Revelation 7:6

Of the tribe of Aser [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Aser {G768} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Nepthalim {G3508} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Manasses {G3128} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}.

from the tribe of Asher 12,000
from the tribe of Naftali 12,000
from the tribe of M’nasheh 12,000

from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,

Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand;

Commentary

Context

Revelation chapter 7 provides a crucial interlude within the unfolding judgments described in the book. After the opening of the sixth seal, which brings cosmic disturbances and widespread fear, there is a pause before the seventh seal is opened. This pause is dedicated to the sealing of 144,000 servants of God. This act of sealing serves as a mark of divine ownership and protection, safeguarding them from the impending judgments that are about to fall upon the earth (compare with Revelation 9:4). Verse 6 continues the specific enumeration of these sealed individuals, listing the tribes of Aser, Nepthalim, and Manasses, each contributing twelve thousand to the total number.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation and Protection: The sealing of 12,000 from each designated tribe, including Aser, Nepthalim, and Manasses, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to preserve a faithful remnant of His people. This protection is not from physical death, but from the spiritual and eternal destruction associated with God's wrath.
  • Order and Completeness: The precise number "twelve thousand" from each of the twelve tribes (totaling 144,000) symbolizes divine order, completeness, and a perfect, divinely chosen group. This group represents either a literal remnant of ethnic Israel or a symbolic representation of the church as the new Israel.
  • God's Knowledge of His Own: The detailed listing of specific tribes emphasizes that God knows precisely who belongs to Him. His people are not overlooked or forgotten amidst global chaos.

Linguistic Insights and Significance of the Tribes

The names Aser (Asher), Nepthalim (Naphtali), and Manasses (Manasseh) are significant as they represent specific sons or grandsons of Jacob, forming part of the traditional twelve tribes of Israel. Each name carries a meaning:

  • Aser (Asher): Means "happy" or "blessed," often associated with prosperity and richness.
  • Nepthalim (Naphtali): Means "my struggle" or "my wrestling," recalling Rachel's intense struggle in naming him.
  • Manasses (Manasseh): Means "causing to forget," referring to Joseph's declaration that God had made him forget all his toil and his father's house (Genesis 41:51).

It's noteworthy that the list of tribes in Revelation 7 is not identical to typical Old Testament genealogies. For instance, the tribe of Dan is omitted, and Ephraim (another son of Joseph) is possibly represented by "Joseph" in Revelation 7:8. The inclusion of Levi (the priestly tribe, often not counted among the twelve land-inheriting tribes) and Manasseh ensures the symbolic total of twelve, highlighting a spiritual and divinely ordained selection rather than a purely genealogical one.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 7:6 offers profound assurances:

  • Assurance in Tribulation: This passage provides comfort that God always preserves His own, even in the midst of global turmoil and judgment. Just as these tribes were sealed for protection, believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance and future redemption.
  • Belonging to God's People: It reminds us that we are part of a larger, divinely ordered plan. Regardless of our individual background, we are counted among God's people, known by Him, and protected by His sovereign hand.
  • A Call to Faithfulness: The designation as "servants of our God" (Revelation 7:3) implies that this divine protection is linked to devoted service and faithfulness to God during difficult times.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:36 (3 votes)

    And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;