Adventistische Schriften über: "Symbolic or literal interpretation of the 144,000"

The interpretation of the 144,000 is often cited in Adventist literature as an example of the need for a literal interpretation, because a departure from the clear wording could lead to arbitrary interpretations. While Revelation is fundamentally a book full of symbols, it is argued that the detailed enumeration of the tribes of Israel and the specific number 144,000 should not be allegorized without a valid reason. Nevertheless, the group of the 144,000 is identified as a “special host” among the redeemed, distinguished by a specific seal and a particular experience in the end times.

Literal vs. symbolic interpretation of the tribes

»What, other than the most reckless departure from a literal interpretation, can cause the Holy Spirit to mean something other than the Jewish nation when speaking of the 12,000 sealed from each tribe? ... If the reader is to find figures and hidden meanings in texts like these, “and from the tribe of Asher 12,000 were sealed; and from the tribe of Gad 12,000 were sealed,” what then can be the meaning of any part of the Bible?«

1 – Signs of the Times [J.V. Himes], The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 7 (HST September 1, 1840, page 82.7)

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The 144,000 as a special group

»We therefore tend to the view that the questions posed by the elder draw attention to a special host: and no host is presented that a special reference would be more natural to than the host mentioned in the first part of the chapter, namely the 144,000. John had indeed seen this host in its mortal state when they, amid the tumultuous scenes of the last days, received the seal of the living God; but since they stand here among the host of the redeemed, the transition is so great ... that he does not recognize them as the special host.«

2 – Uriah Smith, Daniel and The Revelation (DAR1909 472.2)

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Principles of literal interpretation

»Every language of Scripture is to be taken literally, unless there is a good reason to assume it is meant figuratively; and all figurative language is to be interpreted through the literal.«

3 – Uriah Smith, Daniel and The Revelation (DAR1909 123.4)

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Dangers of allegorization

»If it is not to be taken literally, there is no rule that decides what is to be understood beneath it. If we err at all, we prefer to err in taking God at His word rather than reject that word and rely on our own interpretation of it.«

4 – Signs of the Times [J.V. Himes], The Advent Herald, and Signs of the Times Reporter [Himes], vol. 7 (HST January 25, 1843, page 151.21)

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