Chapter 7 Book of Revelation

Bible Verses

[1] And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Commentary

V.1 These Four Angels are the Four Angels of the Euphrates, so named in Rev. 9:14, where they are told to release the Four Winds, which they have been told to hold in this verse. The Four Winds in the Sabean (native people) terms are the Four Races of mankind - and to what they are restraning is world war. The Four Angels of the Euphrates being referred to are the religions of Sabean, Judiac, Zoroastrian, and Islamic, bound in the area of the great River Euphrates. (9 v 13)

In other words - what we call the Middle East.

[2] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.

V.2 This is the Seventh and Last Angel in this second thread regarding the Seven Churches and the Seven Living Religions, so this is the Islamic Religion. The Angel has "the seal of the living God" and this is very important to the Muslims who consider "Muhammad to be the Seal of the Prophets", which is absolutely correct. He "sealed" the era of prophecy. This was in preparation for the Prophets Who come afterwards to "unseal" the Prophecy in the Dispensation of Fulfillment. To understand this one must understand The Most Clear Proof.

O HOUR of the Dawn! Ere the resplendent glory of the divine Luminary sheddeth its radiance from the Dayspring of this Gate, call thou to mind that the appointed Day of God will indeed be at hand in less than the twinkling of an eye. Thus hath the decree of God been issued in the Mother Book.

Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 68

[3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

V.3 This angel is saying, "Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees", providing protection, and time, to find those souls 'the chosen ones' who have received the seal of the living God, those who believe without a doubt in the message that has been manifested.

The holding back is the time needed to get the Babi Faith, (and now the Baha'i Faith) established; a chance to proclaim to those who will listen.

Before man's spirit becomes quickened, his days pass in mere existence: but when he grasps the reality of things and their profound inner truths, he grows in perception, understanding and radiance. Only when his soul becomes afire with the Holy Spirit and he arises to serve, then is he sealed in the forehead with the seal of the living God.

'Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace p.330

[4] And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

V.4 This number 144,000 is a symbol not an actual number; the digit numbers add to nine, which is related to the Babi and the Baha'i Faith. The symbol of the Faith is a nine-pointed star; the temples are built with nine sides. In the station of the Prophets, Baha'u'llah is the ninth. Nine also designates a completion and the unity of all the religions and has numerous symbolic references and usages in the Baha'i Faith such as there are 9 members of the Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and the Universal House of Justice.

The unified number here also relates to those in every land who became the first to recognize the New Religion. These hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide were a special blessing to mankind for their insight and willingness to suffer what was often persecution and ostracization by their societies, in order to bring the new light that would unify mankind.

For how we arrive at 144,000 see verse 8.

[5] Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

V.5 The twelve tribes of Israel signifies the descendents of Abraham, who were dispersed many centuries ago. There is a promise that each will be blessed. That each are sealed twelve thousand, is a symbolic number which is obvious, as the numbers assigned to them are the same.

[6] Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

V.6 ALL twelve tribes combined represent ALL the peoples and cultures of the earth to which they were scattered. There are an equal number from each symbolizing the equality of all mankind.

The world of humanity is like unto a rose garden and the various races, tongues and people are like unto contrasting flowers. The diversity of colors in a rose-garden adds to the charm and beauty of the scene as variety enhances unity. Why should we not look upon the human world with rose-colored vision?

'Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 183

[7] Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

V.7

Say ye: We believe in God, and that which hath been sent down to us, and that which hath been sent down to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes: and that which hath been given to Moses and to Jesus, and that which was given to the prophets from their Lord. No difference do we make between any of them: and to God we resigned.

An Islamic belief from Qur'an 2:130:
Marzieh Gail, Dawn Over Mount Hira, p. 174

[8] Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

V.8 The tribes of Zabulon, Joseph and Benjamin are each sealed twelve thousand.

All twelve tribes are listed, which are representative of all the nations of the earth. The Faith has spread to every country and clime, to every race and every religion. Since the twelve tribes were lost, intermarried and dispersed, twelve thousand is a symbolic number. Adding them together, 12 X 12,000 is 144,000 which again adds to nine, the largest all encompassing single digit possible, and the thousands are a symbol of the magnitude, rather than a specific limiting number.

[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

V.9 John now saw a great multitude, which no man could number, from all nations, all races and all tongues. This symbolizes that beyond the 144,000 eventually most of mankind will take up the 'Cause of God' with heart and soul. They will stand before The Throne of Baha'u'llah and before the Bab, (the Lamb) clothed with white robes of purity, with palms in their hands showing their dedication.

The sea of the unity of mankind is lifting up its waves with joy, for there is real communication between the hearts and minds of men. The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the knowledge that this is a new day.

'Abdu'l-Baha, 'Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 19

[10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

V.10 In time, the whole world will become aware of the Bab and Baha'u'llah and will recognize Them as the Source of the spiritual power that has unified mankind.

[11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

V.11 All knelt before the throne, showing their love and gratitude in prayer.

BY the righteousness of God! The Mother Book is made manifest, summoning mankind unto God, the Lord of the worlds, while the seas proclaim: The Most Great Ocean hath appeared, from whose waves one can hear the thundering cry: 'Verily, no God is there but Me, the Peerless, the All-Knowing.' And the trees raising their clamour exclaim: O people of the world! The voice of the Divine Lote-Tree is clearly sounding and the shrill cry of the Pen of Glory is ringing loud: Give ye ear and be not of the heedless. The sun is calling out: O concourse of the divines! The heaven of religions is split and the moon cleft asunder and the peoples of the earth are brought together in a new resurrection. Fear ye God and follow not the promptings of your passions, rather follow Him unto Whom have testified the Scriptures of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. The episode of Sinai hath been re-enacted in this Revelation and He Who conversed upon the Mount is calling aloud: Verily, the Desired One is come, seated upon the throne of certitude, could ye but perceive it. He hath admonished all men to observe that which is conducive to the exaltation of the Cause of God and will guide mankind unto His Straight Path.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 247

[12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

V.12 They worshiped God, saying 'Amen'.

The breeze of nearness and communion hath been stirred, and the soil of the heart is refreshed with the waters of joy and gladness. We offer thanksgiving unto God in all circumstances and cherish the hope that He -- exalted be His glory -- may through His gracious providence guide all who dwell on earth towards that which is acceptable and pleasing unto Him.

Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 163

[13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

V.13 One of the elders asked about the ones arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from. As shown in the next verse - he knows the answer, because there eventually becomes the recognition that the world is led to its salvation not by those who were worldly wise, but rather instead by those who have turned their hearts to God and serve Him in humility and dedication.

[14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

V.14 These (in the white robes) are the ones who had great trials, just as the twenty thousand souls that gave up their lives for their belief in the Bab. Their robes were washed, meaning that they have detached themselves from the materialism and immorality of this world. These are the ones among mankind who live their lives in complete dedication to the Lord and have overcome such attitudes as nationalism, racism, and religionism.

[15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

V.15 They serve before the throne of Baha'u'llah, serving His Cause day and night, and always sensing the presence of His Spirit.

The temple is the religion of God and these believers have become so detached from the world that they think on every moment as how to serve God.

Gird up the loins of your endeavor, O people of Baha, that haply the tumult of religious dissension and strife that agitateth the peoples of the earth may be stilled, that every trace of it may be completely obliterated. For the love of God, and them that serve Him, arise to aid this sublime and momentous Revelation. Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench. The Hand of Divine power can, alone, deliver mankind from this desolating affliction.

Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 13

[16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

V.16 They thirst not, nor do they hunger for the things of this world, for they have a wonderful spiritual life, and are no longer subject to the distractions, cares and attractions that daily torment the worldly.

[17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

V.17 The Lamb is the Bab and the living fountains of waters that He shall lead them to, is Truth. It will disturb Christians for one to say that the Bab is the Lamb of God, but it is True because The Bab is the Return of Christ, and they Both had very similar lives.

Our Lord guides us on our individual paths in our recognizing and serving Him. His assistance and the assistance of the Holy Concourse is with every soul that seeks to turn to Him and serve Him. Eventually each one that does so, arrives to a life of meaning and purpose.

Say: Verily I am the 'Gate of God' and I give you to drink, by the leave of God, the sovereign Truth, of the crystal-pure waters of His Revelation which are gushing out from the incorruptible Fountain situate upon the Holy Mount. And those who earnestly strive after the One True God, let them then strive to attain this Gate. Verily God is potent over all things...

The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 50

O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshaled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of service.

'Abdu'l-Baha Selections of the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha, p. 264