The Twelve Tribes Sealed in Revelation 7 Happened in Ezekiel's Day

[Exegesis]

In Revelation 7, we read about twelve tribes being sealed:

Revelation 7:4 - "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."

This event happened long ago as we read in the Book of Ezekiel:

Ezekiel 9:3-4 - "And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."

Those that had the Mark were not harmed:

Ezekiel 9:6 - "Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."

Revelation often points back to the Old Testament to sort of 'fill in the blanks' and reveal deeper meanings.

Some believe Revelation 7 is still future, however this is impossible since the tribes listed no longer exist. For example, Revelation 7:6 mentions the Tribe of Aser/Asher:

Revelation 7:6 - "Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand."

A quick search online verifies the obvious:

​

What about the tribe of Simeon?

Revelation 7:7 - "Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand."

​

The list goes on.

And without a Temple to atone for sin, the chances of these tribes existing today as being holy and undefiled are zero.

Christians need to stop putting prophecy into a 'futuristic rubbish bin' and begin to appreciate the rich and wonderful history that already happened in the Old Testament. Let Scripture interpret Scripture.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

In Revelation 7, we read about twelve tribes being sealed:



This event happened long ago as we read in the Book of Ezekiel:



Those that had the Mark were not harmed:



Revelation often points back to the Old Testament to sort of 'fill in the blanks' and reveal deeper meanings.

Some believe Revelation 7 is still future, however this is impossible since the tribes listed no longer exist. For example, Revelation 7:6 mentions the Tribe of Aser/Asher:



A quick search online verifies the obvious:

View attachment 70646​

What about the tribe of Simeon?

View attachment 70647​

The list goes on.

And without a Temple to atone for sin, the chances of these tribes existing today as being holy and undefiled are zero.

Christians need to stop putting prophecy into a 'futuristic rubbish bin' and begin to appreciate the rich and wonderful history that already happened in the Old Testament. Let Scripture interpret Scripture.

Nope! Just because
Ezekiel and Rev. speak of a mark, doesn't make it the same mark or even for the same purpose!

The 144,000 are still yet to come. They will be global evangelists.

 

[Randy Kluth]

In Revelation 7, we read about twelve tribes being sealed:
This event happened long ago as we read in the Book of Ezekiel:

I don't think so. I think the passage is asserting that the Jewish People who come to Christ together represent the descendants of all 12 tribes. I do agree that the tribal divisions themselves are of ancient times, since they dissolved into the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah, eventually surviving only in the tribe of Judah (from when comes the term "Jews").

The preservation of the 12 tribes against the coming storms indicate the preservation of Israel through the Christians among them during the 3.5 years of Antichristian rule. It's a difficult passage!

 

[shepherdsword]

In Revelation 7, we read about twelve tribes being sealed:



This event happened long ago as we read in the Book of Ezekiel:



Those that had the Mark were not harmed:



Revelation often points back to the Old Testament to sort of 'fill in the blanks' and reveal deeper meanings.

Some believe Revelation 7 is still future, however this is impossible since the tribes listed no longer exist. For example, Revelation 7:6 mentions the Tribe of Aser/Asher:



A quick search online verifies the obvious:

View attachment 70646​

What about the tribe of Simeon?

View attachment 70647​

The list goes on.

And without a Temple to atone for sin, the chances of these tribes existing today as being holy and undefiled are zero.

Christians need to stop putting prophecy into a 'futuristic rubbish bin' and begin to appreciate the rich and wonderful history that already happened in the Old Testament. Let Scripture interpret Scripture.

The seal of Ezekiel's day is not the same as the seals in Revelation. Also the seal in Ezekiel was given AFTER the dispersal of the northern kingdom so you have the same problem as you do with Rev 6.

However, it's not really a an issue because there were remnants of the lost tribes in Hezekiah's day....long after the dispersal:


2 Ch 30:10-11 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

James mentions all twelve tribes:

James 1:1 "James, a servant of God... to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greetings.”​

 

[Exegesis]

Great responses so far. I appreciate it!

 

[CTK]

For what it is worth.... here is a cut / paste of the narrative for verses 7:4-8 in my commentary on Revelation (still in progress).


Revelation 7:4-8

The sealing of God’s servants in Revelation 7:4-8 strongly parallels the final plague in Exodus and finds echoes in other Old Testament passages. These connections highlight God’s consistent pattern of mercy and protection for His faithful.

In the final plague of Exodus, God commanded the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb (Exodus 12:7, 13). This mark symbolized their allegiance to God and provided protection against the destroying angel. Similarly, the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation identifies and safeguards God’s servants from the judgments to come. Both instances underscore God’s power to shield His people amid widespread calamity—whether it is the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt or the faithful’s ultimate redemption in Revelation.

This theme also appears in Ezekiel’s vision of the mark (Ezekiel 9:3-6), where a man clothed in linen marks the foreheads of those grieving over Jerusalem’s sins. Those marked are spared from destruction, much like the servants sealed in Revelation 7. In these scenes, the mark represents divine protection and sets the faithful apart from those subject to judgment. Other Old Testament references further enrich this symbolism. Deuteronomy 6:8 instructs God’s people to bind His words as a sign on their hands and foreheads, symbolizing devotion and obedience—similar to being sealed as God’s own. Malachi 3:17-18 promises God’s protection for those who fear Him, calling them His "jewels." Likewise, in Isaiah 26:20-21, God tells His people to "enter your chambers" and hide until His wrath has passed, a vivid parallel to the sealing in Revelation, where judgment is delayed until the faithful are identified and protected. These connections between Revelation 7 and the Old Testament emphasize God’s unchanging character. The seal, like the blood on the doorposts or the mark in Ezekiel, signifies God’s ownership, care, and mercy for His people.

The 144,000 in Revelation as God’s chosen witnesses at the end of time is both compelling and meaningful. These individuals represent God’s people who, like Paul, will be given their own "Damascus experience.” Romans 11:25-26 speaks of a time when the partial hardening of Israel will end, allowing them to recognize Jesus as their Messiah. This aligns with Zechariah 12:10, where the people of Israel will mourn deeply as they realize they have pierced the One who came to save them. At this pivotal moment, God’s people will have the blindness lifted from their eyes and will embrace Jesus, fulfilling their role in His redemptive plan.

These 144,000 will then go out into the world, preaching the Good News with fervor and urgency, much like Paul did in the first century. Their mission will be a final call to humanity to turn to God before the return of Christ. This mission is tied to the prophetic timeline of Daniel’s 70 weeks of years (Daniel 9:24-27). The 3.5 years of ministry by the 144,000 will complete the final portion of the 490 years decreed for God’s people. The timeline, which began in 457 BC, was interrupted at the cross, with 486.5 years fulfilled. The remaining 3.5 years must be completed, and can only be completed by His people. At the conclusion of these final 3.5 years, the 4th and final Great Jubilee cycle will be completed – then the Messiah.

The 144,000, sealed as God’s faithful witnesses, will not only go out into the world to preach the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus but will also expose the profound departure of the church and its teachings from the true Word of God. Over the past 1500 years, the little horn, symbolizing the papacy, has disseminated doctrines and practices that diverge from biblical truth. These witnesses will serve as a powerful testimony, shining a light on these deviations and calling people back to the purity of God’s Word. Their mission will be one of both proclamation and restoration, revealing God’s truth and preparing the world for the Messiah’s return. This understanding not only highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant but also underscores the unity of His plan throughout history. The restoration of His chosen people and their role in completing the unfulfilled years of prophecy showcase God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that God’s timing is perfect and His promises are sure.

It might be appropriate to also mention that the list of the 12 tribes in Revelation 7:5–8 is different from the original tribes listed in the Old Testament. Notably, the tribes of Dan and Ephraim are excluded. Dan has long been associated with idolatry and rebellion (Judges 18:30–31; 1 Kings 12:28–30), which may explain its omission as a symbolic rejection of unfaithfulness. Similarly, Ephraim, another tribe with a history of idolatry (Hosea 4:17), is removed. In place of these tribes, we see the inclusion of Levi and Joseph. Levi, traditionally excluded from military and land inheritance lists because of its priestly role (Numbers 1:47–49), is now included,

emphasizing the spiritual and worshipful nature of the 144,000 as God’s faithful remnant. Joseph’s inclusion, replacing Ephraim, symbolizes a purification and refocusing on faithfulness. These changes are not accidental; they reflect theological priorities rather than strict genealogical order, showcasing the purity and loyalty of God’s chosen people. The revised list emphasizes that at the end of time, God’s people are defined not by lineage alone but by their spiritual fidelity and faithfulness to Him.

 

[Wish-it]

In Revelation 7, we read about twelve tribes being sealed:



This event happened long ago as we read in the Book of Ezekiel:



Those that had the Mark were not harmed:



Revelation often points back to the Old Testament to sort of 'fill in the blanks' and reveal deeper meanings.

Some believe Revelation 7 is still future, however this is impossible since the tribes listed no longer exist. For example, Revelation 7:6 mentions the Tribe of Aser/Asher:



A quick search online verifies the obvious:

View attachment 70646​

What about the tribe of Simeon?

View attachment 70647​

The list goes on.

And without a Temple to atone for sin, the chances of these tribes existing today as being holy and undefiled are zero.

Christians need to stop putting prophecy into a 'futuristic rubbish bin' and begin to appreciate the rich and wonderful history that already happened in the Old Testament. Let Scripture interpret Scripture.

The problem i see if we continually interprete scripture as history, we miss what God is saying to us through these scriptures in our generation, which He is probably more concerned about than Alexander or some other dude in 656bc. Read them as history, but also consider reading them as the future, that God is revealing to us.

 

[rwb]

In Revelation 7, we read about twelve tribes being sealed:

This event happened long ago as we read in the Book of Ezekiel:

Those that had the Mark were not harmed:

Would not the tribes listed have still existed during the days of Christ's cross, resurrection, and ascension?

Revelation 7:3 (KJV) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 14:1 (KJV) And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 20:4 (KJV) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Luke 2:36 (KJV) And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

According to the prophesy the four winds would not be permitted to hurt the earth until the servants of God had been sealed in their foreheads. The number of them which were sealed: sealed of Old, [the remnant] numbered a hundred forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. In comparison after the sealing of the 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel, we read of an innumerable multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb. This innumerable multitude with the 144,000 remnant of Israel is a picture of the full embodiment of the body of Christ spiritually to inhabit the Kingdom of God in heaven as living souls.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (KJV) Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:12-14 (KJV) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

It is my belief that these faithful servants of Old being sealed (144,000) by the Spirit of Christ are the same martyred saints we read of in Rev 6.

Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth and white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

I believe this paints a picture for us of the fate of Old Covenant saints who died in faith but could not yet ascend to heaven before Christ came to make atonement for sin through His sacrificial blood and defeat death. Having died in faith it is said that they waited under the altar, that is the place where the blood of Christ would be poured out for them.

In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man after death faithful saints would be carried by the angels to that place called Abraham's bosom, separated from those who died in unbelief who were buried and in hell, where a great gulf separated those of faith from those dying in unbelief.

The Old Covenant faithful souls were told they must wait "yet for a little season" until their fellow servants (Jewish descendants of faith) and their brethren (Christ Jesus, our Lord) should be killed as they were. I believe the little season of waiting ended for them after Christ's atoning death, and resurrection. Because after His resurrection Christ ascended to heaven. But before going there He first descended into the place of the dead saints, called Abraham's bosom.

Ephesians 4:8-10 (KJV) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Before leaving this earth, Christ promised He would send His Spirit to be within His people. It is through the Spirit of God that believers are sealed, having the name of the Father written in our foreheads. The saints of Old had to be sealed by the Spirit of Christ, because He is our assurance for overcoming the second death, and being bodily resurrected to immortality.

Just before the four angels were permitted to bring harm upon the earth, the angel first sealed the servants of God from Old, and with the gates of heaven now opened through Christ the spiritually alive souls of Old went spiritually with Christ to the Kingdom of God in heaven.

As evidence for my conclusion the 144,000 are shown once more in Rev 14 in the Kingdom of God in heaven.

Revelation 14:1-5 (KJV) And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The next thing we hear in Rev 14 after seeing the 144,000 in heaven is how the time had come for the everlasting gospel to be preached unto all the nations of the world. Christ had ushered in the Kingdom of God and has brought His Kingdom very near, even at hand for whosoever hears the gospel proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit shall be eternally saved, having no fear of the second death.

Revelation 14:6 (KJV) And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

 

[rwb]

Romans 11:25-26 speaks of a time when the partial hardening of Israel will end, allowing them to recognize Jesus as their Messiah.

This is reading into the text that which is not there. The passage makes no mention the hardened of Israel recognizing Jesus as their Messiah. How can all Isreal be of those hardened of Israel since "all Israel that shall be saved" is saved when "the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." That means that "all Israel" that shall be saved are Israel of faith with Gentiles of faith completing them.

Romans 11:25-26 (KJV) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

 

[CTK]

This is reading into the text that which is not there. The passage makes no mention the hardened of Israel recognizing Jesus as their Messiah. How can all Isreal be of those hardened of Israel since "all Israel that shall be saved" is saved when "the fullness of the Gentiles be come in." That means that "all Israel" that shall be saved are Israel of faith with Gentiles of faith completing them.

Romans 11:25-26 (KJV) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

I think I understand your comment or pushback on the statement you selected within the narrative. I believe Scripture points to a future moment when God lifts the present “partial hardening” on Israel and grants a corporate, Spirit-given unveiling (Rom 11:25–27; Zech 12:10). That awakening shows itself first in a repentant remnant—pictured in Revelation as the 144,000 “first fruits” (Rev 7; 14:1–5)—who serve as a witnessing vanguard, calling both Jew and Gentile back to the true gospel and correcting long-standing distortions (Dan 7:25; Rev 12:17; 14:6–7).

About “all Israel”: Paul’s promise does not mean an automatic, ethnicity-based salvation for every Jewish person. He explicitly distinguishes between Israel by descent and Israel by faith (Rom 9:6), and he ties salvation to turning to the Messiah when the hardening is lifted (Rom 11:25–27). In other words, “all Israel” points to the people as a whole turning to the Lord—not a blanket amnesty irrespective of faith.

The same standard applies to everyone: there’s no automatic salvation for Gentiles or for those who merely wear a Christian label. Salvation remains by grace through faith in Jesus for anyone who believes and does not persist in unbelief (Rom 10:9–13; 11:23; Eph 2:8–10).

In short, I see the end times as having a Spirit-led unveiling, a faithful remnant as first fruits, a wider national turning to Messiah—and throughout, the same gospel call to repent and believe.

Please let me know if this is in line with your thoughts after reading that part of the narrative. Thanks and best wishes always.

 

[rwb]

I believe Scripture points to a future moment when God lifts the present “partial hardening” on Israel and grants a corporate, Spirit-given unveiling (Rom 11:25–27; Zech 12:10)

The passage in Ro 11 does not say that Christ lifts the partial blindness. It simply says that when the fullness of the Gentiles come in so all Israel shall be saved. The blindness in Israel is only partial because there has always been an elect remnant from Israel (faithful) that shall be saved. At this present time Gentiles and Jews are still being grafted into the good olive tree with the remnant (those who are not in blindness). Which I believe represents new birth through the Spirit, being born again. Once the last Jew and Gentile to be born again is grafted in together with Israel of faith, all Israel that shall be saved is not Israel hardened in unbelief, rather it is the Israel of God, that is both Jew of faith and Gentile of faith together. Because in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but ONE people of God, of all nations, people, kindred and tongues. Not all who are called Israel are the children of God. Being of the circumcision will not save Israel in unbelief. Those who are still in blindness through hardened hearts are able to be grafted back into Israel of faith IF they turn to Christ for forgiveness, they too shall be grafted in again with the Israel of God.

Galatians 6:15-16 (KJV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Romans 9:6-8 (KJV) Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The prophesy in Zech 12:10 is the same as that found in Joel 2:28 that according to Peter Acts 2 began to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit poured out at Pentecost ushers in the age when the Church is being sent out with the gospel, preaching Chris has come in the spiritual Kingdom of God with a demonstration of great power and might. This was the beginning of the age for which "whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." No longer would the Promised One be limited to only one nation/people, the gospel of the Kingdom of God would go out to every nation of the world, for the doors have been opened to Gentiles and Jews alike, whosoever believes the gospel have discovered the way of everlasting life through Christ Jesus the Saviour of man.

Zechariah 12:10 (KJV) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Joel 2:28-32 (KJV) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Acts 2:16-21 (KJV) But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Zechariah's prophesy was fulfilled in those devout Jews dwelling in Jerusalem out of every nation under heaven. When they heard about the gospel of the Kingdom of God Peter speaks to them, their hearts were pricked (as spoken by Zechariah) and they that gladly received his word repented and were baptized with the Holy Ghost, three thousand souls entering the Kingdom of God in haven possessing eternal life through Christ.

Acts 2:37 (KJV) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38-41 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Once the last Gentile to be saved has been grafted into the good olive tree (born again), the spiritual Kingdom of God in heaven shall be complete. There will be no more time given the Church for proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God in heaven, the mystery of God He has declared to His servants the prophets finished. Then the seventh trumpet shall begin to sound that Christ has come again.

Revelation 10:5-7 (KJV) And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

 

[CTK]

The passage in Ro 11 does not say that Christ lifts the partial blindness. It simply says that when the fullness of the Gentiles come in so all Israel shall be saved. The blindness in Israel is only partial because there has always been an elect remnant from Israel (faithful) that shall be saved. At this present time Gentiles and Jews are still being grafted into the good olive tree with the remnant (those who are not in blindness). Which I believe represents new birth through the Spirit, being born again. Once the last Jew and Gentile to be born again is grafted in together with Israel of faith, all Israel that shall be saved is not Israel hardened in unbelief, rather it is the Israel of God, that is both Jew of faith and Gentile of faith together. Because in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but ONE people of God, of all nations, people, kindred and tongues. Not all who are called Israel are the children of God. Being of the circumcision will not save Israel in unbelief. Those who are still in blindness through hardened hearts are able to be grafted back into Israel of faith IF they turn to Christ for forgiveness, they too shall be grafted in again with the Israel of God.

Galatians 6:15-16 (KJV) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Romans 9:6-8 (KJV) Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

The prophesy in Zech 12:10 is the same as that found in Joel 2:28 that according to Peter Acts 2 began to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit poured out at Pentecost ushers in the age when the Church is being sent out with the gospel, preaching Chris has come in the spiritual Kingdom of God with a demonstration of great power and might. This was the beginning of the age for which "whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." No longer would the Promised One be limited to only one nation/people, the gospel of the Kingdom of God would go out to every nation of the world, for the doors have been opened to Gentiles and Jews alike, whosoever believes the gospel have discovered the way of everlasting life through Christ Jesus the Saviour of man.

Zechariah 12:10 (KJV) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Joel 2:28-32 (KJV) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Acts 2:16-21 (KJV) But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Zechariah's prophesy was fulfilled in those devout Jews dwelling in Jerusalem out of every nation under heaven. When they heard about the gospel of the Kingdom of God Peter speaks to them, their hearts were pricked (as spoken by Zechariah) and they that gladly received his word repented and were baptized with the Holy Ghost, three thousand souls entering the Kingdom of God in haven possessing eternal life through Christ.

Acts 2:37 (KJV) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Acts 2:38-41 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Once the last Gentile to be saved has been grafted into the good olive tree (born again), the spiritual Kingdom of God in heaven shall be complete. There will be no more time given the Church for proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God in heaven, the mystery of God He has declared to His servants the prophets finished. Then the seventh trumpet shall begin to sound that Christ has come again.

Revelation 10:5-7 (KJV) And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Thank you very much for taking the time to capture and present these terrific thoughts and support.... please give me some time to absorb and then respond. Thank you again, best wishes... I really do not believe we are too far apart at all.

 

[Exegesis]

The 144,000 are still yet to come. They will be global evangelists.

Are you one of the 144,000?

 

[Exegesis]

Over the past 1500 years, the little horn, symbolizing the papacy, has disseminated doctrines and practices that diverge from biblical truth.

Every Church is guilty of the above.

 

[Exegesis]

The problem i see if we continually interprete scripture as history, we miss what God is saying to us through these scriptures in our generation, which He is probably more concerned about than Alexander or some other dude in 656bc. Read them as history, but also consider reading them as the future, that God is revealing to us.

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[Exegesis]

Would not the tribes listed have still existed during the days of Christ's cross, resurrection, and ascension?

Indeed. @shepherdsword made that excellent point.

According to the prophesy the four winds would not be permitted to hurt the earth until the servants of God had been sealed in their foreheads.

It's as if time stood still.

The number of them which were sealed: sealed of Old, [the remnant] numbered a hundred forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. In comparison after the sealing of the 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel, we read of an innumerable multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb. This innumerable multitude with the 144,000 remnant of Israel is a picture of the full embodiment of the body of Christ spiritually to inhabit the Kingdom of God in heaven as living souls.

Isn't it interesting that the 144,000 seem to show up *before* the rest do? In other words, the 144,000 are there long before Christians. It's as if they were redeemed before Jesus was crucified.

Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Are the 144,000 sealed *before* Jesus sent the Holy Ghost?

It is my belief that these faithful servants of Old being sealed (144,000) by the Spirit of Christ are the same martyred saints we read of in Rev 6.

Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth and white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

I believe this paints a picture for us of the fate of Old Covenant saints who died in faith but could not yet ascend to heaven before Christ came to make atonement for sin through His sacrificial blood and defeat death. Having died in faith it is said that they waited under the altar, that is the place where the blood of Christ would be poured out for them.

It sounds like you see the 144,000 as being past and not future, correct?

 

[grafted branch]

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

In this verse the angels are exerting effort to prevent the wind from blowing on the earth.



Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Another angel cried to the angels in verse 1 which are described as “given” to hurt the earth. Which means the lack of wind is what caused the hurt.



Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The angels in verse 1 are commanded not to hurt the earth, which means they were no longer allowed to prevent the wind from blowing until the servants of God are sealed.



Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

The number that were (as in past tense) sealed were 144,000. That is 144,000 were sealed while the wind didn’t blow.



At Pentecost a sound from heaven as a mighty rushing wind filled all the house where they were sitting. The 144,000 were sealed under the old covenant not the new covenant.

 

[Exegesis]

Once the last Jew and Gentile to be born again is grafted in together with Israel of faith, all Israel that shall be saved is not Israel hardened in unbelief, rather it is the Israel of God, that is both Jew of faith and Gentile of faith together. Because in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but ONE people of God, of all nations, people, kindred and tongues. Not all who are called Israel are the children of God.

It sounds like you and I share the same belief.

Interesting verse for sure:

Romans 11:26 - "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:"

Michael Heiser does a good job of exegeting the meaning:

 

[Exegesis]

Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

In this verse the angels are exerting effort to prevent the wind from blowing on the earth.



Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Another angel cried to the angels in verse 1 which are described as “given” to hurt the earth. Which means the lack of wind is what caused the hurt.



Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

The angels in verse 1 are commanded not to hurt the earth, which means they were no longer allowed to prevent the wind from blowing until the servants of God are sealed.



Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

The number that were (as in past tense) sealed were 144,000. That is 144,000 were sealed while the wind didn’t blow.



At Pentecost a sound from heaven as a mighty rushing wind filled all the house where they were sitting. The 144,000 were sealed under the old covenant not the new covenant.

This is interesting @grafted branch . You seem to be associating 'wind' with 'spirit', is that correct?

I am reminded of this verse:

John 3:8 - "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."

 

[Wick Stick]

What about the tribe of Simeon?

View attachment 70647​

Simeon never received a land grant. Like Levi, the Simeonites only received a number of cities within the territory of another tribe.

You may recall that Levi and Simeon took revenge inappropriately in Gen 34, and the non-bestowal of a territory of their own seems to have been a punishment common to the two tribes:

Gen 34: 30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I [being] few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.