In the text, John refers to seeing “the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion” (Revelation 14.1) The fact that he refers to the Lamb rather than a lamb, indicates that this was Jesus. Zion is referred to as the chosen citadel of God and a spiritual city true to the King (Psalm 133.13-18 and Psalm 2:6). Therefore, the Lamb is Jesus Christ returning to earth at the end of the tribulation, ready to inaugurate His kingdom. There are various perspectives on who the 144,000 are. These are potentially referred to the sealed Jewish faithful who have survived the tribulation, and have become servants and soldiers of God. It may refer to those who received the seal of the living God on their foreheads, bearing the name of the Lamb and the Father in Revelation 7.4, a direct contrast to those unfaithful who received the mark of the beast (“What does Revelation 14:1 mean?”).
The quote, “had not been defiled with women” (Revelation 14.4) indicates that these chosen Israelites were faithful to the word of God and avoided the stains of spiritual idolatry or sexual temptation in which the rest of the world was miserably corrupted. They were delivered from the guilt and power of sin by the Spirit of God (Benson). Overall, this passage reflects the contrast to Revelation 13 were the beast writes his name on the forehead of his followers, indicating the mark of the beasts. However, the 144,000 faithful witnesses are there indicating that those who are faithful can be saved. They have been preserved through tribulation and are in the “messianic kingdom when the heavenly Jerusalem descends to earth” (Long). The passage is an inherent preview of the coming judgment and ultimate victory of the Lamb.
Works Cited
Benson, Joseph. “Revelation 14.” Bible Hub.
Long, Phillip. ” The Lamb and the 144,000 – Revelation 14:1-5.” Reading Acts.
The Bible. Authorized New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, n.d.
” What does Revelation 14:1 mean?” BibleRef.