Revelation 7:5

Of the tribe of Juda [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Juda {G2455} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Reuben {G4502} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Gad {G1045} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}.

From the tribe of Y’hudah 12,000 were sealed
from the tribe of Re’uven 12,000
from the tribe of Gad, 12,000

From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

Of the tribe of Judahweresealed twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand;

Commentary

Revelation 7:5 introduces the specific tribes of Israel from which 12,000 individuals each are "sealed" by God. This passage details the first three tribes in this divine census: Judah, Reuben, and Gad. This sealing is a crucial act of divine protection and identification occurring before the full onset of God's judgments upon the earth, as described later in the Book of Revelation.

Context

This verse is part of a significant interlude in the Book of Revelation, specifically between the breaking of the sixth and seventh seals. Before the final judgments are unleashed, an angel commands that the winds of destruction be held back until "the servants of our God" are sealed on their foreheads (Revelation 7:3). The total number sealed is 144,000, 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4). The listing of these tribes, starting with Judah, emphasizes a divine order and the continued significance of natural Israel in God's prophetic timeline, distinct from the vast multitude of believers from every nation seen immediately after this list.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Preservation: The act of "sealing" signifies God's ownership and special protection for these individuals during a period of intense global tribulation. It marks them for preservation from the impending judgments, ensuring their survival for God's specific purposes.
  • Israel's End-Time Role: The explicit naming of the twelve tribes highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel. While the exact identity and role of these 144,000 are debated, their clear identification as "of the tribes of the children of Israel" underscores Israel's distinct place in God's prophetic program leading up to Christ's return.
  • God's Order and Precision: The specific number "twelve thousand" for each tribe, totaling 144,000 (12 x 12,000), symbolizes completeness, divine order, and governmental perfection. It illustrates God's meticulous and precise execution of His plans, leaving nothing to chance.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "sealed" (Greek: esphragismenoi). In ancient times, a seal was used for authentication, ownership, or security. It was often an impression made by a signet ring, indicating that the marked item or person belonged to a specific authority and was protected or set apart. Here, it signifies divine ownership and a guarantee of protection from the destructive judgments that are about to fall upon the earth.

Practical Application

While the sealing of the 144,000 is a specific prophetic event, the underlying principle of God's sovereign protection for His people offers profound comfort. Believers today can draw assurance that God knows His own (2 Timothy 2:19) and provides for them, even amidst global turmoil and uncertainty. This passage reminds us that God's plan is meticulously detailed and purposeful, offering hope that He is in control of history and will ultimately preserve those who belong to Him. The specific naming of tribes also underscores God's personal knowledge and care for individuals within His larger plan.

Reflection

Revelation 7:5, by precisely naming specific tribes and numbers, paints a vivid picture of God's intentional and ordered intervention in world events. It assures us that even in times of great upheaval and judgment, God has a clear plan, and He will protect those He has chosen and sealed for His purposes. This offers a powerful message of divine care and unwavering faithfulness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 1:2 (3 votes)

    Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,

  • Exodus 1:4 (3 votes)

    Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

  • Numbers 13:4 (2 votes)

    And these [were] their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

  • Numbers 13:16 (2 votes)

    These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

  • Numbers 10:14 (2 votes)

    In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

  • Numbers 10:27 (2 votes)

    And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali [was] Ahira the son of Enan.

  • Numbers 1:4 (2 votes)

    And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.