One hundred forty-four thousand. Some people believe this number is literal. Others believe it is symbolic. In contrast to this finite number, the next few verses describe a countless throng: “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (NRSV, Revelation 7:9–10)