The reality of chapter 13 that would be the persecution and hardship of the saints was a sinister picture. The revelation left at this juncture would prove most devastating and depressing. Yet, John looked and beheld a most wonderful sight.

John looked and saw “a Lamb,” which is the Christ, standing upon “Mount Zion,” the heavenly Jerusalem. His presence on the height of the mount is a picture of victory, and those who stood with Him, the “one hundred and forty-four thousand,” shared in the victory. The “one hundred and forty-four thousand” are the same that were mentioned in chapter 7. They are those who are marked with God, the Father’s name. They belong to Him.

A voice from heaven sounded, along with music from “harpists.” Then, the victorious number sang a “new song” in the midst of the hosts of heaven. This song of victory and salvation is one that only they knew and could enjoy, for they were of God.

In verses 4 and 5, important conditions are noted as having been met by the great number who sang the “new song.” They were faithful to God. They did not become spiritual adulterers and adulteresses by going after false worship, and worldliness (cf. James 4:4). As such, they were the redeemed among men, and the Father’s select group on earth. Another indispensable characteristic they displayed was that of truthfulness. They loved the truth, so they spoke, and followed the truth (cf. 2 John 4-6). Because they acted in these ways, God presented them blameless before His throne (cf. Jude 24-25).