Revelation 7:5-8 “12 Tribes of Israel in Revelation”

Who Are the 12 Tribes of Israel in Revelation

Bible Study Guide

(Verses 5-8) Chapter 7 represents the first interlude since the judgment seals were opened by Christ and poured upon the earth. It’s a pause in the action of God’s wrath. It’s similar to a commercial break in a movie. In this pause, we notice something unusual of the designated 12 tribes of Israel in Revelation.

First, as the lens is turned away from God’s wrath, John records a vision. He sees 144,000 Jewish evangelists receiving a seal of protection upon them. A seal that will protect them as they travel the earth spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Then he hears the number of Jews chosen specifically from each tribe of Israel. When we look closely at the 12 tribes we notice something unusual. It’s not the same as the original 12 tribes that came out of the land of Egypt.

In fact, if we look a little deeper, we’ll notice that the 12 tribes of Israel went through a few transformations.

So, what happened?

The Original 12 Tribes of Israel

The original 12 tribes of Israel were all named after the 12 sons of “Israel”, also called Jacob, before God changed his name to “Israel.” Their names were…

Reuben
Simeon
Levi
Judah
Dan
Naphtali
Gad
Asher
Issachar
Zebulun
Joseph
Benjamin

These were the original 12 tribes of Israel. When the time came for Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promise land to inherit it, all the tribes received a portion of the land except for the Levi’s. They didn’t receive any land as an inheritance.

The Inheriting 12 Tribes of Israel

While 11 tribes received as an inheritance a portion of God’s promised land, one received a different inheritance. God made the Levi’s to be priests. They would be scattered across various cities of Israel.

They would be representatives of the people to God and they would serve God directly. God would be their inheritance and their portion.

Jacob had inherited Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Because Joseph had brought blessings upon his family and saved them from the famine, he received a double portion for his inheritance. Ephraim and Manasseh bought received an allotment of land.

The 12 tribes of Israel receiving an inheritance of land were these.

Reuben
Simeon
Judah
Dan
Naphtali
Gad
Asher
Issachar
Zebulun
Ephraim
Manasseh
Benjamin

Levi was out. Joseph was often referred to as Ephraim as we see in this list. Then Manasseh was added.

The Split Kingdom of Israel

After the time of King Solomon’s reign, Israel became a divided nation. The 10 northern tribes of Israel combined to become Northern Israel. This left the tribe of Judah in the south with the city of Jerusalem and the tribe of Benjamin.

Fast forward to the revealing of Revelation by Christ to John the apostle, we see again another change in the 12 tribes of Israel, except this time it takes place in John’s vision. This will eventually be fulfilled soon in the coming Tribulation.

The Transformation of the 12 Tribes of Israel in Revelation

Upon closer examination, we see that the list no longer includes the tribe of Dan, which had been part of the original 12 tribes. Additionally, the tribe of Levi has been reinstated.

Reuben
Simeon
Judah
Levi
Naphtali
Gad
Asher
Issachar
Zebulun
Joseph (Ephraim)
Manasseh
Benjamin

Why Was the Tribe of Dan Removed From the List in Revelation?

Scripture does not provide a clear explanation for the removal of the tribe of Dan. While the reasons for adding the tribe of Levi are evident, the exclusion of Dan remains uncertain.

It only makes sense that God would use those He appointed as priests (Levites) as part of the 144,000 sealed evangelists. This addition is a bit easier to understand.

Regarding the tribe of Dan, we can only examine its history to gain insight into why it may have been removed from the original list of tribes.

Judges 18 reveals that the Danites fell deeply into apostasy, turning away from God. Additionally, they were dissatisfied with the inheritance God had given them. These factors may help explain why the tribe of Dan was removed from the list.

Being along the Mediterranean, they often found themselves waring with Israel’s longtime nemesis, the Philistines.

The Danites eventually left their land to occupy a different land than the one God given them. Thereby again, turning their backs on God. These are all written in biblical history in order for us to try and understand the changes to the 12 tribes of Israel in Revelation.

This is a perfect example of how we ought to allow scripture to interpret scripture. We shouldn’t add, subtract or change what is not provided to us. But rather, trust in the Lord the information He gives us. All that we need to know, He provides for us.

God is good in all things, and in all things God is good!

The Interlude Continues

As this interlude in God’s judgment continues, John will share with us the second vision he sees before the pause from heaven comes to a conclusion. Then we’ll resume to the seventh and last seal judgment as the intensity of God’s wrath reaches a crescendo.

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