these broadcasts going strong, reaching people with the hope of Jesus. You can also send your gift by letter if you prefer that. The address is Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, T-U-S-T-I-N, California, 92781. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO, Seven Oaks, Abbotsford, Abbotsford is spelled A-B-B-O-T-S-F-O-R-D, BC, V2S 8P1. Oh, and before I forget quickly, make sure you grab the Revelation study notes. These are David’s original sermon notes for all 48 messages in our current radio series, and the complete collection, just $10. In fact, you can make the purchase on our website, download it, you’ll have it right away. We also have a complete MP3 audio collection of the series, all 48 messages on MP3 audio in Revelation, just $30. And you can purchase these when you get in touch with us. These resources are going to help you dig deeper and follow along in this series. Well, once again, here’s David.
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Thank you for listening to our broadcast of the book of Revelation. And by the way, if you miss a broadcast, our website is davidhonking.org, and pick up one that you missed. We also have the book of Revelation in a complete study on HFT Media, and I hope it’ll be a blessing to you. It doesn’t cost anything to listen to the Bible teaching we have. We’re committed to the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible. And that’s so important when you come to the book of Revelation. There’s so many things in Revelation. And John tells us, I saw this, I saw that. In fact, 44 times he says that. And these visions of John happened when he was on the Isle of Patmos under the reign of Domitian, a Roman ruler. Well, the fact is that these visions came from the Lord. And they are eye-opening, to say the least. And I hope that you’re able to be with us for every one of these messages, and this particular one on Tribulation Saints. Are there people going to be saved in the tribulation? You bet. And I hope that you can stay with us for all of our studies. We’ll be here in a couple of more broadcasts on Chapter 7. So thanks again for your prayers and your support. God bless you.
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Well, thank you, David. And now just before we go, I’d like to ask you to let us know where and how you listen to Hope for Today. Are you catching us on radio, maybe online streaming, or in our media center? You know, your feedback isn’t just nice to have. It’s part of our stewardship. We want to be faithful with every dollar God provides, making sure this broadcast reaches the most people in the most effective way possible. So drop us a note or call in. Tell us how Hope for Today is reaching you. And, well, that helps us to do what God has called us to do and to do it well. On our next broadcast, the seventh seal opens, heaven goes dead silent, and then it hits, a firestorm of judgment like the world has never seen before. Join us as David takes us back to Revelation 7, and we see the earth trembling, the heavens shaking, and God’s justice rolling out in full force. Don’t miss it next time on Hope for Today. Hope for Today
Join us as David Hawking takes us through a detailed examination of Revelation Chapter 7. Discover the theological implications of the 144,000 sealed servants and the significance of the multitude standing in the presence of God. Learn about the identity of these sealed servants, their representation in biblical prophecy, and how this passage answers the age-old question of who shall be able to stand during the great day of God’s wrath. Don’t miss this insightful analysis of salvation during the period of tribulation.
