Talk:Biblical Studies/New Testament Commentaries/Revelation/Chapter 7

The four angels on the four corners of the Earth can be related to the four cardinal directions. Therefore, it can be noted that this destruction would be universal and the whole Earth would see the effects. Prior to the Lord speaking, it seems as though the angels were going to destroy all of the earth and its inhabitants (including believers). Thankfully, the Lord spoke up and noted how he would mark those who believe in him to save them.

144,000 belevers, is this number meant to be taken literally?
In Revelation chapter 7, John writes that the believers of God will be marked with the Seal of God. The seal is meant to show the four angels that these individuals are not to be harmed. This chapter also discusses that 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes will be sealed. This adds up to 144,000 people and this chapter states that 144,000 people will be marked.

This gives all believers a question to ponder; is 144,000 suppose to be taken literally? I believe that the answer is no. The number tweleve is a very significant number through out the Bible(12 disciples, 12 tribes of Israel, and many more)and I believe that this number is not to be taken literally. In a world that has a population of 6 billion, it would be hard to fathem that only 144,000 people would be marked because of the fact that in other books of the Bible, Jesus says if you believe in my you will be saved. This is just my oppinon on the matter, please add any discussion that you feel is important.