By Maria Merola
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, August 2004
There are two places in the book of Revelation (chapters 7 & 14), where we read about a specific group of people called “The One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand.”
Chazown (Revelation) 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Tziyown (Zion), and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
It always makes me chuckle when I hear people tell me they believe they have been chosen to be among the 144,000. It’s not that there is anything wrong with believing that, so long as people realize that this number represents a much larger integer than we suppose.
Rebekah was given a prophecy in Genesis 24:60 that she would become “The mother of thousands of millions,” and she is the grandmother of Yisra’el.
If we limit the chosen ones to only 144,000 souls, it contradicts what is written in the the Towrah & Prophets. At first glance, it would appear in Revelation 7, that there are only 12,000 individuals from each of the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el that are being numbered.
If we limit the chosen ones to only 144,000 souls, it contradicts what is written in the the Towrah & Prophets. At first glance, it would appear in Revelation 7, that there are only 12,000 individuals from each of the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el that are being numbered.
In order to get a better grasp of what is being presented in Revelation 7, we should go to the first place where the Tribes of Yisra’el were being numbered.
The first mention of these tribes being numbered is in the book of “Numbers.” The sum of the congregation was numbered according to the house of their fathers. This means that the number of each tribe represents “heads of household,” and not individuals.
Bemidbar (Numbers) 1:
2 Take you the sum of all the congregation of the children of Yisra’el, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
There has been much speculation, and misunderstanding surrounding this elusive number of people termed as “The One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand.” We can begin to unravel the mystery simply by defining the terms in the Hebrew language.
The Mystery Behind the Word “Thousand.”
The first mention of these tribes being numbered is in the book of “Numbers.” The sum of the congregation was numbered according to the house of their fathers. This means that the number of each tribe represents “heads of household,” and not individuals.
Bemidbar (Numbers) 1:
2 Take you the sum of all the congregation of the children of Yisra’el, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls;
3 From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Yisra’el: you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
4 And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.
5 And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
6 Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
7 Of Judah; Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
8 Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
9 Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.
10 Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
11 Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.
12 Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
13 Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.
14 Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
15 Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan.
16 These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Yisra’el.
16 These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Yisra’el.
There has been much speculation, and misunderstanding surrounding this elusive number of people termed as “The One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand.” We can begin to unravel the mystery simply by defining the terms in the Hebrew language.
The Mystery Behind the Word “Thousand.”
In Hebrew, the first letter of the Alphabet is the “Aleph,” which is the equivalent to the Greek Letter “Alpha” or the Letter “A” in English.
Our Messiah described himself as the “Alpha & Omega” (which is the Greek translation). However, we have some hints that the book of Revelation was first spoken to John in the Hebrew tongue (Revelation 9:11 & 16:16).
Therefore, we could accurately say that our Messiah represents the first and last letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. In the following passages, our Messiah described himself as “Alpha & Omega” or “Aleph & Taw” (Revelation 1:8 & 11; 21:6 & 13).
#505 ‘eleph (aleph) eh’-lef prop, the same as 504; hence (the ox’s head) being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand:--thousand.
This stems from two other root words:
#504 eleph eh’-lef (alaph) from 502; a family; also (from the sense of yoking or taming) an ox or cow:--family, kine, oxen.
#502 alph aw-lof a primitive root, to associate with; hence, to learn (and causatively to teach):--learn, teach, utter.
As you can see, the Hebrew word for “thousand” (Aleph) can mean “taught ones” or disciples. It can also mean “the strong leader,” or the “head of the household.”
In Revelation 7 & 14, the term
There is a rule of interpretation called “The law of first mention.” This rule dictates that the first time a concept is presented in scripture, it sets a precedent for when it appears later on in the Bible. Numbers 1:2-16 suggests that the method in which Yisra’el was numbered was according to their heads of household.
When our Messiah fed the multitudes, the number represented in the gospel accounts only represents the heads of families, and not the actual number of individuals who were fed:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 14:21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
Marqos (Mark) 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
The Greek word in the above verses for “men” is “aner” and it means “husband, individual male.”
In Ezekiel 40, the temple dimensions are being measured out in “reeds.” The Hebrew word for “reeds” is as follows:
#7070: qaneh: reed, stalk, bone, balances, stalk, water-plant, reed, calamus (aromatic reed), measuring-rod, reed (as unit of measure - 6 cubits), beam (of scales - for scales themselves), shaft (of lampstand), branches (of lampstand), shoulder-joint.
This word has a variety of meanings that can point to a human being such as “bone and shoulder joint.” Our Messiah likened the seven assemblies to “lamp-stands” in the first three chapters of Revelation.
Therefore, this word “reeds,” as a unit of measuring Ezekiel’s Temple can certainly pertain to human beings, rather than building materials. The unit of measure is 6 cubits, and a cubit is about 12 inches. This is roughly about six feet tall, which is the average stature of a fully grown human being.
The word “branch” has been prophetically used to mean “tribes” of Yisra’el (Ezekiel 37, Romans 11), and the word for “lamp-stand” (menorah) has been used to pertain to the “assemblies” of the people of YaHuWaH (Revelation 1:20, Zechariah 4).
The word “branch” has been prophetically used to mean “tribes” of Yisra’el (Ezekiel 37, Romans 11), and the word for “lamp-stand” (menorah) has been used to pertain to the “assemblies” of the people of YaHuWaH (Revelation 1:20, Zechariah 4).
The word “bone, shoulder-joint” also hints at Ezekiel 37’s “valley of dry bones” coming back to life. The Hebrew word for “reed” also means “six cubits,” and the number “6” is the number of man, (since humans were created on the sixth day of creation).
These measuring units that are being used in Ezekiel, and also in the New Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) in Revelation 21, are pointing to an eternal concept. This type of prophetic language pertains to a temple that is made “without human hands.” We are now beginning to see that YaHuWaH is building a temple made up of “lively stones” (people).
1st Keefa (Peter) 2:5 You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohiym by Yahuwshuwa Messiah.
In Ezekiel 45-48, the inheritance for Yisra’el is being measured out, as well as the dimensions to the temple. The words used to describe the measurements of “a thousand” is this very same word, “aleph.”
This word carries with it, the suggestion that the “first-born,” as well as the “first-fruits” of the wave sheaf offering is what is being set aside as belonging to YaHuWaH:
Shemoth (Exodus) 13:2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever opens the womb among the children of Yisra’el, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
Shemoth (Exodus) 13:13 And every firstling of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among your children shall you redeem.
Shemoth (Exodus) 13:2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever opens the womb among the children of Yisra’el, both of man and of beast: it is mine.
The firstborn of humans, as well as animals and crops, all belong to YaHuWaH. The word “aleph” being the first letter, (and the strong leader of a family), seems to imply that all those who are “born-again” of incorruptible seed, are going to be the “first” to be married (like Leah, the first to marry Jacob). Leah was also the “firstborn” daughter of Laban. Those who are the elect are called “my first born.”
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Yisra’el, and Ephrayim is my firstborn.
Ephrayim is the one who is called “a multitude of nations” in Genesis 48:19, hence the title “firstborn” pertains to the multitudes that are given the letter “aleph” (firstborn status). This is precisely what the number “thousand” means!
It is identified by the Paleo Hebrew pictograph letter “Aleph,” as seen in the above illustration.
It is identified by the Paleo Hebrew pictograph letter “Aleph,” as seen in the above illustration.
The Red Heifer or the Aleph is the identifying “mark” for Ephrayim, because Ephrayim needed a “Red Heifer” sacrifice. The prodigal son also received the “fatted calf,” when he returned home in Luke 15. Messiah performed this “Red Heifer” sacrifice for Ephrayim, when he was crucified outside the city limits of Jerusalem (Numbers 19:1-10).
What is also interesting, is that “Old Covenant Yisra’el” is given a mark in their foreheads according to Ezekiel 9, and this mark is “The Taw.” This is the last letter in the Hebrew Alphabet, thus meaning “the last-born.” The Taw is an identifying mark, signifying those who will be redeemed last.
The Hebrew word for “mark” in Ezekiel 9:4 is #8420 in the Strong’s Concordance, which is “The Taw.”
In the account where Ya’aqob (Jacob) crossed his hands over in Genesis 48:13-14, he gave the “first born status” to the younger son (Ephrayim), and he gave the “last born” status to the older son Manasseh.
The name “Manasseh” means “to cause to forget.” Old Covenant Yisra’el has been “forgotten and forsaken, divorced, for a little while” (Isaiah 54:6-7). But New Covenant Yisra’el is Ephrayim, whose name means “double fruit.”
Hence, the number 144 thousand pertains to “Old Covenant Yisra’el” which is then “doubled.” Not only is it doubled (in the sense of multiplying by the number “two”, but “doubled” in the sense of “to the second power!”
Hence, the number 144 thousand pertains to “Old Covenant Yisra’el” which is then “doubled.” Not only is it doubled (in the sense of multiplying by the number “two”, but “doubled” in the sense of “to the second power!”
This means “144 thousand times 144 thousand!” In other words “too many to count.” In Revelation 14, the second group of 144 thousand have “their Father’s name” written in their foreheads indicated by the aleph (the first or the Father).
When “Old Covenant Yisra’el” (the woman in Revelation 12 & Isaiah 54), gives birth to the man-child (Renewed Covenant Yisra’el, Ephrayim), she will then be saved, as she will then possess the “double portion” of 144 thousand:
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 61:7 For your shame you shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
You will notice in the above verse, that the woman (Yisra’el) is being referred to as “you,” because she is just one nation. However, YaHuWaH goes on to describe Yisra’el as “they” in the last part of this verse. Why the change in pronouns?
Why are they referred to in the “first person” at the beginning of the verse? And why are they spoken of in the “third person” (plural) at the end of the verse?
It is because Yisra’el was one nation, (one woman). However, at one point in history, she was divided into two houses. She became known as “The Ten Northern Tribes of the Kingdom of Yisra’el,” and “The Two Southern Tribes of the Kingdom of Judah” (which includes the tribe of Benjamin).
The story of how they were divided is told in 1st Kings 12. From these two houses (Ephrayim & Judah), were given another chance to become “one new man“ (Ephesians 2:15). However, not all who belong to these two groups have accepted our Messiah yet.
Therefore, this prophecy of the “one new man,” has been unfolding progressively since our Messiah died on the tree for us, and it will continue to unfold until his second coming.
This should therefore give us a clue about who this “man-child” is in Revelation 12:5. When the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-4 are resurrected, they will inherit “the double portion inheritance” of Joseph through the Tribe of Ephrayim.
This should therefore give us a clue about who this “man-child” is in Revelation 12:5. When the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-4 are resurrected, they will inherit “the double portion inheritance” of Joseph through the Tribe of Ephrayim.
This is how the woman (Jerusalem) will inherit the double. It is precisely for this reason that the Tribe of Ephrayim is not mentioned in Revelation 7. Ephrayim is “in the hand of Joseph” (Ezekiel 37:19).
Now, back to the meaning of the word “thousand”:
In the book of Revelation, there are 3 different Greek words used for the English word “thousand”:
#5505. chilias khil-ee-as’ from 5507; one thousand (“chiliad”):--thousand.
#5507. chilioi khil’-ee-oy plural of uncertain affinity; a thousand:--thousand.
#3461. murias moo-ree’-as from 3463; a ten-thousand; by extension, a “myriad” or indefinite number:--ten thousand.
In Revelation 7, there is a literal number of 144 thousand heads of households that are being described, and they are named by tribe, and they are numbered. However, “after this” (after “Old Covenant Yisra’el” are numbered), then another group of people are mentioned in Revelation 7 and this group are “too numerous to count.”
This group falls into the category of the “myriad” or “indefinite number” which is also consistent with the Hebrew word “aleph” which (once again) pertains to “a family,” rather than an individual.
This group falls into the category of the “myriad” or “indefinite number” which is also consistent with the Hebrew word “aleph” which (once again) pertains to “a family,” rather than an individual.
In Revelation 14, the number 144 thousand is not describing individuals, but it is describing families, or large groups that are too numerous to count. Note that it does not say “144 thousand people or individuals.” It can mean “144 thousand families or nations.”
The Double Portion Inheritance of Yisra’el Hidden in the Hebrew Scriptures
What is even more revealing, is in Bamidbar (Numbers) 31:4 where Yisra’el is being given their inheritance; the English does not display the fact that the word “thousand from each tribe” is doubled!
The more literal term is “Aleph Mattah” which means “a thousand branches” but this is repeated twice as: “Aleph Mattah, Aleph Mattah!”
The more literal term is “Aleph Mattah” which means “a thousand branches” but this is repeated twice as: “Aleph Mattah, Aleph Mattah!”
Here is how it reads in English:
Bemidbar (Numbers) 31:4 Send a thousand from each tribe of all the tribes of Yisraʼĕl for the campaign.
Here is how it reads in Hebrew:
Bemidbar (Numbers) 31:4 Send an Aleph Mattah (thousand branches) an Aleph Mattah (thousand branches) from each Mattah (tribe) of all the tribes of Yisraʼĕl for the campaign.
The formula here is “A thousand branches times a thousand branches.” This gives even more credibility to the idea that in Revelation 14, Yisra’el is going to receive the double portion inheritance through “the man-child,” who is the the Tribe of Ephrayim, (the multitude of nations that are too many to count).
What we are seeing here, is that when YaHuWaH is handing out the inheritance to Yisra’el, the word “thousand” (aleph) is actually doubled, and the word “tribes” (branches, mattah) is actually doubled!
This is the double portion inheritance promised to Old Covenant Yisra’el in the last days. But this only happens. once she gives birth to the “man-child:”
This is the double portion inheritance promised to Old Covenant Yisra’el in the last days. But this only happens. once she gives birth to the “man-child:”
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 61:7 For your shame you shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
Yahuwceph (Joseph) Inherits the Double
The very first time that we see a person inheriting a “double portion” of all that his father has, is in Genesis 48:22 with Ya’aqob’s (Jacob’s) favorite son Yahuwceph (Joseph). Jacob/Yisra’el gave Joseph a “double portion” or “one extra portion” above all of his brethren!
What does this mean? The sons of Yisra’el seen in Revelation 7 are first numbered, but then they are “doubled” in the New Covenant. They are given to Joseph, who is a prophetic “type” of Messiah. The next group of 144 thousand seen in Revelation 14, are then doubled! But what does the word “double” actually mean?
What does this mean? The sons of Yisra’el seen in Revelation 7 are first numbered, but then they are “doubled” in the New Covenant. They are given to Joseph, who is a prophetic “type” of Messiah. The next group of 144 thousand seen in Revelation 14, are then doubled! But what does the word “double” actually mean?
In Mathematics, a square number is also called “a perfect square,” because it is a product of some integer with itself. An example is the number “9,” which is a “square” number because it is the result of 3 x 3. The same thing holds true with the number 144. It is a perfect square because it is the result of 12 x 12.
Now we know why the bride of Messiah seen in Revelation 21 is a corporate body of people who collectively form a structure called “The New Jerusalem.” This physical structure is “foursquare” and now we know why!
If a perfect square of 12 x 12 = 144, then “foursquare” means 144 x 144!
If a perfect square of 12 x 12 = 144, then “foursquare” means 144 x 144!
Chazown (Revelation) 21:
16 And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
The city is 12,000 furlongs, and it says that the length, the width (breadth), and the height are all equal in measure. Each of the four walls to this square city is 144 cubits “according to the measure of a man.”
This is a reference to Deuteronomy 3:11 where “the cubit of a man” is used to measure the Temple. There are three different cubits mentioned in the Tanakh (Old Testament) which is the length of a human forearm (about 18 inches), and another is from the base of the human hand to the elbow (about 12 inches) and the third one is the stature of a human being (about 6 feet).
Since YaHuWaH created human-kind on the 6th day, the number “6” is the number of a man. What this means is, each wall to this city is 144,000 cubits x 144,000 cubits. This means 144,000 people x 144,000 people!
This is a reference to Deuteronomy 3:11 where “the cubit of a man” is used to measure the Temple. There are three different cubits mentioned in the Tanakh (Old Testament) which is the length of a human forearm (about 18 inches), and another is from the base of the human hand to the elbow (about 12 inches) and the third one is the stature of a human being (about 6 feet).
Since YaHuWaH created human-kind on the 6th day, the number “6” is the number of a man. What this means is, each wall to this city is 144,000 cubits x 144,000 cubits. This means 144,000 people x 144,000 people!
The dictionary defines this word Exponentiation: “the raising of a number to any given power.”
The word for “double” in Genesis 41-43 in the next few verses, (as we will soon see), is where Joseph receives double money, double dreams, double the 7-year term, etc. This word in Hebrew for double is as follows:
# 4932 mishneh: a repetition, duplicate (copy), or a double amount; a second (in order, rank, age, quality or location): double, next, second, twice as much.
It comes from this other root word:
#8138 shanah: duplicate (literally or figuratively); to transmute (transitive or intransitive), alter, double, change, disguise, be diverse, repeat.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 41:49 And Yahuwceph (Joseph) gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
*Note: Yahuwceph (Joseph) gathering the corn is a picture of the end time harvest of souls.
YaHuWaH told Abraham that he would “multiply” his descendants as the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore in Genesis 22:17.
This means too many to number!
Joseph is also seen here, gathering so much corn that he quit counting because it is “without number!”
In other words, it was “too much to count!”
In other words, it was “too much to count!”
Everything about Joseph’s life came in the form of “doubling,” hence his name Yahuwceph means “YaHuWaH increases.” The root word for his name is another Hebrew word:
#3254 yacaph: to augment, continue, conceive again, exceed, gather together, get more, increase, prolong.
Everything from his dreams, to the money he received, his two sons, the Two House of Yisra’el (sons of the two wives, Leah & Rachel) his grain harvest, his double seven-year term, and his inheritance was doubled:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by Elohiym, and Elohiym will shortly bring it to pass.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 43:12 And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 43:15 And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
Rebekah the Mother of Thousands of Millions
Here again we see the future “double portion” being prophesied over Rebekah, the wife of Isaac. The first hint of her “double portion” blessing came when she bore twins (Esau & Jacob).
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 24:
59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men.
60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, you are our sister, be you the mother of thousands of millions, and let your seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
The Hebrew word for “millions” here is “rababah:”
#7231 rababah: abudance (in number) from #7231 especially a “myriad” (whether definite or indefinite): many, million, multiply, ten thousand.
#7231 rabab: to cast together, increase, especially in number, from #7233 to multiply by the myriad.
*Note: What we are seeing here is the “thousands of millions” that make up the “double portion inheritance” of the “multitude of nations” seen in Ephrayim in Genesis 48:19.
In Revelation 14, the bride of Messiah has “washed her garments in the blood of the lamb” and she follows the lamb wherever he goes. She represents not only a literal “144 thousand” as seen in Revelation 7, but she represents “New Covenant Yisra’el” who are the multitude of nations.
“Old Covenant Yisra’el” is typified in Manasseh, and they are “a great nation” (the woman in Revelation 12). The woman (Old Covenant Yisra’el) gives birth to a corporate “man-child” in Revelation 12 and this is the same group that is called by Paul “the one new man” in Ephesians 2:15.
“Old Covenant Yisra’el” is typified in Manasseh, and they are “a great nation” (the woman in Revelation 12). The woman (Old Covenant Yisra’el) gives birth to a corporate “man-child” in Revelation 12 and this is the same group that is called by Paul “the one new man” in Ephesians 2:15.
Two Covenants & Two Groups of 144 Thousand
There are two places in scripture where this number of 144 thousand is mentioned. These two places are in Revelation 7 & Revelation 14.
A Mathematical formula can be found with the number 144 that consists of 12 Tribes of Yisra’el x 12 Apostles. Hebrew Sages of old had long believed that Adam was 30 years old at his creation, and that he was born in 4,030 B.C. (you don’t count the year zero).
In the Towrah, a man must be 30 years old before entering into the priesthood or ministry (Numbers 4:3-47). Adam’s ministry as the High Priest or overseer of the earth began at 30, just as Yahuwshuwa’s ministry began at 30.
Yahuwceph (Joseph) was also 30 years old at the beginning of his ministry as well:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 41:46 And Yahuwceph (Joseph) was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Yahuwshuwa is called “The last Adam” (1st Corinthians 15:45) because he succeeded where the first Adam failed in his mission. Adam was therefore created in the year 4,030 B.C. and Yahuwshuwa began his ministry at the age of 30, (Luke 3:23) on Yom Kippur. His ministry lasted 3.5 years and he was crucified on Passover in 30 A.D.
A Theory of Mine
This is merely a theory of mine, but I believe it adds up mathematically, so bear with me on this. I believe that Yahuwshuwa could possibly return sometime around the year 2,030 A.D. which would bring us to the completion of the 6th day for the creation of “man,” and then we will go into the 7th day or 7th millennium as “One day is like a thousand years to YHWH” (2nd Peter 3:8).
Since we will be celebrating the “Feast of Tabernacles” for 1,000 years during the Millennium, and this feast lasts for 7 days, the last day of this feast is always called “the eighth day.”
Since we will be celebrating the “Feast of Tabernacles” for 1,000 years during the Millennium, and this feast lasts for 7 days, the last day of this feast is always called “the eighth day.”
Therefore, when the 7th Millennium or “day” is completed, it will take us into what is called “the eighth day” going into eternity as the New Heaven and New Earth will come down (Revelation 21).
The number 8 in scripture represents “new beginnings,” thus so we will have a new beginning going into eternity. On the Hebrew biblical calendar there are 360 days as opposed to 365 days for the solar calendar.
If we take 360 X 4000 years from Adam’s creation to Yahuwshuwa’s crucifixion = 1,444,000 days.
Ten is the number that represents the “nations” where the Ten Northern Tribes of Ephrayim-Yisra’el were scattered. In all of his parables, Yahuwshuwa often referred to the number ten.
He spoke He spoke of 10 commandments, 10 virgins, 10 cities, 10 talents, 10 coins, 10 lepers were healed, etc.
He spoke He spoke of 10 commandments, 10 virgins, 10 cities, 10 talents, 10 coins, 10 lepers were healed, etc.
The number “10” represents the nations of the earth. There are Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el that were scattered to the nations.
There were 10 provinces of Shinar in Nimrod’s Kingdom (Genesis 10), and these were divided after the flood.
The continents drifted apart after the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.
There are 10 toes in the vision that Daniel interpreted for King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:43). These 10 toes symbolize the nations of the earth. The ten toes in Daniel 2:43 have the same meaning as the 10 “horns” on the Beast in Revelation 12:3, 13:1, 17:3, 17:7, 17:12, 17:16. Therefore, the number “10” represents the tribes of the earth.
If we take 1,444,000 days for the first 4,000 years (from Adam until Messiah died on the cross), and we divide that by “10” for the nations, we get “10” increments of 144,000 days.
We do the same thing for the second 4,000 years (from Yahuwshuwa’s crucifixion until the eighth millennium or the 8,000th year going into eternity). Thus, we have two periods of 1,444,000 days divided by “10” increments for the nations.
12 Tribes of Yisra’el = First Covenant (includes Adamic, Noahite, Abrahamic, Mosaic & Davidic)
12 Apostles = Renewed Covenant
12 + 12 = 24 Elders in Heaven
12 Tribes X 12 Apostles = 144,000
I believe this number, (144,000) represents all those who are redeemed from the time of Adam up until Messiah died for humanity.
This first group of 144,000 in Revelation 7 can be counted as this group. After Messiah died, he redeemed the souls that were in Abraham’s Bosom (Ephesians 4:8-9; Luke 16:22). As he was ascending back to the Father, he promised to pour out his Holy Spirit on the day of Shabuot (Pentecost) as per Acts chapter 2.
At this time in history, Keefa (Peter) preached a message that would lead to 3,000 souls being saved. All those who have been redeemed since that time are counted in the second group of 144,000 described in Revelation 14.
Yahuwshuwa went into the lower parts of the earth to redeem the “first-fruits” of souls that had died under the Mosaic Covenant. He will later on bring in the “latter rain” harvest of souls which will be the second group of 144,000.
Yahuwshuwa went into the lower parts of the earth to redeem the “first-fruits” of souls that had died under the Mosaic Covenant. He will later on bring in the “latter rain” harvest of souls which will be the second group of 144,000.
The Tabernacle of Elohiym that comes out of heaven is the “bride” which is the city called New Jerusalem. This city is the bride of Messiah, and it consists of 12 gates for the 12 Tribes of Yisra’el, and also, it has 12 foundations for the 12 Apostles.
Chazown (Revelation) 21:
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Yisra’el:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The 144,000 are not merely Jews, but they consist of Twelve Tribes. Ephraim & Dan I believe are merged into Joseph since these two tribes committed harlotry under King Rehoboam at “Dan & Mount Ephrayim” with a golden calf and pagan holidays (1st Kings 12:25-29).
These are the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15) and the One Stick (Ezekiel 37:16-17) which combines the “two sticks” of Ephrayim & Judah (Jew & Gentile). These are also the “Two Witnesses” of Revelation 11.
The “Two Witnesses” are the “corporate man-child” of Revelation 12. These are the ones who will carry the Double Portion anointing of Moses & Elijah, Spirit & Truth, Law & Prophets.
Yahuwshuwa is the “man-child” who was born of the woman in Revelation 12. But before his return, he will complete the latter half of his 7 year ministry “Daniel’s 70th Week” through the corporate man-child, which are the two witnesses, the two groups of 144 thousand.
What Does the Number 1,000 Mean in Prophecy?
We read that Moses set up “government” accordingly in Numbers 31 as there were men set up as rulers over 1,000’s, and 10,000’s. Likewise in heaven with the twenty four elders:
Chazown (Revelation) 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
The number 1,000 represents “government” and so we take the root number 144 and we see that it derives from: 12 Tribes of Yisra’el X 12 Apostles.
But since the number 1,000 represents “government” we know that the number 144 X 1,000 symbolizes Yah’s government in the earth.
The 144 thousand consist of 12,000 from each tribe of Yisra’el named in Revelation 7, and I believe these consist of those who physically have the DNA of these tribes who are of the remnant from the Mosaic Covenant “the first fruits” whom Messiah redeemed at his first coming when he went to the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:8-9).
But then in Revelation 14, the names of these tribes are not mentioned in connection with the 144,000. I believe this group represents those who are Renewed Covenant Yisra’el. These are not necessarily natural descendants of the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el.
However, they possess the same promises as natural-born Yisra’el, via being “grafted into” the same olive tree. These are born from above, sons of Yisra’el.
This number 1,000 simply represents “government” and the number 144 is the combination of 12 Tribes X 12 Apostles. Hence, both covenants come together as “one new man”(Jew & Gentile) and he forms the New Messianic Kingdom Government in the earth with Messiah as the King.
Chazown (Revelation) 7:1 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.
*Note: The four angels and the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth represent the harvest field. In the Torah, Yisra’el was commanded not to harvest the four corners of their fields but to leave it for the widow, the orphan and the stranger (Leviticus 19:9, 23:22).
This means that the wind of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) was being withheld now from blowing on the earth. This means that the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) is done converting people. He is no longer breathing on souls to redeem them (John 3:8). The four corners of the prayer shawl (tallit) also has four corners with four fringes on each corner representing the harvest of souls.
Chazown (Revelation) 7:
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living Elohiym: 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 Elohiym in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Yisra’el.
5 Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh were sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
*Note: We have just numbered twelve thousand of each of the tribes of Yisra’el. Now let’s see who comes next!
Chazown (Revelation) 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
*Note: What are we seeing here? We are seeing a company of people called “a great multitude” and who are these? Do you remember the prophecy that was spoken over Ephrayim in Genesis 48 by his grandfather Yisra’el-Ya’aqob (Jacob)?
Let’s see what he said about Ephrayim:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: (Manasseh) but truly his younger brother (Ephrayim) shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
In the previous verses, we see that Manasseh is counted as only being 12,000 in number. But what about Ephrayim? Why is he not mentioned in the above tribes? Well first of all, Ephrayim is named after the stick or tribe of his father Joseph (Ezekiel 37:16-19), but also Ephrayim outnumbers all of the Twelve Tribes because he is a multitude of nations----too many to number!
Chazown (Revelation) 7:
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our Elohiym which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped Elohiym,
12 Saying, Awmane: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our Elohiym for ever and ever. Awmane.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
*Note: In other words the elders are asking “where did they come from?”
Where have we heard this question being asked before? When Yisra’el (Ya’aqob-Jacob) came to Egypt to be reunited with his long lost son Yahuwceph he asked this question:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 48:8 And Yisra’el beheld Yahuwceph’s sons, and said, Who are these?
The multitude of these nations that are too numerous are clothed in white robes but the Twelve Tribes are not clothed in white robes. Why? When the prodigal son came back home in the parable of the prodigal son, he was given a robe along with the fatted calf that was killed for him (the red heifer).
After he repented, then he was cleansed with the red heifer sacrifice and given a ring (a wedding ring and a white robe). The true corporate bride is made up of those who are born-again from above (born again by the spirit) but the literal 144 thousand are the natural Yisra’elites who are saved but they are not the bride of Messiah.
Chazown (Revelation) 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
*Note: Aha! Now we know that this group that is too numerous is the bride because they have washed their robes in the blood of the lamb! They also had to go through the Great Tribulation which is the birth canal. The Greek & Hebrew word for “tribulation” means “a tight and narrow place.”
Chazown (Revelation) 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of Elohiym, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them.
*Note: The bride “follows the lamb wherever he goes” (Revelation 14), and she is seated with Messiah in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Chazown (Revelation) 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
*Note: In John 6, Yahuwshuwa said this: “…. I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.”
Chazown (Revelation) 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and Elohiym shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Yahuwchanon (John) 7:38 He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Now what we see here is that the multitude of nations (Ephrayim) are too numerous to count but the natural-born Yisra’elites can be counted and they are a literal number of 12,000 people per tribe totaling a literal number of 144,000 thousand people.
Now let’s look at the second group of 144 thousand in Revelation 14. Why does it appear that this number suddenly becomes a spiritual number rather than a literal number of people?
Well, in order to see the two groups we must first look at Revelation 12 to see the woman (the literal twelve tribes of Yisra’el) and the man-child (the multitude of nations too numerous to count).
Chazown (Revelation) 12:
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto Elohiym, and to his throne.
*Note: The woman here has a two-fold meaning. It is Miryam, the mother of our Messiah and the man-child is Yahuwshuwa himself literally. But the woman in a spiritual sense is Yisra’el and she is wearing a crown of twelve stars which represents the twelve tribes of Yisra’el.
This woman is none other than the first group of 144 thousand seen in Revelation 7. The man-child are the multitude of nations that we saw in Revelation 7 that were too numerous to count (Ephrayim). Now notice that the man-child is caught up to be with Elohiym at his throne just like it says in Ephesians 2:6 & Revelation 7:15.
Chazown (Revelation) 12:
6 And the woman (Yisra’el) fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of Elohiym, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our Elohiym, and the power of his Messiah: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our Elohiym day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And the dragon was angry with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of Elohiym, and have the testimony of Yahuwshuwa Messiah.
*Note: What you will notice is that the dragon goes to make war with the remnant of the woman’s seed (the man-child) but even though the man-child was caught up to meet YaHuWaH in the air and was changed into incorruption, he obviously must have come back down again because now he is down here on earth being made war against by the devil.
Therefore, we see that the woman is Yisra’el, but the man-child is a male. Who this second group of 144 thousand?
*Note: You will notice that the 144 thousand have “his” Father’s name written in “their” forehead. Notice that “him” and “they” are speaking of 144 thousand. The reference to “him” refers to the “man-child” in Revelation 12 and the “one new man” in Ephesians 2:15. This is a corporate group of people being metaphorically referred to as “him” but the “him” is also a “they.”
In the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 24, “five were wise and five were foolish.” The Ten Virgins represent the Ten Northern Tribes of Yisra’el (Ephrayim).
Out of those ten tribes (virgins) only 50% make it into the marriage. And those virgins are not specified as male or female, for in Messiah there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28).
This corporate group is often referred to as “the man-child,” and at other times they are referred to as “the bride.” When these virgins put on incorruption (the wedding garments) there will no longer be gender distinction.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto Elohiym and to the Lamb.
*Note: The Greek word for “women” is not plural in this verse above, but rather it is singular (woman):
#1135 gune: goo-nay’ probably from the base of 1096; a woman; especially, a wife:----wife, woman.
The Greek word for “virgin” here is:
#3933 parthenos: A virgin; marriageable maiden; a woman who has never had sexual intercourse with a man; a man who has abstained from all uncleanness and whoredom or idolatry; a man who has never had intercourse with a woman.
Notice that this word for “virgin” can also mean “a man who has abstained from idolatry (false religion) with a woman” the Mother Harlot Church!
Chazown (Revelation) 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of Elohiym.
*Note: in the first three chapters of Revelation, Messiah finds no fault with the Congregation of Philadelphia and Smyrna. These are the “two candlesticks” spoken of in Revelation 1:20.
Chazown (Revelation) 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
*Note: These are not merely the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el but all the nations of the world!
Chazown (Revelation) 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear Elohiym, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Chazown (Revelation) 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
*Note: Notice that a reference is being made here to Babylon and it is being called a “she” not a nation. Why? Because these undefiled people above have been kept from this very same “woman” Mystery Babylon!
Chazown (Revelation) 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
Chazown (Revelation) 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohiym, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
*Note: You will notice that the undefiled people who did not defile themselves with the “woman” (Babylon) have not taken the mark of the Beast.
Chazown (Revelation) 14:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of Elohiym, and the faith of Yahuwshuwa.
*Note: Now a contrast is being made between those “set apart ones” (saints) who follow the Lamb wherever he goes and they have the name of their Father YaHuWaH’s name in their foreheads versus those who take the Mark of the Beast’s name.
Clearly these are not limited to only “male virgins” and they are not limited to only 144 thousand literally. This is the “man-child” (Revelation 12) and the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15) and they have the name of their Father YaHuWaH in their foreheads and “they follow the Lamb wherever he goes,” and they keep the commandments. And they do not take the Mark of the Beast’s name.
So does this mean that only 144 thousand people since the beginning of creation will end up denying the Mark of the Beast? Does this mean that only 144 thousand people since the beginning of creation keep the commandments? Does this mean that only 144 thousand since the beginning of creation follow the Lamb?
Let’s see what else scripture has to say about them:
Chazown (Revelation) 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in YHWH from henceforth: Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
*Note: This is obviously speaking of those who get to enter into “rest” in the Millennial Kingdom. This is not limited to a mere 144 thousand!
Chazown (Revelation) 14:
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap: for the time is come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
*Note: This is obviously the end time harvest of souls. At his first coming, Messiah redeemed the “firs fruits” of the barley harvest (those saved under the Mosaic Covenant, who were in the Bosom of Abraham).
On that historic Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he redeemed the “first fruits” of the Spirit (Romans 8:23), when Peter (Keefa), preached a message that won 3,000 souls. At his second coming, Messiah will reap the wheat, and the grapes. The end-time wheat harvest represents all those redeemed under the Renewed Covenant:
Chazown (Revelation) 14:
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of Elohiym.
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
These “two witnesses” are NOT Moses & Elijah as many theologians have taught us. Neither is it Enoch, which many people speculate on. While I do believe that the two witnesses are two individual men, they are also two groups of people:
1.) Gentile Believers.
2.) Yahuwdiym or Jewish Believers.
These two groups, make up the whole of Yisra’el. How do we know this?
Revelation 11:4 illustrates this. We see the angel telling John who these “two witnesses” are. He says they are “Two Olive Trees” (which are likened unto the nation of Yisra’el in prophecy).
There is the Southern Kingdom of Yisra’el (Judah), and the Northern Kingdom of Yisra’el (Ephraim & Joseph, Ezekiel 37:16).
Interestingly, the word for “stick” in Ezekiel 37:16-18 is “ets” which means “tree.” Hence the “two sticks” of Ezekiel are actually “two trees.”
There are only two congregations that Yahuwshuwa commended and found no fault with. These are the Assembly of Philadelphia and the Assembly of Smyrna, hence the “Two Candlesticks” represent those who “overcome.”
Several Reasons Why Elijah, Enoch or Moses Cannot Be the “Two Witnesses” Literally Speaking
1.) In order for the Anti-Messiah to kill them after 1,260 days of prophesying, they’d have to put on corruptible flesh again which means reincarnation and the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27 “...it is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgment.
2.) Elijah was taken up in a chariot but he had to put on incorruptible flesh in order to inherit the kingdom of Elohiym because the Bible says in 1st Corinthians 15:50 “...flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Elohiym.”
3.) Moses died although there was a dispute over his body between the angels (Jude 1:9). But Joshua 1:2 says “Mosheh my servant is dead....” So we know that he died.
4.) At the Mount of Transfiguration, Moshe & Elijah appeared with Yahuwshuwa, so we know they already have an incorruptible body. They cannot put on a mortal body (corruption) again to be killed by the Anti-Messiah!
And, so now we know that the Gentile Believers and the Messianic Jewish believers are “The Two Witnesses” corporately speaking. And these two groups become a powerful force that prophesy against the Anti-Messiah for 1,260 days. After they are killed in Revelation 11 it says that the two witnesses get “taken up!” This is clearly the Rapture or Harpazo.
Revelation 11:15 says “The 7th trumpet sounded!” Guess which trumpet this is? It is the same “last trump” in 1st Corinthians 15:50-52 and Matthew 24:29, when Yahuwshuwa will gather his elect with “a great sound of a trumpet.
The Bride Joins the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah)
In the book of Ruth, we see a picture of a Gentile woman (a Moabite) who was from a heathen nation named Ruth. In Ruth 1:16,we find Ruth going back to Bethlehem-Yahuwdah with her widowed mother- in-law, Naomi (symbolic of Judah). Ruth made a declaration that she was joining Naomi’s tribe of people, and that she wanted to serve the same Elohiym as the people of YaHuWDaH (Judah).
Ruwth (Ruth) 1:16 And Ruth said, entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you: for wherever you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge: your people shall be my people, and your Elohiym my Elohiym:
What other place in the TaNaKh (Old Testament) have we heard of this same concept taking place?
Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 8:
22 Yes, many people and strong nations shall come to seek YHWH of hosts in Yerushalayim, and to pray before YHWH.
23 Thus says YHWH of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a YaHuWdiy (Jew), saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that Elohiym is with you.
We are seeing a picture here of Ruth being as the five wise virgins out of the ten virgins in Matthew 24 or as these ten men from the ten lost tribes of Yisra’el in the nations who are now in the last days taking hold of a YaHuWdiy (Jew) and going back to Yerushalayim to seek YaHuWaH.
What is characteristic about the tribe of YaHuWDaH? Why do the other ten tribes take hold of them? Well first of all, Ya’aqob (Jacob) spoke a prophecy over his son YaHuWDaH (Judah) in Genesis 49:10 indicating that he would be the one whom the other nations would be gathered to in the last days: “unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
What is characteristic about the tribe of YaHuWDaH? Why do the other ten tribes take hold of them? Well first of all, Ya’aqob (Jacob) spoke a prophecy over his son YaHuWDaH (Judah) in Genesis 49:10 indicating that he would be the one whom the other nations would be gathered to in the last days: “unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
In Revelation 14:4 it says that these virgins who are gathered to the Lamb are not defiled by “woman” (the Harlot Church) and they “follow the lamb wherever he goes.” And what Tribe is the Lamb from?
Revelation 5:5 tells us that he is the Lion of the Tribe of YaHuWDaH (Judah)!
Notice that the name of YaHuWDaH has 5 Hebrew Letters: Yod, Hey, Waw, Dalet, Hey. And notice that Revelation 14:4 has the number 144 in it as well!
Revelation 5:5 tells us that he is the Lion of the Tribe of YaHuWDaH (Judah)!
Notice that the name of YaHuWDaH has 5 Hebrew Letters: Yod, Hey, Waw, Dalet, Hey. And notice that Revelation 14:4 has the number 144 in it as well!
The 144 thousand in this second group are those who follow the Lamb (who is from the tribe of Yahuwdah/Judah), wherever he goes.
These are the 10 men/nations in Zechariah 8:23 who follow one Yahuwdiy (Jew). They are the 10 virgins in Matthew 24.
Interestingly, there are 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins, and 5 letters found in the name YaHuWDaH. Only 5 wise virgins get to take on her bridegroom’s tribal name---YaHuWDaH (Judah)!
I believe we are seeing a mathematical ratio in Zechariah 8:23 of ten literal men to every one Yahuwdiy (Jew) who is Yahuwshuwa Messiah, literally. But this is also an equation for each 4,000 year period for the Mosaic Covenant (from Adam to Messiah’s death) and then the Renewed Covenant (from Messiah’s death until the Millennium is completed in the 8,000th year).
For each 4,000 year period X 360 biblical-days of years = 1,444,000 days. When we divide those days into increments of 10 (for the 10 men or 10 nations) we get 10 increments of 144,000!
For each 4,000 year period X 360 biblical-days of years = 1,444,000 days. When we divide those days into increments of 10 (for the 10 men or 10 nations) we get 10 increments of 144,000!
Could it be that herein lies the mystery to understanding Zechariah 8:23? All of the other tribes in the end will join the “one stick” of Yahuwdah (Judah), as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:16-17.
The first group of 144 thousand in Revelation 7 is literally 12 Tribes of Yisra’el with a literal number of people, and these I believe will be the guests at the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” They are like John the Baptist who was called “a friend of the bridegroom” (John 3:29). The bridal party is not the bride, but the bridal party rejoices with the bride and the bridegroom!
Yahuwchanon (John) the Immerser represents the Levitical Priesthood of the Sons of Aaron. But Yahuwshuwa Messiah and his bride represent collectively the New Covenant Priesthood of the order of Melchizedek.
Hence, the friends of the bridegroom (the guests) at the wedding are the physical earthly priesthood that will be serving together with the Melchizedek Priesthood in the Tabernacle of Dawiyd (David) in the New Millennium. But the corporate bride is made up of those who are resurrected and put on incorruption as the eternal priests.
The second group of 144 thousand is the bride in Revelation 14, and they are under the Renewed Covenant and these people are “too many to number.”
They are no longer being identified by 12 separate tribes because in Messiah there is “neither Jew nor Gentile” (Yahuwdiy nor Goyim) for they are one in Messiah.
They are being identified as the ones who are getting married to the Lamb who is from Yahuwdah. In other words, the Renewed Covenant bride marries into the House of Yahuwdah because her husband is from Yahuwdah, just like Ruth who married Boaz from Yahuwdah.
The “two olive trees” in Revelation 11:4 are the two literal tribal leaders (Ephraim & Yahuwdah), who are in charge of the 12 Tribes (144 thousand). But the “two candlesticks” are the “over-coming” Congregations (Smyrna & Philadelphia). They are “too many to number.”
Another thing that is a distinguishing mark between the first group in Revelation 7 and the second group in Revelation 14, is the mark they receive in their foreheads is slightly different.
Chazown (Revelation) 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our Elohiym in their foreheads.
This first group of 144 thousand are sealed in their foreheads but it does not specify that they have “Their Father’s name in their foreheads” like the second group of 144 thousand in Revelation 14. Why? Well I believe that the “seal” that the first group receives is the same one seen in Ezekiel 9 which is the “Taw.”
This seal called the “taw” is spelled with two Hebrew letters (taw and waw).
This mark distinguishes the House of YaHuWDaH (Judah) from the other Ten Northern Tribes, because the red heifer sacrifice (represented by the ox head) was only offered up for the House of Ephrayim. In the parable of the prodigal son, when he returned in Luke 15:23, he was given a fatted calf to celebrate his return.
However, the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son represents YaHuWDaH (Judah), as he did not receive the fatted calf killed for him, hence the “Taw” without the “Aleph.” The Aleph is a prophetic picture of the Red Heifer sacrifice in Numbers 19. Thus, the older brother (Judah) will not have the Red Heifer slaughtered for him, until the end of days, just as the Temple is about the be built in Jerusalem.
The “Aleph & Taw” is the Ox Head or the Red Heifer with Two Crossed Sticks, as seen in this illustration:
The “Aleph & Taw” is the mark that distinguishes those who belong to Yahuwshuwa (before he returns), versus those who are marked and sealed in Ezekiel 9 & Revelation 7. Those who refuse the Mark of the Beast, but they don’t see that Yahuwshuwa is the Messiah yet (until he returns to the Mount of Olives), they are marked with the Taw, but not the Aleph.
In Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 9, those who “Sigh and cry at the abominations” that are being done in Jerusalem in the last days are the ones who receive this first seal which is the “Taw.” I believe these are the same ones who do not recognize the Messiah until he returns in Zechariah 12:10. They will not see him again until they say “Baruch Haba B’Shem YaHuWaH” (Luke 13:35).
This phrase (above), in Hebrew is translated in English as: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of YaHuWaH.”
Who was our Messiah addressing in Luke 13:34-35?
34 O Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), Yerushalayim, which kill the prophets, and stone them that are sent unto you; how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen does gather her brood under her wings, and you would not!
35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, You shall not see me, until the time come when you shall say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of YHWH.
You see, there will be a remnant out of the inhabitants of Yerushalayim in the end of days who will not take the mark of the Beast. They will be sealed in their foreheads and the earth will not be hurt until they are sealed. I believe they are the first group of 144 thousand from Revelation 7.
Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 12:
9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 And I will pour upon the house of Dawiyd (David), and upon the inhabitants of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Yehezqel (Ezekiel) 9:4 And YHWH said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
Now the second group of 144 thousand in Revelation 14 actually has “Father’s name written in their foreheads.”
Chazown (Revelation) 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Tziyown (Zion), and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads:
YaHuWaH יהוה
What is the difference between the first group of 144 thousand in Revelation 7 from the second group of 144 thousand in Revelation 14? The answer is found in the words of our Messiah:
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:23 Whosover denies the Son, the same has not Father: he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
The first group does not have their Father’s name yet! They are “sealed” because they obeyed the Torah and did not take the “Mark of the Beast.”
However, they will not see their Messiah until he returns!
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