The 144,000
Christianity today is infected by much false, bad theology, man-made doctrine, following Jewish fables, and many other impurities, which have caused so much destruction, confusion, and is misleading many Christians astray of the truth —which is found only in God’s holy word, the Holy Bible.
The Book of Revelation speaks of the gathering of all Israel by God, in what many know as the first part of the so-called “rapture.”
While it is impossible for us to fully understand all that is in the book of Revelation, or know all the great future plans God has in store for His People, we can certainly glean some things from studying the Holy Scriptures.
We are told to study to show ourselves approved unto God.
2nd Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Sadly, many Christians today are listening only to their own pastor rather than open up their Bible and read, study, and investigate what the pastor said for themselves.
More Christians today rely on many things such as Bible comentaries, charts, books on prophesy, radio programs, videos, read daily devotionals etc., rather then open up the Holy Bible, and open their mind, and their hearts to see what God’s Word actually says.
As a result, the 144,000 of Israel in the seventh chapter in the book of Revelation is completely misunderstood by many.
Jesus’ Apostles said we should prove all things and try the sprits to see if they are of God.
1st Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV)
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1st John 4:1 (KJV)
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Instead of obeying Christ's apostles, modern Christianity is content to believe many times a lie.
Most are content to believe the fable that "the Jews today of the modern state of Israel" is “the entire telve tribes house of Israel” and will be gathered to God in Revelations 7.
As a direct result, millions look to the middle east for answers and await a new temple to be raised by the Jews on the earth, to worship God when He returns with all their sacrifices in Jerusalem etc.
The word of God appears to speak of some thing else.
To understand the correct interpretation you Must believe in Christ and be a student of HIS Word.
That fact alone, negates a huge segment of the modern day Zionist israeli state of Israel's population today.
As Isaiah 42:18-19 states of God's Servants, they are oft times blind to the truth.
Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. [19] Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant?
Who was God talking to?
His people Israel.
There is a lot of information in Revelation 7 that is overlooked by the majority in Christendom today. God willing, this article will hopefully bring out some of those hidden gold of God’s holy hidden treasure.
The first common mistake made by Christians today in Revelation 7, regards to the 144,000 as described in the Holy Bible as, of all 12 tribes of Israel Jacob. When we read it actually says “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.”
Notice if you can , it does not say one tribe- the Jews.
If it said only one tribe the Jews, then that would be different story, but it does not say that. Nor does it say one tribe, only the tribe of Judah. If it stated, “only the tribe of Judah” then that would mean only the Judahites, or where we get the common used term “Jew” from.
There were 11 other tribes of the children of Israel. And one tribe was named the tribe of Ephraim, another the tribe of Manasseh, another the tribe of Naphtali, another of the tribe of Asher, the tribe of Zebulon etc. But they were not nor ever known as “Jews”, rather they are known as “Israelites”.
The only other tribe that could ever be considered as a JUDAHITE, is the tribe of Benjamin— as it was apart of the “kingdom of Judah” from whence we get the Biblical usage of the modern term “Jew.”
The word “Jew” is an English translation for a Hebrew word which in the Hebrew scriptures is Yehuwdiy, yeh-hoo-dee'; patronymic from Hebrew 3063 (Yehuwdah); a Jehudite (i.e. Judaite or Jew), or descendant of Jehudah (i.e. Judah) :- Jew.
Note the first time this word “Jews” is ever used in the entire Holy Bible, is with a scripture in the book of Second Kings 16:6
2 Kings 16:6 (KJV)
At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
The word “Jews” in this context, refers not to those who practiced “Judaism” (which came about from the halakhah [oral law] far after the Babylonian captivity and destruction of the temple), rather this word refers to those of the Israelite “kingdom of Judah” (in Jerusalem), which was being besieged by the Assyrian empire who had or will shortly take away the ten tribes of Israel —or the northern divided kingdom of the “House of Israel” (in Samaria).
2 Kings 17:23 (KJV)
Until YHWH removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
So, that means one of the 12 tribes is named Judah or those of “the lion tribe of Judah” (which Christ came out of ). The others are the rest of the twelve tribes.
Revelation 5:5 (KJV)
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
What is most interesting is that before this so-called 'rapture of the Church'; those who are clothed in white robes and palms in their hands before the throne of God takes palace, God commands the angels of the four corners of earth to seal all of God’s servants.
Revelation 7:4 records the number of those “servants” who are sealed with the “seal of the Living God” as “an hundred and forty and four thousand” and we all see that they are stated as “of all the tribes of the children of Israel.”
Notice closely is says, “of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” Note, it does not say ALL of the 12 tribes of Israel, it simply says “of all the tribes.”
It’s possible this could mean that what is being represented here could very well be only a portion and not all of God’s Israel, the entire inhabitants of the 12 tribes.
Again most Christians when they read this, believe this is "the Jewish people" today who are they say (Jews) “God’s chosen people Israel” and who will be “raptured from the state or land of Israel.”
That is not what this says at all. Lets read it in full.
Revelation 7:1-17 (KJV)
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. [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 [3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. [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. [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. [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. [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. [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. [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; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. [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, [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. [13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [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. [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. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. [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.
To understand this scripture in the most, complete perfect understanding [for I don’t claim perfection and no man’s doctrine is perfect], one needs to understand a few things by reading the Holy Bible looking for the clues in the word of God.
First, anyone who is as the church today says, 'raptured,' has to be sealed with the seal of the living God.
Also notice closely that in Revelation seven, it shows that the angels seal “the servants” in the scripture is says, “we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”
The word “servant” is used throughout the Bible by God to express Israel.
Exodus 32:13 (KJV)
Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
Leviticus 25:42 (KJV)
For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
God refers to his servants by name in Leviticus 25:55
For unto me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: I am YHWH your God.
Notice that Revelation 7 is referring to a gathering of God’s servants. Next read Psalm 50:5 written likely by king David or by those of Israel. It states.
Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
This certainly would seem like it is referring to the sacrifice by Christ and His Covenant. Notice the words “Gather my saints”
Then notice what Revelation 14:12 (KJV) reveals about God’s saints.
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
So we see that His saints keep the commandments of God, and keep the faith of Jesus Christ.
Next read from the book of the apostle John.
John 3:33 (KJV) speaks of the “testimony” of Christ and a “seal”
He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
2nd Timothy 2:19 (KJV) also speaking of Christ and of “a seal”
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Now going back even further into the Old Hebrew Testament we see a similar promise:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (KJV)
Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God is one Lord: [5] And thou shalt love YHWH thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. [6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: [7] And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. [8] And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. [9] And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Jesus, the Christ, in fact said this was the greatest commandment and the second is like it:
Matthew 22:34-40 (KJV)
But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. [35] Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, [36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law? [37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
From these scriptures, it's pretty evident that the sign or “seal of the Living God” is that one loves the LORD [or YAHWEH] with all their heart, soul, and mind and keep his commandments as well the testimony/faith of Jesus Christ.
If one keeps the testimony/faith of Jesus Christ one has to then be in Christ or “dead in Christ” for only the dead in Christ shall arise.
To be dead in Christ, one must be Baptized into Christ. To become part of the Apostles day “Church” which is the body of Christ, one must die into His death, His Baptism, His crucifixion and be coved by the blood of the Lamb—Baptism (immersed fully in water symbolic of the blood of the lamb shed for sin of the world) in the name of Jesus the Christ.
Look closely at what is revealed in Revelation 7:9-15, it says
[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; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. [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, [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. [13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [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. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on…
This Scripture states a great many details here; often always overlooked by many in the Church.
It shows immediately after those of 12 tribes of the children of Israel are gathered, there’s suddenly this huge assembly of people adorned in white robes before God.
We’re also told it is a number so big no man could number. This sudden assembly includes “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” who are now standing before God's throne.
Many Christian preachers profess that this is a separate body from the first of 12 tribes of the children of Israel, they could be right… were it not for the description given to the second suddenly appearing mass of souls that will stand before YHWH’s throne.
Now notice, there is no other description of another gathering, just that the angels seal the foreheads of the God servants and “there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel ” gathered from the four corners of the earth and suddenly Boom! Or Whoosh! There appears a numberless mass before the throne of God.
“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; [10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
Well you say, God is great and amazing.
Many like to cite this scripture:
1st Corinthians 15:50-57
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Notices that Paul is speaking and the “WE” is those in the Church—who are dead, crucified in Christ, and washed of their sins.
Well what we may be reading here, I ask you to consider it, is that the group of folks “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;” is none other the all of Yah’s PEOPLE ISRAEL !
Note the words immediately following the numbering of those of the twelve tribes what it says, “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude.”
There is only one gathering that takes place! Not a second. The first so called “rapture” describes a portion of Israel, but not ALL OF GOD”S PEOPLE ISRAEL.
The Bible clearly repeatedly reveals that the “a great multitude, which no man could number” is none other than God’s people Israel.
Revelation 7 is speaking of Israel and those who strangers who have received an inheritance with Israel who were blessed by God to be living in the gates of the children of Israel or those who with all their heart and soul seek God to obey follow his way— through His Christ
Ezekiel 47:22-23 (KJV)
And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. [23] And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith YHWH God.
Many others will be present because they put their faith in Jesus and called on the name of the Lord YAHWEH / JESUS.
Why do I feel that this mass is the full 12 tribes of all Israel and not “the Church” like so many other theologians say. Because Israel is, if not the entire the true Church ( the body of their redeemer Christ) it certainly is most of Israel.
When I mention “the church” I dont mean today’s “idea of the modern church.”
Christ is the Church, Christ’s true "Church" HIS body is more than likely of God’s remnant people, the children of Israel.
It should be clear to anyone who closely studies the scriptures that the words “a great multitude, which no man could number” is a direct description of the promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — Israel and His offspring are of the 12 tribes of the children of Israel!
If you don’t agree or are unsure, then read Genesis 13:14-17 (KJV)
And YHWH said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: [15] For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. [16] And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. [17] Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
Next read Genesis 15:5 (KJV)
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Deuteronomy 28:62 (KJV)
And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because thou wouldest not obey the voice of the Lord thy God.
The book of the Prophet Hosea is the clearest example of all the Scriptures; it names the house of Israel (ten lost tribes) and it says one day they shall be called the “sons of the “LIVING GOD”. Hosea 1:10 (KJV)
Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.
Paul, the apostle, speaking of the Gentiles, quotes Hosea who was prophesying of the House of lost scattered Israel—10 tribes . Read Romans 9:22-28 (KJV)
What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: [23] And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, [24] Even us, whom He hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? [25] As he saith also in Osee, I will call them My people, which were not My people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. [26] And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not My people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. [27] Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: [28] For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
In Revelation 7:1-2 the angels have sealed God’s servants by the “seal of the Living God”
Amazingly, many preachers will still argue, “No! It’s the church! And the 144000 are all Israel”.
Israel obviously is of the the Church, I certainly don’t profess to know all.
Again, they might be correct were it not for the fact they have over looked how God often works in His own WORD.
While certainly a large percent of the Church is the Israel of God, the Holy Bible attests that those in Christ JESUS are also those accounted to Promise of Abraham they are Abraham's Seed.
Please try and understand, to correctly understand the interpretation of the 144000, one needs to go seriously back into the Hebrew holy law of YHWH, and see that YHWH whenever He required a sacrifice, or required a person or creature brought before Him —and that they were the most holy, they were to be without blemish, sanctified, purified, washed clean, and formed perfect, first born often referred to as “virgins” or the “first fruits.”
Exodus 34:26 (KJV)
The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of YHWH thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Leviticus 23:18-20 (KJV)
And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto YHWH, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto YHWH. [19] Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. [20] And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering before YHWH, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to YHWH for the priest.
Leviticus 23:39-40 (KJV)
Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto YHWH seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. [40] And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before YHWH your God seven days.
The feast mentioned here is the called the feast of tabernacles and then the last day is “the last great day of the LORD” or YHWH.
Notice as part of this feast, they had to bring in the firstfruits of the land, in this case, the harvest.
Numbers 18:13 speaks of being first ripe.
And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto YHWH, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall eat of it.
Deuteronomy 18:4 explains the various kinds of first fruits offered to YAH.
The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give Him [YHWH].
Deuteronomy gives a good clue here. Notice the first fruits of the earth and it shall go into the House of YAHWEH and which Yah shall choose to place His holy name —Jerusalem —or the New Jerusalem.
Deuteronomy 26:2 (KJV)
That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that YHWH thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which YHWH thy God shall choose to place his name there.
Jeremiah 24:2 has another clue and fits with Jesus’ teaching of parable of the fig tree notice the figs are “First ripe.”
Jeremiah 24:2 (KJV)
One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.
Notice it’s “the tribe of Judah" —not to be confused with the modern “State of Israel” —which is first in all order of Revelation 7, Jesus also came first to the Jews [the Judahites of his day], who were of the house of Judah and Zechariah further confirms all this.
Zechariah 12:7 (KJV)
YHWH also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.
Notice in Revelation 1, what it says about Jesus, the Christ. Christ [the Lamb of God] is the “first begotten of the dead who washes of our sins with his own blood.”
Revelation 1:5 (KJV)
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Next notice in First Corinthians 15:19-28 that Jesus, the Christ, is also the first raised from the dead and has “become the firstfruits,” but not only is He the first fruits, as Christ is Vine or Branch, “the root of David” or “root of Jesse” He is “the first fruits of them that slept” those dead into Christ.
This powerful revealing Scripture goes on say “afterward they…” Who are “they?” “they that are Christ’s” and where are “they?” Answer: “at His coming!” Notice what it says next, “then cometh the end.”
End of what you ask? The “end, when HE shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father”—almighty YHWH!
1st Corinthians 15:19-28 (KJV)
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. [20] But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [21] For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. [22] For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. [23] But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. [24] Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. [25] For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. [27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. [28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
So, do you not see that Christ is not only of first fruits, but also those in Christ are also the first fruits.
This is the first 144000— the gathering the first fruits of only a first ripe portion out of ALL of God’s remnant people Israel—all 12 tribes!
As shown already this correlates perfectly in the Old Testament for at the great Holy feast times Israel was to deliver the first fruits.
Exodus 23:16 (KJV)
And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.
Notice also that at this time when Israel is all gathered or “reaped “ they will be brought again into the land promised all Israel. Look at what happens when this occurs. Read Leviticus 23:10 (KJV).
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
Did you notice the sheaf of first fruits is exactly same concept of the 144,000 of Israel.
Notice that when the 144000 are gathered there are 12 tribes mentioned and each tribe there are 12,000 persons of each tribe.
[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. [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. [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. [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. [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.
Each of the tribes is 12,000 and 12 tribes for the 12 tribes of All Israel.
If you read and closely you will notice some thing disturbing. One tribe of the original 12 may be missing or possibly had been purposely withheld— the Tribe of Dan, whose name means “Judgment.”
Also note the tribe of Joseph is mentioned as well as the tribe of Manasses, yet the tribe of Manases is the supposed to be same name as one of two brothers of the tribes of Joseph his adopted sons: Ephraim and Manasseh. The tribe of Jospeh is possibly interpreted to be the tribe of Ephraim.
Ezekiel 47:13 (KJV)
Thus saith YHWH God; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.
We simply don’t know what happened to Dan. The Bible is clear though and points out that of all the tribes Dan was clearly the most disobedient and was guilty of great idol worship.
We also know that in the book of Ezekiel, Dan is also mentioned given a portion in the land and a gate in the New Jerusalem. So, we’re not entirely sure what to make of this.
Remember that Jesus called 12 disciples who he said would sit and Judge the twelve tribes of Israel on twelve thrones.
Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
One disciple, Judas, did not make it. Yet the apostles nearing the day of Pentecost, replaced Judas with a new disciple Matthias.
Acts 1:16-26 (KJV)
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. [17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. [18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. [19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. [20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. [21] Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. [26] And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Does the tribe of Dan suffer the same fate as Judas? Only Yah knows this.
Perhaps its has another meaning, as "Judgment" appears to be absent from the 12 tribes of Israel, until of course, they receive "judgment" by God.
Hence Genesis 49:16.
Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
God is truly awesome by the way He left clues all over the place in the Holy Bible read this and notice these clues in Leviticus 23:17 (KJV).
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto YHWH
“Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves” the two royal divided houses of the 12 tribes of Israel and furthermore hinted is “two wave loaves of two tenth deals” two and ten make twelve as in the twelve tribes of Jacob or Israel! More hints, “they shall be baken with leaven.” They will be of the very substance Yah often declared ill for leaven was often a type of sin, yet all men sin and are born into sin, yet we must repent and be washed clean of that sin by the blood of Christ . “They are the firstfruits unto YHWH.”
Here we have it, these are the first fruits the Twelve tribes of Israel !
Again in the book of Numbers we have even more clues.
Numbers 18:12 (KJV)
All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto YHWH, them have I given thee.
The following Scripture refers to the day of “first fruits.”
Numbers 28:26 (KJV)
Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the Lord, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
In the New Testament days, this was the Day of Pentecost when the Israel partook of a day of holy convocation after numbering 50 days from the day of first fruits or sheath offering. It’s on this day, the wave offering of two loaves took place ! It was also the day after the Sabbath (the first day of the week after the Feast of unleavened bread).
The Day of Pentecost was exact same day when the first day of the New Testament Church began, and was fifty days after Jesus the Christ was crucified, buried died and rose from the dead purging all sin from the seven day holy feast, being our Passover, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Acts 2:1-22 (KJV)
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. [5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. [6] Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. [7] And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? [8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? [9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, [10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, [11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. [12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? [13] Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: [15] For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. [16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; [17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: [18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: [19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: [20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: [21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. [22] Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Notice Peter did not address the crowd saying “you Gentiles and Jews” or you Greeks and Arabs,” no, he said “Ye men of Israel.”
Getting back to the topic of first fruits, Deuteronomy further shows what happens at this ceremony.
Deuteronomy 26:10 (KJV)
And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O YHWH, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before YHWH thy God, and worship before YHWH thy God:
Again, Revelation 7 is exactly matching the first fruits gathered and Israel rejoiced before God Almighty appearing before his Throne!
Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)
Honour YAHWEH with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Jeremiah further describes Israel as his First fruits.
Jeremiah 2:3 (KJV)
Israel was holiness unto YHWH, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith YHWH.
Revelation 7 is exactly fulfilled in this Prophesy found in Ezekiel!
Ezekiel 20:40 (KJV)
For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith YHWH God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.
Zechariah 14:20-21 (KJV)
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in YHWH’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. [21] Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.
This again is a perfect parable of what will happen in Revelation 7.
The first fruits are “holy”
Ezekiel 48:14 (KJV)
And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto YHWH.
Paul speaks of those in Christ as being the first fruits, but he also says of the adoption.
Romans 8:23 (KJV)
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Look what Paul says concerning the “adoption.”
Romans 8:15 (KJV)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Look at what else Paul says of those of the “adoption”
Romans 9:4 (KJV)
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Paul again teaches Jesus came to Redeem those who were under the law.
Galatians 4:5 (KJV)
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul says not only the adoption of God, but Israel is chosen or predestined of God.
Ephesians 1:5 (KJV)
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Another reference.
Romans 16:5 (KJV)
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
1st Corinthians 16:15 (KJV)
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
James who wrote to the scattered tribes of the12 tribes of Israel confirms this.
James 1:18 (KJV)
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:1 (KJV)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Elsewhere in the book of Revelation confirms this.
Revelation 14:4 (KJV)
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.
So the question my bothers and sisters— who are Christians— should be asking is, if the Bible in Revelations speaks only of the 12 tribes of Israel then what about the rest of Christianity today?
Well, a large portion of the descendents of Israel could very well be of today’s church, (those that have been baptized into Christ and keeping his faith and keeping His Commandments.)
After all, who do you think Jesus was sent to?
Amazingly Jesus himself answered this very question many a times in the bible. The problem is our pastors today, just don’t want to hear it.
Matthew 15:24 (KJV)
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Jesus spoke this to a Canaanite woman, He was only sent (by HIS Father) to the House of Israel, the Twelve tribes of Israel.
Those who love YHWH and HIS Son JESUS the Christ or YAHSHUA (Yehoshuwa) which means YAHWEH saves!
Do you understand what Jesus may have likely meant when He said I am come in “My Fathers name.” Read John 5:43
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
The Name of JESUS where by no other name under heave men can be saved means in Hebrew YHWH Saves or “Salvation.”
Acts 4:12 (KJV)
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Look at what the Spirit said of those who overcome what they will wear and what HE will do for them.
Revelation 3:5 (KJV)
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Here the Lord, JESUS speaks of his servant Saul, an Israelite. Notice where does Jesus send Paul and why?
Acts 9:14-15 (KJV)
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. [15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
It is clear from this study that the “Church” of Christ— the true Church —those believing and baptized into the Christ are more than likely the first fruits and they are of His promised people, the Israel of God, chosen, predestined, and called, by God.
Won’t you follow the call that God is now calling to you, and answer it!
The book of Acts is crystal clear what is required to do to be there in front of Jesus, before the throne of God.
Acts 2:37-41 (KJV)
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
It is my sincerest prayer that you will be pricked to the heart—that if you have not yet accepted Jesus and His Faith in truth and Have not been baptized, then first read the Holy Word of God—the Holy Bible—to prove and show yourself approved unto God. Then Seek His face in Truth, calling on His name and repent of all your sins before Him.
After you repent, then in true faith be washed in the blood of the Lamb of God— in Baptism (the emersion of water), in the name of JESUS, the Christ, and be there with the 144000 or stand in white apparel with a palm branch in your hand worshiping before HIS throne with us to Glorify Almighty God ! (YHWH willing !)
Remember we are saved, only when we shall be justified and approved before God !
Praise YHWH for He is greatly to be praised! And His Mercy is never ending!