2.  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God:  and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.

3.  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Vs. 2, 3.—­“Another angel ... having the seal of the living God,” can be none other but the Lord Christ.  His people are “sealed unto the day of redemption with that Holy Spirit of promise,” or promised Holy Spirit. (2 Cor. i. 22; Eph. i. 13).  He came from the east.  There the Son of righteousness arose upon a dark world, and his beams enlightened the kingdoms of Europe, in which multitudes were effectually called during this tranquil period, (ch. xiv. 1).  This angel, as having sovereign authority over “earth and sea,” and from whom the “four angels” had their commission, now commands them not to “hurt the earth and the sea,” till He and the ministers,—­the instruments of his grace,—­had “sealed the servants of God.”  This “sealing,” while symbolizing baptism, signifies especially the saving work of the eternal Spirit, by which its subjects are to be, and actually are, preserved from apostacy in future and trying times.  We shall meet with them again, (ch. xiv. 1.)

The favour shown by Constantine to Christian ministers and converts, induced multitudes to make a profession of Christianity, and of course filled the church with hypocrites.  The flattery of those in power has often proved as detrimental to the church’s spiritual prosperity as their frowns. (Dan. xi. 32.) Still, the special design of this sealing seems to be the preservation of a chosen remnant,—­the witnesses, during the period of the trumpets, when Antichrist should be fully organized.

4.  And I heard the number of them which were sealed:  and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand, of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

5.  Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

6.  Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

7.  Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

8.  Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand.  Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.