22: The Lamb and the 144,000 Proclamations and Harvests (Rev 14:1-20)

The Basics

Setting

The dragon and his beasts have exercised their power and authority on earth. They have oppressed and even killed the saints. In this chapter, John first sees the serene vision of the Lamb and the 144,000 who are pure and blameless. Then three angels cry out with messages of the gospel and of the impending judgment. Following the proclamations comes the great harvest, in which God pours out His wrath in full on the earth.

Key Verse

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: `Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’” (14:13).

Did You Know…?

1.         MountZion (14:1): “MountZion may refer to the hilly area in southeast Jerusalem, the temple mount, the whole city of Jerusalem, or, as in postexilic days, the whole land of Judah and the whole Israelite nation… In the prophetic tradition, Zion came to symbolize the place where the Messiah would gather to himself a great company of the redeemed (Ps 48:1 ff.; Isa 24:23; Joel 2:32; Obad 17, 21; Mic 4:1, 7; Zech 14:10).” 9/537

2.         Babylon (14:8): “Ancient Babylon in Mesopotamia was the political, commercial and religious center of a world empire. It was noted for its luxury and moral decadence.” 13/1940

3.         Cup of His indignation (14:10): “In the OT God’s wrath is commonly pictured as a cup of wine to be drunk (Ps 75:8; Isa 51:17; Jer 25:15).” 13/1940

4.         Winepress (14:19): “A rock-hewn trough about eight feet square with a channel leading to a lower and smaller trough. Grapes were thrown into the upper vat and tramped with bare feet. The juice was collected in the lower vat. At times mechanical pressure was added. The treading of grapes was a common OT figure for the execution of divine wrath (see Isa 63:3; La 1:15; Joel 3:13).”13/1941

5.         1,600 furlongs/stadia (14:20): “about 180 miles (about 300 kilometers). It is approximately the length of Palestine from north to south.” 13/1941

Observation

Outline

(1-5)

(6-7)

(8)

(9-11)

(12-13)

(14-16)

(17-20)

Key Words/Phrases

General Analysis

1.   How is this chapter an appropriate conclusion to chapters 12-14?

Segment Analysis

14:1-5

1.         In what ways is this passage a  sharp contrast from the previous scene?

2.         Compare this vision with 7:1-8 and record the differences.

3.         How is this scene an encouragement to believers?

4.         What is MountZion symbolic of? (cf. Heb 12:22,23; Ps 48:2,3; 132:13)

5.         What characterizes the 144,000?

6.         What is the significance of the name of the Father? Compare this with 13:16.

7.         What is the relationship between the 144,000 and the Lamb? What is your relationship with the Lamb?

8.         What is the significance of the new song? Why is it that only the 144,000 could learn the new song?

9.         What does the context tell us about the meaning of “not defiled with women”? (cf. 2Cor 11:2,3)

10.       How should we “follow the Lamb wherever He goes”?

11.       How can we be “first fruits” to God and to the Lamb? (cf. Jas 1:18) 

12.       Explain the meaning of “in their mouth was found no deceit,” by comparing this verse with 13:5,6,14.

13.       How does this passage relate to the subsequent verses and chapters? Have you seen this pattern before in Revelation?

14:6-13

14.       The first angel proclaims the gospel message as judgment is about to begin. What is God’s purpose for doing so?

14b.     Is this consistent with your earlier observations about God’s acts in Revelation?

15.       Do you feel that it is your commission to preach the everlasting gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and tongue? What are you doing now to fulfill this commission?

16.       Explain the meaning of the second proclamation (8).

17.       Why are the beast worshippers as guilty as the beast himself?

18a.     Why are verses 12 and 13 placed here in the passage?

18b.     What does it mean to die in the Lord?

18a.     How do you feel when you think of death in the Lord? What deeds will follow you when you rest from your labor?

14:14-20

19.       Who might the “One like the Son of Man” be? (cf. Dan 7:13; Rev 1:13)

20.       What do the harvest and gathering of grapes symbolize? (cf. Joel 3:13; Jer 51:33; Hos 6:11; Mt 13:30,39-42; Isa 63:1-6; Lam 1:15)

21.       Why did the two angels in 17 and 18 come out of the heavenly temple and altar? Could there be some significance to this?

22.       How are you preparing yourself for this final harvest?