One of the most important numbers in the Bible is 'Twelve.'
'Three' in scripture represents that which is divine.
'Four' represnts that which is created.
The 'three' plus 'four' equals 'seven' -- perfection.
'Three' multiplied by 'four' equals 'twelve,' the number of divine kingdom and power.
In the old Testament the number twelve has prophetic importance in salvation history. There are:
12 sons/tribes of Israel, 12 wells at Elim, 12 stones on the breastplate of the High Priest, 12 loaves in the Tabernacle, 12 spies looking into the promised land, and 12 stones in the Jordan monument.
These all represented what would be accomplished in and through the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus, with the 12 Apostles signifying the beginning of spiritual Israel. In the book of Revelation, '12' is triumphant at last.
If you were asked to name your favorite number what would it be? What has made that number meaningful to you? What have others said?
When did you first realize what country you belonged to, and what initial feelings do you remember about it? What have others said?
In the Bible's more than eighteen listings of the sons of Israel one son is often left out making most lists different. In Revelation 7 two tribes are left out but the number, as always, is 12.
Read Revelation 7:5-8. You will notice the tribes of Dan and Ephriam are missing.
Cross Reference
What possible reasons do you find in scripture for Dan and Ephriam missing the last list? Judges 18:28-31; Hosea 4:17; 9:16, 17 What have others said?
Could you be influenced by some form of idolatry within the next week? How? What have others said?
How many of the 12 tribes were in existence in New Testament times? Acts 26:7; James 1:1
List the three titles of national identification Paul used interchangeably. Philippians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 11:22; Acts 22:3
There are a number of indications that the tribes of Israel are used symbolically and not literally in Revelation 7. These clues include exactly identical numbers, no one from two tribes, the highly symbolic nature of the chapter, and the forehead sealing. In Revelation 14:4 they are identified as male virgins as a first-fruit offering!
Read through Deuteronomy 28 and notice that God's promises to Israel were conditional. Do you recall giving someone a conditional promise? What did you do if the conditions weren't met? What have others said?
By the time of Jesus did national Israel met the conditions? Matthew 21:40-43 What have others said?
Who is God's new nation? 1 Peter 2:4-10
Do you know someone who has been naturalized as a citizen of a new nation? How did he or she feel about it? What have others said?
Is there any favoritism in the new nation of the saved and how does a person become part of the national inheritance? Galatians 3:26-29 What have others said?
There is no racial or sexual inequality in God's spiritual nation. God loves Israelites and non-Israelites, females and males alike and saves them in the same way. Does this surprise you or is it what you would expect of God? What have others said?
Why might Paul sound a little surprised in Ephesians 3:4-6? What have others said?
"Twelve" and Glorified Israel
"Twelve" occurs mostly in the last two chapters of Revelation when God's people of all ages receive the Kingdom of Glory. In the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:10 to 22:5 "twelve" is mentioned 9 times. List these 12's and check the one that is the most meaningful for you now. Remember, names represent character, gates signify entrance, angels are messengers, and foundations represent the basic teachings of truth.
As you enter into the beautiful kingdom of God, why have you chosen the one "12" above the others? What have others said?
All of the 12's in the book of Revelation add up to complete and joyous salvation in the kingdom of God for all who accept by faith King Jesus and who are taken to heaven to share in His magnificent glory. The whole Bible reaches its great consummation in the 12s of Revelation.
How will you communicate your eager anticipation of the fulfillment of the number 12 to someone:
Looking exclusively for security in the glories of this earth? What have others said?
Looking for the modern nation of Israel to lead the world? What have others said?
Looking for life in the teachings of humanity? What have others said?
For kingdom to be a reality there must be a king. In what ways can Jesus reign in your life now? What have others said?
You receive your original nationality by birth. How can baptism bring you into a new nation? What have others said?
Is God's promise of forgiveness conditional? Why? What have others said?
When you pray to God as "father" what are you saying about your relationship to others? What have others said?
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