Revelation 7:9

After this. See on ch. 4:1.

A great multitude. From early Christian times commentators have been in disagreement regarding the relationship of this multitude to the 144,000. Three principal views have been held.

One view holds that the 144,000 and the “great multitude” of the present verse both describe the same group, but under different conditions, and that vs. 9–17 reveal the true identity of the 144,000. According to this view, vs. 1–8 portray the sealing of the 144,000 to prepare them to stand through the terrors that attend the coming of the Messiah, whereas vs. 9–17 show them afterward rejoicing about the throne of God in peace and triumph. Those who hold this view believe that the apparent differences between the description of the “great multitude” and that of the 144,000 are not differences, but explanations: thus the fact that the “great multitude” cannot be numbered, they take as implying that the number 144,000 is symbolic rather than literal. The fact that the multitude is from all nations, and not from Israel alone, as the 144,000 are presented as originating from, they understand as meaning that the Israel from which the 144,000 come is not literal Israel, but spiritual, embracing all nations of Gentiles.

A second view emphasizes the differences between the 144,000 and the “great multitude.” One is numbered, the other cannot be. One represents a special group, “the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb” who “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth” (ch. 14:4), the other, the remaining triumphant saints of all ages.

A third view represents the “great multitude” as the entire company of the redeemed, including the 144,000.

Seventh-day Adventists have generally favored the second view.

The throne. See on ch. 4:2.

The Lamb. See on ch. 5:6.

White robes. See on ch. 6:11; cf. ch. 7:13.

Palms. These were symbols of rejoicing and victory (see 1 Macc. 13:51; 2 Macc. 10:7; John 12:13).