“The Master declared that twelve apostles were to be seated on twelve separate thrones or divisions of power in the Kingdom (Matt 19:28). In all, a total of twelve thousand saints will be assigned to each of twelve separate ranks (Rev 7:5–8).
Based on the scriptural information available concerning (1) the ministry and lifestyle of the different apostles, (2) the meaning of each tribal name, (3) the prophesied tribal characteristics, and (4) the meaning of the name and/or the peculiar properties of each gem stone in the breastplate, the following conclusions can, with most reasonable assurance, be obtained. One final point: it is of the utmost importance to ever keep in mind that the twelve tribal names inscribed upon the breastplate, though literal and natural in their original occurrence and historic appearance, are in reality but a representation of symbolic tribes, i.e., of the twelve basic character traits or personality groups of the world of mankind and especially of the Church in glory. The subsequent descriptions of the twelve tribes, twelve breastplate stones, and twelve apostles are to be considered from the standpoint of the Church, and they are presented in order of importance. (“The Keys of Revelation”, pages 581,582)
Judah, (meaning “praise”) a class who most ideally represent and bring “praise” (honor, glory) to the Father, lion-like in nature, yet lamb-like in patience, gentle and peaceable. The stone a Sard, The root meaning of the Hebrew Odem or Sard is “red.” The Sard, usually found in seam cavities of volcanic rock, is a semitransparent silica, a form of quartz with a waxy luster and a smooth, rounded surface that is creamy white in color… the white surface layer representing purity and justice, the lower or hidden layer, the red strata, mercy and love. A non-compromising yet sympathetic and approachable class, possessing a “heart of flesh” full of tenderness and compassion as well as a sensitivity to both right and wrong (Heb 5:1, 2; Isa 57:15; Ezek 11:19, 20; 36:26, 27) The Apostle Paul.
Reuben, (meaning “behold, a son”) a class who from a preceding setback or grievous “affliction” recover and are restored through favorable circumstances by means of son-ship (Not favorable circumstances to the flesh, but rather favorable to the new creature in them). In the beginning full of strength and determination, yet as “unstable as water”, brash, wild, spirited, and impulsive, nevertheless meek and humble. The stone, the Pyrope (or Garnet), a “shinning stone” or “glowing coal”, possessing a deep yellow-red glassy or “fiery” luster. The Apostle Peter.
Ephraim [Joseph], (meaning “double fruitfulness”) an emotional class who must of needs first overcome many inherent weaknesses, not the least of which is false love, humility and sympathy, which tends to professes to be more loving than God. The stone a Fire Opal which possesses a transparent, vitreous, sometimes pearly luster of a rich orange-yellow-to-red color. The meaning of the Hebrew name “leshem”, used to designate this jewel in the breastplate, is “fortress.” An emotional class, but nevertheless staunch defenders of truth, of “the faith… once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3) The Apostle John.
Dan (meaning “judge”) a class who are prone to examine and weigh what they see and hear, a class inclined to render judgment, howbeit not always in a rightful manner. Under the Holy Spirit’s guidance this attribute can be a blessing to all with whom they come in contact, however if it is not, if it is implemented improperly the tendency is toward a faultfinding spirit that is usually justified as righteous indignation (Prov 14:12). The stone a Chrysolite, a transparent gem of a yellowish-green color and a vitreous luster, the “golden stone”, hard, sound, representing a class who are peaceable, gentle, and easy entreated, full of their Father’s mercy and good fruits, but who first and foremost insistent upon spiritual purity. The Apostle James of Zebedee.
Issachar, (meaning “hire” or “wage”) a class who have committed themselves as bond servants of the Lord who in humbleness of spirit and mind accept the double burden of responsibility proffered in the present life to those “called of God”, this being both the denial of self and the taking up of one’s cross in order to follow in the Master’s footsteps. The stone the Topaz, a peculiar stone possessing a golden-yellow hue and a glassy luster. The name topaz comes from “topazios”, meaning “to seek”, when rubbed vigorously it generates an electrostatic charge thus it seems to denote a class who possess the ability to attract converts through their persistent efforts. The Apostle Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
Simeon, (meaning “hearkening”) a class sensitive to their lack of general recognition [in the body] and longing for respect from [the brethren], as well as being introversive by nature (they look to the Lord rather than to others for comfort); the Simeon class are driven to largely develop the art of secret communion with God—namely, their prayer life. They are devout by nature and idealistically inclined, yet strangely prone to openly persecute others with whom they are not in agreement if afforded favorable opportunity. This latter trait must be purged vigorously. The stone the Lapis Lazuli, crystalline limestone with a constituency of blue mineral lazurite, speckled with yellow iron pyrites. A devout, openly honest and faithful (blue) class. The Apostle Bartholomew.
Manasseh, (meaning “forgetting”) a class who forgetting prior misgivings, hardships, and trials incidental to the period of their development are prone to be silent, they are separate and independent thinkers who mentally feed and dwell upon sublime and exhilarating thoughts. Consequently, they are able to forget exterior injustices inflicted upon them as well as to put aside any feelings of jealousy toward others. They are so happy with the resplendency and variety of the truth that they are unaware of, and do not have time to worry about, the aspersions of others. The stone an Agate, a beautiful, veined semitransparent-to- opaque fine-grained gem, composed of several intimately adjacent layers of different colored quartz arranged in wavy bands and/or concentric circles The Apostle Thomas.
Continued with next post.
Based on the scriptural information available concerning (1) the ministry and lifestyle of the different apostles, (2) the meaning of each tribal name, (3) the prophesied tribal characteristics, and (4) the meaning of the name and/or the peculiar properties of each gem stone in the breastplate, the following conclusions can, with most reasonable assurance, be obtained. One final point: it is of the utmost importance to ever keep in mind that the twelve tribal names inscribed upon the breastplate, though literal and natural in their original occurrence and historic appearance, are in reality but a representation of symbolic tribes, i.e., of the twelve basic character traits or personality groups of the world of mankind and especially of the Church in glory. The subsequent descriptions of the twelve tribes, twelve breastplate stones, and twelve apostles are to be considered from the standpoint of the Church, and they are presented in order of importance. (“The Keys of Revelation”, pages 581,582)
Continued with next post.
