Definition: And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Revelation 7:4. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s plan for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that God has already decided how many people He wants to save out of the twelve tribes of Israel (the groups that made up the nation). It's a significant number! Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I heard the number of them which were sealed…” – This is poetic language. “Sealed” means God has a plan or purpose for these people. “[and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” – This is the core of the verse. It says that God heard the number of people He wanted to save, and that He determined that there were 100, 40, and 4,000 distinct groups within those tribes. What does this tell us about the future? God’s Favor: This verse is a key part of the Old Testament prophecy about God’s ultimate plan to bring His people back into communion with Him. It shows that God's love and care for His chosen people are immense. A Future Kingdom: It speaks about a future time when God will restore Israel to its full glory, restoring all the tribes together in one unified nation. It’s not just about some people being saved; it’s about the whole tribe returning to God. Important Note: It's important to remember that this is a symbolic passage. The numbers represent a future and significant number of people, not necessarily a literal count of all Israelites at one time. It’s a powerful illustration of God's eternal plan for His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?