An Oracle Concerning Cush

An Oracle Concerning Cush

Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: Isa. 18:1

shadowing with wings... The 20th prophecy in Isaiah (Isa. 18:1-7, unfulfilled). Next, Isa. 19:1.

The 20th Prophecy in Isaiah

Six Predictions—Unfulfilled:

1. Woe to the land shadowing with wings, beyond the rivers of Ethiopia (Isa. 18:1).

2. God will lift up a banner among the nations and they are commanded to see it (Isa. 18:3).

3. He will blow a trumpet among the nations and they are commanded to hear it.

4. The Lord will take His rest and consider in His dwelling place, and the crops will not be harvested (Isa. 18:4-5).

5. The crops will be left to the fowl and wild animals to feed on during the summer and winter (Isa. 18:6).

6. In that time—the time of the fulfillment of this woe—a present shall be brought from this land to Mount Zion to the Lord of hosts (Isa. 18:7).

Six Proofs This Land Is Ethiopia

1. "Shadowing with wings" (Isa. 18:1). The Hebrew: for shadowing is tselatsal, translated elsewhere "locust" (Deut. 28:42); "cymbals" (2Sa. 6:5; Psm. 150:5); and "spears" (Job. 41:7). The Hebrew: for "wings" is kanaph, edge; extremity; wing; flap; pinnacle; overspreading. The term literally means whirring of wings, but to what it refers is not clear.

2. "Which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia" (Isa. 18:1). To make this chapter a prophecy of the United States on the assumption that the wings refer to the eagle, the country’s emblem, is to fall into the error of inventing foolish and fantastic theories to suit the imagination. The land referred to is definitely beyond, over against, or on the other side of the rivers of Ethiopia, which clearly identifies it as Ethiopia and the Egyptian Sudan. Regarding wings, it is known that Ethiopia is one of the homes of the dreaded tsetse fly. As to rivers it is located between the White Nile and the Blue Nile. See Zeph. 3:10.

3. "That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes" (Isa. 18:2). This further locates the country in the vicinity of the Nile. The word "sea" in Scripture is used of various bodies of water, including the Nile (Isa. 19:5) and the Euphrates (Jer. 51:36). That the Nile is referred to is clear from the fact that bulrushes or papyrus plants grew only on this river, and it was common for bulrush boats to be seen on it (Isa. 18:2; Exo. 2:3; cp. Eze. 30:9). Sometime bundles of the plant were bound together making a raft; sometimes the leaves were plaited basket-fashion and coated with tar (Exo. 2:3).

4. "A nation scattered and peeled" (Isa. 18:2, Isa. 18:7). The Hebrew for scattered is mashak, to stretch out; to prolong; to develop; to be tall. Peeled is from the Hebrew: mowrat, to make smooth, bright or furbished (1Ki. 7:45; Eze. 21:10-11). This could read "tall and smooth," or "tall and bronzed."

5. A people terrible from their beginning (Isa. 18:2, 18:7), a nation meted out and trodden down (underfoot)"—or, more correctly translated, "a nation terrible in all its history as stretching lines over others, marking them out for destruction" (Isa. 18:2, 18:7). This is the only idea in harmony with the other statements of this nation. The Berkeley reads: "a people dreaded near and far, that conquers and treads down"; Moffatt: "A terror far and near, a sturdy race of conquerors"; Fenton: "a terrible race in its past and its future, a disciplined dominant people"; Young: "Unto a people fearful from its beginning and onwards, a nation meting out by line, and treading down"; Rotherham: "Unto a people terrible from their beginning and onwards,—a nation most mighty and subduing."

6. "Whose land the rivers have spoiled" (Isa. 18:2, 18:7); that is, whose lands the rivers have washed away. This is particularly true of Ethiopia, the Egyptian Sudan and regions above the cataracts of the Nile. Branches of the Nile continually wash away the banks and deposit the dirt on the lands of the lower Egypt.

The Hebrew: howy is translated woe 36 times (Isa. 5:8, 5:11, 5:18, 5:20, 5:21, 5:22; 10:1; 17:12; 28:1; 29:1, 29:15; 30:1; 31:1; 33:1; 45:9-10), but ho only 4 times (Ruth 4:1; Isa. 55:1; Zec. 2:6). Woe is used here of a judgment, not just calling attention to something. It is one of many woes pronounced upon various nations in this section (Isaiah 13:1-23:18).

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled! Isa. 18:2

ambassadors... Apparently the Cushites sent envoys in swift-moving papyrus boats (cf. Job. 9:26) to suggest that Israel form an alliance with them against the Assyrians.

ye swift messengers... Here God commanded these ambassadors to return home to their own people instead of going to another nation.

to a nation... None of these details could possibly describe the United States, as some would interpret Isa. 18:1-7. In fact, not one passage in Scripture mentions the United States in particular. This passage describes Ethiopia (we saw earlier Six Proofs that This Land Is Ethiopia) and to force another meaning into it is unscriptural.

All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. Isa. 18:3

All ye inhabitants... Two things all men are commanded to do:

1. See when God lifts up the banner on the mountains (Isa. 11:10 see below).

2. Hear when He blows a trumpet.

The ensign refers to a standard or a banner around which the nations shall rally. The Messiah Himself will be the rallying point of all nations. To Him they will come and in Him they will put their trust (Isa. 11:10, 11:12; 30:17; 31:9; cp. Isa. 49:22; 59:19; 62:10).

and dwellers... The prophet exhorted the Cushites to go back home and not try to form an alliance because the Lord would defeat the enemy at the proper time. The Cushites represented all the people of the world who desired to see the Assyrians fall. But the Lord promised through Isaiah that when the time would come to fight the Assyrians they would know it and would see the enemy fall.

he lifted up... He—God will lift up a banner. The only one He predicts to lift up is the Messiah Himself as the rallying point of all nations, which identifies this passage as yet unfulfilled (Isa. 11:10). Many will not rally to Christ but will first oppose Him, being led by Antichrist (Zec. 14:1-21; Rev. 16:13-16; 19:11-21).

He bloweth... He—God will blow a trumpet at the second coming of Christ (Joe. 2:1; Zec. 9:14).

For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. Isa. 18:4

Future Defeat of Ethiopia

For so the Lord... God has made clear His purpose to punish the Ethiopians described in Isa. 18:1-2, 18:7. These people will be making plans against God and Israel, and will be mobilized with other nations under Antichrist to fight in the battle of Armageddon. The Ethiopians will be at his steps (Dan. 11:40-45). It is revealed here that they will all be defeated, and the manner in which it will be done is shown. God will sit calmly while these preparations are being made—as the sun shines on the earth while the crops are growing, and the dew gently falls in the heat of harvest (Isa. 18:4)

For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and take away and cut down the branches. Isa 18:5

For afore the... But before their plans are completed, He will suddenly interfere and destroy them like one appearing before the harvest is ripe and cutting it down (Isa. 18:5). God comforts Judah here by showing that when the nations are gathered to destroy them He will undertake for them and destroy their enemies (Isa. 18:4-5).

cut off the sprigs... God will destroy the Ethiopians and other nations under Antichrist, as one would cut off sprigs with the pruning hook and take away the branches before they bear a crop.

They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them. Isa. 18:6

They shall be left... The nations destroyed at Armageddon will make meat for the fowls and beasts of the field to eat for many months (Eze. 39:1-24; Luke 17:31-37; Rev. 19:17, 19:21).

all the beasts... The bones of these enemies will remain unburied for months, and the fowls of the air and beasts of the field will feed upon them (Isa. 18:6).

All this proves a latter-day fulfillment, for at no time in history has this literally been fulfilled. Such is not only definitely predicted here for the future, but in many other prophecies it states that at Armageddon the Jews will be delivered from the Gentiles, including the Ethiopians, and that the many slain on the battlefield will make meat for the fowl and wild animals for seven months and longer (Isa. 18:4-6; Eze. 39:1-24; Dan. 11:40-45; Mat. 24:28-31; Luke 17:31-37; Rev. 19:11-21).

In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion. Isa. 18:7

In that time... After the Assyrian defeat, the Lord would cause the people of Cush (cf. Isa. 18:1-2) to take gifts to the Lord at Mount Zion, where His name dwelt (see Deut. 12:5). Whether this occurred after the fall of Assyria is not known. Possibly Isaiah was speaking of the millennial kingdom when peoples from around the world will worship the Lord (cf. Zec. 14:16) because of His gracious acts.

The present be brought... When Antichrist’s armies are destroyed and the Millennium begins following Armageddon, the Ethiopians will submit to God and bring a present to the Lord of hosts who will then be in Mount Zion and Jerusalem establishing the kingdom of David over Israel and all other nations (Isa. 9:6-7; Zec. 14:1-21; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11-15; Rev. 20:1-10).

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:6

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:6

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

The First Messenger Angel: The Everlasting Gospel

“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, Rev. 14:6

angel fly in... Three messenger angels flying in heaven:

1. The first flies around in the heavens close enough to the earth to be seen and heard by human beings. He preaches the everlasting gospel to all people on earth during the last 3 1/2 years of this age. This gospel is the same as what we now preach with but one exception: he will be able to announce that the hour of God’s judgment is come as well; we can only announce that it is coming (Rev. 6-7). All theories that this gospel is a special one given to certain denominations to preach are false. The angel will be a literal one doing what is here stated. Verse 6 introduces the first of five angels who convey a special message concerning the middle of the end time, that is, in the Great Tribulation period. It is astounding that an angel is commissioned to go forth preaching the everlasting gospel, for the preaching of the gospel has not been committed to angels but to human beings. This astounding state of affairs can only be an indication of the severity of the circumstances. If we keep in view the setting of this passage, we will be able to understand readily why this will be necessary. Prior to the Tribulation, the Church will have been Raptured.

This angel will warn the people to fear God instead of Antichrist, and to give glory to God instead of Antichrist, and he will instruct them how to do it.

The Greek word translated "gospel" (euangelion), literally means "good news," and the only way we can offer people eternal good news is to show them how to receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. A message concerning the judgment of God is only a partial presentation of the gospel of Christ. The complete story of the gospel not only clarifies that all human beings are sinners, but also includes God's remedy for sin through Christ, who "died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and was raised on the third day."

midst of heaven... From a Greek term denoting the point in the noonday sky where the sun reaches its zenith. This is the highest and brightest point, where all can see and hear.

the everlasting gospel... The angel is preaching the good news concerning eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of God (compare Matt. 24:14; 1 Cor. 15:1-10). He is urging the people of the world to give their allegiance to the Lamb. It is also called in the New Testament the gospel of God, the gospel of grace, the gospel of Christ, the gospel of peace, the glorious gospel, and the gospel of the kingdom. It is good news that God saves by the forgiveness of sin and opens His kingdom to all who will repent and believe. The whole world will hear this preaching by the angel as God graciously calls all to salvation.

The Everlasting Gospel. Is this a different gospel from that preached today? On the basis of the Word of God, absolutely not! This is the same gospel as we preach, the same message that was "once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3).

2. The second angel will fly in the heavens announcing the fall of literal Babylon, which will be destroyed under the 7th vial (Rev. 14:8; 16:17-21; 18:1-24).

3. The third angel will fly in the heavens warning all people in the kingdom of Antichrist that if they do take the mark, the name, or the number of the name of the beast and worship him they will seal their own doom and be punished in eternal hell (Rev. 14:9-11).

John was then given a vision of an angel carrying a message called the eternal gospel. The angel was commissioned to bring his message to every group of people on the earth. Because of the word “gospel,” some have felt that this was a message of salvation or the good news of the coming kingdom. The context, however, seems to indicate otherwise, for the message is one of judgment and condemnation. The angel announced, Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come.

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:5

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:5

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation 14

The Last Division of the Tribulation Week

Rev. 14:1-19:21

The Seven Parenthetical statements

Rev. 14:1-20

This sixth parenthetical passage contains seven statements which come between the seventh trumpet and the first vial as to reception, but not necessarily in fulfillment. The first five statements are necessary to explain certain things which are to transpire between the seventh trumpet and the end of the Week.

The Lamb on Mount Zion with the 144,000 Jews

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God” Rev. 14:5

in their mouth... They have no guile in them. They are faultless before God forever, proving that they have been transported as the man-child (Rev. 12:5).

found no guile... The 144,000 speak God’s truth accurately and precisely, with no exaggeration or understatement (compare Zeph. 3:13).

are without fault... Not sinless, but sanctified (see Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22).
This verse says it plainly. They spoke the truth, not watered down. They did not waver in their decision to follow Jesus. Their face was set toward heaven and they did not look back.

They were also described as blameless (amōmoi, a word used of sacrificial animals without defect) and as those who, living in a period of great satanic deception, were free from lying. The passage as a whole is a prophetic foreview of the triumph of the 144,000 when Christ returns.

These 144,000 have been discussed in detail. This passage shows what the manchild is doing before the throne in heaven and proves that the 144,000 are no longer on earth after this time. The following three parenthetical statements concern three messenger angels who will go forth from the middle to the end of the Week during the reign of the Antichrist. They will announce certain commands and events as we will see in the next verses:

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:4

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:4

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation 14

The Last Division of the Tribulation Week

Rev. 14:1-19:21

The Seven Parenthetical statements

Rev. 14:1-20

This sixth parenthetical passage contains seven statements which come between the seventh trumpet and the first vial as to reception, but not necessarily in fulfillment. The first five statements are necessary to explain certain things which are to transpire between the seventh trumpet and the end of the Week.

The Lamb on Mount Zion with the 144,000 Jews

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. Rev. 14:4

were not defiled... If this statement were taken literally, it would prove that they are all men. But if the next statement were taken literally, it would prove that they are all women—virgins. Obviously, the idea is to picture their purity of character. They are saved men and women who have not polluted themselves with the idolatrous and immoral religious system of the great whore of Rev. 17:1-18. See Paul’s similar comparison, 2Cor. 11:2. With the whore of Rome, and her harlots, she is the mother of; while the kings and inhabitants of the earth were drunk with the wine of their fornication, or committed idolatry with them, which is spiritual fornication, and is here meant by being defiled with them, these were free from such pollutions, or idolatrous practices:

for they are... For their beauty and comeliness in Christ, chastity, sincerity of their love, uncorruptness in doctrine and worship, and for the uprightness of conversation (see Matt. 25:1).

which follow the... They are resurrected and glorified like Christ and can go where He can. It could not mean that they are inseparable throughout eternity. As the sheep follow the shepherd of the flock, and which is a character of Christ's sheep (John 10:4). These follow Christ in the exercise of the graces of humility, patience, and love; and in the performance of the several duties of religion, and subjection to ordinances, and in the path of sufferings. And in every way in which Christ the Lamb has gone before them, or in his word and providence leads and directs them to. Whether it be grateful to the flesh or not; particularly they follow where he is preached, and his Word and ordinances are faithfully administered. And they follow him to heaven, where he is.

These were redeemed... "By Jesus", as the Syriac and Arabic versions add and so the Greek New Testament; by the blood of Christ (for many men are not redeemed by it). And in consequence of this they were called, and delivered from this present evil world, and the men of it, and from a vain, wicked, and idolatrous conversation with it.

being the Firstfruits... The first Jews saved after the rapture of the saved Jews and Gentiles in the church (Rev. 4:1). In allusion to the firstfruits under the law, which represented and sanctified the lump, and showed that harvest was coming. So these persons are called the firstfruits to God, and to the Lamb, being called by grace, and consecrated to their worship and service. Regarding the harvest of souls, or that large number of them which will be gathered in during the spiritual reign of Christ. Which these persons will be at the beginning of. And as those who are first called and converted in a country or nation are said to be the firstfruits of it, (Rom. 16:5). So, these being the first, in the period of time to which respect is had, bear this name.

And as the converted Jews received the firstfruits of the Spirit, on the day of Pentecost, and at other times. So, these will receive the firstfruits of the far greater pouring forth of the Spirit in the latter day, which will begin, and usher in the kingdom of Christ (Romans 8:23).
Verse 4 states, "being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", perhaps indicating that in addition to being in a privileged position before the resurrection, they will always be in a special position of service for Christ after the resurrection.
“Follow the Lamb”: This indicates partisanship for Jesus Christ. The victorious 144,000 are unwaveringly loyal to Him, whatever the cost (compare Matt. 16:24; Mark 10:21: Luke 9:23; John 10:27; 12:26; 14:15).
“Firstfruits”: Like the Old Testament first fruit offerings, these men will be set apart for special service to God (compare Deut. 26:1-11). Some see firstfruits as the first large group of redeemed Israel (see 11:13), saved much earlier, and representative of more converts to follow (compare Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:15), the firstfruits of a redeemed Israel (Rom. 11:1-5, 11-15; 25-27).
"They are offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb" (14:4b). This suggests that these 144,000 are the outstanding believers of the Lamb and have been given a special position, as indicated (in verse 1), in standing with the Lamb on heavenly Mount Zion, before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders.
It will also include those who gave or spent their lives in taking the Word of God to forgotten or lost tribes. Because our God is a just God, we can expect to see many heroes of the faith who were totally unknown during their lifetime. They may have missed rewards of this earth, but this and other passages of the Word indicate they will receive just reward in the next life, and that will last for eternity.

Their testimony was largely from their moral purity and the fact that they were not martyred like many others. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. John further stated, They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. The word “firstfruits” suggests that these converted Israelites precede many others who at the Lord’s second coming will turn to Him (Zec. 12:10; Rom. 11:15, 11:26-27).

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:3

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:3

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation 14

The Last Division of the Tribulation Week

Rev. 14:1-19:21

The Seven Parenthetical statements

Rev. 14:1-20

This sixth parenthetical passage contains seven statements which come between the seventh trumpet and the first vial as to reception, but not necessarily in fulfillment. The first five statements are necessary to explain certain things which are to transpire between the seventh trumpet and the end of the Week.

The Lamb on Mount Zion with the 144,000 Jews

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. Rev. 14:3

a new song... The 144,000 and Their New Song

Greek: kainos, renewed; fresh; newly introduced. The song will be new to them (cp. Rev. 5:9; 15:3). It is one no man can learn but the 144,000, implying they have an experience that no other man of any other company has ever had. Songs in Scripture pertain to some special experience. This is true of these in Rev. 5:9; 15:2-4. This was true of the singing of Moses, Miriam, and Israel (Exo. 15:1, 15:20-21); Deborah and Barak (Jdg. 5:1-31); and of many who composed the Psalms of Israel (see titles of the Psalms). This will be true of the songs of Israel in the future tribulation (Isa. 14:4-17); of the tribulation saints (Rev. 15:2-4); and of the saints in Rev. 5:8-10. All will be songs of deliverance. The reason Israel hung their harps upon the willow trees was that they had no deliverance (Psm. 137:1-9; cp. Rev. 18:22).

Ten Distinctions of the 144,000:

1. Their number is unique (Rev. 7:4; 14:1).

2. The only company of people protected from martyrdom by the great whore in the first 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th week (Rev. 6:9-11; 17:6)

3. First Jews saved after the rapture of the church in Rev. 4:1 (Rev. 7:3; 14:3-4)

4. The only company sealed by an angel (Rev. 7:1-8)

5. The only company having the Father’s name written visibly on their foreheads while on earth (Rev. 7:1-3; 14:1)

6. The only company protected from the trumpet judgments (Rev. 7:1-3; 9:4; 12:5)

7. The only company composed entirely of living believers who are saved and translated in one generation (Rev. 7:1-8; 12:5; 14:1-5)

8. The only company of redeemed composed entirely of Israelites (Rev. 7:1-8; 14:1-5)

9. The only company that will experience seeing the terrible judgments of the trumpets upon others and they themselves be protected (Rev. 7:1-3; 9:4; 12:5; 14:1-5)

10. The only company of redeemed Jews that will be suddenly delivered by translation from the great tribulation which will come upon Israel in the last 3 1/2 years of this age (Rev. 7:1-3; 12:5; 14:1-5)

learn that song... The only song where the words or the theme is not given. A new song by a new people of a new theme.

were redeemed from... By this time they were redeemed from the earth, being no longer on earth.

The song of redemption, which is being sung by all these redeemed saints in one gigantic choir. They are rejoicing over the accomplishment of God’s entire redemptive work before Christ’s return (compare Psalms 33:1-3; 40:3; 96:1; 144:9-10; 149; Luke 15:10; see 5:9).

They will sing a new song which no one can learn save the 144,000. These two rewards suggest that they will enjoy a special relationship with God the Son and God the Father from the time of their rapture after a life of faithful, holy service until they come with Christ to the earth. The 144,000 will learn this song and join in thanks for their redemption from the earth through rapture. The earthly, who have rejected the Lord, will not be able to sing this song. It is a song of the redeemed.
Let's begin by looking at the qualifications of this elite group.

They are redeemed from the earth by faith in Christ, "who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads" (14:14b). "They had been redeemed from the earth" (14:3b). And "were purchased from among men" (14:4c). Obviously, these men were first born again by receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

John wrote, And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. These singers were apparently a group in heaven. They could be the multitude in white robes mentioned in Rev. 7:9-17. It is better to take the chorus as the 144,000 (cf. Rev. 14:1) who had not yet died and will be in heaven at the heavenly Mount Zion.

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:2

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:2

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation 14

The Last Division of the Tribulation Week

Rev. 14:1-19:21

The Seven Parenthetical statements

Rev. 14:1-20

This sixth parenthetical passage contains seven statements which come between the seventh trumpet and the first vial as to reception, but not necessarily in fulfillment. The first five statements are necessary to explain certain things which are to transpire between the seventh trumpet and the end of the Week.

The Lamb on Mount Zion with the 144,000 Jews

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: Rev. 14:2

a voice from... This is the sound of the 144,000 singing their song, being accompanied by 144,000 harps which they play. The sound is compared to many waters and great thunder, like the voice of the redeemed at the marriage of the lamb (Rev. 19:6).

harpers harping with... All redeemed will play harps and sing (Rev. 14:2; 5:8; 15:2). If they are to do this in heaven surely the playing of instruments should be acceptable in church.

The same with the voices heard in heaven upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15).

as the voice... Very loud, and uttered by a great multitude of people, signified by waters in this book (Rev. 17:15). The same with those that praise the Lord for the destruction of antichrist, and for the marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:1).
and as the... To which the Gospel may be compared for its open, loud publication, being heard far and near, as thunder is.
and I heard... That is, singing the praises of God, for the fall of Babylon, the happy state and condition of the believers, and the blessings of grace. The harp being a musical instrument, used under the Old Testament in singing praise. “Harps” (see 5:8).

Again the scene in heaven is dramatic with a loud noise similar to rushing waters… thunder, and harpists (cf. “thunder” in Rev. 4:5; 6:1; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; 19:6).

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:1

My Sheep Hear My Voice- Rev. 14:1

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation 14

The Last Division of the Tribulation Week

Rev. 14:1-19:21

The Seven Parenthetical statements

Rev. 14:1-20

This sixth parenthetical passage contains seven statements which come between the seventh trumpet and the first vial as to reception, but not necessarily in fulfillment. The first five statements are necessary to explain certain things which are to transpire between the seventh trumpet and the end of the Week.

The Lamb on Mount Zion with the 144,000 Jews

“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. Rev. 14:1

And I looked,... Rev. 14:1-20 is the 5th parenthetical passage of the book. It contains 7 parenthetical statements

1. The 144,000 (or the man-child) in heaven (Rev. 14:1-5)

2. The 1st messenger angel: the everlasting gospel preached to all nations (Rev. 14:6-7)

3. The 2nd messenger angel: the announcement of the fall of Babylon (Rev. 14:8)

4. The 3rd messenger angel: the announcement of the doom of beast worshipers (Rev. 14:9-11)

5. The blessed dead (Rev. 14:13)

6. Harvest: Armageddon (Rev. 14:14-20)

7. Vintage: Armageddon (Rev. 14:17-20)

the mount Sion... This Mt. Sion is the heavenly one:

1. This scene is heavenly (Rev. 14:1-5)

2. The man-child or the 144,000 will have been taken to heaven (Rev. 12:5)

3. Earthly Mt. Zion is not mentioned in Revelation

4. The Lamb is never pictured on earth in Revelation (Rev. 5:6)

5. All raptured people go to the heavenly Mt. Sion (Heb. 11:10, 11:13-16; John 14:1-3; Rev. 21-22)

6. That there is an heavenly Mt. Sion is clear from Rom. 11:26; Heb. 12:22-23

7. Christ will come out of Sion to earth at His second coming (Rom. 11:26)

and four thousand... The same company sealed in Rev. 7:1-8, protected through the trumpet judgments (Rev. 7:1-3; 9:4), and caught up as the man-child (Rev. 12:5). Here they are in heaven singing and playing harps before the throne, before the 4 living creatures, and before the 24 elders, having been redeemed from the earth and from among people, being firstfruits from Israel to God after the rapture of the church (Rev. 14:1-5).

Father’s name written... This is the seal of the living God of Rev. 7:1-3. It is the name of the Father written on the foreheads, not the keeping of Saturday as the sabbath as some teach (cp. Rev. 3:12; 22:4).

a Lamb stood... And “mount Zion” is the location of heavenly Jerusalem. Chapter 14 is designed to give encouragement concerning the certainty of Christ’s victory over the Beast.

“Mount Zion”: The city of Jerusalem, where Messiah will return from and plant His feet on the mout of Olives.

The Resulting Scene In Earth And Heaven (chaps. 14-15)

The 144,000 on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1-5)

In Rev. 14:1-20 and Rev. 15:1-8 various other details of the world scene in heaven and earth are introduced in preparation for the final series of seven bowl judgments in Rev. 16:1-21 and the judgments in chapters 17-18.

First, another view is given of the 144,000 who were standing on the heavenly Mount Zion with the Lamb. It is reasonable to conclude that this is the same group mentioned in Rev. 7:4-8, except that here they are in a later period of the Tribulation. Chronologically the vision anticipates the triumph of the 144,000 still intact at the time of Jesus Christ’s return from heavenly Sion to earth. In contrast with many others who become martyrs, these people live through the period. But they are not the only ones to survive, as many Gentiles and Jews will turn to Christ in the end time and somehow escape martyrdom and be honored to welcome Christ at His return.