144,000 number symbolic?

Here is a question from a reader...

Pearl, could you say whether you believe the 144,000 to be a literal number? (Especially as the rest of the verse is to be taken as symbolic). Also if there were 8,000 anointed in the first few days after Pentecost 33AD in Jerusalem alone,40,000 martyed under Domitian in 95AD,52,000 partakers in 1935, 12,000 this year. This doesn't include all the ones during the rest of the first century, or those who died before or after 1935. This leaves a mere 32,000 over 1900 years!Is this possible?

ANSWER:

Hello Anonymous,
About the 144,000 being a literal number:
There are reasons to consider it as both literal and figurative. First, we must acknowledge that Jehovah gave us that number. It is according to His own Word and should not be discarded as irrelevant. There are also physical realities within universal laws with which this number is associated. It is a key to mathematical formulas which effect the use of light and power, and is a key to understanding and controlling our physical realm. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_triangle_(mathematics)

While I do not subscribe to all that is conveyed at those links, the actual science referred to, is powerful evidence that even if the literal number is representative in physical application, it’s significance is represented in the literal number.
I wish to turn your attention to Rev.21:15-17:

“Now the one who was speaking with me was holding as a measure a golden reed, that he might measure the city and its gates and its wall. And the city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs; its length and breadth and height are equal. Also, he measured its wall, one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to a man’s measure, at the same time an angel’s.”

"According to a man's measure, at the same time an angel's", points out that the dimensions of God’s Kingdom Government which God’s Word gives us, are according to a man’s measure, and at the same time, an angel’s. This means that these numbers apply equally, in both the physical and spiritual realm. 
To gain a scriptural understanding of the symbolic significance of this number (Revelation is written in symbols), please consider the article:
pearl-666.blogspot.com
This means that we can accept an application of these numbers literally, as well as symbolically. I understand this. Holy Spirit has shown me the structure and operation of this government on earth. It’s functioning is based on both a spiritual and a physical application of this number, 144,000.

Regarding your next points about how many anointed have already been chosen…..
You must be told that there is no way for us humans to number those who have been chosen and sealed (Matt.22:14), as we cannot even number the last portion (Rev.7:9). 
For example, 
look at the number that you gave as the number of partakers in 1935 (52,000). It is reasonably clear that the reason so many partook, was because they were told to. In that year, everyone partook, regardless of whether or not Holy Spirit anointed them. 
This count of partakers was made before the Society first admitted that not all were anointed. The fact that all 52,000 were not, is reflected in the drastic drop in partakers over the next few years that followed this change in doctrine. (see note below*) In addition to this, please read Rev.7:9,14:

“After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one that knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Can you see that even though the Society does a count each year of partakers, the anointed who make up the remnant (and come through the end/Great Tribulation) are un-countable by men? Yes, the “Great Crowd” are the anointed remnant (pearl-greatcrowd.blogspot.com). 
No human can possibly discern those genuinely invited to reign with Christ…less so whether or not they are proving faithful. Those proving faithful, are prophesied as being rejected in the estimation of men (Rev.11:9,10).
This uncountable/un-judge-able nature, is the reality of all anointed, in whatever Century you examine.

Also to be considered, is that out of the 12 “kings” which represent the total number of the remnant of genuine invited ones; the book of Revelation depicts the unfaithful as “ten” and the faithful as “two”. True indeed are Jesus’ words, that many are invited but few are chosen. He also said that many will seek to get into the Kingdom, but will not be able (Luke13:24). He also said that the road to life is cramped and narrow, and few find it (Matt.7:14,21,22,23). 
How can we, possibly number how many Jehovah has put His seal of approval on? Should we then compound that assumption of error, by deducing that the 144,000 has been overfilled, based upon our first mistaken conclusion?

Whether the 144,000 is literal or illustrative or both, it is the number Jehovah’s Word gives us, and it is not without reason. If you write me at my email address (pearl144000@hotmail.com) I will send you an illustration, which partly depicts the literal value of this number and it’s place in Mount Zion. I will also soon be releasing details as to how this number applies to the functioning of New Jerusalem on earth (with a literal 144,000), once the Kingdom begins it’s reign. It is based upon the scriptures. Watch for the article “144,000”.

[*note: The WTS never apologized publicly (nor likely in prayer to God either), for misleading tens of thousands to partake of the emblems unworthily, and therefore, to be condemned by God (1Cor.11:27,29). These leaders demand to be masters over the faith and actions of all, robbing them of their own conscience before God (1Cor.11:28,31; 2Cor.1:24; 5:10; Rev.13:16). What they once expected of all, they now restrain from all, and judge as phony all who partake (Rom.14:10,4).]