The 144,000 and the Multitude
Chapter 6
The Remnant And The Seed
In the different prophetic books throughout the Bible (especially in the Old Testament), when we study the passages concerning Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, and Zion, we sometimes have difficulty in understanding exactly what is being referred to. In these references, one passage may be speaking about one of these names in a good light; yet in another passage, the same name is spoken about in bad terms and how the wrath of God will be upon them.
For example, in we read in Isaiah 52:9 “for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.” At the same time, another passage in Micah 3:12 will say “Jerusalem shall become heaps” (ruins). This can be very confusing when trying to understand prophecy. How can this be explained?
Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, and Zion are all referring to one thing: The Church. These names are used interchangeably. This broad identification of the “Church” can be broken down into two categories. The True Church, which is comprised of the remnant and the Apostate Church which is comprised of the apostate professing Christians and the Multitude which has not yet come out of the False Apostate Church.
When you read the verses concerning any of these five names, and it is speaking positively, it would be referring to the “remnant” of Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, or Zion. If it is speaking in negative terms, it would be referring to the “apostate” of which presently includes the “Multitude” of Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, or Zion.
Another understanding that we need to grasp is the concept of two remnants. There is the Remnant of Israel and there is another “remnant” which is the Multitude. The remnant of the Multitude is described as “the remnant of her seed” – a term that will be discussed shortly. The reason we need to come to an understanding of the two remnants, is so you will know which of the remnants certain verses are speaking about.
The remnant of Israel -- the 144,000 -- are spoken about in terms such as “come out of her,” and “Ye shall not leave by haste, nor by flight.” These texts are describing the 144,000 coming out of Babylon and Egypt in an orderly fashion by the Lord’s leading. Revelation tells us the Woman flies into the wilderness; she does not flee by flight or escape. She has a place where she goes by God’s instruction.
When referencing the remnant of the Multitude, you will read verses such as “the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah,” and “Let them which be in Judea flee to the mountains.” The remnant of the Multitude flees by flight or escapes and is forced to run for their lives.
Another good example is the passages in the gospels having to do with fleeing to the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation. These warnings tell them when they flee that they are not even to go back to their house to get their coat. This would be a very hasty and immediate evacuation and flight, and it appears to be a very narrow escape. Additionally, when they escape, they escape out of the spiritual Babylon, Jerusalem, Judah, etc. yet they do not escape their punishment. They will be apprehended and dealt with. With this principle in mind, these next verses will make more sense.
And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. [31] For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. - 2 Kings 19:30, 31
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. [21] The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. [22] For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. - Isaiah 10:20, 21
In the preceding verses, you will notice that the remnant of the house of Judah, the remnant of the house of Jerusalem, the remnant of Israel, and the ones that have escaped out of the house of Jacob, return to the Lord. This is seen in Isaiah 10:22. These will come out of the apostate church after the sealing of the 144,000 has taken place. Notice in Isaiah 10:20 speaking about the remnant escaping. They will stay upon the LORD, in truth. They will come into the truth when they escape out of the apostate church.
The Seed
Now let’s take a look at how these two “remnants” interact with one another. There is a very important link between the two. The 144,000 and the Multitude will come together during the Tribulation. The Multitude will come to the 144,000 to be fed by them. Fed what? They will be fed the truth that they have not been following; the truth of the end times and what they must do. We can begin by our probe into the relationship between the two by understanding the truth of the seed and her offspring.
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. - Revelation 12:17
In this verse there is a term the remnant of her seed. This chapter in Revelation is dealing with the woman in the wilderness. When we covered this “woman” earlier, we left off at this verse, where the serpent had sent a flood after the woman and the earth swallowed up the flood. When the dragon sees this, he becomes furious with the woman for he cannot touch her. Then what does he do? He makes war with the remnant of her seed. Who is the remnant of her seed?
The remnant of her seed is the Multitude. The word seed means; something sown, i.e. seed (including male sperm) by implication offspring; specially a remnant: issue, seed. [i] The word remnant is; remaining ones: which remain, remnant, residue, rest. [ii]
Look closely at the definition of seed and remnant. The seed is something sown, offspring by implication, and specifically is a remnant as if kept over for planting. The remnant of her seed would be what remains. The remnant of her seed is describing the remnant that is left of the woman (Israel) after the 144,000 are sealed -- and that would be the Multitude. The remnant of her seed; (the woman in the wilderness) is the offspring of the 144,000.
The woman in the wilderness is representative of Israel. The woman represents the 144,000 for they are the True Israel in the end times. The 144,000 are the seed of Israel. The remnant of her seed, are the Multitude. In upcoming verses, we will see that the remnant of her seed is also referred to as their (the 144,000's) offspring.
In Revelation 15:2, 3 the Multitude is singing the song of Moses. Deuteronomy 31:21 details the Song of Moses and what it will represent in the period of the Tribulation. Within this passage we find another clue to the seed.
And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware. - Deuteronomy 31:21
The word seed in the above verse is defined as; seed; fig fruit, plant, sowing time, child, fruitful, seed, (time), sowing time. [iii]
The Song of Moses will not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed links this to the Multitude in Revelation 15:2, 3; for they (the Multitude) sing the song of Moses. The dragon makes war with the remnant of her seed and out of the mouths of her seed in Deuteronomy 31:21 the Song of Moses will not be forgotten.
Notice that this verse states that it will not be forgotten out of the mouths of “their seed.” It does not say “her seed’ which would be referring to the woman in the role of Israel. It is a possessive pronoun and is referring to belonging (in a sense) to a group. This would fit the 144,000. The seed or offspring of the 144,000 is the Multitude and therefore the song is not forgotten out of the mouths of their (the 144,000's) seed.
And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. [22] They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [23] They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. [24] And it shall come to pass, that before they
call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. – Isaiah 65:21-24
Notice in this verse that the “they” this verse is speaking about is the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. Who is this speaking about? The 144,000 is the seed of the blessed of the Lord and the offspring (the Multitude), is with them. The word offspring means; issue, i.e. produce, children that which cometh forth (out), offspring. [iv] This would be the Multitude that comes forth or out of the 144,000 for they are the man child of the woman of Revelation 12.
Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: [2] Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. [3] For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: [4] And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. [5]
One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto theLORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. - Isaiah 44:1-5
Here again, in this verse it states that the Lord will pour out His spirit upon thy seed. Who would that be? It is the 144,000 who are the seed of Israel. Remember “the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain” spoken of in Joel? This is the Spirit that the Lord will cause to “come down.” This looks to be associated with the timing of the pouring out of His spirit. The Lord shall pour His blessing upon the offspring.
There is a bit of a difference that I will note here. When the Lord states in Isaiah 44: 3, “I will pour my spirit upon they seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring;” doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the blessed of the LORD. In fact, if you look up in the concordance the usage of the word “blessed” in Revelation, the only place that you will find this word is for those that have kept the sayings of the book of Revelation, kept their garments, watched, or died.
This would be referring to the Multitude, for once the 144,000 are sealed, the 144,000 no longer have to be tested. In Revelation 14:13, we find a passage that states “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” So, the Lord can put forth his blessing upon the offspring, but the “blessed” of the Lord are the 144,000. After the sealing of the 144,000, it appears that the only way to become the “Blessed of the Lord” is the sacrifice of your life. The Multitude becomes blessed after the sealing of the 144,000, yet it is through their trials and tribulation that they become blessed.
And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. 10 ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:9-10
Here is yet another verse with seed and offspring in it; the 144,000 (seed) and the Multitude (offspring). This one also states in verse 9, “they are the seed that the Lord has blessed” -- exactly what the previously mentioned verse in Isaiah 61:23 states. The blessed of the Lord is different than the seed that the Lord has blessed.
Also, notice in verse 10 of the same chapter where we find that “He (the Lord) hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” This connects this with the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation 12. This verse also speaks about a bridegroom that is decked with ornaments, and a bride that is adorned with jewels. When does a bridegroom and a bride do these things? These things are done at their wedding. The connections are interesting indeed.
And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. - Isaiah 65:9
In this verse, we see that the Lord brings forth “a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah.” Who would this seed be? This would be the 144,000. The 144,000 inherit His mountains. This would be Sion where the 144,000 are seen with the Lamb in Revelation chapter 14.
The servants of the Lord shall dwell there. Who are the servants of the Lord in the end time? The 144,000. This verse also states that Jacob and Judah, an inheritor of the Lord’s mountains are His elect, and His servants (His elect) shall dwell there.
Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. [13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: [14] Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. - Isaiah 65:12-14
Herein lies the description of the Church, the apostate and the true remnant, the 144,000. The apostate will suffer, even as the servants of the Lord shall eat, drink, and rejoice while the apostate shall go hungry, thirsty, and be ashamed. Out of the apostate Church will come the Multitude. They are currently in the apostate church. When the Tribulational judgments begin, they will wake up and return to the Lord. They will seek out the truth, and they will make the sacrifice that will be required of them.
[i]. Strong’s 4690
[ii]. Strong’s 3062
[iii]. Strong’s 2233
[iv]. Strong’s 6631
For example, in we read in Isaiah 52:9 “for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.” At the same time, another passage in Micah 3:12 will say “Jerusalem shall become heaps” (ruins). This can be very confusing when trying to understand prophecy. How can this be explained?
Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, and Zion are all referring to one thing: The Church. These names are used interchangeably. This broad identification of the “Church” can be broken down into two categories. The True Church, which is comprised of the remnant and the Apostate Church which is comprised of the apostate professing Christians and the Multitude which has not yet come out of the False Apostate Church.
When you read the verses concerning any of these five names, and it is speaking positively, it would be referring to the “remnant” of Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, or Zion. If it is speaking in negative terms, it would be referring to the “apostate” of which presently includes the “Multitude” of Jacob, Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, or Zion.
Another understanding that we need to grasp is the concept of two remnants. There is the Remnant of Israel and there is another “remnant” which is the Multitude. The remnant of the Multitude is described as “the remnant of her seed” – a term that will be discussed shortly. The reason we need to come to an understanding of the two remnants, is so you will know which of the remnants certain verses are speaking about.
The remnant of Israel -- the 144,000 -- are spoken about in terms such as “come out of her,” and “Ye shall not leave by haste, nor by flight.” These texts are describing the 144,000 coming out of Babylon and Egypt in an orderly fashion by the Lord’s leading. Revelation tells us the Woman flies into the wilderness; she does not flee by flight or escape. She has a place where she goes by God’s instruction.
When referencing the remnant of the Multitude, you will read verses such as “the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah,” and “Let them which be in Judea flee to the mountains.” The remnant of the Multitude flees by flight or escapes and is forced to run for their lives.
Another good example is the passages in the gospels having to do with fleeing to the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation. These warnings tell them when they flee that they are not even to go back to their house to get their coat. This would be a very hasty and immediate evacuation and flight, and it appears to be a very narrow escape. Additionally, when they escape, they escape out of the spiritual Babylon, Jerusalem, Judah, etc. yet they do not escape their punishment. They will be apprehended and dealt with. With this principle in mind, these next verses will make more sense.
And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. [31] For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this. - 2 Kings 19:30, 31
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. [21] The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. [22] For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. - Isaiah 10:20, 21
In the preceding verses, you will notice that the remnant of the house of Judah, the remnant of the house of Jerusalem, the remnant of Israel, and the ones that have escaped out of the house of Jacob, return to the Lord. This is seen in Isaiah 10:22. These will come out of the apostate church after the sealing of the 144,000 has taken place. Notice in Isaiah 10:20 speaking about the remnant escaping. They will stay upon the LORD, in truth. They will come into the truth when they escape out of the apostate church.
The Seed
Now let’s take a look at how these two “remnants” interact with one another. There is a very important link between the two. The 144,000 and the Multitude will come together during the Tribulation. The Multitude will come to the 144,000 to be fed by them. Fed what? They will be fed the truth that they have not been following; the truth of the end times and what they must do. We can begin by our probe into the relationship between the two by understanding the truth of the seed and her offspring.
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. - Revelation 12:17
In this verse there is a term the remnant of her seed. This chapter in Revelation is dealing with the woman in the wilderness. When we covered this “woman” earlier, we left off at this verse, where the serpent had sent a flood after the woman and the earth swallowed up the flood. When the dragon sees this, he becomes furious with the woman for he cannot touch her. Then what does he do? He makes war with the remnant of her seed. Who is the remnant of her seed?
The remnant of her seed is the Multitude. The word seed means; something sown, i.e. seed (including male sperm) by implication offspring; specially a remnant: issue, seed. [i] The word remnant is; remaining ones: which remain, remnant, residue, rest. [ii]
Look closely at the definition of seed and remnant. The seed is something sown, offspring by implication, and specifically is a remnant as if kept over for planting. The remnant of her seed would be what remains. The remnant of her seed is describing the remnant that is left of the woman (Israel) after the 144,000 are sealed -- and that would be the Multitude. The remnant of her seed; (the woman in the wilderness) is the offspring of the 144,000.
The woman in the wilderness is representative of Israel. The woman represents the 144,000 for they are the True Israel in the end times. The 144,000 are the seed of Israel. The remnant of her seed, are the Multitude. In upcoming verses, we will see that the remnant of her seed is also referred to as their (the 144,000's) offspring.
In Revelation 15:2, 3 the Multitude is singing the song of Moses. Deuteronomy 31:21 details the Song of Moses and what it will represent in the period of the Tribulation. Within this passage we find another clue to the seed.
And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware. - Deuteronomy 31:21
The word seed in the above verse is defined as; seed; fig fruit, plant, sowing time, child, fruitful, seed, (time), sowing time. [iii]
The Song of Moses will not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed links this to the Multitude in Revelation 15:2, 3; for they (the Multitude) sing the song of Moses. The dragon makes war with the remnant of her seed and out of the mouths of her seed in Deuteronomy 31:21 the Song of Moses will not be forgotten.
Notice that this verse states that it will not be forgotten out of the mouths of “their seed.” It does not say “her seed’ which would be referring to the woman in the role of Israel. It is a possessive pronoun and is referring to belonging (in a sense) to a group. This would fit the 144,000. The seed or offspring of the 144,000 is the Multitude and therefore the song is not forgotten out of the mouths of their (the 144,000's) seed.
And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. [22] They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. [23] They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. [24] And it shall come to pass, that before they
call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. – Isaiah 65:21-24
Notice in this verse that the “they” this verse is speaking about is the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. Who is this speaking about? The 144,000 is the seed of the blessed of the Lord and the offspring (the Multitude), is with them. The word offspring means; issue, i.e. produce, children that which cometh forth (out), offspring. [iv] This would be the Multitude that comes forth or out of the 144,000 for they are the man child of the woman of Revelation 12.
Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: [2] Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. [3] For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: [4] And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. [5]
One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto theLORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel. - Isaiah 44:1-5
Here again, in this verse it states that the Lord will pour out His spirit upon thy seed. Who would that be? It is the 144,000 who are the seed of Israel. Remember “the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain” spoken of in Joel? This is the Spirit that the Lord will cause to “come down.” This looks to be associated with the timing of the pouring out of His spirit. The Lord shall pour His blessing upon the offspring.
There is a bit of a difference that I will note here. When the Lord states in Isaiah 44: 3, “I will pour my spirit upon they seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring;” doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the blessed of the LORD. In fact, if you look up in the concordance the usage of the word “blessed” in Revelation, the only place that you will find this word is for those that have kept the sayings of the book of Revelation, kept their garments, watched, or died.
This would be referring to the Multitude, for once the 144,000 are sealed, the 144,000 no longer have to be tested. In Revelation 14:13, we find a passage that states “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” So, the Lord can put forth his blessing upon the offspring, but the “blessed” of the Lord are the 144,000. After the sealing of the 144,000, it appears that the only way to become the “Blessed of the Lord” is the sacrifice of your life. The Multitude becomes blessed after the sealing of the 144,000, yet it is through their trials and tribulation that they become blessed.
And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. 10 ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:9-10
Here is yet another verse with seed and offspring in it; the 144,000 (seed) and the Multitude (offspring). This one also states in verse 9, “they are the seed that the Lord has blessed” -- exactly what the previously mentioned verse in Isaiah 61:23 states. The blessed of the Lord is different than the seed that the Lord has blessed.
Also, notice in verse 10 of the same chapter where we find that “He (the Lord) hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” This connects this with the woman clothed with the sun in Revelation 12. This verse also speaks about a bridegroom that is decked with ornaments, and a bride that is adorned with jewels. When does a bridegroom and a bride do these things? These things are done at their wedding. The connections are interesting indeed.
And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. - Isaiah 65:9
In this verse, we see that the Lord brings forth “a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah.” Who would this seed be? This would be the 144,000. The 144,000 inherit His mountains. This would be Sion where the 144,000 are seen with the Lamb in Revelation chapter 14.
The servants of the Lord shall dwell there. Who are the servants of the Lord in the end time? The 144,000. This verse also states that Jacob and Judah, an inheritor of the Lord’s mountains are His elect, and His servants (His elect) shall dwell there.
Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. [13] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: [14] Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit. - Isaiah 65:12-14
Herein lies the description of the Church, the apostate and the true remnant, the 144,000. The apostate will suffer, even as the servants of the Lord shall eat, drink, and rejoice while the apostate shall go hungry, thirsty, and be ashamed. Out of the apostate Church will come the Multitude. They are currently in the apostate church. When the Tribulational judgments begin, they will wake up and return to the Lord. They will seek out the truth, and they will make the sacrifice that will be required of them.
[i]. Strong’s 4690
[ii]. Strong’s 3062
[iii]. Strong’s 2233
[iv]. Strong’s 6631