Some facts about the 12 tribes in Revelation:
The omission of the tribe of Dan: Why is Dan left out? Some think it is because Dan is the tribe of the Antichrist, based on
Dan 11:37 and
Jer 8:16. This may or may not be the case, but without doubt, Dan was the tribe which introduced idolatry into the nation of Israel (
Gen 49:17;
Jdg 18:30).
i. There is a wonderful redemption for the tribe of Dan. Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel’s millennial role call of the tribes (Ezekiel 48).
d. The slighting of the tribe of Ephraim: This tribe is referred to, but only indirectly. The tribe of Joseph is mentioned, but Joseph was represented by two tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh. Since the tribe of Manasseh is mentioned, by elimination, the tribe of Joseph must mean the tribe of Ephraim - who is listed, but not by name.
i. Why is Ephraim slighted? Perhaps it is because the tribe of Ephraim was also associated with great idolatry (
Hos 4:17).
e. It is often claimed that this list must be purely symbolic because it is “irregular.” But what is a “regular” listing of the tribes?
i.
There are not less than 20 different ways of listing the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, including one that omits the tribe of Dan (1 Chronicles 4-7).
ii.
Just because a list is different doesn’t mean it is fanciful symbolism. It is proper to regard each of these lists as legitimate, and to consider that each specific variation serves a purpose, meaning to emphasize something.
3. Who are these 144,000?
a. Many different groups have claimed to be the 144,000. For example, the Jehovah’s Witnesses said their entire group was, until they surpassed 144,000 in number. Now they say that the 144,000 are only a select group of Witnesses who go to heaven.
i. Most scholars either regard the 144,000 as the church or as converted Jews, who are still identified as Israelites in some manner.
ii.
It is an important issue. If they are symbol of the church, then the church is definitely in the Great Tribulation, but sealed for survival through the Great Tribulation.
b. Some facts about the 144,000 from Revelation 7 and Revelation 14 give us insight regarding their identity.
i. They are called the children of Israel (
Rev 7:4).
ii. Their tribal affiliation is specific (
Rev 7:4-8).
iii. They seem to be protected and triumphant through the period of God’s wrath, meeting with Jesus at Mount Zion at His return (
Rev 14:1).
iv. They are celibate (
Rev 14:4).
v. They are the beginning of a greater harvest (
Rev 14:4).
vi. They are marked by integrity and faithfulness (
Rev 14:5).
c. Taken together, these facts make it difficult to say that the 144,000 are a symbolic picture of the church.
i. Israel is a term never specifically applied to the church in the New Testament, and never by any Christian until 160 A.D.
ii. Their tribal affiliation is emphatic and known to God. Even if God only knows it, there is absolutely no reason to regard their tribal affiliation as symbolic, not literal.
iii. It is difficult to imagine the entire church surviving through the tribulation without martyrdom, and remaining celibate through the period, something that was never required for the church as a whole (
1Co 7:1-6).
iv. If the 144,000 are a symbol of the entire church, what greater harvest are they the beginning of?
d.
It is best to see the 144,000 as specifically chosen Jewish believers in Jesus, protectively sealed throughout the tribulation as a sign.
i. They are the beginning harvest of the salvation of Israel (
Rom 11:1,
Rom 11:26,
Mat 23:37-39).
ii. “They are not a part of the Church proper; for their repentance comes too late for that. They are a superaddition to the Church - a supplementary body - near and precious to Christ, but made up after the proper Church has finished its course.” (Seiss)