Rev 7:9-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 7:9-17: 7:9-17 The interlude’s second vision shows heaven with an innumerable crowd rejoicing because they are secure in Christ and all tears and sorrows have ended. 7:9 This vast crowd of believers (7:14 ) is too great to count , fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham (Gen 15:5 ; 17:4-5 ; Rom 4:16-24 ; Gal 3:29 ). • White robes (Rev 6:11 ) and palm branches (John 12:13 ) are ancient symbols of victory and success, adding to the celebration that occurs after God ends the hostile world.

Summary for Rev 7:9-17: 7:9-17 ^a The interlude’s second vision shows heaven with an innumerable crowd rejoicing because they are secure in Christ and all tears and sorrows have ended. 7:9 ^b This vast crowd of believers (7:14 ^c) is too great to count, fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham (Gen 15:5 ^d; 17:4-5 ^e; Rom 4:16-24 ^f; Gal 3:29 ^g).

• White robes (Rev 6:11 ^h) and palm branches (John 12:13 ⁱ) are ancient symbols of victory and success, adding to the celebration that occurs after God ends the hostile world.
7:10 ^j Ancient victory parades, heralding the accomplishments of conquerors, included loud chants. The shout of Salvation (“victory,” “deliverance”) honors God’s triumph and prepares readers for his reign.
Summary for Rev 7:11-12: 7:11-12 ^k The angels, elders, and four living beings all prostrated themselves before God and responded together in a sevenfold (i.e., comprehensive) doxology to recognize God’s eternal nature. The doxology is preceded and followed by Amen—a powerful affirmation of God’s victory.
7:14 ^l who died in (literally who came out of): See 6:9 ^m; 20:4 ⁿ.

• the great tribulation: A time of horrible and distressing events (see 1:9 ^o; 2:9-10 ^p; Deut 4:30-31 ^q; Matt 24:21-22 ^r; Acts 14:22 ^s).

• They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb: This description symbolizes Christ’s redeeming death for them.

• made them white: This description expresses their victory over sin and death and their acceptance by God into eternal life.
7:15 ^t serve him day and night: Service to God is the continual duty of Christians.

• God’s Temple symbolizes his presence (also 11:19 ^u; cp. 21:22 ^v).
Summary for Rev 7:16-17: 7:16-17 ^w For desert-dwellers, life-giving water and relief from the scorching sun represent paradise (see also 21:6 ^x; 22:1 ^y, 17 ^z; Ps 23:1-2 ^aa; Ezek 47:1-12 ^ab; John 7:37-38 ^ac).

• on the throne (literally on the center of the throne): The Lamb is closely identified with God.

• Christ’s designation as the Shepherd of God’s people (cp. Ps 23 ^ad; Matt 15:24 ^ae; John 10:3 ^af, 11 ^ag, 14 ^ah; Heb 13:20 ^ai; 1 Pet 2:25 ^aj) means that he protects and provides for the sheep, bringing hope and salvation to his people (see Ezek 34:11-16 ^ak, 23-24 ^al).