106 Iwan M. Whiteley is not surprised at the Isaianic judgment imagery in the opening of the sixth seal. It is difficult to refer to Revelation 7 as an interlude any more than one could refer to Zechariah 2:1-5 as an interlude in its context. The primary construct that molds the Revelation text is not the 7 seals, but Zech 1-2, although the 7 seals also communicate relevant information. The Zechariah context would suggest that Rev 7 is a word of encouragement for the churches to flee from spiritual exile. It can now be seen that there is no question that the relationship between both visions in Rev 7 is conjunctive; the 144 000 are the multitude. Rev 7:9-8:1 appears to follow Zechariah in enthusing the churches by resorting to two emotive images to draw the people out of spiritual exile. The churches are told that Yahweh will one day be enthroned over all the earth, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (Rev 7:10). The sacrifice of Jesus has future salvic implications, leading to the final Promised Land. The second emotive image is found in the context of the “seventh seal”. The language of silence contained in Zechariah demonstrates that there is no interlude in Revelation. Rather the seventh seal flows naturally from the preceding verses in Rev 7. Beale’s argument from Hab 2:20, Zeph 1:7 and Zech 2:13 that silence indicates judgment on the ungodly comes nearest to the meaning of 8:1. However, the underlying principle behind Zech 2:13 is that people should be silent when someone greater draws near.61 The Zech 2 context is not essentially talking about the bringing of judgment because verse 11 says, “Many nations will be joined with Yahweh in that day”. The focus is on the final redemption of the world, including the gentiles. The overall rhetorical force of Rev 6-8:1 appears to be that the churches should not become despondent, or wander away from Jesus so as to be cast into exile. Although life is difficult, yet God truly exists and He will one day judge the wicked and inspire a praise that cannot be surpassed, because of Jesus. His presence will result in the whole world being in submission to Him and so the churches should remain faithful. Conclusion This article was written so as to further demonstrate that Revelation has planning and order in the midst of apparent disorder. The focus was on Rev 6-8:1 and there was a survey of interpretational difficulties in 61 See Oswalt, “hsh”, 1048.