Revelation 7:4 - 8

 The 144,000
Vs 4:  In this verse we are introduced to a group known as the 144,000.  According to John they are 144, 000 who are sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel.  However, the interpretation of this group is not as simple as clear as one would think.  There are varying interpretations as to who this group really is, and we will look at them together.  Before we do this, we need to be reminded of who this prophecy is written to (Seven churches in Asia Minor) and the temperature of society at the time (first century churches facing with persecution).  
 
First, we need to note that John does not see the 144,000 at this time.  We are told that he HEARS the number of those sealed.  He does not actually see the 144,000 until chapter 14.  Second, we need to establish what/who the 144,000 represent and we can interpret them two ways 

1. Literally
2. Symbolically
   
   

I wish I could stop right there and move on to the next series of verses, but these two methods of interpretation are much more complex.  However, the literal method is the simplest, but unfortunately the least likely.
 
Literal
Some believe the 144,000 is a literal reference to the nation of Israel.  It is believed that these are 12,000 evangelists from each of the tribes who go out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. This interpretation does bring up some issues though because it brings in racial distinctions that no longer exist.  This means it disregards the historical fact that ten of the twelve tribes disappeared in Assyria and the remaining two lost their individual identity when Jerusalem fell in 70 AD.  Some do believe that the tribes were in hiding and would return before the end.  But we do need to keep in mind that apocalyptic writing is often not literal.

Symbolic
 Now, when we look at the interpretation as symbolic, we do not make it any easier.  However, if we take the number 144,000 to be symbolic then as Mounce writes, “Twelve (the number of the tribes) is both squared and multiplied by a thousand – a twofold way of emphasizing completeness.”  

1. Thus, one view refers to the 144,000 as a generation of complete believers who are about to face intense persecution that marks the end of human history who will remain faithful to Christ during the coming trial when the Beast appears.  However, the seal does not protect them from physical death but guarantees them access to the Kingdom of Heaven.  They will remain faithful during persecution.
2. Another view refers to the 144,000 as a portion of the entire church which is marked out for martyrdom in the last days.  This would connect the 144,000 to the martyrs in chapter 6 who cry out for vindication. Some view this position as the 12,000 from each tribe represents those Christians who are martyrs.
3. A third view is that the 144,000 represent the totality of the redeemed.  The crowds of 144,000 represent the complete church or Church in its fulness.  144 is the multiple of 12 x 12 x 1,0000 which equals 144,000 and represents completeness.
4. Lastly, another view is that the 144,000 are martyrs who make up the messianic army of remnant tribes who will fight the war against God’s enemies in the last days.

I personally, believe this group represents the complete church, made up of all believers.  Thus, the Church in this chapter may be understood as the new Israel of God.  I like what Stephen Smalley writes in his commentary of Revelation, “(John) is no doubt heightening and spiritualizing the term ‘Israel’.  John is aware of the Judaic roots of the Christian church, and affirms them.  But he also knows that, since the coming of Christ, ‘Israel’ embodies an idea which is deeper than the national associations of the word, and embraces the totality of the redeemed.”
 
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
Vs 5 – 8:  It is interesting to note the enumeration and irregularities in listing the twelve tribes.

• The tribe of Judah is listed first, instead of Reuben.  Judah was in fact the fourth son.  The reason for this is because Jesus comes from the tribe of Judah.
• The omission of the tribe of Dan.  It is believed this tribe is omitted because of their early connection with idolatry.  This tribe migrated north and settled in the land of Laish, where they set up an idol.  In early ancient Christian writings (latter part of second century) Irenaeus noted that Dan was omitted due to a tradition that the Antichrist was to come from the Tribe of Dan.
• The inclusion of Manasseh.  Manasseh was the son of Joseph and it is believed this tribe was added simply to bring the number of tribes back to twelve since the Tribe of Dan was omitted.