It is likely that the rapture occurred by this time of the text. Events were preparing to move along toward most graphic and horrible occasions within the Tribulation. We are abruptly brought to this text wondering what it means. These verses are not damning. They are not warnings. Instead, we are facing a parenthetical moment taken out of the movement of time. It is like God is telling us that he wants us to stop and think. As he moves toward the exercise of his judgment on the earth, God offers us an insight into his mercy. We recognize the number. We recognize the name Israel. However, what is God trying to say to us that we could easily miss?
The words in this text can be taken in a matter-of-fact manner. We could conclude that for some reason God has selected 12,000 people from each of the tribes that he is mentioned. This calls into the question of who these people are, and how were these were individuals selected. Then there are some inconsistencies in the selection. Our curiosity demands we ask why they were selected and what they are going to do.
If we conclude that this is the Jews as commonly thought by DNA and custom, we are being inconsistent with what other parts of the Scripture teach about the church. It is more likely that these are representatives of the spiritual Israel that is actually the church. Keep in mind that the movement of events is toward judgment. The problem we face in considering this the original Israel is that the tribe of Dan is not listed as offering people to be included. In checking back with this tribe, we see their history is full of idolatry and rebellion against God. Therefore, Dan has no place in the exclusionary zone from harm.
Since biblical numerology teaches about perfection and completion, the breakdown of the numbers that create 12,000 is more representative of God’s intentions. He wants us to know that whoever composers the church will be safe from harm. These people have God’s seal in their foreheads. Because of the seal of the Holy Spirit within them, and God’s seal on their external bodies, he has guaranteed their protection as evil begins to explode. The rest of the chapter explains how these remnants are exempted from the great tribulation to be part of God’s worship.
They will have no hunger, no thirst for Jesus will provide fountains of living water. God will wipe away all their tears. There is always an element of mercy and grace in whatever God does even if it involves judgment. This is not to say in the church the lacquered will draw God’s special attention. Whatever happens in the future around the time of the tribulation or even around the time of our own personal tribulations now, God will be there for us.
Christian Writer 