Exodus to Numbers
When the Lamb opens the sixth seal, the earth and sky collapse (Revelation 6:12-17). The earth shakes, the sky grows dark, the world begins to fall apart. Like Egypt in the time of Moses, the Lamb strikes the earth with plagues and, like the Egyptians, the people of the land run for cover.
What should come next? If we’re following the Pentateuch, we’re not surprised to see a census-taking scene in chapter 7. Someone counts off the tribal numbers for the twelve tribes of Israel (7:4-8). Following a compressed book of exodus we have a compressed book of Numbers.
The final stage of the sixth seal fits here too. John sees an innumerable multitude, dressed in priestly white and ready to serve God in His temple (7:9, 15). God spreads the wing of His tabernacle over them, taking them as His people and bride (7:15). The saints are portrayed as a priestly people, entering a new marriage covenant.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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