Here there is a pause in the descriptions of the judgments against those who rejected Jesus, and the deliverance of those who have accepted Jesus is described. One hundred and forty-four thousand Jews and a countless number of Gentiles or non-Jews are delivered.
We would love to see everyone delivered, but that is not how it is. One hundred forty-four thousand may sound like a big number, but small compared to the total number of Jews. The multitude of non-Jews who are delivered is big, but God’s judgment is carried out on many more. Jesus creates a strong dividing line for all people. Those who trust him are saved. Those who don’t trust him are condemned (John 3:18).