Revelation 7:13

One of the elders. See on ch. 4:4.

Answered. The elder puts into words the question that was doubtless already in John’s mind.

What are these? Rather, “Who are these?” The question may be raised as to which group, the 144,000 (v. 4) or the “great multitude” (v. 9), the elder here has in view. Two views regarding this are held: (1) That reference is to the 144,000. Those who hold this view advance the argument that John already knew the identity of the “great multitude,” for he had stated that it was from “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” Therefore they urge that in order for the question raised by the elder to be intelligible, he must have reference to the 144,000. (2) That reference is to the “great multitude.” Those who hold this view point out that beginning with v. 9 an entirely new scene of the vision opens, and that reference back to a previous scene would hardly be expected unless specific indication of it were made. They contend, further, that the “great multitude” has not been identified any more clearly than the 144,000. Finally, they call attention to the fact that the elder speaks specifically of those who “are arrayed in white robes”; in the context it is the “great multitude” that is described as “clothed with white robes” (v. 9). This view may be held either on the assumption that the “great multitude” comprehends all the redeemed, including the 144,000, or the redeemed exclusive of that group.