Each day more information is added, as we travel verse after verse through Revelation 21. For example, verse 12 further describes the “Holy City.” Also called “New Jerusalem.” But to you and me, our eternal Home!
“And (this City) had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” Revelation 21:12
“Walls” in the Bible usually indicate the need for “separation” from something that surrounds. As we learn in a later chapter of Revelation. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY. For WITHOUT are dogs (homosexuals), and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Revelation 22:14-15
So … the City has “walls.” It’s a “safe” place, separate from sin, of course. Its walls are described as both “great” (“megas”) and “high” (“hupselos”) … security indeed! Plus, Jesus is there!
The City has “gates” as well. “Twelve” of them, in fact, the number of “governmental perfection” in the Bible. The “Administration” of this City is “perfect!”
Each gate has an attendant, too. I think the text means one “angel” per gate, 12 angels in all. This City has an “elite” population. Only people “saved” by the Grace of God! Admission is carefully monitored.
Today’s verse again … “And (the City) had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” King James Version, Revelation 21:12
I believe the Gates are inscribed! There are “names written thereon.” Our God loves to engrave! “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.” Psalm 49:16. God talking!
What names?
“The twelve tribes of the children of Israel.”
This is something of a surprise!
Many teach that “saved” Israel will inhabit the “New Earth” the Lord created at the beginning of our chapter. Perhaps so, I am no expert on this subject. BUT I do know this … their names (all Israel’s Tribes) are inscribed on the Gates of the City, all 12 of them apparently. “Reuben, Simeon, Levi then Judah.” And all the rest, the remaining 8 as well, even little Benjamin!
Surely for all eternity “saved” folks will rejoice … harmoniously in both the “Old Testament Believers” and the “New Testament saints” categories!
Folks, we are just beginning our “tour” of the City.
But, to me anyway, it’s getting more interesting every day!
Each “physical” fact we’re being given … seems to be pointing to some lovely “spiritual” truth.
I’m already anticipating tomorrow! Another verse about the “gates” we’ve discussed today. How very important they must be in the Eyes of the Lord.
Study more with us then, Lord willing.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell