Those Arrayed in White Robes Revelation 7:13

After the worship scene in heaven where “the Lamb” of God received the “scroll” in God's right hand, the beginning of the tribulation to come upon the earth began and John the apostle saw the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and the sixth seals were opened and great troubles came upon the earth with each of them. He continued, “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, and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, 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 worshiped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” In chapter seven and verse thirteen John heard one of the elders ask, “what are these which are arrayed in white robes?” where we read:

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,

What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and from where did they come?

The verse reads, “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, ...” John began with the words, “and one of the elders” which means “and a certain one of the twenty-four presbyters, judges or rulers” “answered” which means “gave an answer to a question proposed”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” “unto me” which means “to John the apostle”. “One of the elders” presented a rhetorical question to John the apostle.

The verse goes on to say, “... What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and from where did they come?” John added the words, “what are these” which means “who are these people” “which are arrayed” which means “who are clothed” “in white robes” or “within brilliant, shining and bright outer garments or gowns”? “And from where” which means “and of what origin and condition” “did they come” or “did this multitude dressed in white make their appearance, arise and find place of influence”? The “elder” asked John who these people before God's throne were, and what was their origin.

When we meditate John's words in this verse, we see how this certain “elder” asked John a question to which he had no answer. He was unsure who this massive crowd was, and he certainly did not know from where they came. God allowed John to have a special insight into the spiritual world in heaven, and these before God's throne were not identified to him as yet. God works in mysterious ways, and He desires for people to trust Him with many things they see and don't see. He desires to have relationship of trust with people through His Son Jesus Christ, and as He chooses to reveal things such as the origin of these people were who were before God's throne and “arrayed in white robes”, He may do so as He wills. Let all who wonder about the mysteries of God know that He is certain and may be trusted in all things throughout eternity.

Next time we John answers, “Sir, you know”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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