Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14

“A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation… standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9)

The interlude of Revelation 7 stands between the sixth and seventh seal judgments. (There is another dramatic interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets in Revelation 10:1–11:14, but no interlude at the end of the bowl judgments.) Interludes in Revelation often shed light on the current situation of God’s people and offer insight into their present responsibilities and future hope. The interlude of chapter 7 consists of two visions: the protective sealing of the 144,000 on earth (7:1–8) and the celebration of the great multitude in heaven (7:9–17). These two visions likely depict the same group of people, the people of God, but do so from two different perspectives. First, we see the people of God on earth arrayed in battle formation and protected from divine judgments to come. Second, we see the people of God in heaven, celebrating God’s faithfulness in sustaining their victorious endurance.

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