Chapter 3 – The Twelve Tribes
The literal tribes received as their inheritance parcels of land that God had promised Abraham from the beginning of the Jewish dispensation. The 144,000 will be experiencing a far better blessing, their eternal parcel, the Temple in Heaven; they are blessed with a similar responsibility as were the literal tribe of Levi, “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His Temple” (Rev. 7:15). Another commentary indicates “Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, “Only the 144,000 enter this place,” and we shouted, “Alleluia.” Just outside the Temple itself, “I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold”. This seems like a memorial wall like we see in Washington D. C. at the Vietnam memorial. Scripture indicates this little company has been called not only for a special work on earth, but one in heaven as well.
An aspect concerning the 144,000 that is often overlooked is; just as God chose those for priestly ministry for the earthly Temple, He chooses a group to minister in the heavenly. “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Heb. 5:1-4). Though there will be no sin in heaven, God still has a special ministry for this group, special temple services in the heavenly, assisted by the 144,000.
What might be surprising is that both groups (the 144,000 and the ministers of the earthly temple) received their anointing for priestly ministry while on earth; Christ included, at His baptism, “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee” (Heb. 5:5). Jesus at the required age of 30 years began His initiation for priestly ministry, this occurred at His baptism, (the first anointing for priestly ministry was to be washed, Ex. 29:4) the 144,000 will also be washed, (in the blood of the lamb) prior to Christ’s second coming, both will have had a wilderness experience that test their resolve concerning their faith in God, and the mission before them. We see Christ temptation and trials listed in Matthew 4, the 144,000 will live through what is called, the time of trouble, a time described as the sounding of trumpets and the falling of 7 last plagues. (Rev.8-16)
The main symbolism of this little remnant is not found in the cumulative number 144,000, but the equal division of the number into twelve tribes. John states that he heard the number, it was specifically mentioned for a reason, if the number was arbitrary no mention of a specific one would have been necessary. We will deal more specifically with the literal aspect of the number in the next chapter, but for now let’s consider the division of that number utilizing the twelve tribes themselves. As mentioned already these could not be literal tribes as the Jewish dispensation had long passed (ending in 34 A D), however, the symbolism of the tribes is revealed here and is even carried forward to the New Jerusalem itself, with their names being inscribed over the gates of the Holy City (Rev. 21:12).
The fact that the names of the tribes are used on the entrance gates of the city marks the importance of character development in the 144,000. This remnant group is presented as being sealed in chapter 7, one commentary suggest “The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character” (commentary from 1895). It is only those who side with the Law giver that will experience the New Jerusalem, “Blessed are those who do His commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter through the gates of the city.” (Rev. 22:14) Only those who receive the seal of the living God will have the passport through the gates of the Holy City, this does not exclude any of the saints that have died prior to Christ coming, for they are pictured as being sealed under the opening of the fifth seal (Rev. 6:9-11), but their probation has closed.
The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire transformation in the character of the human agent, making an individual a new creature in Christ Jesus, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength”. (Is. 40:29) When a man is filled with the Spirit, the more severely he is tested and tried, the more clearly he proves that he is a representative of Christ. The peace that passes all understanding dwells in the soul and is seen on the countenance. The words spoken and actions expressed reveal the character and love of the Saviour. There is no striving for the highest place, self is denied and renounced. The name of Jesus is written on all that is said and done.
We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare ourselves for its reception, of what avail are our works? Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,—the perfection of his character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare “it is finished”.
It is clear that the names of the tribes are associated with character development and what is being presented in chapter 7 is that process at work; when that level of commitment is reached God’s people are sealed, this was the reason for selecting Judah as the first tribe, it established the standard, Christ’s character.
As we go back and consider some of the characteristics of those original sons of Jacob we notice major defects, but also a vast improvement in character over time, a sanctifying development. What is being presented in chapter 7 of Revelation is a small group that have gained the victory over every hereditary and cultivated tendency to evil. Man may become a co-laborer with God in carrying out the great work of redemption; this was demonstrated in the life of Noah. God allows each person their own sphere of action while He has provided his word as the guide of life. He has also given the Holy Spirit as His all sufficient power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress his own character on the human heart. The 144,000 are being pictured as such a group, gaining the victory over all defects represented from these twelve tribes.
Not only must we consider the character of the tribes, but the order in which they are presented in chapter 7 of Revelation. Judah is the first to be mentioned, however he was Jacob’s fourth son from his marriage to Leah, “and she conceived again and bore a son, and said, Now I will praise the Lord, therefore she called his name Judah” (Gen. 29:35). Names for their children were very significant in biblical times, as they were a commentary on present circumstances relating to God or hoped for blessings in the work of God. Children often live up to the meaning of the name which they are given. It was from the tribe of Judah that our Messiah sprang and truly He was the ultimate praise in all the earth. Being mentioned first sets the bar in character development and the standard which this little company would reach, a reflection of the full character of Christ.
Reuben is the next in line, the firstborn of Jacob and Leah. In the Patriarchal system the firstborn received the birth right, the family’s inheritance. The firstborn would receive the responsibilities of priest of the family should the father pass away. This highlights the heavenly responsibilities of the 144,000 to be those ministering in the temple in heaven; they are also referred to as first fruits unto God and the Lamb (Rev. 14:4).
Gad is the next tribe mentioned, the seventh son of Jacob, (Leah’s maid, Zilpah’s first), and God’s perfect number. Not only would the 144,000 be a small remnant, but they would be scattered throughout the earth. Though scattered they would be perfectly united in character and their mission, fittingly represented by the number 7. Also, Gad was a child from a servant maid; the 144,000 emulate that character of servitude, humble service to the master and humanity, “But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:5)
Asher follows as the fourth mentioned tribe though he is the eighth son of Jacob. Eight is the number of new beginning as demonstrated with Noah and his family. The 144,000 will live through a similar experience as did faithful Noah, with this faithfulness exposed to the fullest and severely tried. Luke asked the question, “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily, nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” The 144,000 are His answer to the question, completely faithful. Jesus the anointed of God is also reflected in the number eight, in fact in the Greek (IHEoYE) the numerical value equals 888, not even double faith, but triple.
Naphtali the sixth son of Jacob next takes the stage. The circumstances of His birth were fraught with major stress and conflict, “Then Rachael said, with Great wrestling’s I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed, so she called his name Naphtali.” The 144,000 also live through a time of great distress, not only will relatives, friends, authorities and co-workers despise and hate them, but they will be wrestling with self like never before, questioning their own motives and thoughts, but they will prevail, for God is their strength, their guide, and their true friend. Rachael was in conflict with her sister, I’m sure it seemed to her that her entire world was in conflict. For many years this situation festered. The 144,000 are in conflict with demonized humanity, mankind’s number is 6, the entire world under full demonic possession is presented as an apostate system (666) and global oppression will attempt to consume the faithful. Rachel’s circumstances with her sister caused much hardship to Jacob’s family, God finally brought this friction to an end and Rachel was laid to rest with the birth of Benjamin her second son. This may reflect a time when many of God’s people are laid to rest in the development of the 144,000. God has promised that He would not allow any hardship or temptation too great for folks to bear to come upon us.
We next step away from the original twelve tribes mentioned in Genesis. This is done for a particular reason. Manasseh, Joseph’s first born son is next in line; he is listed in Numbers chapter 1 and also Ezekiel 48. These chapters reveal details concerning the inheritance of the literal tribes with Joseph (Jacobs eleventh) receiving a double portion, his sons would each receive of the inheritance. The 144,000 must also receive a double portion, a double portion of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is not silent concerning this time, it is so severe that Christ must step in to rescue the righteous, (Rom. 9:28), it is one where full light meets full darkness, it is a time of trouble such as never was, “but the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord, he is their strength in the time of trouble” (Ps 37:39). “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Dan. 12:1). The only way to survive is to be a recipient of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. The next chapter will reveal more insight concerning this double portion.
As the plight of the 144,000 is revealed through the tribes mentioned in Revelation, we next come to Jacob’s second son Simeon. Simeon might be most noted for leading out in the escapade in murdering the abusers of their sister Dinah (Gen.34). Also, Simeon was the one left behind as hostage in Egypt while the brothers ventured home to their father Jacob to enlist Benjamin’s help to assist with his release. Like Simeon the 144,000 will face uncertainty, bondage, imprisonment, unjustified indictment, terrible persecution, all while waiting for salvation to come. And just like Simeon, our brother, friend and kinsman redeemer Jesus is watching over them. Though Simeon was feeling very uncertain about His life and future, Joseph would not allow anything critical to occur. Just as Simeon had someone watching over him the 144,000 have someone watching over them. Simeon was allowed to go through his experience for a reason, just like the 144,000. Simeon must rely on his brothers for rescue; the 144,000 will rely on Christ.
Levi is the next to make the scene, the literal tribe was chosen by God to coordinate operations with the Sanctuary Service. One of the main distinctions was that this tribe received no normal inheritance, but one that was designated by God Himself, “Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them.” (Num. 16:9). “And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation” (Num. 18:21). Is it not obvious?, the Levites were given the tenth as their inheritance; the 144,000 also have been chosen, separated, brought near to God for a special purpose and are recipients of thy tenth, the ten precepts of God that they faithfully follow despite the world’s rejection of them. This is the true sign of the sealing, not just that they follow one or even most of God’s law, but the whole of It, It is their inheritance and they have become examples themselves of the Living Law. They are priests forever after the order of Melchizedek and serve the King of Salem (peace) in His Holy Temple forever.
As we run through our list we have come to Issachar, the ninth son of Jacob. The insight from Issachar will be significant for the 144,000. The name means “there is recompense,” (there is a reward). No one can even imagine the circumstances the 144,000 are called to live through. Even the book of Revelation portrays a summary that is encoded. Time of trouble is the greatest understatement ever presented, for God’s word indicates a time of trouble such as never was. Nothing that has been or will be, compares with it. A systematic study in the books of Daniel and Revelation just present what is obvious on the surface; what lies below is too overwhelming to reveal or discuss. Yet Issachar is a healing balm, in Issachar there is a glimmer of hope, a real reward, an understanding of the bigger picture, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment”, (1 Chr 12:32). There was a remnant in Issachar that possessed amazing discernment, they understood the times, they knew what to do. In the end when the world is absolutely falling apart the 144,000 know what their mission is, what the real issue is, (Glory to the Father and His Law), they understand what is at stake, they know Christ and Him crucified, for they are wise virgins. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand” (Dan. 12:10).
Zebulun is next being the tenth son of Jacob. The message from Zebulun cannot be underestimated, without it God’s creation would be in jeopardy. Zebulun means “a good endowment”. To endow means to provide with a permanent fund, source or benefit. The central issue of the great Controversy has revolved around the integrity of God’s law. Zebulun being the tenth son links God’s law to this most important endowment, is it worth saving, will it be a good endowment for all eternity? In every dispensation of time God has utilized something to illustrate the importance and permanence of His law, in the Adamic dispensation it was Noah’s Ark. Everything in the construction pointed to Christ the living law, and the plan of Salvation. With the Jewish dispensation it was the Sanctuary Service and then the reality of that service, Christ Himself. In our last dispensation it becomes the 144,000, an intriguing example of Christ’s character and righteousness; characters unspotted, blameless, holy. Christianity has been an agent preserving the world from instant destruction from the very beginning. Now with this small remnant God uses their faithfulness to demonstrate the integrity of His character, the 144,000 become a model of the transcript of His Holy Law.
Joseph is our next to last tribe mentioned and the eleventh son of Jacob. Joseph is truly an Old Testament example of Christ. When he went to find his brothers they conspired to kill him, Herod tried to kill Jesus soon after He was born. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, a fitting example of Christ being enslaved by sin (death) because of our rebellion, but just like Joseph, all this misfortune God turned to good and Salvation. Joseph became the kinsman redeemer for his entire family as did Jesus for the world. Joseph even ascended to the throne number two besides the Pharaoh, Jesus ascended to sit on His Father’s throne etc. and the comparisons continue with an almost endless display.
Just like God has taken away our reproach (fault, blame, sin) with Christ reconciling the world to the father. Joseph‘s birth meant the same for Rachael (Jacobs true love) her firstborn son. The first born of God would take away the reproach of the world. Joseph’s character being than an example of Christ is revealed in the 144,000, they buy of Christ gold, white raiment, and eye salve, this denotes a period of preparation that they would need as the events of the last days come upon them. These denote Christian experience, Christ righteousness, and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We see in the life of Joseph how this preparation came to his rescue when life went out of control, it will accomplish the same for the 144,000. Joseph was the delight of his father in his old age, and as our world grows old and nears its end, the 144,000 become the delight of our Heavenly Father. The coat of many colors Joseph received from his father would symbolize the robe worn (while living) by the 144,000, as all color is a combination initiating from white, the robe provided by Christ and worn by the 144,000.
Benjamin the last of the tribes and the number of completeness, this was Rachael’s second son and Joseph’s only full blood brother. Rachael died during his birth, but as she was taking her last breaths she called the Childs name Benone, “the son of my sorrow”, however Jacob called his son Benjamin, “the son of the right hand”. Here we see another example of Christ who sits at the right hand of the father. If there is one word that could only be used to define the 144,000 it would be, Complete. This group will be to God as the son of His right hand, Christ in heaven, the 144,000 on earth, both a reflection of God’s character, and a complete and perfect example of the power, character and integrity of the Gospel. Jesus was the (cha-dock-tare) –the character of the Father in the flesh, the “express image”,(Heb.1:2). The 144,000 will not be a group defined by sorrow, but hope and complete confidence in their Savior to come. Joy so overwhelming that their faces glow. They are so identified with Christ they are pictured as washing their garments (character) and making them white in the blood of the lamb, (Rev. 7:14).
Twelve tribes represented with twelve thousand in each group, presents a 12 x 12 perfect square, a representation of the holy city that lieth 4 square. The reason God’s people and the holy city are Called the bride of Christ is because they display the complete and perfect marriage, a perfect symbol of the Covenant relationship between the Father and the Son. Even the walls of the city are 144 cubits, another numerical marker symbolic of this end-time group. A less known marker were the 144 deck support timbers designed into the blueprint of Noah’s Ark. Though the symbolism is extensive concerning this small group, God takes things a step further by making the number also literal and for a specific reason.