And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. (Revelation 14:1)
Compare the mark of the beast on the forehead (see on ch. 13:16).
His Father’s name.
Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “his name and the name of his Father.” In ch. 7:3 the 144,000 are said to be sealed “in their foreheads.” There is, therefore, a close connection between the seal and the divine name. Evidently in vision the seal that John saw contained the name of the Father and the Son. Ancient seals contained the name of the authenticating agent. For examples of inscriptions on these seals see on ch. 7:2. Applied to the 144,000, the names represent
(1) ownership—the 144,000 belong to God;
(2) character—the 144,000 reflect the image of Jesus fully.
Compare on ch. 13:17, where the mark of the beast and the name of the beast are closely connected.
See on Ps. 48:2. Rev. 14:1-5 is closely connected with ch. 13:11-18. The 144,000 are here shown with the Lamb on Mt. Zion to indicate their triumph over the beast and his image. Earlier John had seen them passing through the severest trial; he had seen them boycotted and condemned as worthy of death. But in their darkest hour they were delivered and are now with the Lamb, eternally secure from the conflicts of earth.
A Lamb.
Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “the Lamb.” The definite article, if it is accepted, doubtless refers to the Lamb mentioned in ch. 5:6 (see comment there). For the use of the article to refer back to previously introduced prophetic items see on Dan. 7:13; cf. on Rev. 1:13.