QUESTION: Specifically, who are the 144,000 of The Revelation? Is the number literal or symbolic?
ANSWER: The apostle John wrote the book in signs (chptr.1, vs.1), by inspiration, to the seven churches of Asia, warning them (Christians of that time and place) of the persecutions that would be placed upon them by the Roman Empire. The main thrust of the book, however, is to encourage these Christians by assuring them that they would eventually overcome these things by remaining faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10); and that they would, thereby, gain the final victory through Jesus Christ.
Some hold that the 144,000 symbolically represents only the Jews who lived before Christ under the Old Testament. That faithful Jews of that time, as well as we, were cleansed by the blood of Christ in His death cannot be denied (Hebrews 9:15). However, since John is writing specifically to Christians, it appears more likely that he in the subject passages is referring primarily and symbolically to Christian Jews of the twelve tribes scattered abroad (James 1:1), and the “Hebrews” to whom Paul wrote. This, of course, would not exclude Jews who lived under the Old Testament from this number, but certainly it should not be limited to them! In chapter seven (vss.1-8), John assigns the equal number of 12,000 (showing the impartial nature of God) to each of the twelve tribes. In verse nine he sees a great multitude, consisting “of all nations, and kindreds, and people.” Undoubtedly the “all’ in this verse is to include the “Jews” of the 144,000. “All” of these were said to be arrayed in white robes; had come out of the great tribulation; and been washed in the blood of the Lamb (vss. 9-17). In chapter fourteen, verse seven, we learn that these (the 144,000) were those who “follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth;” that they “were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits (James 1:18) unto God and to the Lamb.” It seems clear that the reference is specifically to Christians; those who followed Christ, but at the same time is broad enough to include “all” who have been washed in the blood, including those under Moses’ Law! The context also shows without doubt that the number of 144,000 is symbolic.
For example: none would argue that the four angels, four corners, four winds, sea, tree, seal of the living God, and foreheads were literal (chptr.7, vss.1-3). Neither would any insist that the 144,000 were all men and literal virgins (chptr.14, vs.4). Why would any then insist that the 144,000 be taken literally, unless to support a false doctrine? Surely, all of these matters are to be taken as symbols, including the 144,000!