7:1 four corners of the earth The whole world is represented by the four points of the compass (see 4:6 and note).

four winds Since the horsemen of Zechariah are called “winds” (or “spirits”) in Zech 6:5, this image may refer to the four horsemen from Rev 6:1–8.

blow Whether this is natural wind or the activities of the four horsemen, destruction and judgment are implied.

7:2 another angel Distinct from those mentioned in v. 1.

the seal In contrast to the mark of the beast (13:16–17), the seal serves to authenticate and identify the people of God. See 5:1 and note.

who were given permission This Greek term is passive; their authority came from someone else—God.

to damage the earth and the sea Verse 1 and 7:3 adds “trees” to the list of wrath recipients.

7:3 slaves The angel and his helpers mark those who are already servants of God.

on their foreheads Reminiscent of Ezek 9:4.

7:4 heard the number The numbering of Rev 7:4–8 resembles military censuses from the ot; compare Num 1:3, 18; 26:2.

one hundred forty-four thousand There are differing views about the identity of the 144,000: They may be ethnic Jews who will become Christians and be kept from martyrdom during the seven-year tribulation period—a view usually taken by futurist readings of the book (see note on Rev 1:19). Alternatively, the number may figuratively represent the complete number of the redeemed—12 multiplied by 12 multiplied by 1,000. This calculation derives from multiplying the tribes of Israel (21:12) by the apostles (21:14) by the number of completeness or perfection (20:4).

from every tribe of the sons of Israel In the list that follows, Dan has been omitted and replaced by Manasseh. Ephraim is also excluded.

7:9 After these things I looked John hears the number in v. 4, whereas he sees the multitude in v. 9. He may be attempting to portray the surprising fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, just as he heard about a lion and saw a lamb in 5:5–6.

with palm branches Indicative of victory in royal and military processions, as demonstrated by its connection with white robes and salvation or victory in v. 10. Compare Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (e.g., Mark 11:8).

7:10 Salvation to our God The crowd praises God and the Lamb. See Rev 12:10; 19:1.

7:11 all the angels The angels participate in the same activity and posture as the 24 elders in 4:10 and 5:14.

Angels in the Bible Table

7:12 Amen The angels affirm the statement of the great multitude in v. 10. “Amen” appears twice in this verse.

Praise A sevenfold song of praise to God.

7:13 who are they Reveals John’s ignorance of the matter and sets up an explanation.

7:14 the great tribulation May refer generally to a time of intense persecution, a final period of persecution that will immediately precede the end of the age, or the total amount of persecution between Christ’s ascension and return.

white in the blood of the Lamb Christ’s blood cleanses from sin, hence the paradox of red (blood) making white (pure or victorious). Compare 1:5; 22:14; John 1:29; 1 John 1:7.

Atonement

7:15 Because of this Refers to their having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

before the throne of God This indicates being in God’s presence—the great hope to which all of Revelation points (see Rev 21:3–5). The themes in vv. 16–17 are repeated in 21:3–5.

in his temple Refers to heaven, as portrayed by the throne room in John’s visions (see 11:19 and note).

7:16 They will not be hungry Hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements were common plights of the oppressed in antiquity (e.g., Psa 121:6; Isa 49:10).

7:17 the Lamb In what seems paradoxical, the Lamb will be the shepherd. Religious and political leaders are often portrayed as either good or bad shepherds in the Bible (e.g., 2 Sam 5:2; John 10:11–18; see 1 Sam 9:3 and note).

will wipe away God will remove sources of distress, grief, and pain (see Rev 21:4; Isa 25:8).