144,000 - Revelation 14:1-5

Revelation 14:1-5 ESV
The Lamb and the 144,000
Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.

Jesus returns as the Messiah to earth and stands with the remnant of Israel. These are the tribes we saw sealed previously. The kinsman has redeemed His people from the earth and Israel at last completes the journey to Mt. Zion, fully realizing the land promised long ago. They stand with God in His dwelling place and in His presence.

The song they sing is unique for they are a unique and particular people. No one else can learn the song they will sing. No one else can take their place. They were chosen of God to be His people. Moses begged God several times not to destroy their rebellious forefathers, and God said He would save a remnant because of His promise to Abraham. He will do so.

In the book of Numbers the tribes of Israel are numbered. They are numbered here again, but the numbering implies perfection and completion.

They sing before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. The church and all of creation witness the firstfruits of mankind as they are redeemed from the earth. Now with The Lord they spread His light from His Holy Mountain. Through that light many more will be saved. Because of them, the full number of the Gentiles will be gathered in the harvest.

Exodus 20:18-21
The People Tremble
Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw this, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” And Moses said to the people, “Be of good courage, for God is come to test you, that His fear may be among you so you may not sin.” So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.