9-10: The multitude that is before the throne is so unbelievably massive that “no one is able to count it.” They are in white robes, the greek noun “stolas”, which signifies a longer robe worn to special robes rather than working robes. The color white, along with the palm branches, are both “emblems of triumph” of God over the powers of sin and death. When Abraham is promised the seed of “multitude of nations” in Genesis 17:5, it is fulfilled yet again here with this innumerable crowd. The palm branches, while signifying victory, also alludes to Leviticus 23:40-43 at the Feast of Tabernacles “which was a special time of national rejoicing. These people are accepted before the throne of God, joyful for the worship of the father, and rewarded with the privilege of serving and worshipping before the throne of the living God. Salvation is given to the victorious people who resisted …show more content…
The great tribulation prophesied by Christ and Daniel is a “latter-day tribulation”, where there are many pressures to compromise one’s faith, similar to the struggles of the church of Asia Minor (besides Smyrna and Philadelphia). This tribulation began with the “sufferings of Jesus and is now shared by all believers” as we partake and struggle for the sake of Christ. To wash ones robes in the blood of the Lamb is an “OT metaphor which speaks of the forgiveness of sins”, and can be seen is Isaiah 1:18 and Zechariah 3:3-5. Those who compromise their faith on the other hand “soiled their garments” and defiled their white robes with their own filth. Men are “able to stand before the throne properly clothed” because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, not through their own works or righteous deeds. The saints have been ‘refined by trails”, and through persevering until the send they are saved by the righteous blood of the