Chapter VII.

THE SEALING OF THE 144,000.

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

The chronology of the work here introduced, is established beyond mistake. The sixth chapter closed with the events of the sixth seal; and the seventh seal is not mentioned until we reach the opening of chapter 8. The whole of chapter 7 is therefore thrown in here parenthetically. Why is it thus thrown in at this point? Evidently for the purpose of stating additional particulars concerning the sixth seal. The expression, "after these things," does not mean after the fulfillment of all the events previously described; but after the prophet had been carried down in vision to the close of the sixth seal, in order not to break the consecutive order of events, as given in chapter 6,

then his mind is called to what is mentioned in chapter 7, as further particulars to transpire in connection with that seal. Then we inquire, Between what events in that seal does this work come in? It must transpire before the departing of the heavens as a scroll; for after that event there is no place for such a work as this. And it must take place subsequently to the signs in the sun, moon, and stars; for these signs have been fulfilled, and such a work has not yet been accomplished. It comes in, therefore, between the 13th and 14th verses of Rev. 6. But there, as already shown, is just where we now stand. Hence the first part of Rev. 7 relates to a work, the accomplishment of which may be looked for at the present time.

Four Angels. Angels are ever-present agents in the affairs of earth; and why may not these be four of those heavenly beings into whose hands God has committed the work here described: to hold the winds while it is God's purpose that they should not blow, and to hurt the earth with them when the time comes that they should be loosed; for it will be noticed, verse 3, that the "hurting" is a work committed to their hands equally with the "holding," so that they do not merely let the winds go, when they are to blow; but they cause them to blow; they impel forward the work of destruction with their own supernatural energy. But the hurting process here brought to view does not include the seven last plagues. That work is given into the hands of seven special angels; this, into the hands of four.

Four Corners of the Earth. An expression denoting the four quarters, or the four points of the compass, and signifying that these angels, in their particular sphere had charge of the whole earth.

The Four Winds. Winds, in the Bible, symbolize political commotion, strife, and war. Dan. 7:2; Jer. 25:32. The four winds, held by four angels standing in the four quarters of the earth, must denote all the elements of strife and commotion that exist in the world; and when they are all loosed, and all blow together, it will constitute the great whirlwind just referred to in Jeremiah.

The Angel Ascending from the East. Another literal angel, having charge of another specific work. Instead of the words "ascending from the east," some translations read, "ascending from the sun rising," which is a more literal translation. We understand the expression to signify manner rather than locality; that as the sun arises with rays at first oblique, and comparatively powerless, but increases in strength until it shines in all its meridian power and splendor, so the work of this angel would commence in weakness, move onward with ever-accumulating influence, and close in strength and power.

He

The Seal of the Living God. This is the distinguishing characteristic of the ascending angel. bears with him the seal of the living God. From this fact and the chronology of his work, we are to determine, if possible, what movement is symbolized by his mission.

The nature of his work is evidently embraced in his having the seal of the living God; and to ascertain what this work is, we therefore inquire what this seal of the living God is, which he bears with him.

1. Definition of the term. A seal is defined to be an instrument of sealing, that which "is used by individuals, corporate bodies, and States, for making impressions on wax, upon instruments of writing, as an evidence of their authenticity." The original word in this passage is defined, "A seal, i. e., a signet ring; a mark, stamp, badge; a token, a pledge." Among the significations of the verb are the following: "To secure to any one, to make sure; to set a seal or mark upon anything in token of its being genuine or approved; to attest, to confirm, to establish, to distinguish by a mark." By a comparison of Gen. 17:11, with Rom. 4:11, and Rev. 7:3, with Eze. 9:4, in connection with the above definition, the reader will see that the words token, sign, seal, and mark, are used in the Bible as synonymous terms. The seal of God as brought to view in our text is to be applied to the servants of God. We are not, of course, to suppose that in this case it is some literal mark to be made in the flesh, but that it is some institution or observance having special reference to God, which will serve as a "mark of distinction" between the worshipers of God, and the wicked around them.

2. The use of a seal. A seal is used to render valid or authentic any enactments or laws which a

person or power may promulgate. Frequent instances of its use occur in the Scriptures: In 1 Kings 21:8, we read that Jezebel " wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal." These letters then had all the authority of king Ahab. Again, in Esth. 3:12, "In the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring." So also in chap. 8: 8, "The writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse."

3. Where a seal is used. Always in connection with some law or enactment that demands obedience, or upon documents that are to be made legal or subject to the provisions of law. The idea of law is inseparable from a seal.

4. As applied to God. We are not to suppose that to the enactments and laws of God binding upon men, there must be attached a literal seal, made with literal instruments. But from the definition of the term, and the purpose for which a seal is used, as shown above, we must understand a seal to be strictly that which gives validity and authenticity to enactments and laws. This is found, though a literal seal may not be used, in the name or signature of the law-making power, expressed in such terms as to show what the power is, and its right to make laws and demand obediEven with a literal seal, the name must always be used. See the references above given. An instance of the use of the name alone seems to occur in Dan. 6:8: "Now, O king, establish the

ence.