Revelation 7:9

“After this I beheld, etc.] What follows is a distinct vision from the preceding one, and is not a continuation of that, as if the sealing of the Jewish believers was designed by the former, and the sealing of the Gentiles in this latter; whereas in this vision there is no mention made of sealing, nor was there, or will there be any need of it in the time it refers unto; and which is not the time of the Reformation; nor when the vials began to be poured out upon the seat of the beast; for though there were great numbers converted in many nations, kindreds, people, and tongues, yet not in all; nor do the characters of this great multitude, and the happiness they shall enjoy, seem to suit with…”

“no man--Greek, "no one." of all nations--Greek, "OUT OF every nation." The human race is "one nation" by origin, but afterwards separated itself into tribes, peoples, and tongues; hence, the one singular stands first, followed by the three plurals. kindreds--Greek, "tribes." people--Greek, "peoples." The "first-fruits unto the Lamb," the 144,000 (Rev 14:1-4) of Israel, are followed by a copious harvest of all nations, an election out of the Gentiles, as the 144,000 are an election out of Israel (see on Rev 7:3). white robes--(See on Rev 6:11; also Rev 3:5, Rev 3:18; Rev 4:4). palms in . . . hands--the antitype to Christ's entry into Jerusalem amidst the palm-bearing multitude. This shall be…”

“After this - Greek,” After these things” - Μετὰ ταῦτα Meta tauta: that is, after I saw these things thus represented I had another vision. This would undoubtedly imply, not only that he saw these things after he had seen the sealing of the hundred and forty-four thousand, but that they would occur subsequently to that. But he does not state whether they would immediately occur, or whether other things might not intervene. As a matter of fact, the vision seems to be transferred from earth to heaven - for the multitudes which he saw appeared “before the throne” Revelation 7:9; that is, before the throne of God in heaven. The design seems to be to carry the mind forward quite beyond the…”

“A great multitude - Of those who had happily finished their course. Such multitudes are afterwards described, and still higher degrees of glory which they attain after a sharp fight and magnificent victory, Rev 14:1; Rev 15:2; Rev 19:1; Rev 20:4. There is an inconceivable variety in the degrees of reward in the other world. Let not any slothful one say, "If I get to heaven at all, I will be content:" such an one may let heaven go altogether. In worldly things, men are ambitious to get as high as they can. Christians have a far more noble ambition. The difference between the very highest and the lowest state in the world is nothing to the smallest difference between the degrees of glory. But…”

“7:9-17 The interlude’s second vision shows heaven with an innumerable crowd rejoicing because they are secure in Christ and all tears and sorrows have ended. 7:9 This vast crowd of believers (7:14) is too great to count, fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham (Gen 15:5; 17:4-5; Rom 4:16-24; Gal 3:29). • White robes (Rev 6:11) and palm branches (John 12:13) are ancient symbols of victory and success, adding to the celebration that occurs after God ends the hostile world.”

“a great: Gen 49:10; Psa 2:8, Psa 22:27, Psa 72:7-11, Psa 76:4, Psa 77:2, Psa 98:3, Psa 110:2, Psa 110:3, Psa 117:1, Psa 117:2; Isa 2:2, Isa 2:3, Isa 49:6-8, Isa 60:1-14; Jer 3:17, Jer 16:19; Zac 2:11, Zac 8:20-23; Rom 15:9-12 no man: Rev 5:11, Rev 11:15; Gen 13:16; Hos 1:10; Luk 12:1; Rom 11:25; Heb 11:12, Heb 12:22 of all: Rev 5:9; Dan 4:1, Dan 6:25 stood: Luk 21:36; Eph 6:13 clothed: Rev 7:13, Rev 7:14, Rev 3:4, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:18, Rev 4:4, Rev 6:11 palms: Lev 23:40; Joh 12:13 Revelation 7:10”