Feeding Trough

Who are the twenty-four elders?

⁴ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. (Revelation 4:4)

I believe they are the twelve disciples and the leaders of the 144,000 set apart in Revelation 7. Jesus promises twelve thrones twice to His disciples. Once during His ministry and once during the last supper.

During Jesus’ ministry:

²⁸ And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28)

At the Lord’s Supper:

²⁸ “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; ²⁹ and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you ³⁰ that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:28-30)

I believe after the time of the Gentiles, Israel will once again be tested during what has been called “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” or “the Great Tribulation” in which everyone will turn against them. This is when 144,000 will be marked and I believe twelve leaders will once again be chosen to stand with Jesus in His trials.

⁴ And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: (Revelation 7:4)

References

Revelation 4:4

Matthew 19:28

Luke 22:28-30

Jeremiah 30:7

Hosea 5:15

Revelation 7:4