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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

A REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
A SAINTLY HARVEST AND THE FALL OF BABYLON

[“Harvest Time”]
Key Word: Harvest
Theme Verse: 8

Revelation 14:1-5 – Firstfruits of Zion’s Harvest

RV14:1 And I saw 551 and look! the Lamb standing upon the mountain of Zion. 552 And with him 144,000, 553 having the name of the Lamb 554 and the name of his Father 555 written upon their foreheads. 556

551

I saw: This chapter break may give an incorrect view. If Revelation 14:1 is really a continuation of chapter 13 then what we see is the victorious Large Crowd having been “rescued” (Daniel 12:1 JPS) from the Great Oppression of three and a half years and is now in heaven. (Revelation 7:9-17; 15:2) Revelation 14:1-5 seem out of context until one considers Revelation 13:10 and Revelation 15:2. In other words, this takes up at that moment back to Revelation 11:12. When viewed from this standpoint it becomes apparent that Revelation 14:1-5 is a victorious scene regarding those Saints who have endured the Great Oppression.

552

The mountain of Zion: This is the only occurrence in Revelation. Compare Psalm 2:6 and Psalm 110:2. Note Peter’s application of Psalm 2:1, 2 to the events surrounding Messiah’s execution in 33 CE at Acts 4:24-27; and, Paul’s application of Psalm 2:7 to Christ’s resurrection at Acts 13:33. This would place Psalm 2:6 (“I have installed my king on my holy mount Zion.”) at this moment in 33 CE. (Romans 1:4) But, according to 1 Corinthians 15:23-25 Christ ‘rules’ alone until his Return (Acts 3:20, 21; Hebrews 9:27) or arrival (parousia) and then he gathers (Matthew 24:31) his Saints by resurrection and rapture. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) This gathering occurs after the three and a half years of Great Oppression judging from Daniel 7:18-27 and Matthew 24:29-31. Thus anyone seen with the Lamb on Mount Zion must be after this period. The Greek of Revelation 14:1 here is TO OPOS ZION. At Psalm 2:6 (LXX) it is ZION OPOS TO HAGION AUTOU (Zion His holy mountain).

553

144,000: The number occurs only 3x in Revelation but the group appears in nearly every chapter from 7 through 17. The number 144,000 has been discussed under those notes in chapter 7. 144 is 12² or 12x12, that is the number of Israel. But, it may be noted that there were 144 cherubs on the inner walls and ceilings of the Mosaic tabernacle. This is a priestly class, but it does not represent all of that class, for they are described as “firstfruits” in verse 4. Therefore, the 144,000 are only part of this harvest.

554

Name of the Lamb: Curiously, this occurs first and, indeed, it is the name of the Lamb which receives emphasis in the Christian Scriptures when contrasted with the Hebrew Bible. Whether this is the name “Jesus” as in Philippians 2:10 is not explained. The “name” is the Word of God in Revelation 19:13 and is a “new name” in Revelation 3:12.

555

Name of his Father: Here is a clear opportunity to make use of YHWH but such is not the case. In the Nazarene’s prayer in John chapter 17 the word “name” is used 4 times but not once is the Divine Name YHWH used. Jesus’ prefers the designation “Father.” (See publication Nazarene Principles in the Nazarene Commentary© CD-ROM.) Here in Revelation 14:1 “name” may mean authority, character, or reputation, rather than a specific name.

556

Written upon their foreheads: This may be the “seal” of Revelation 7:3 indicating a Master(s) ownership of slaves. In Revelation 9:4 there are only two groups during the period of the Fifth Trumpet: those unsealed and harmed and those sealed and unharmed. Revelation 9:4 may indicate all 144,000 are sealed during or by the end of the Great Oppression.

RV14:2 And I heard a sound out of the Celestialum, as the sound of many waters and as a sound of great thunder, and the sound I heard was like harpists on their harps. 557

557	Like harpists on their harps: This is the parallel in Revelation 15:2.

RV14:3 And they are singing as a new song 558 in sight of the Throne, 559 and in sight of the 4 living creatures, and the elders. And no one was able to learn the song but the 144,000, 560 those having been bought from the earth. 561

558	New song: This is the Greek LXX at Psalm 33:3; 96:1; 98:1. Compare the new song at Revelation 5:9.

559	In sight of the Throne: Again it is ENOPION here: “in sight of the Throne.” A throne has no “sight,” so it is within the view of the 144,000 even as it is in the case of the Large Crowd in Revelation 7:9 and the celestial beings in Revelation 7:11.

560	No one was able to learn the song but the 144,000: Or, master. KJ: no man can learn; inferring it is only a heavenly privilege.

561	Those having been bought from the earth: Is there anything here that means the 144,000 are the only ones who actually go to heaven? According to verse 4 they are only the “firstfruits” of the heavenly harvest.

RV14:4 These were not polluted by women 562 for they are virgins. 563 These follow the Lamb wherever he goes. 564 These were bought from mankind as firstfruits to The God and to the Lamb, 565

562

Not polluted by women: If this is all taken literally, then the 144,000 are all men. If the “women” here are symbolic, then the number must also be symbolic. Israelite priests who had proper sexual intercourse with their wives prior to their service “in the temple” (Revelation 7:15) were considered ceremonially “unclean.” (Compare Zephaniah 3:1; Isaiah 65:4) The “women” may also be the “harlots” of Revelation 17:5. Irrespective, the idea is one of purity. [2 Corinthians 7:1]

563	They are virgins: Compare 2 Corinthians 11:2.

564

These follow the Lamb wherever he goes: There is something of Jeremiah 2:2, 3 here: ‘I remember the love of thine espousals in following the Lord and the firstfruits of his increase.’ The Greek word groups EXAKOLOUTHESAI (Jeremiah), AKOLOUTHOUNTES (Revelation); and, ARCHE (Jeremiah), APARCHE (Revelation). These have strictly observed Matthew 16:24, 25.

565

Firstfruits to The God and to the Lamb: This begins the motif of harvest which continues throughout the chapter. As Jesus is the “firstfruits” of a certain heavenly type (1 Corinthians 15:23, 48, 49) these “firstfruits” are not the only ones of their class or type. The 144,000 are only a part of the twelve tribes of Israel. [Revelation 7:3, 4] There are others of this heavenly kind. If the 144,000 are a symbol of the Large Crowd who come out of the Great Oppression, then, having been “sealed” they are the “firstfruits” of all those judged worthy of immortality in the heavens. It is true “the dead” will be raised “first” as Paul has it in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, but these must first stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28; 4.17; Daniel 12:2; John 5:29) Evidently, the 144,000 have their judgment in the flesh in order to be raptured out of the Great Oppression.

RV14:5 and no lie was found in their mouth. They are unblemished. 566

566

No lie was found in their mouth. They are unblemished: The strongest argument that the 144,000 are the same as the Large Crowd of Revelation 7:9 lies in this strong allusion to Zephaniah 3:13 in the LXX, EN TO STOMATI AUTON; exactly the same as Revelation 14:5: EN TO STOMATI AUTON. Zephaniah 3:13 reads in full, ‘and the remnant of Israel shall fear the name of the Lord and shall do no iniquity, neither shall they speak vanity; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth.’ (LXX) This makes the allusion to a “remnant,” not to a total of Israel. The 144,000 are much more consistently the same as the Large Crowd rather than a total of Israel, or the complete number of the Saints.

Revelation 14:6-7 – Global Good News

RV14:6 And I saw another angel flying in the atmosphere having everlasting good news 567 to declare as glad news to those sitting upon the earth and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people 568 [Daniel 7:14]

567

Good news: Or, Gospel. It should be noted that this “good news” focuses on judgment. Paul does something similar in Romans 2:16. These angels seem sequential. Though the 144,000 have been seen in heaven it does not necessarily mean these events follow that vision. Revelation 14:1-5 may well belong to chapter 13 and with verse 6 is where the new chapter ought to begin. The new chapter starts with a whole new series of angelic activities. This angelic evangel is a global announcement which evidently precedes the harvesting of the wheat-like Saints in Revelation 14:15 and there is a warning to the martyred Saints in Revelation 14:12 which would indicate this precedes the Great Oppression and the Rapture.

568	Every nation and tribe and tongue and people: Compare this phrase to Daniel 7:14 and Revelation 13:7; 15:4.

RV14:7 saying in a great voice: “Fear The God and give to Him glory 569 because the hour 570 of the judgment has arrived 571 and so worship The One 572 who made the heaven and the earth and the sea [Exodus 20:11] and fountains of waters.”

569	Fear The God and give to Him glory: Some have already been shown to glorify God at the moment of the Rapture. (Revelation 11:13; Revelation 15:4) Note that the Lamb is not mentioned in this call for fear, glory and worship. Earth’s inhabitants are asked only to fear God and worship Him.

570	Hour: Compare Revelation 18:10, 17, 19.

571

The judgment has arrived: It has arrived and there is still time to “fear God and give Him glory.” Though in general all humans must die and then be judged [Acts 17:31; Romans 2:7-15; Hebrews 9:27] judgment upon Babylon the Great [the corrupt and apostate Christian Church] requires the judging of such pseudo-christians on earth in the flesh. They meet their end with the destruction of Babylon. The Saints are raptured to heaven as proof of their being judged favorably, while the weed-like Christians are left or abandoned to the plagues coming upon Babylon. [Matthew 13:40-43; Luke 17:34-37; Revelation 11:12; compare notes on Revelation 18:4]

572

Worship The One: This may infer those who have not been worshipping God do so now. Because the Lamb is not mentioned it may suggest that people of all nations who are not Christians are called on to manifest their worship of one God. This could include persons of many religions. It will be during the Thousand Years that such non-Jewish nations will be educated. [Isaiah 26:9; Revelation 20:3]

Revelation 14:8 – Babylon Is Fallen!

RV14:8 And another angel, a second, followed, 573 saying: “She fell, she fell, Babylon the Great! 574 [Isaiah 21:9] She made all nations to drink out of the angry wine of her fornication.” 575 [Jeremiah 51:7]

573	Another angel, a second, followed: Sequential events.

574

She fell, Babylon the Great: This source may be Isaiah 21:9 but compare Daniel 4:30. (Revelation 17:1-7, 16-18; 18:1-24) Some hold Babylon is that religious network or empire beginning with Nimrod and developing its doctrinal and ceremonial tentacles throughout the millenniums. Others would limit her to the Roman Church. It is likely that “kingdom” which has religious and political power over the kings and nations. This power and control has likely been drying up particularly since the French and American revolutions and the Great War. The Great City, here called Babylon the Great, has been compared to Sodom [for its morality], Egypt [for its doctrines of the trinity, hell-fire, soul immorality, clerical hierarchies] and Jerusalem [as apostate spiritual Jews]. This would suggest that Babylon the Great – where the end-time Saints find themselves [Revelation 11:7-12; 18:4] – is the entire body of the Christian Church with its weed-like and goat-like Christians.

575	She made all nations to drink out of the angry wine of her fornication: Compare Jeremiah 51:7.

Revelation 14:9-12 – Worship and Saintly Endurance

RV14:9 And another angel, a third, followed the first two, 576saying in a great voice: “If anyone worships the wild Sea Beast and its Image 577 and accepts an engraving 578 upon his forehead or hand

576	Another angel, a third, followed the first two: Clearly sequential.

577	If anyone worships the wild Sea Beast and its Image: Or, “those who are thinking about.” The warning is useless if everyone has already begun to worship the Beast. It is possible the warning comes at this moment when the danger first exists.

578	Engraving: See Revelation chapter 13 for details.

RV14:10 he also will drink out of the cup of the undiluted wine of God’s anger, the cup of His wrath. 579 [Isaiah 51:17] Such ones will be tormented in fire and sulfur 580 [Genesis 19:24] in sight of holy angels and in sight of the Lamb. 581

579	He also will drink out of the cup of the undiluted wine of God’s anger, the cup of His wrath: This appears to be a warning, not the actual execution of judgment. Compare Revelation 6:12-17.

580

Tormented in fire and sulfur: Or, “punishment.” See word studies on BASANISTHESETAI and compare use in the LXX at Ezekiel 32:18-30 where the word is rendered “punishment” without any inference to the English “torment.” The word was used of jailers and imprisonment. (Matthew 4:24; 8:6, 29; 14:24; Mark 5:7; 6:48; Luke 8:28; 16.23, 28; 2 Peter 2:8; Revelation 9:5; 11:10; 12:2; 14:10, 11; 18:7, 10, 15; 20:10) This is defined as the Second Death at Revelation 20:10, 14.

581	In sight of holy angels and in sight of the Lamb: This punishment takes place in sight of or before the angels and the Lamb.

RV14:11 And the smoke of their torment 582 is ascending throughout al future periods of time. [Isaiah 34:10] Those who worship the wild Sea Beast and its Image have no rest day and night, [Isaiah 34:10] anyone who accepts the engraving of the Name of the wild Sea Beast.

582	The smoke of their torment: Compare the source for this thought at Isaiah 34:9, 10 in the case of Edom (likely the sandstone carved city of Petra). There is no eternal “smoke” rising in that desert; but, that Edom is no more.

RV14:12 Here is the endurance of the Saints 583 those who observe the commandments of The God 584 and keep the Faith of Jesus.”

583	The endurance of the Saints: They are still on earth facing this test in the Great Oppression.

584	Observe the commandments of The God: Compare 1 John 3:23. In general God’s commandments focus on two things: conviction and charity.

Revelation 14:13 – Happiness of the Dead

RV14:13 And I heard a voice out of the Celestialum, saying: “Write: 585 Happy 586 those who die in union with the Master, 587 [1 Thessalonians 4:15] those dying from right now. Yes, the Pneuma is saying that they will rest from their labors, 588 for their works follow them.”

585	Write: John must take dictation.

586	Happy: Or, blessed, divinely favored. The Second Apocalyptic Beatitude.

587	Those who die in union with the Master: Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 6:9-11. The “endurance” may require a martyr’s death. Saints are still going to die so this is all before the resurrection and rapture.

588	They will rest from their labors: Rest is sleep in death. Compare Revelation 6:11; Daniel 12:13; John 11:13.

Revelation 14:14 – Son of Humankind as Harvester

RV14:14 And I saw and look! a white cloud 589 and upon the cloud sat someone like a Son of Humankind 590 [Daniel 7:13] having a golden crown upon his head 591 and in his hand a sharp sickle. 592

589	A white cloud: The image is from Daniel 7:13 and Acts 1:9-11.

590	Son of Humankind: The HUION ANTHROPOU is the same as Daniel 7:13. Compare Matthew 24:30; 25:31.

591	A golden crown upon his head: Compare Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:9; Revelation 6:1, 2.

592	A sharp sickle: Inferred by Matthew 13:39.

Revelation 14:15-16 – A Wheat Harvest

RV14:15 And another angel went forth out of the Divine Habitat 593 crying out in a great voice to the One sitting upon the cloud: “Send your sickle and harvest 594 for the hour to harvest has arrived 595 [Matthew 13:39] for the harvest of the earth has dried up.” 596

593	Divine Habitat: The NAOU from which angels come and go. The word group (NAO, NAOS, NAON) occurs in Revelation 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15, 17; 15:5, 6, 8; 16:1, 17; 21:22. It is always heaven.

594	Send your sickle and harvest: An unnamed angel commands the Son of Humankind to begin the harvest.

595	The hour to harvest has arrived: Compare Matthew 13:39. There is something of Revelation 7:1-4 here.

596	The harvest of the earth has dried up: The word rendered “dried up” is EXERANTHE (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3583 = mature, ripe; dry) and is variously translated: ripe. It may infer wheat consistent with Matthew 13:39.

RV14:16 And the One sitting upon the cloud threw his sickle upon the earth and the earth was harvested. 597

597	The earth was harvested: The dead Saints raised and the living Saints raptured. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; Matthew 24:30 31)

Revelation 14:17 – Another Temple Angel

RV14:17 And another angel went forth out of the Divine Habitat. 598 This heavenly one also had a sharp sickle.

598	Divine Habitat: Or, temple; NAOU.

Revelation 14:18-20 – A Grape Harvest

RV14:18 And another angel went forth out of the Altar 599 (this one with authority over the fire) 600 and he cried with a great voice to the One having the sharp sickle, 601 saying: “Send your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the earth’s vine because the grapes are ripe. 602

599	Altar: As in the altar within the tabernacle of Moses. (Hebrews 7:13; 13:10; Revelation 6:9; 8:3, 5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7) The word “altar” occurs 398 times in the Bible.

600	Fire: From the censor. (Hebrews 9:4)

601	The One having the sharp sickle: Compare the whole phrase with Joel 3:13 (LXX) and Mark 4:29.

602	The grapes are ripe: A rough paraphrase of Joel 3:13 LXX.

RV14:19 And the angel threw his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth and threw the vine into the Press of the Great Anger of The God. RV14:20 And the Winepress was trampled 603 [Joel 3:13] outside of the [Holy] City 604 and the blood came out of the Winepress 605 up to the horses’ bridles for 1,600 stadia.” 606

603	The Winepress was trampled: Compare the source at Isaiah 63:2, 6 and Joel 3:13. (Revelation 14:10; 19:15)

604	City: Likely the Holy City of New Jerusalem. (Revelation 3:12; 11:2; 20:9; 21:2, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23; 22:3, 14, 19) Is it possible the Holy City has already descended to accept its new inhabitants, the Saints?

605	Blood came out of the Winepress: Compare Isaiah 63:1-6 and Revelation 19:11, 14. This is Armageddon, a battle the Saints share in. (Revelation 17:14)

606	1,600 stadia: Or, 200 miles. (NEB, TCN)

Review Questions on Chapter Fourteen