ISB ~ Revelation 7 v9

a great multitude:The saints in heaven who passed through the great tribulation without compromising their faith (7:14).

no man could number:The uncountable throng represents the spiritual offspring of Abraham, i.e., those who imitated his faith (Rom 4:11-17).

• The Lord had promised to make Abraham the father of many nations (Gen 17:5) and to give him progeny too numerous to count (Gen 15:5).

white robes:The garments of the faithful who endured the purifying trials of tribulation (Dan 11:35; 12:10). See note on Rev 3:4.

palm branches:Waved at the annual Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) in the liturgy of ancient Israel (Lev 23:40; 2 Mac 10:67).

• The international celebration of Tabernacles has its background in Zech 14:16.