Question: What does it mean to be an Israelite? What are the benefits of being an Israelite?
Ultimately, the whole Nation is to be “a Kingdom of Priests unto God”; Ex.19:6, Isa. 61:6.
Prior to that coming to fruition, Israel is yet to be prominent in the events of the end of this Age time, those events make Israel a “signpost” for Almighty God, as they indicate the “time position” of the world relative to “Jacob’s trouble, and the Age fulfilment”!
In Revelation, the fact of their Role at the end of this Age, and the start of the next, is confirmed in Rev.1:6; and Rev.7:
V.4 And I heard the number of the (a)sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the (b)children of Israel.
(a) See the principle in Ezek. 9:3-4, there also a devoted remnant!
(b) "Children"; the Greek word is "Huios", which is a son or male (Str. 5207 and Comp. Appendix 108:3). Therefore all the "sealed" are males and are sealed for a purpose. 12,000 from each Jewish tribe. As most Jews do not know their tribe of origin, this is a demonstration of God's knowledge of all detail pertaining to His Creation, as shown in Rev. 20:12-13, where His knowledge of all that a person (and all people) have done in their lives on Earth, is used for the Judgement process and decision by Him!
V.5 Of the tribe of Judah 12,000. Of the tribe of Reuben 12,000. Of the tribe of Gad 12,000.
V.6 Of the tribe of Aser 12,000. Of the tribe of Nepthalim 12,000. Of the tribe of Manasses 12,000.
V.7 Of the tribe of Simeon 12,000. Of the tribe of Levi 12,000. Of the tribe of Issachar 12,000.
V.8 Of the tribe of Zabulon 12,000. Of the tribe of Joseph 12,000. Of the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
V.9 After this I saw, and, behold, (a)a great multitude which no one could number, of all Nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, were standing before the throne, and before the Lamb, (b)clothed with white robes, and (c)palms in their hands;
(a) This multitude is clearly made up of all Nations of the world, which refutes the argument that Revelation applies to Israel only! This vision is a leap forward, showing John and by implication anyone who can "see", that not just Jews are to be in this group, and the events from which they derive, (Isa. 49:6-7); but also converts to God and Christ!
(b) "Clothed with white robes"; V.14 below clearly describes the reason for these "white robes". They are worn only by those people who are persecuted; many to death, for their testimony and faith in Christ Jesus, during the Great Tribulation period. This clearly shows that as the Church of Christ (the true Body) has by this time been taken from the Earth, (in the opinion of the writers); that many people are truly converted to Christ in the terrible time of Anti-Christ rule and Tribulation. It also shows that although the main object of persecution by Anti-Christ is the Jews, any showing sympathy or kindness to Jews (or their Messiah, Christ Jesus); will also be so persecuted. It is interesting to note that the only test for the sheep and goat judgment at the beginning of Millennial by Christ is: "In as much as ye have done it unto one of even the least of these My brethren (Jews), ye have done it unto Me", (Matt. 25:40). See: Sheep and Goat Judgement.
(c) "Palms"; the people of Jerusalem held and waved these, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, crying "Hosanna" meaning "save now" or "help now", (Aramaiac = Hoshian -An) (Matt. 21:9-16) & (Psm. 118:25-26). The fulfilling on Earth for Israel is yet to be, but the event shown to John in Heaven is the fulfilment in Heaven (preview) before the event. The reason for the holding and waving of palms etc., goes back to Lev. 23:34-43, which in summary is a celebration of HARVEST, and DELIVERANCE from evil. In the first event (Matt. 21:9-16); the Chief Priest and Scribes quickly vilified Jesus; and instructed the people against Him. In the Second Event Christ will enter Jerusalem as Messiah; in Glory, Majesty and Power!
http://www.revelationsmessage.co.uk/Rev%20Chapter%207.htm
http://www.revelationsmessage.co.uk/P2%20BACKUP.html
If you have questions or comments, please click here.
Subjectindex or