Sealed from the Seals - Revelation 7:1-8

Here we have a parenthesis. There is a pause to view something before the picture of the Seals of Revelation 6 continue on in Revelation 8. "There are three interludes (vv. 1–17; 10:1–11:14; 20:1–6) explaining the place of the saints in the events of Revelation." [1] This pause shows four angels holding back the events that are unfolding on the earth and answers the question in the previous chapter: “for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”” (Revelation 6:17, ESV).Who can stand?  The 144,000 can stand.  Why?

"Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”” (Revelation 7:3, ESV).

"Here the seal protects God’s people from the destructive effects of the judgment angels who will harm the land or the sea through their powerful winds." [2]

Who are these ones that are sealed with protection against the Seals of God's wrath?  They are described by John as "servants of our God."  This sealing is very similar to the events of Ezekiel 9:3–4 (ESV),

³ Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub on which it rested to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writing case at his waist. ⁴ And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.”

This also stands in contrast to the famous mark of the beast of Revelation 13:16.  As this is symbolic so too is the mark of the beast.  This is also reminiscent of the plagues of Egypt.  For example:

“But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen.” ’ ”” (Exodus 8:22–23, ESV)  

 “And the next day the Lord did this thing. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one of the livestock of the people of Israel died.” (Exodus 9:6, ESV)

“Only in the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel were, was there no hail.” (Exodus 9:26, ESV)

This is also reminiscent of the protection that God put on Cain: “Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.” (Genesis 4:15, ESV)

 

"Vv 1–3 must be referring to a time immediately preceding the plagues of 6:1–8, a time when God gives believers a seal to protect them against the onslaught of the woes." [3].  Indeed even as this seal protected God's servants from His wrath and the onslaught of evil, so too believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13); delivered “. . .  from the wrath to come.” (1 Thessalonians 1:10b, ESV); and “who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5, ESV).

Father, You are in Heaven reigning over all.  It is clear You permit many of us to suffer.  It is clear that some of Your children will die of martyrdom -- most of us will die.  But all Your servants are forever protected from Your wrath.   We do not fear those who kill the body.  We fear the One, You Lord, who can destroy both body and soul.  Thank you for Jesus.  Thank you for the grace of His redemption that has forever snatched us from Your eternal and righteous wrath.

 

 

  

 

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2473). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
2. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (124–125). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
3. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (408). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.