7:9 After these things I saw a large crowd from every nation, tribe, people, and language. No one was able to count how many people there were. They were standing in front of the throne and the lamb. They were wearing white robes, holding palm branches in their hands,
After these things
"After these things" probably are the six seals and the 144,000 Jews being sealed.
I saw a large crowd from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
The focus has changed from earth back to heaven because the THRONE and LAMB are here. The great multitude are "victorious believers" from the Great Tribulation (verse 14) perhaps.
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The expression "great multitude" is indicated in
John is given a glimpse of the fulfillment of Jesus words, Matthew 24:14. All the world hears it before the end comes; the Great Commission is completed (Acts 1:7-8).
STANDING before
CLOTHED in white robes (special reward) and palm branches were in their hands;
"Standing before" vs. "fallen down before" ... denotes a victory which is confirmed by the palm branches in their hands. These are ones who truly were victorious over the beast, antichrist, and martyrdom, and followed Christ even to death. They can hold their heads high in VICTORY!
This is a celebration like the Feast of Tabernacles, Leviticus 23:39-41. It is a joyful time (in heaven) especially after the 6 seals were opened (on earth). What the 'great multitude' must have endured (on earth) to get here (in heaven)! Truly, "O DEATH, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)