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The speculation about the book of Revelation has been ongoing for decades. Hal Lindsey was influential for us. We were among those who took Hal Lindsey's books as very nearly gospel. The Late Great Planet Earth had us scanning the headlines for the latest prophetic event proving the rapture was imminent and that the anti-christ was alive right now.
The speculation about the book of Revelation has been ongoing for decades. Hal Lindsey was influential for us. We were among those who took Hal Lindsey's books as very nearly gospel. The Late Great Planet Earth had us scanning the headlines for the latest prophetic event proving the rapture was imminent and that the anti-christ was alive right now.
At the time we thought it was just what Christians believed. We didn't know that there were other streams of thought. But despite its popularity, this end times scenario never really sat well with us. After studying the various proof texts for years and speculating on who the anti-christ might be, we began changing our views.
This began when we started actually reading the proof texts in context. The convoluted time frame derived from cherry-picked verses, the speculation about how it all connected together, the contradictions, the theories, it all began to grate on us.
We have arrived at a different view these days, dare we say a more biblical one. It's simple and makes sense. Our view is that the rapture happens on the last day. All believers will live through a time of increasing trouble, culminating on the return of the Lord coming on the clouds. He will meet us in the air, and then continue on to earth to execute judgment. We discuss the rapture in detail here. We discuss the Last Days here. We discuss the 144,000 in detail here.
So for this article the author wants to tell us who the 144,000 are. This is a somewhat short article at just over 1000 words. The author barely quotes Scripture, just a couple of irrelevant snippets and a portion of one relevant verse. Yet he quotes John MacArthur, Buist Fanning, and G.K. Beale. He doesn't bother to even quote the subject verses. How does one teach the Bible without quoting it?
We must deem this Bad Bible Teaching.
So let's quote them. Here's the first mention of the 144,000: With the actual verses before us, let's consider the author's presentation.
The identity of the 144,000 is hotly debated within the church. Even outside evangelicalism, this group’s identity takes on great significance. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, argue that the 144,000 is a literal number and that “144,000 people will be resurrected to heavenly life” and will “rule with [Jesus] in the heavens.” I even recall taking a systematic theology class in college where the professor, on the first day, made it a point to say that the 144,000 in Revelation 7 is literal.
A dispensational or futurist reading of this number in Revelation 7 often interprets the group as a literal 144,000 Jews. According to John MacArthur, these Jews will embrace Christ and function as a “firstfruits of Israel,” set apart “to proclaim the gospel” to restore the nation of Israel and convert many Gentiles during the seven-year tribulation before the millennial kingdom. (In our view Dr. MacArthur is half right. The 144,000 are indeed actual Jewish believers and the firstfruits. However, if you, dear reader, would review the Scriptures we quoted you will discover that there is no mention of the 144,000 proclaiming the Gospel, the restoring of the nation of Israel, the tribulation, or the millennial kingdom.
Numbers in Revelation
We begin our investigation with the nature of numbers in the book. Numbers in Revelation are highly symbolic, as they are in any Jewish apocalypse (e.g., see portions of Daniel, 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch). Consider the following examples:
Symbolism of Twelve Tribes
This number in 7:4 is derived from the list in verses 5–8, where John lists 12 tribes, each numbering 12,000. But when we look carefully at this list, we notice a few oddities. If we compare it to the 12 tribes outlined in Genesis 35:23–26, we discover this is no ordinary list of Israel’s tribes.
This is no ordinary list of Israel’s 12 tribes.
Judah appears at the top of the list in Relevation (he should be fourth). Manasseh replaces Dan, and Naphtali is elevated to the fifth position (he should be tenth). Gad and Asher are bumped up to the third and fourth positions (they should be eleventh and twelfth). Keep in mind, too, that the four tribes Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher are the offspring of Bilhah and Zilpah—Jacob’s concubines.
Taken together, these modifications demonstrate that “the order of the tribes in Revelation 7 symbolizes the reign of Jesus, from the tribe of Judah; the incorporation of outcasts; and the exclusion of idolaters from the covenant community.” (??? Again the author makes a substantial doctrinal claim. How does the 144,000 symbolize the reign of Jesus, and where do we find this in the Bible?)
Symbolism of the Number 144,000
Not only does the arrangement of John’s list carry symbolic weight, but so too the tribes’ numbering in 7:5–8 is freighted with symbolism. The number 144,000 could derive (Speculation is not how we determine doctrine.)
Re. 7:1-8 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.
2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea:
3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
Re. 7:5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
Re. 7:6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
Re. 7:7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
Re. 7:8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
And the second:
Re. 14:1-5 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No-one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
Re. 14:4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
The identity of the 144,000 is hotly debated within the church. Even outside evangelicalism, this group’s identity takes on great significance. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, argue that the 144,000 is a literal number and that “144,000 people will be resurrected to heavenly life” and will “rule with [Jesus] in the heavens.” I even recall taking a systematic theology class in college where the professor, on the first day, made it a point to say that the 144,000 in Revelation 7 is literal.
A dispensational or futurist reading of this number in Revelation 7 often interprets the group as a literal 144,000 Jews. According to John MacArthur, these Jews will embrace Christ and function as a “firstfruits of Israel,” set apart “to proclaim the gospel” to restore the nation of Israel and convert many Gentiles during the seven-year tribulation before the millennial kingdom. (In our view Dr. MacArthur is half right. The 144,000 are indeed actual Jewish believers and the firstfruits. However, if you, dear reader, would review the Scriptures we quoted you will discover that there is no mention of the 144,000 proclaiming the Gospel, the restoring of the nation of Israel, the tribulation, or the millennial kingdom.
These are common beliefs, yet completely abiblical.)
This dispensational approach to Revelation is largely built on a literal hermeneutic that interprets John’s visions “literally” or physically. But not all are convinced that John intends the 144,000 to be read in a strictly literal fashion. (The author included.)
In contrast to a dispensational approach, many theologians interpret the book of Revelation in a largely symbolic manner. This approach is sometimes labeled “redemptive-historical idealism.” It generally interprets Revelation as a series of overlapping visions that recapitulate the same event.
Though we could say a great deal about how the 144,000 relate to other portions of Revelation, let’s just consider 7:4–8 and see how the group figuratively refers to the church between the two comings of Christ. (Indeed. Would that be from the Bible, sir?)
This dispensational approach to Revelation is largely built on a literal hermeneutic that interprets John’s visions “literally” or physically. But not all are convinced that John intends the 144,000 to be read in a strictly literal fashion. (The author included.)
In contrast to a dispensational approach, many theologians interpret the book of Revelation in a largely symbolic manner. This approach is sometimes labeled “redemptive-historical idealism.” It generally interprets Revelation as a series of overlapping visions that recapitulate the same event.
Though we could say a great deal about how the 144,000 relate to other portions of Revelation, let’s just consider 7:4–8 and see how the group figuratively refers to the church between the two comings of Christ. (Indeed. Would that be from the Bible, sir?)
Numbers in Revelation
We begin our investigation with the nature of numbers in the book. Numbers in Revelation are highly symbolic, as they are in any Jewish apocalypse (e.g., see portions of Daniel, 1 Enoch, 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch). Consider the following examples:
- Fractions: a tenth (Rev. 11:13), a fourth (6:8), a third (8:7–12)
- Single digits: two (11:3–4), three (8:13), four (4:6), five (9:5), six (4:8), and seven (1:4)
- Double digits: 10 (2:10), 12 (12:1), 24 (4:4), and 42 (11:2)
- Hundreds: 144 (21:17) and 666 (13:18)
- Thousands: 1,000 (20:2–4), 1,260 (11:3), 1,600 (14:20), 7,000 (11:13), 12,000 (7:5–8), and 144,000 (7:4)
- Millions: 200,000,000 or “twice ten thousands of ten thousands” (9:16)
Take, for example, the “seven spirits” before the heavenly throne (1:4). That’s a reference to the Holy Spirit. Not even futurists claim there are seven literal Holy Spirits before the throne. We could say the same about John’s massive number in 9:16 (200,000,000 or “twice ten thousands of ten thousands”). The futurist Buist Fanning concedes that “a literal count . . . is not intended.” (i.e., sometimes numbers are symbolic, and sometimes they are literal. The author has told us nothing useful.)
Instead of oscillating between literal and symbolic, the redemptive-historical idealist interprets the numbers in Revelation as symbolic. (Always symbolic? The author seems to think there is some virtue about being consistently symbolic.)
Instead of oscillating between literal and symbolic, the redemptive-historical idealist interprets the numbers in Revelation as symbolic. (Always symbolic? The author seems to think there is some virtue about being consistently symbolic.)
Yes, there are seven literal churches in Asia Minor (1:4), (Oh. Literal...)
but even these seven churches symbolize the church at large. (??? The author doesn't pause to discuss this substantial doctrinal claim. How do these seven churches represent the church at large? What does this mean? What is the Scriptural basis for such a claim?)
So we need to discern the symbolic significance of the number 144,000. (So the author lands on the symbolism side of the debate. We suppose that unless he gets literal again.)
Symbolism of Twelve Tribes
This number in 7:4 is derived from the list in verses 5–8, where John lists 12 tribes, each numbering 12,000. But when we look carefully at this list, we notice a few oddities. If we compare it to the 12 tribes outlined in Genesis 35:23–26, we discover this is no ordinary list of Israel’s tribes.
This is no ordinary list of Israel’s 12 tribes.
Judah appears at the top of the list in Relevation (he should be fourth). Manasseh replaces Dan, and Naphtali is elevated to the fifth position (he should be tenth). Gad and Asher are bumped up to the third and fourth positions (they should be eleventh and twelfth). Keep in mind, too, that the four tribes Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher are the offspring of Bilhah and Zilpah—Jacob’s concubines.
Taken together, these modifications demonstrate that “the order of the tribes in Revelation 7 symbolizes the reign of Jesus, from the tribe of Judah; the incorporation of outcasts; and the exclusion of idolaters from the covenant community.” (??? Again the author makes a substantial doctrinal claim. How does the 144,000 symbolize the reign of Jesus, and where do we find this in the Bible?)
Symbolism of the Number 144,000
Not only does the arrangement of John’s list carry symbolic weight, but so too the tribes’ numbering in 7:5–8 is freighted with symbolism. The number 144,000 could derive (Speculation is not how we determine doctrine.)
from 12 x 12 x 1,000, representing the fullness of the church, (Speculation.)
the true Israel of God (cf. 21:16). (Ahhh, the author inadvertently swerves into something here. What if these 144,000 Jews are actually Jews? A small number from a once great nations speaks of a remnant, and Scripture continually refers to the remnant of Jews. Paul quotes Isaiah:
Rom. 9:27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved."
A remnant of Israel is the true Israel:
Rom. 9:6, 8 ...not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 8 ...it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.
The true Israel is the children of promise, the remnant. Because true Israel is the "children of the promise," this is how Paul can later say,
Ro. 11:26 And so all Israel will be saved...
Notice the 144,000 are offered as firstfruits... [Rev. 14:4]. The firstfruits is the the first part of the harvest as an offering to the Lord [Le. 23:10]. Israel herself is called the firstfruits:
Jer. 2:3: Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest...
So follow along. True Israel is a subset of the nation of Israel, and of those there are 144,000 from the twelve tribes, the remnant of God's chosen nation. They are firstfruits of the harvest of salvation [John 4:35]. The firstfruits, the Jewish remnant, and the 144,000 are all the same people.
They were those who literally heard Jesus preach and as a result were the first to be saved as the firstfruits of salvation, and there were exactly 144,000 of them.)
John has elsewhere taken up expressions that refer to Israel in the Old Testament and applied them to the church (e.g., 1:6; 5:10), so it makes sense for him to do so here. (Both of these verses refer to a kingdom and priests, which are those who were purchased from every tribe and language and people and nation. [vs. 9]. This has nothing to do with Israel. The author misleads us.)
The numbers in 7:5–8 also appear to be a census. (Speculation.)
This census in Revelation 7 corresponds to Israel’s census in the wilderness, where each tribe takes inventory of Israelite men 20 years or older, who are eligible to serve in the army to conquer the Canaanites (Num. 1:20–43; cf. 26:4–50; 1 Chron. 27:1–15). At the end of the census, we learn there is a total of 603,550 men (Num. 1:46; cf. 26:51). (Oh. Not 144,000, just a list of military censuses, furthering the author's speculation that the 144,000 are an army.)
When we read Revelation 7 in light of the book of Numbers, we discover that “each tribe supplies twelve battalions of a thousand men each.” God, in other words, has assembled a messianic army. (Well, no. The author overlooks the fact that the 144,000 are described as sealed, i.e., marked and identified as belonging to the Lord. This is not a warrior census, it is an identification of possession.
When we read Revelation 7 in light of the book of Numbers, we discover that “each tribe supplies twelve battalions of a thousand men each.” God, in other words, has assembled a messianic army. (Well, no. The author overlooks the fact that the 144,000 are described as sealed, i.e., marked and identified as belonging to the Lord. This is not a warrior census, it is an identification of possession.
Further, the 144,000 sang a new song before the throne [Rev. 14:3]. They are not on earth doing battle, they are in heaven singing praises.)
Revelation 14:4 confirms this line of interpretation when it states that the 144,000 are men who “have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins.” Such language is found in the context of men ready for battle (1 Sam. 21:4–5). (Well, no. This handful of warriors accompanied David, to get some bread from the priest, but all the priest had was the consecrated bread. The priest therfore needed to know if these men were permitted to eat the bread. Priestly qualifications included:
Lev. 21:13-14 The woman he marries must be a virgin. 14He is not to marry a widow, a divorced woman, or one defiled by prostitution. He is to marry a virgin from his own people...
The defilement speaks to holiness, not battle-readiness.
In addition, the men were not representing a purity standard, they had been on a long journey away from their women and thus had been deprived of conjugal relations.)
Symbolism Applied
But God doesn’t assemble this army to wage a physical battle against his enemies. This is a battle bound up with Christ’s initial battle at the cross. (What battle was that? Who did He fight? Where do we find this in the Bible?)
But God doesn’t assemble this army to wage a physical battle against his enemies. This is a battle bound up with Christ’s initial battle at the cross. (What battle was that? Who did He fight? Where do we find this in the Bible?)
God has assembled a messianic army. (??? Where do we find this in the Bible?)
G. K. Beale contends, “The church is thus depicted in military terms as a remnant called out of the world to do battle for God. . . . They conquer their enemy ironically in the same way in which the kingly Lamb from Judah ironically conquered at the cross: by maintaining their faith and witness through suffering, they overcome their foe, the devil and his hosts.” (Wow. This is full of assertions and speculations based on a completely false idea, that the 144,000 are Symbolic of Christians who are in an army fighting to defeat Satan... or something. It makes no sense at all.
The dude has watched too much "Lord of the Rings.")
John deploys the symbol 144,000 to signify that God has assembled his church to imitate Christ and his victory. We must recognize that our spiritual and physical sufferings are the means by which we conquer sin, the Devil, and his minions.
John deploys the symbol 144,000 to signify that God has assembled his church to imitate Christ and his victory. We must recognize that our spiritual and physical sufferings are the means by which we conquer sin, the Devil, and his minions.
Benjamin L. Gladd (PhD, Wheaton College) serves on TGC’s staff as executive director of The Carson Center for Theological Renewal. He previously served for 12 years as professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He has authored and edited numerous books including From Adam and Israel to the Church, Handbook on the Gospels, and The Story Retold (with G. K. Beale). He is also the coeditor of New Studies in Biblical Theology and the coeditor of Pillar New Testament Commentary series with Don Carson. Benjamin and his wife, Nikki, have two sons.
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