Rev 7:1-2 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 7:1-17: 7:1-17 Three interludes occur in chs 6–14 (ch 7 ; 10:1–11:14 ; 12:1–14:20 ) to define the place of God’s holy people and to provide perspective on the previous scenes. In this first interlude before the seventh seal is broken, two visions communicate how God protects his people and assures them of his calling. Summary for Rev 7:1-8: 7:1-8 The interlude’s first vision shows how God protects his faithful followers from ultimate harm . Summary for Rev 7:1-3: 7:1-3 Wait! God calls for a temporary halt by the four angels of destruction. • The seal of the living God implies membership in God’s household; God owns and protects his people (2 Cor 1:22 ; Eph 1:13-14 ). In the ancient world, sealing or tattooing was a sign of ownership. • The angel ... carrying the seal identified God’s people, answering the question of who would survive God’s wrath (Rev 6:17 ; see Ezek 9:3-8 ; John 17:14-15 ) and furthering the promise of protection (Rev 3:10 ; see also 11:1-2 ).

a7:1-17►

b6–14►

c7►

d10:1–11:14►

e12:1–14:20►

f7:1-8►

g7:1-3►

h2 Cor 1:22►

iEph 1:13-14►

jRev 6:17►

kEzek 9:3-8►

lJohn 17:14-15►

mRev 3:10►

n11:1-2►

‏ Revelation of John 7:1-2

Summary for Rev 7:1-17: 7:1-17 ^a Three interludes occur in chs 6–14 ^b (ch 7 ^c; 10:1–11:14 ^d; 12:1–14:20 ^e) to define the place of God’s holy people and to provide perspective on the previous scenes. In this first interlude before the seventh seal is broken, two visions communicate how God protects his people and assures them of his calling.
Summary for Rev 7:1-8: 7:1-8 ^f The interlude’s first vision shows how God protects his faithful followers from ultimate harm.
Summary for Rev 7:1-3: 7:1-3 ^g Wait! God calls for a temporary halt by the four angels of destruction.

• The seal of the living God implies membership in God’s household; God owns and protects his people (2 Cor 1:22 ^h; Eph 1:13-14 ⁱ). In the ancient world, sealing or tattooing was a sign of ownership.

• The angel ... carrying the seal identified God’s people, answering the question of who would survive God’s wrath (Rev 6:17 ^j; see Ezek 9:3-8 ^k; John 17:14-15 ^l) and furthering the promise of protection (Rev 3:10 ^m; see also 11:1-2 ⁿ).