• Reading I: Revelations 14:1-5
• Resp. Psalm: Psalm 24:1-2,3-4,5-6
• Gospel Reading: Luke 21:1-4

144000 and the Lamb

In Rev. 14:1, John presents a scene that contrasts with that of the Beast and its adherents. The Lamb and his adherents, the 144000. The number is ideal; it derives from the number twelve as its base (12x[12x1000]). In 7:3-8 they are presented as those of Israel. But in 14:4b, they are characterized as those who follow the Lamb everywhere he goes, that is, even to the point of death. They are called "firstfruits" and are therefore associated with those under the altar (6:9) and with those beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus (20:4). They are therefore martyrs. More, they are virgins. This aspect of their description contrasts them with the Watchers in 1 Enoch. The Watchers are angels that because of their commerce with the daughters of men are defiled and fall from heaven. In contrast, the 144000 are human beings which are exalted to a heavenly status: they are virginal, undefiled and offer their lives for Christ. In Rev. 7:3 the 144000 are still being sealed. In 14:1ff, they already bear the name of the Lamb and the Father designating their belongingness to both in an "irreversible manner" (Ugo Vanni). They are the only earthly beings who can understand the new song that are sung before the one on the heavenly throne. They learn it so that presumably they can also teach it to others.

So who are the 144000?

The description of the 144000 as virginal points to their identity. We know that there were those in the early church who practised continence, the "eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom" (cf. Mt. 19:12). One of them was St. Paul (see 1 Cor. 7:7-8). Continence was not unknown in the Mediterranean. There were philosophers — especially among the Stoics — who were celibate. With Christianity, the memory of the Lord — who was celibate — and the expectation of his eminent return (1 Cor. 7:25-31) led to the idea that it was better not to marry, since after all, "the unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord" (1 Cor. 7:32). Apart from that they have the ability to learn the new song about the Lamb and are therefore in a position to teach it to others. Finally, they are actively engaged in the work of the Lamb, standing with Him on Mount Zion, the place where — in the eschatology of the prophets — all the nations will be taught the ways of God.

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