Bibliography
| Title: An Expositional Study of the 144,000 in the Book of the Revelation (dispensationalism, eschatology) Type: Thesis Year: 1990 Abstract: "The purpose of this dissertation is to present an exegetical study of the 144,000. In achieving this purpose, three areas of research are analyzed. They include: an exegetical study of Revelation 7:1-17 and 14:1-5; a discussion on the apocalyptic genre; and a study on biblical theology. The exegetical study isolated the key issues which are involved in attaining a sound interpretation. Questions concerning ethnicity, tribal distinctions, sealing, the great multitude, Mount Zion, virginity, and blamelessness are just a few of the topics that are discussed. The result of the exegetical segment supports a literal understanding of the 144,000. The group represents an actual number consisting of ethnic Jews. They will be of high moral character. Their sealing will allow them to physically survive the Great Tribulation and be regathered at the historical Mount Zion at Christ's return. This futuristic interpretation is supported by two other areas studied in this paper: apocalyptic genre and biblical theology. Although the current trend is to discredit futurism, and to lean toward an idealistic approach, a survey of early Jewish interpretations on Daniel resulted in the opposite conclusion. A study of the use of Daniel by the Qumran community, in Josephus, and in the Talmud demonstrate that Daniel was understood in varying degrees to be prophetic. Biblical theology greatly supported the findings of the exegetical study. An understanding of the conditional and unconditional covenants, the recurring repentance motif in the Old Testament, the high ethical demands of Jesus, Acts 3:19-21, and Romans 11:25-26 provide a theological basis for the proposed interpretation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the 144,000 do not appear in isolation, but are a part of redemptive plan of God for Israel. The 144,000 are not the entire believing remnant of Israel in the last days, but they are an important catalyst in the ultimate fulfillment of the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant". Keywords: New Testament / Early Christianity |