That the 144,000 ( Rev 7:4-8 ), is contrasted with what follows, "that no man is able to number",( verse 9) , shows it to be a literal number.
The revelation was by Jesus, given to him by God to show God's slaves what was to take place in the Lord's day ,( that is following Jesus' enthronement in 1914 ). Jesus in turn sent an angel to present it in signs to John. Rev 1:1,10
