A Parenthetical Thought
Rev. 7:1-8
The seventh chapter of Revelation starts with an interlude – actually a parenthetical thought. A parenthetical statement is one that explains or qualifies something. And to understand the book of Revelation, one must be aware of several “parenthesis” throughout the book of Revelation.
(1) The ministry of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-8)
(2) A multitude, saved during the Tribulation Period (Rev.7:9-17).
(3) The third parenthesis, coming between the seventh trumpet and the vial judgments.
(4) The fourth parenthesis, comes between the seventh trumpet and the seven vial judgments.
(5) The fifth parenthesis, comes between the sixth and seventh vial judgments.
(6) The sixth parenthesis, coming between the 2nd and the 3rd doom.
(7) The seventh parenthesis, coming between the 4th and the 5th doom.
These parenthetical passages, simply, contain explanatory matters about things that will transpire, but were not contained in the revealing of the seal, trumpet and vial judgments.
So, let’s look briefly at this first parenthesis
I. Wrath Restrained…v 1
II. Saints Sealed…v2-3
III. Israel Identified…v4-8
