God’s Divinely Constituted Organization

Either in Heaven or on Earth (12)

God’s plan includes divine or perfect organization of things. These ‘things’ can be either on the earth or in heaven. They generally apply to measurements, things of government, things of heavenly or earthly administration.

Twelve-Fold References to the Tribes of Israel Being Sealed:

1. … “12,000 of the tribe of Juda were sealed.” (Rev. 7:5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “12,000 of the tribe of Reuben were sealed.” (Rev. 7:5). (Emphasis added).
3. … “12,000 of the tribe of Gad were sealed.” (Rev. 7:5). (Emphasis added).
4. … “12,000 of the tribe of Aser were sealed. “ (Rev. 7:6). (Emphasis added).
5. … “12,000 of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed.” (Rev. 7:6). (Emphasis added).
6. … “12,000 of the tribe of Manases were sealed.” (Rev. 7:6). (Emphasis added).
7. … “12,000 of the tribe of Simeon were sealed.” (Rev. 7:7). (Emphasis added).
8. … “12,000 of the tribe of Levi were sealed.” (Rev. 7:7). (Emphasis added).
9. … “12,000 of the tribe of Issachar were sealed.” (Rev. 7:7). (Emphasis added).
10. … “12,000 of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed.” (Rev. 7:8). (Emphasis added).
11. … “12,000 of the tribe of Joseph were sealed.” (Rev. 7:8). (Emphasis added).
12. … “12,000 of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.” (Rev. 7:8). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: 12 (twelve) tribes x 12,000 Jewish men being sealed = 144,000 Jewish men being sealed. Twelve (12) denotes God’s divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. The 144,000 Jewish men represent a doubling or a “double of a double” (12×12) since 12,000 is a multiple of 12. What does it mean to “seal” or to be “sealed.”? The Bible gives us several strong clues for the answer to this question.

… “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 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.” (Rev. 7:3-4). (Emphasis added).

… “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” (Rev. 9:4). (Emphasis added).

… “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). (Emphasis added).

… “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). (Emphasis added).

… “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. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev. 14:4-5).

These 144,000 men are described as:

1. Being Jewish, of the tribes of Israel.
2. Servants of God.
3. Being given and receiving the seal of God in their foreheads.
4. They stand with the Lamb on mount Sion.
5. They only know the words of a new song being sung before God’s throne.
6. They are not defiled with women. Interpreted, these men have not fallen into or for the spiritual deceit of the woman, the whore, the Mother of Harlots, otherwise known as Mystery Religion Babylon. They have not fallen for the spiritual deceit that is running rampant throughout the world duirng the Tribulation.
7. They are virgins. Interpreted, these men are spiritually pure and have not consumed or partaken of anything spiritually wicked that the world is so temptingly offering mankind.
8. They follow the Lamb where ever he goes. Interpreted, these Jewish men faithfully follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.
9. They were redeemed from among men. Interpreted, these Jewish men converted their faith and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah. These Jewish men recognize and accept Christ for who he is, and for what he did for them over 2,000 years ago. Althoug the Jewish faith long ago rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah, these 144,000 Jewish men do accept the offer of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins by Christ and through the shedding of his blood and resurrection. These Jewish men realize that God no longer accepts the sacrificial atonement of their sins through animal sacrifices, and require their belief and acceptance of the Lamb’s eternal atonment for their sins.
10. They are the firstfruits for God and the Lamb. Interpreted, during the Tribulation, these 144,000 Jewish men are among the very first converts of redeemed men from throughout mankind. Traditionally, the firstfruits picked from a fall harvest were specifically set aside as a special offering to God, as a way to thank him and to also acknowledge who brought forth a bountiful harvest. Spiritual firstfruits are a select group of men who during a specific time period in history, accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ, believed in him and accepted him for who he is … Lord of Lords and King of Kings. There were firstfruits of men from the Old Testament (Saints), men from the time of Christ’s crucifixion and ressurection, men from the Church Age or Age of Grace, and men from the Tribulation Period (the 144,000 Jewish virgins and Christian beheaded martyrs). Each of these groups of men represent the firstfruits” of their generation or unique epochal time period.
11. “In their mouth was found not guile.” Guile (def.); cunning, craftiness, craft, artfulness, artifice, wiliness, slyness, deviousness, deceitfulness, cunning. Interpreted, the 144,000 Jewish men did not twist or devise deceitful ways of expressing God’s word or their faith. They stay true to the meaning of God’s word and don’t craft deceptive interpretations from or of it.
12. Found without fault before the throne of God. Interpreted, because they have accepted the forgiveness of their sin through Jesus Christ, through the shedding of his blood and his resurrection, God finds the 144,000 Jewish men “without fault” or sinless in front of his throne.

Staying divinely consistant with his divine mathematics, the Holy Spirit provides exactly 12 (twelve) descriptions of the 12,000 Jewish men from the 12 (twelve) tribes of Isael. Even the 12 (twelve) descriptions represent or denotes God’s divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. Numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings, truth within truth.

All of the preceding information about the 144,000 Jewish men should provide a meaningful background that will help answer the question of what it is to seal or to be sealed. God uses a supernatural seal to protect those men who belong to him. Being supernatural, the seal resides in the forehead of the recipient of the seal. The seal serves to protect the recipient from evil (demonic locusts can’t harm him, he is off limits in terms of being tormented). The seal serves to acknowledge the recipient as being of God or belonging to God. The seal indicates that the recipient is under the protection or benevolence of God and is part of God’s kingdom. The seal also serves notice that the recipient is a redeemed man through the grace of Jesus Christ. All of these attributes of receiving the supernatural seal of God indicate the special status of these redeemed men. Because they are physically alive and on earth during the Tribulation period, they require supernatural protection from God, in order to survive the satanic onslaught of the Devil. In no uncertain terms, they are off limits to the demonic locusts in terms of being tormented.

These 144,000 redeemed Jewish men can’t be harmed, hurt, deceived, or manipulated. Satan want’s to make war with this remnant of Israel, but is unable to to do so because of God’s supernatural protection. Conversely, as God’s seal provides protection for men, Satan’s “mark, name or number” of his antichrist provides death and eternal damnation. Conversely, as God’s seal is IN these men’s foreheads, Satan has his beast’s mark, name or number placed either ON the forehead or ON right hand. There is a subtle, yet profound difference on where the Godly seal and the satanic mark are found. God’s seal is perfect and found inside (spiritually) the recipient (IN their forehead). Conversely, the beast’s mark is found ON the recipient’s forehead or ON their righthand. This a physically visual marking or branding (think cattle branding) that is ON a person. Just as God’s seal in a man identifies that man as belonging to God, Satan’s mark of the beast identifies that man as belonging to Satan. Neither mark can be removed or tampered with. One is spiritually inside a man, the other is physically visible on the outside of a man. Once a man receives either the seal of God, or the mark of the beast, his fate is determined for ever. Nothing can touch, damage, destroy or kill the man who receives God’s seal. As such, the man who receives the beast’s mark will forever be damned and will be thrown in the lake of fire and brimestone (second death). Both the seal and the mark reflect a man’s eternal destiny that can’t be changed or altered.

In addition to God’s seal protecting the 144,000 Jewish men described as virgins or firstfruits from satanic harm, the sealing they receive from God means so much more.

Twelve-fold References to the 24 Heavenly Elders who Worship God:

1. … “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” (Rev. 4:4). (Emphasis added).
2. … “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:10-11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “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.” (Rev. 5:5). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” (Rev. 5:6). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8). (Emphasis added).
6. …”And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” (Rev. 5:11). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” (Rev. 5:14). (Emphasis added).
8. … “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, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 7:11-12). (Emphasis added).
9. … “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” (Rev. 7:13). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” (Rev. 11:16-17). (Emphasis added).
11. … “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). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen: Alleluia.” (Rev. 19:4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings. There are 12 (twelve) references to 24 (twenty-four) “elders”.

These 24 (twenty-four) elders are described as:

1. Each being around the throne. They are in the presence of God, in his throne room and can visibly see his throne.
2. Each elder having a special “seat”, thus there are 24 (twenty-four) seats around the throne for the eldes to sit on. These are defined as “seats” and not as “thrones.” The 24 elders do not sit on thrones.
3. Each being clothed in “white” raiment. Raiment is form of clothing. White is analgous to righteousness, holy, redeemed.
4. Each having a crown(s) of “gold.” A physical, gold crown identifies status, position, reward, righteousness, and authority.
5. Each falls down and worships God.
6. Each cast their crown(s) before the throne. This is a symbolic act of worship and acknowledges him who gave them their crown(s).
7. Each gives glory and honour to him who sits on the throne.
8. One elder identifies who Christ is and that he is worthy to open the seals of the book (of wrath).
9. Each has a harp (musical instrument) that is played in the presence of God for his enjoyment.
10. Each has a vial full of odour (something pleasing to God) which are the prayers of his saints.
11. One elder identifies and describes the Tribulation Saints who were beheaded and martryed during the Tribulation.
12. Each falls on their face and gives thanks to God for being God (reigning).

Twelve (12) descriptions contained in twelve (12) references or verses that come from throughout the book of Revelation. The twenty-four (24) elders are part of God’s divine government and serve as a sort of divine council of righteous representatives. They serve several main functions for God. They worship him. They represent his righteousness. They identify him, who he is, what he does, what he has done. They identify and acknowledge other righteous entities (Jesus Christ, Tribulation Martrys, Prayers of Saints). They do things that are pleasing to God, such as playing harps and giving him vials of the prayers of saints. Thus, they serve the Lord God. The Bible is somewhat silent on exactly who these twenty-four (24) elders are. However, it is commonly believed (rightly or wrongly) that twelve (12) are Old Testament Saints and twelve (12) are the New Testament Apostles. In any case, collectively, they represent the MVP’s  (most valuable players) on Jesus Christ’s team. They are not loved any more or less than any other redeemed man, God and Jesus Christ love everyone equally. However, these ‘MVP’s’ did something extraordinary or extremely unique or beneficial for the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ when they walked the earth. What these things might be, we don’t know. Only Christ and God know. In any case, whatever they did was extremely beneficial and pleasing to God which earned them the special status of being an ‘MVP’ and on the ‘dream team’ (using a sports term). They were also awarded special crowns to reflect whatever the did or endured, while on earth. They truly have an extremely unique role in the kingdom of God and are so noted since they receive twelve (12) references by the Holy Spirit. Of the billions of people that have or will walk the earth, only twenty-four (24) people have earned the reward, right and status of being one of the elders around God’s throne.

Twelve-fold References to the Four Beasts who Worship God:

1. … “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face of a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,” (Rev. 4:6-9). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” (Rev. 5:6). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worth is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (Rev. 5:11-12). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” (Rev. 5:14). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the four seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.” (Rev. 6:1). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (Rev. 6:6). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.” (Rev. 6:7). (Emphasis added).
9. … “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, Saying Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 7:11-12). (Emphasis added).
10. … “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). (Emphasis added).
11. … “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” (Rev. 15:7). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen, Alleluia.” (Rev. 19:4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The fact that there are four (4) special beasts or creatures suggests God’s divine foursquareness of balance and symmetry, of equal weight and measure. No one beast/creature is more important than the other, they are created slightly differently, with different physical features or appearances, but collectively, they serve God in the same way. Their differences stay consistent with the fact that God creates all of his creatures to be uniquely different and special. Just as with angels and men, these creatures have identifying similarities within their own created order, however, within their created order, they are each unique. They all complement one another in divine balance of purpose. What is that purpose? They exist before God’s throne, they worship God day and night, they have access to God, and they are given and take God’s vials of wrath and thus authorize seven angels to pour the vials of wrath upon evil mankind. They give God, glory and honour and thanks. They publicly proclaim God as the one who sits on the throne. The four beasts instruct John, the Apostle, to “Come and see.” The four beasts also publicly announce and describe God and his attributes. They are a perpetual heavenly group of four (4) witnesses. Some Bible students believe these four beasts are angelic beings, of one sort or another. However, these four beasts or creatures are not described in a manner consistent with those of angels.

When verses describe the entire heavenly hosts worshipping God, there are specific separate mentions of angels and the four beasts. They are two separately designated groups of created beings or entities. Thus, we can conclude that the four beasts are not angels, but rather, an extremely unique, heavenly group of beings that are not angelic or human. They are extremely unique and so special, there are only four of them in the universe and heaven. They are one of the very few entities who are allowed in close proximity to God, his power and glory. The references to the beasts having many wings and eyes suggests that God has given them very special, unique abilities to see throughout his creation and to move or travel in some kind of divine manner. Inherently implied is that these four creatures are also eternal. The fact that they are described in physical ways suggests that are in fact, a very physical creature but having very divine abilities created within them.

I like to think of them as God’s special-operations team. They are assigned very divine jobs by God, in the orchestration of his creation. Most (all?) angels do not appear to have anywhere near the roles or responsibilities of these unique creatures, nor does any created man. Taken into context with the twenty-four (24) elders, these four beasts play a complementary role with the elders. Both these two special groups of designated entities continuously praise and worship God. They continuously acknowledge who he is to the heavenly hosts. They are constantly reminding the heavenly hosts, who sits on the throne and is worthy of worship, honour, glory, praise and power. Both, the four (4) beasts and twenty-four (24) elders have a divinely assigned mathematical number, by God, that references their roles in his divinely constituted order or things in heaven. They are part of his government, both statistically speaking and of course, through their actual roles and responsibilities. While the various classifications and groups of created angels have their own specially assigned roles and responsibilities throughout heaven and earth, the four (4) beasts and twenty-four (24) elders are uniquely situated to continually stay in front of God’s throne and to execute his direct commandments. We are given no indication, whatsoever, that the beasts or elders transcend heaven and travel to earth to do God’s will. Only angels appear to have the role of interacting directly with mankind as fellow-servants, on God’s behalf. Using God’s divine mathematics helps in understanding the important distinctions within God’s created order in heaven and on earth

Twelve-fold References to the dragon:

1. … “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and  seven crowns upon his heads.” (Rev. 12:3). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Rev. 12:4). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, .” (Rev. 12:7). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Rev. 12:9). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child .” (Rev. 12:13). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out his mouth.” (Rev. 12:16). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And the beast I saw was like a leopard, and his feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” (Rev. 13:2). (Emphasis added).
9. … “And they worship the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make ware with him.” (Rev. 13:4). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” (Rev. 13:11). (Emphasis added).
11. … “And I saw three unclean spririts like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” (Rev. 16:13). (Emphasis added).
12. … “ And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:2). (Emphasis added).

Commentary:  The term dragon (lowercase) is used as a descriptive reference. dragon is one of the two descriptive references (along with serpent). dragon and old serpent are twice used in conjuciton with one another (verses 12:9 and 20:2). Two (2) or twice denotes God’s solid confimation of a matter. The last verse referring to the dragon is significant because it contains all four refernces or names of the evil one. dragon, serprent, Devil and Satan. The Holy Spirit uses the two descriptions and two names of the evil one so that there is absolutely no mistake or error or confusion surrounding what happens to the evil one after the battle of Armageddon. Regardless of the description or name used, the evil one is bound for 1,000 years. If you carefully notice the content of each verse you will quickly realize that combined, these verses describe in a nutshell the role and activities of the one described as a dragon over the course of the Tribulation and beyond. The dragon is cast to earth after loosing a battle in heaven. The dragon persecutes Israel. The dragon goes to war against Israel’s remnant. The dragon gives the beast his power, seat and authority (evil kingdom). The dragon is worshipped in the evil kingdom. The dragon uses unclean spirits to gather together kings and their armies for Armageddon. The dragon is bound and chained for 1,000 years.

Twelve-fold References to a heavenly book:

1. … “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.” (Rev. 5:1). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (Rev. 5:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” (Rev. 5:3). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” (Rev. 5:4). (Emphasis added).
5. … “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.” (Rev. 5:5). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.” (Rev. 5:7). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full or odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou are worth to take the book, and open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation:” (Rev. 5:9). (Emphasis added).
9. … “And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.” (Rev. 10:2). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.” (Rev. 10:8). (Emphasis added).
11. … “And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” (Rev. 10:9). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” (Rev. 10:10). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Rev. 5:1-5, 7-9, reference the book of wrath that has the seven seals which Christ is the only one worthy enough to open. Rev. 10:2, 8-10, references a little book of prophecy that “tastes sweet, but when eaten, becomes bitter in the belly”. Both books are prophetic in nature. The book which Christ opens is obviously a series of prophecies that indicate the judgements Christ administers to start the Tribulation. The second book of prophecies handed by a mighty, glorious angel to John is a bit of an enigma. The book could contain prophecies regarding other events in the Tribulation period that we don’t know about, or events that we do know about as stated in the book of Revelation. As the book of Revelation is generally considered the largest book in the Bible concerning prophecy, the two heavenly books described above (Christ’s book of seals, the mighty angels little book of bitterness) are two prophecy books contained within the prophecy of Revelation. Prophecies within prophecy. Interestingly, Revelation is chock-full of references to books being used in the administration of God’s order of things. There is of course the two books I have just referenced in this commentary. There is also a book of life referenced many places throughout Revelation. Extremely important things in God’s administration are “written down in books” (or ledgers, if you want to use an accounting term). Ultimately, every Christian’s name is written down in the book of life. John the Apostle was instructed by the Holy Spirit to ‘write’ down what he saw and/or heard.

Twelve-fold Titles/Descriptions of God:

1. Lord. (7X) (Rev. 1:8, 1:10, 4:11, 6:10, 11:15, 14:13, 15:4)
2. God. (70X) (Rev. 1:1, 1:2, 1:6, 1:9, 2:7, 3:2, 3:12, 3:14, 5:9, 5:10, 6:9, 7:2, 7:3, 7:10, 7:11, 7:12, 7:15, 8:2, 8:4, 9:4, 9:13, 10:7, 11:1, 11:4, 11:11, 11:13, 11:16, 11:19, 12:5, 12:6, 12:10, 12:17, 13:6, 14:4, 14:5, 14:7, 14:10, 14:12, 14:19, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:7, 15:8, 16:1, 16:9, 16:11, 16:19, 16:21, 17:17, 18:5, 18:20, 19:5, 19:9, 19:10, 19:17, 20:4, 20:6, 20:9, 20:12, 21:2, 21:3, 21:4, 21:7, 21:11, 21:23, 22:3, 22:9, 22:18, 22:19)
3. Almighty. (1X). (Rev. 1:8)
4. Lord God. (5X). (Rev. 18:8, 19:1, 19:6, 22:5, 22:6)
5. Lord Almighty. (1X). (Rev. 1:8)
6. God Almighty. (2X). (Rev. 16:14, 19:15)
7. Lord God Almighty. (5X). (Rev. 4:8, 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 21:22)
8. Alpha / Omega. (4X). (Rev. 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13)
9. Father. (5X). (Rev. 1:6, 2:27, 3:5, 3:21, 14:1)
10. beginning / ending. (3X). (Rev. 1:18, 21:6, 22:13)
11. which is, was, is to come. (3X). (Rev. 1:4, 1:8, 4:8)
12. first and last (4X). (Rev. 1:11, 1:17, 2:8, 22:13)

Commentary: Names and Titles are Capitalized, descriptions are not. Three individual names of God and be joined to form four (4) combinations of names, all properly representing the power, majesty and glory of God. God refers to himself as Lord, seven (7) times. Seven (7) represents God’s divinely determined completeness to his plan or purpose. Lord suggests supreme rulership and authority. His name of God, is repeated seventy (70) times. (7×10=70). Ten (10) represents God’s allness or completeness. This name of God, is the ONLY subject, in all of Revelation, to have seventy (70) references. The combinations of God’s names result in fewer references, but they are all derivatives his three (3) basic names, Lord – God – Almighty. By using these three basis names, God is intensly emphasizing who he is. By arranging them into additional combinations, adds another measure of importance and description as to who He is. The name of Jesus Christ, also shares the same naming characteristics as the Father’s names.

Twelve-fold Reference to the Beast’s Evil Political System or Kingdom:

1. … “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” (Rev. 13:1). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet of a bear, and his mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” (Rev. 13:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Rev. 13:7). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,” (Rev. 16:10). (Emphasis added).
5. … “For they are the spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14). (Emphasis added).
6. … “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:3). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:7). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” (Rev. 17:12). (Emphasis added).
9. … “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” (Rev. 17:13). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn here with fire.” (Rev. 17:16). (Emphasis added).
11. … “For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” (Rev. 17:17). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Rev. 17:18). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: What denotes a political rule or system? References to a kingdom, power, seat, authority, kings, power over nations, etc. Considered and understood in totality, these verses describe the formation of the beast’s Babylonian system and kingdom. They describe where the beast/antichrist/man of sin gets his evil power, seat and authority (Satan gives this to him directly). Satan has the power to do exactly this, in Matthew 4:8-9, Satan tempts Jesus with; “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things I will give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Emphasis added). Power is given to the beast/antichrist/man of sin over all kindreds, tongues and nations. The ten horns are ten political leaders, who in exchange for giving up their geographical political sovereignty, receive the designation as kings from the beast, while he remains in power (four an hour). God puts it into their minds to collectively give control of their national sovereignty over to the beast. As such, the beast gains a formidable political and military support system to carry out his rule. Politically, it appears that Babylon City is the beast’s capital city and supports the man made religious heartbeat of the evil mystery religion (Babylon Mystery Religion – Whore). At the midpoint in the Tribulation, the ten (10) kings destroy Mystery Religion Babylon to make way for the sole worship of Satan through his indwelt possession of the beast/antichrist/man of sin. In Rev. verse 17:14, scripture also indicates that these ten (10) kings will also participate at the battle of Armageddon against Christ.

The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon

Revelation 12 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. ² Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

³ And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. ⁴ His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. ⁵ She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. ⁶ Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

But how can they call on him (Jesus Christ) to save them unless they believe in him (Jesus Christ)? And how can they believe in him (Jesus Christ) if they have never heard about him (Jesus Christ)? And how can they hear about him (Jesus Christ) unless someone tells them?” —Romans 10:14

In His Service,

Night Watchman

Paul Rolland

Night Watchman Ministries

Make Your Decision for Christ NOW!!!!!!! Time is Up!!!!!!!

Jesus Christ’s Offer of Salvation:

The ABCs of Salvation through Jesus Christ (the Lamb)

A. Admit/Acknowledge/Accept that you are sinner. Ask God’s forgiveness and repent of your sins.

. . . “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

. . . “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10).

. . . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8).

B. Believe Jesus is Lord. Believe that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be; that He was both fully God and fully man and that we are saved through His death, burial, and resurrection. Put your trust in Him as your only hope of salvation. Become a son or daughter of God by receiving Christ.

. . . “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13).

C. Call upon His name, Confess with your heart and with your lips that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

. . . “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10).

. . . “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (John 1:8-10).

. . . “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (John 2:2).

. . . “In this was manifested the love of god toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:9, 14-15).

. . . “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:8-10).

. . . “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).

. . . “Jesus saith unto them, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).

. . . “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1:16).

. . . “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts: 4:12).

. . . “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth for there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:4-6).

. . . “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

. . . “But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12).

True Church / Bride of Christ Spared from God’s Wrath:

 Romans 5:8-10. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

Romans 12:19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 1:10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 8:35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Jeremiah 30:7. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.

Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.