The concept of "Praise from the Great Multitude" is a profound theme found in the book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 7:9-17. This passage provides a vivid depiction of a vast assembly of believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. This imagery is rich with theological significance and offers insight into the nature of worship and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Context

In Revelation 7:9-10, the Apostle John writes: "After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" . This passage follows the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's protection and preservation of His people.

Theological Significance

The "Great Multitude" represents the universal scope of the Gospel and the inclusivity of God's kingdom. The diversity of the multitude underscores the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The white robes signify purity and righteousness, granted through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The palm branches are reminiscent of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:13), symbolizing victory and peace.

Worship and Praise

The praise offered by the Great Multitude is directed towards both God the Father and the Lamb, highlighting the unity and co-equality of the Godhead in the work of salvation. Their loud proclamation of "Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:10) is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the redemptive work of Christ. This act of worship is not only a response to God's saving grace but also an expression of eternal gratitude and adoration.

Heavenly Worship

The scene in Revelation 7:11-12 further expands on the heavenly worship, as all the angels, the elders, and the four living creatures fall on their faces before the throne and worship God, saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever! Amen." . This doxology emphasizes the attributes of God and His eternal reign, serving as a model for earthly worship.

Eschatological Hope

The presence of the Great Multitude before the throne is a foretaste of the eschatological hope that awaits believers. Revelation 7:15-17 describes the blessings they will experience: "For this reason, 'They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.' For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. 'He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'" . This passage assures believers of God's provision, protection, and ultimate restoration.

In summary, the "Praise from the Great Multitude" is a powerful testament to the inclusivity of God's salvation, the unity of heavenly worship, and the hope of eternal life in the presence of God. It serves as an encouragement for believers to live lives of worship and to participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations.