A Bible Study on Moses blesses the tribes

JEWS INFORMATION DESK

MOSES BLESSES THE TRIBES
JACOB’S PROPHECIES TO HIS SONS
OTHER INFORMATION ON THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL

Some of the blessings given to the tribes of Israel by Moses, prior to his death, appear to have dual meanings. In most cases, they seem to cover the tribes in the Promised Land, which they were about to enter; however, some also seem to be prophecies regarding the latter days even the Millennium. Covered here are some of the possible meanings that may apply to the last days, the latter days, and the Millennium.

LET REUBEN LIVE, AND NOT DIE; AND LET NOT HIS MEN BE FEW-Deut 33:6. Reuben means "behold a son."
Note, this prophecy appears to have been fulfilled in the past. It could possibly have an additional fulfillment during the Millennium.

AND THIS IS THE BLESSING OF JUDAH: AND HE SAID, HEAR, LORD, THE VOICE OF JUDAH, AND BRING HIM UNTO HIS PEOPLE: LET HIS HANDS BE SUFFICIENT FOR HIM (or with his own hands he defends his cause-NIV); AND BE THOU AN HELP TO HIM FROM HIS ENEMIES-Deut 33:7. Judah means "praise."
Note, Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. Note the words, BRING HIM UNTO HIS PEOPLE. This may have more than one meaning. It may be dealing with both the past and times that are yet to come. Note, WITH HIS OWN HANDS HE DEFENDS HIS CAUSE. This also may have more than one meaning and may be dealing with both the past as well as times that are yet to come.

AND OF LEVI HE SAID, LET THY THUMMIM AND THY URIM (or items worn by the high priest) BE WITH THY HOLY ONE (or man you favored), WHOM THOU DIDST PROVE AT MASSAH, AND WITH WHOM THOU DIDST STRIVE AT THE WATERS OF MERIBAH; WHO SAID UNTO HIS FATHER AND TO HIS MOTHER, I HAVE NOT SEEN HIM; NEITHER DID HE ACKNOWLEDGE HIS BRETHREN, NOR KNEW HIS OWN CHILDREN: FOR THEY HAVE OBSERVED (or watched) THY WORD, AND KEPT (or guarded) THY COVENANT. THEY SHALL TEACH JACOB THY JUDGMENTS, AND ISRAEL THY LAW: THEY SHALL PUT INCENSE BEFORE THEE, AND WHOLE BURNT SACRIFICE UPON THINE ALTAR. BLESS, LORD, HIS SUBSTANCE (or skills), AND ACCEPT THE WORK OF HIS HANDS: SMITE THROUGH THE LOINS OF THEM THAT RISE AGAINST HIM, AND OF THEM THAT HATE HIM, THAT THEY RISE NOT AGAIN-Deut 33:8-11. Levi means "joined."
Note the words, "urim" and "thummin." They represent light and complete truth. Thummin also can denote perfection. Also note the words, THEY SHALL TEACH JACOB THY JUDGMENTS, AND ISRAEL THY LAW. The Levites were the priests of Israel; however, this may also be applied to the millennial period.

   NOTE: Reuben, the firstborn son, means behold a son.
   Simeon, the second son, which is not mentioned here, means hearing.
   Levi, the third son, means joined.
   Judah, the fourth son, means praise.
   Behold, a son, and when you hear his words, you will be joined to the Savior, and then shall you give praise.
    During the Millennium, when Jesus returns, behold a Son; Israel will give praise and be joined to Jesus. No hearing (Simeon) is needed.
    The names of the first four sons give us the Gospel. The order of the first three names here can tell us of Israel, when Jesus returns.

AND OF BENJAMIN HE SAID, THE BELOVED OF THE LORD SHALL DWELL (or rest) IN SAFETY BY HIM; AND THE LORD SHALL COVER (or shield) HIM ALL THE DAY LONG, AND HE (the one the Lord loves) SHALL DWELL (or rest) BETWEEN HIS SHOULDERS-Deut 33:12.
Note, this appears to portray the blessings of Benjamin’s location with regard to Jerusalem and the temple as well as his relationship to God, but it may also have further meanings during the Millennium.

AND OF JOSEPH HE SAID, BLESSED OF THE LORD BE HIS LAND, FOR THE PRECIOUS THINGS OF HEAVEN, FOR THE DEW, AND FOR THE DEEP THAT COUCHETH BENEATH (or may the Lord bless his land with the precious dew from heaven above and with the deep waters that lie below-NIV), AND FOR THE PRECIOUS FRUITS BROUGHT FORTH BY THE SUN, AND FOR THE PRECIOUS THINGS PUT FORTH BY THE MOON, AND FOR THE CHIEF THINGS OF THE ANCIENT MOUNTAINS, AND FOR THE PRECIOUS THINGS OF THE LASTING HILLS, AND FOR THE PRECIOUS THINGS OF THE EARTH AND FULLNESS THEREOF, AND FOR THE GOOD WILL OF HIM THAT DWELT IN THE BUSH (or the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush-NIV): LET THE BLESSING (or all these) COME UPON THE HEAD OF JOSEPH, AND UPON THE TOP OF THE HEAD OF HIM THAT WAS SEPARATED FROM HIS BRETHREN. HIS GLORY IS LIKE THE FIRSTLING OF HIS BULLOCK, AND HIS HORNS ARE LIKE THE HORNS OF UNICORNS (or a wild ox): WITH THEM HE SHALL PUSH THE PEOPLE TOGETHER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (or he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth): AND THEY ARE THE TEN THOUSANDS OF EPHRAIM, AND THEY ARE THE THOUSANDS OF MANASSEH-Deut 33:13-17.
THE TEN THOUSANDS OF EPHRAIM, AND...THOUSANDS OF MANASSEH are noted. Ephraim obtained the birthright and receives a greater blessing than Manasseh. This all appears to have been fulfilled in the past; yet some may apply to the Millennium.

ISSACHAR, IN THY TENTS. THEY SHALL CALL THE PEOPLE UNTO THE MOUNTAIN (note this is singular); THERE THEY SHALL OFFER SACRIFICES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR THEY SHALL SUCK (or feast) OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE SEAS (plural), AND OF TREASURES HID IN THE SAND-Deut 33:18,19.
Note, some may say this prophecy was completely fulfilled already, while others say it is referring to the Millennium. Parts of it seem to have been fulfilled; however, other parts do appear to be referring to the Millennium. THEY SHALL CALL THE PEOPLE UNTO THE MOUNTAIN. "The people" seems to be referring to the Gentiles, and "the mountain" appears to be Mt. Zion, where the temple of the Lord is located. It will be a house of prayer for all people. THERE THEY SHALL OFFER SACRIFICES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. There does not seem to be any biblical record of such a fulfillment. FOR THEY SHALL SUCK OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE SEAS (plural), AND OF THE TREASURES HID IN THE SAND. The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar were landlocked. The word "seas" may be referring to the Gentiles or other things as well.

AND OF GAD HE SAID, BLESSED BE HE THAT ENLARGETH GAD: HE DWELLETH (or lives there) AS A LION, AND TEARETH THE ARM WITH THE CROWN OF THE HEAD. AND HE PROVIDED THE FIRST PART (or chose the best land) FOR HIMSELF, BECAUSE THERE, IN A PORTION OF THE LAWGIVER, WAS HE SEATED (or the leader’s portion was kept for him-NIV); AND HE CAME WITH THE HEADS OF THE PEOPLE, HE EXECUTED THE JUSTICE OF THE LORD, AND HIS JUDGMENTS WITH ISRAEL (when the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the Lord’s righteous will, and His judgments concerning Israel-NIV)-Deut 33:20,21.
Note, all this prophecy appears to have been fulfilled in the past. There may be certain parts that could have an additional fulfillment during the Millennium.

AND OF DAN HE SAID, DAN IS A LION’S WHELP (or cub): HE SHALL LEAP FROM BASHAN (an area northeast of the Sea of Galilee and extending to the approximate area of Mt. Hermon)-Deut 33:22.
Note, this prophecy appears to have been fulfilled in the past, but could also have an additional fulfillment during the Millennium.

AND OF NAPHTALI HE SAID, O NAPHTALI, SATISFIED WITH FAVOR, AND FULL WITH THE BLESSING OF THE LORD (or abounding with the favor of the Lord): POSSESS THOU THE WEST AND THE SOUTH (he will inherit southward to the lake-NIV)-Deut 33:23.
Note, this prophecy appears to have been fulfilled in the past, yet may have an additional fulfillment during the Millennium.

AND OF ASHER HE SAID, LET ASHER BE BLESSED WITH CHILDREN; LET HIM BE ACCEPTABLE TO HIS BRETHREN, AND LET HIM DIP (or bathe) HIS FOOT (or feet) IN OIL. THY SHOES SHALL BE IRON AND BRASS; AND AS THY DAYS, SO SHALL THY STRENGTH BE (or the bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days-NIV)-Deut 33:24,25.
Note, this prophecy appears to have been fulfilled in the past. There are varied opinions for the meaning of the word "oil." Some believe it denotes prosperity or olive oil; others believe it could be indicating there is petroleum in the land. This prophecy may have an additional fulfillment during the Millennium.

Some of these prophecies relate to times that are yet to come. It is important that these are understood-ref Gen 49:3-27.
AND JACOB CALLED UNTO HIS SONS, AND SAID, GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER, THAT I MAY TELL YOU THAT WHICH SHALL BEFALL YOU IN THE LAST DAYS-Gen 49:1.

REUBEN, THOU ART MY FIRSTBORN, MY MIGHT, AND THE BEGINNING (or first sign) OF MY STRENGTH, THE EXCELLENCY OF DIGNITY (excelling in honor), AND THE EXCELLENCY OF (or excelling in) POWER: UNSTABLE AS WATER, THOU SHALT NOT EXCEL; BECAUSE THOU WENTEST UP TO THY FATHER’S BED; THEN DEFILEDST THOU IT: HE WENT UP TO MY COUCH-Gen 49:3,4.
Reuben lost his birthright for committing fornication with Bilhah, his father’s concubine. History bears witness that Reuben was not a significant influence in the nation of Israel afterward.

SIMEON AND LEVI ARE BRETHREN; INSTRUMENTS OF CRUELTY ARE IN THEIR HABITATIONS (their swords are weapons of violence-NIV). O MY SOUL, COME NOT THOU INTO THEIR SECRET (let me not enter their council-NIV); UNTO THEIR ASSEMBLY, MINE HONOR, BE NOT THOU UNITED (or let me not join their assembly-NIV): FOR IN THEIR ANGER THEY SLEW A MAN (or have killed men in their anger-NIV), AND IN THEIR SELF-WILL THEY DIGGED DOWN A WALL (and hamstrung oxen as they pleased-NIV). CURSED BE THEIR ANGER, FOR IT WAS FIERCE; AND THEIR WRATH, FOR IT WAS CRUEL: I WILL DIVIDE THEM IN JACOB, AND SCATTER THEM IN ISRAEL-Gen 49:5-7.
Simeon and Levi are grouped together because of their treachery against the men of Shechem for what they had done to their sister, Dinah. The reference to oxen is giving us additional information to go with what they did in Gen 34:27-29. What they did not take, they appear to have destroyed. They were to be divided and scattered in Israel. When Simeon was numbered in Numbers 26, they were the weakest. Simeon was given an inheritance within Judah. They were left out in Deuteronomy 33. Levi was scattered in Israel and received 48 cities.

   JUDAH, THOU ART HE WHOM THY BRETHREN SHALL PRAISE: THY HAND SHALL BE IN THE NECK OF THINE ENEMIES; THY FATHER’S CHILDREN SHALL BOW DOWN BEFORE THEE. JUDAH IS A LION’S WHELP (cub); FROM THE PREY, MY SON, THOU ART GONE UP (you return from the prey-NIV): HE STOOPED DOWN, HE COUCHED AS A LION, AND AS AN OLD LION; WHO SHALL ROUSE HIM UP? THE SCEPTER SHALL NOT DEPART FROM JUDAH, NOR A LAWGIVER (the ruler’s staff) FROM BETWEEN HIS FEET, UNTIL SHILOH COME (until He comes to whom it belongs-NIV); AND UNTO HIM SHALL THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE BE (the obedience of the nations is His-NIV). BINDING HIS FOAL (or donkey) UNTO THE VINE, AND HIS ASS’S COLT UNTO THE CHOICE VINE (or branch); HE WASHED HIS GARMENTS IN WINE, AND HIS CLOTHES (or robes) IN THE BLOOD OF GRAPES: HIS EYES SHALL BE RED WITH (or darker than) WINE, AND HIS TEETH WHITE WITH MILK (or whiter than milk)-Gen 49:8-12.
    Judah would be praised and was to be powerful in warfare. Judah was to become the leader among the tribes of Israel. This did come to pass.
    The Messiah was to come from this tribe. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The scepter is a symbol of royal power, and the ruler’s staff would rest between the ruler’s feet. Shiloh denotes the Prince of peace, the Messiah, the One to Whom the scepter and ruler’s staff belongs. Jesus, the Messiah, came and the people were gathered to Him. It is written, BEHOLD, THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE, MEEK, AND SITTING UPON AN ASS, AND A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS-Mt 21:5. He was crucified and shed His blood at Calvary. After three days, He rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. But Jesus shall return immediately after the Tribulation of those days, even at the time of Armageddon. It is written, AND THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN WITHOUT THE CITY, AND BLOOD CAME OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, EVEN UNTO THE HORSE BRIDLES-Rev 14:20. AND HE WAS CLOTHED WITH A VESTURE DIPPED IN BLOOD: AND HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD-Rev 19:13. Jesus shall reign and rule when He returns after the Tribulation; the gathering of the people and obedience of the nations shall be unto Him.

ZEBULUN SHALL DWELL AT THE HAVEN OF THE SEA (or will live by the seashore-NIV); AND HE SHALL BE FOR (or become) AN HAVEN OF SHIPS; AND HIS BORDER SHALL BE UNTO ZIDON-Gen 49:13.

This prophecy does not yet appear to have been fulfilled. It could be dealing with the Millennium.

ISSACHAR IS A STRONG ASS (or a rawboned donkey) CROUCHING DOWN BETWEEN TWO BURDENS (or saddlebags): AND HE SAW THAT REST (or his resting place) WAS GOOD, AND THE LAND THAT IT WAS PLEASANT; AND BOWED HIS SHOULDER TO BEAR (he will bend his shoulder to the burden-NIV), AND BECAME A SERVANT UNTO TRIBUTE (or submit to forced labor)-Gen 49:14,15.
They received a good land and resting place. They may have been deeply involved in agriculture. The fulfillment of the latter part of the prophecy is unclear.

DAN SHALL JUDGE (or provide justice for) HIS PEOPLE, AS ONE OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL. DAN SHALL BE A SERPENT BY THE WAY, AN ADDER (or viper) IN THE PATH, THAT BITETH THE HORSE HEELS, SO THAT HIS RIDER SHALL FALL (or tumbles) BACKWARD. I HAVE WAITED FOR THY SALVATION (or I look for your deliverance-NIV), O LORD-Gen 49:16-18.
Samson was from the tribe of Dan. He judged Israel twenty years. In Judges 18:17,30,31, we see idolatry was referred to regarding Dan. They turned from God’s ways. Some consider that the Antichrist may come from the tribe of Dan (a serpent by the way, a viper in the path). Dan is left out of the tribes mentioned in Revelation 7, during the Tribulation, but is mentioned regarding an inheritance during the Millennium.

GAD, A TROOP SHALL OVERCOME HIM (or will be attacked by a band of raiders-NIV): BUT HE SHALL OVERCOME AT THE LAST. Gad had its territory east of the Jordan. This would make it vulnerable to enemy raids, but it was prophesied, HE SHALL OVERCOME AT THE LAST-Gen 49:19.

OUT OF ASHER HIS BREAD SHALL BE FAT (or rich), AND HE SHALL YIELD ROYAL DAINTIES (or delicacies fit for a king-NIV)-Gen 49:20.
The tribe of Asher would receive good agricultural land, which could yield food that would be fit for a king.

NAPHTALI IS A HIND (or a doe) LET LOOSE: HE GIVETH GOODLY WORDS-Gen 49:21.
Naphtali is pictured as a doe that has been let loose, which gives good news. All of the apostles that followed Jesus seem to have come from this area, except the traitor. Much of the ministry of Jesus was also there.

   JOSEPH IS A FRUITFUL BOUGH (or vine), EVEN A FRUITFUL BOUGH (or vine) BY A WELL; WHOSE BRANCHES RUN OVER THE WALL: THE ARCHERS HAVE SORELY GRIEVED HIM, AND SHOT AT HIM, AND HATED HIM: BUT HIS BOW ABODE (or remained) IN STRENGTH, AND THE ARMS OF HIS HANDS WERE MADE STRONG BY THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB; (FROM THENCE IS THE SHEPHERD, THE STONE OF ISRAEL:) (or because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel-NIV) EVEN BY (or because) THE GOD OF THY FATHER, WHO SHALL HELP THEE; AND BY THE ALMIGHTY, WHO SHALL BLESS THEE WITH BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN ABOVE, BLESSINGS OF THE DEEP THAT LIETH UNDER (or below), BLESSINGS OF THE BREASTS, AND OF THE WOMB: THE BLESSINGS OF THY FATHER HAVE PREVAILED ABOVE THE BLESSINGS OF MY PROGENITORS (ancestors) (ancient mountains) UNTO THE UTMOST BOUND OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS: THEY SHALL BE ON THE HEAD OF JOSEPH, AND ON THE CROWN OF THE HEAD OF HIM THAT WAS SEPARATE FROM HIS BRETHREN-Gen 49:22-26.
    The beginning verses, regarding Joseph, appear to be describing what he went through. He was shot at and hated; nevertheless, he was made strong because of the Stone of Israel (God). He was a fruitful vine by a well. His blessings, because of the Lord, extended over the wall, far and wide.
    Blessings of heaven and below, of the breasts, and of the womb were promised. Note the words, BLESSINGS...HAVE PREVAILED ABOVE...UNTO THE...EVERLASTING HILLS. THEY SHALL BE ON...JOSEPH. Joseph inherited the birthright. As a result, the two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, came forth and both received an inheritance as a tribe of Israel. Ephraim’s name also means "fruitful," which was to be greater than Manasseh. Joshua, Deborah, and Samuel all came from the tribe of Ephraim. Gideon and Jephthah came from the tribe of Manasseh. Ephraim would later become the leader of the northern tribes, when the nation split after Solomon’s reign.
    Jacob said to Joseph, BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE THEE FRUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY THEE, AND I WILL MAKE OF THEE A MULTITUDE OF PEOPLE; AND WILL GIVE THIS LAND TO THY SEED AFTER THEE FOR AN EVERLASTING POSSESSION. AND NOW THY TWO SONS, EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH, WHICH WERE BORN UNTO THEE IN THE LAND OF EGYPT BEFORE I CAME UNTO THEE INTO EGYPT, ARE MINE; AS REUBEN AND SIMEON, THEY SHALL BE MINE-Gen 48:4,5.

BENJAMIN SHALL RAVIN AS A WOLF (or is a ravenous wolf): IN THE MORNING HE SHALL DEVOUR THE PREY, AND AT NIGHT HE SHALL DIVIDE THE SPOIL-Gen 49:27.
Benjamin was a tribe of fighters, but were also cruel, even as a ravenous wolf. They stood against other tribes in Israel in defense of their wickedness. The judge Ehud, King Saul, Jonathan, and the apostle Paul were of this tribe.

The past, present, and future are covered in these prophecies. Also to be considered are the prophecies later given by Moses, in Deut 33.

NOW THE EYES OF ISRAEL WERE DIM FOR AGE, SO THAT HE COULD NOT SEE. AND JOSEPH TOOK THEM BOTH EPHRAIM IN HIS RIGHT HAND TOWARD ISRAEL’S LEFT HAND, AND MANASSEH IN HIS LEFT HAND TOWARD ISRAEL’S RIGHT HAND, AND BROUGHT THEM NEAR UNTO HIM. AND ISRAEL STRETCHED OUT HIS RIGHT HAND, AND LAID IT UPON EPHRAIM’S HEAD, WHO WAS THE YOUNGER, AND HIS LEFT HAND UPON MANASSEH’S HEAD, GUIDING HIS HANDS WITTINGLY; FOR MANASSEH WAS THE FIRSTBORN. (And Israel said) THE ANGEL WHICH REDEEMED ME FROM ALL EVIL, BLESS THE LADS; AND LET MY NAME BE NAMED ON THEM, AND THE NAME OF MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC; AND LET THEM GROW INTO A MULTITUDE IN THE MIDST OF THE EARTH...HE (Manasseh)...SHALL BECOME A PEOPLE, AND HE ALSO SHALL BE GREAT: BUT TRULY HIS YOUNGER BROTHER SHALL BE GREATER THAN HE, AND HIS SEED SHALL BECOME A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS. AND HE BLESSED THEM THAT DAY, SAYING, IN THEE SHALL ISRAEL BLESS, SAYING, GOD MAKE THEE AS EPHRAIM AND AS MANASSEH: AND HE SET EPHRAIM BEFORE MANASSEH-Gen 48:10,13,14,16,19,20.

THE FIRSTBORN...GIVING HIM A DOUBLE PORTION OF ALL...FOR HE IS THE BEGINNING OF HIS STRENGTH-Deut 21:17. The firstborn is to receive a double portion of all for an inheritance.

    AND IT CAME TO PASS, WHEN ISRAEL DWELT IN THAT LAND, THAT REUBEN WENT AND LAY WITH BILHAH HIS FATHER'S CONCUBINE: AND ISRAEL HEARD IT-Gen 35:22.
    NOW THE SONS OF REUBEN THE FIRSTBORN OF ISRAEL, (FOR HE WAS THE FIRSTBORN; BUT, FORASMUCH AS HE DEFILED HIS FATHER'S BED, HIS BIRTHRIGHT WAS GIVEN UNTO THE SONS OF JOSEPH THE SON OF ISRAEL: AND THE GENEALOGY IS NOT TO BE RECKONED AFTER THE BIRTHRIGHT-l Chr 5:1.
    AND JACOB SAID UNTO JOSEPH...AND NOW THY TWO SONS, EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH, WHICH WERE BORN UNTO THEE IN THE LAND OF EGYPT…ARE MINE; AS REUBEN AND SIMEON, THEY SHALL BE MINE-Gen 48:3,5. LET MY NAME BE NAMED ON THEM-Gen 48:16. JOSEPH SHALL HAVE TWO PORTIONS-Ezek 47:13. To Joseph, Israel said, I HAVE GIVEN TO THEE ONE PORTION ABOVE THY BRETHREN-Gen 48:22. For it is written, THE BLESSINGS OF THY FATHER HAVE PREVAILED ABOVE THE BLESSINGS OF MY PROGENITORS (ancestors) (ancient mountains) UNTO THE UTMOST BOUND OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS: THEY SHALL BE ON THE HEAD OF JOSEPH, AND ON THE CROWN OF THE HEAD OF HIM THAT WAS SEPARATE FROM HIS BRETHREN-Gen 49:26.
    Thus, the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh would become two tribes in Israel in place of Joseph, their father. Joseph received the right of the firstborn in place of Reuben. Reuben lost that birthright, because he went in and lay with his father's concubine. Thus, a double portion was given to Joseph as the right of the firstborn.
    FOR JUDAH PREVAILED ABOVE HIS BRETHREN, AND OF HIM CAME THE CHIEF RULER; BUT THE BIRTHRIGHT WAS JOSEPH’S-1 Chr 5:2. The birthright was Joseph’s, but the government was inherited by Judah. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah.

And Jacob DIED, HE, AND OUR FATHERS, AND WERE CARRIED OVER INTO SYCHEM, AND LAID IN THE SEPULCHER THAT ABRAHAM BOUGHT FOR A SUM OF MONEY OF THE SONS OF EMMOR THE FATHER OF SYCHEM-Acts 7:15,16.

8-GENESIS CHAPTERS 29,30,35: THE SONS OF JACOB
Israel consists of 12 tribes. These play a part in Bible prophecy.

The tribe of Dan (#5) is omitted.
The tribe of Ephraim is omitted and Joseph is included. Note Ezek 37:16.

Following the destruction of the Russian military and its allies, which attack Israel during or near the beginning of the Tribulation, 144,000 male, virgin Jews should come to faith in Jesus Christ. There will be 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They will go forth to preach the Gospel. However, it appears that just prior to the Russian invasion the 144,000 will be sealed by God. This may be something that both they and the world are unaware of. This sealing may take place before they come to faith in Jesus by the foreknowledge of God.

It is written, AND AFTER THESE THINGS I SAW. This does not indicate that the next items happened after the seven seals, but rather that John saw them after the seals. John saw FOUR ANGELS STANDING ON (or at) THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH, representing all four directions, HOLDING THE FOUR WINDS OF THE EARTH. No specific information is given to us about these angels other than they are controlling the wind. They are holding the wind that it SHOULD NOT BLOW ON THE EARTH, NOR ON THE SEA, NOR ON ANY TREE (or that no wind should blow)-Rev 7:1. Prior to the servants of God being sealed in (or on) their foreheads, all wind on the planet should cease.

AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL ASCENDING (or coming up) FROM THE EAST, HAVING THE SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD: AND HE CRIED (or shouted) WITH A LOUD VOICE TO THE FOUR ANGELS, TO WHOM IT WAS GIVEN TO HURT THE EARTH AND THE SEA-Rev 7:2.

SAYING, HURT NOT THE EARTH (or land), NEITHER THE SEA, NOR THE TREES, TILL WE (plural) HAVE SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS-Rev 7:3. The fifth angel is not identified. Some believe it could be Jesus. The Scriptures indicate, once the servants of God are sealed, great hurt or damage will come forth from the four winds of the earth. It indicates that the sea, the trees, and the earth will go through some form of a great catastrophe. This would indicate that the sealing of God’s servants may come just prior to the Russian invasion of Israel. It may indicate that they will be protected from what is about to come. God’s wrath is about to be unleashed, but certain preordained servants of God will be protected. Some may presume that these become saved at this point. Nevertheless, this is not made clear. By His foreknowledge of knowing who will be saved, God will protect the future saints, even though they have not yet given their life to Jesus. He has specific works ordained for them to do at some future date. The kind of seal that will be used (or if they will even be aware of the seal) is not made clear. It obviously is necessary to protect them, as was already mentioned. This sealing would also indicate ownership and may be necessary for the work that they are called of God to do. Many believe it is the seal of the Holy Spirit, but with no visible evidence. Nevertheless, it is visible to the spiritual realm.

AND I HEARD THE NUMBER (or how many) OF THEM WHICH WERE SEALED: AND THERE WERE SEALED AN HUNDRED AND FORTY AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000) OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL-Rev 7:4. These are Jews. The names Jew and Israel are synonymous with each other and are used interchangeably throughout the Scriptures.

    Twelve thousand were sealed out of each of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. These tribes included (1) Juda, (2) Reuben, (3) Gad, (4) Aser, (5) Nepthalim, (6) Manasses, (7) Simeon, (8) Levi, (9) Issachar, (10) Zabulon, (11) Joseph, (12) Benjamin-ref Rev 7:5-8.
    Obviously missing is the tribe of Dan. Some speculate that the Antichrist will arise from this tribe; thus, during the Tribulation period, the tribe of Dan is omitted from being sealed-ref Gen 49:17. During the Millennium, however, the tribe of Dan will be included among the children of Israel. Ephraim, the second born son of Joseph, is also missing.
    The Scriptures indicate that these Jews are single and are virgins. There is no lie in their mouth at all-ref Rev 14:4,5. They will go forth to preach the Gospel of the kingdom-ref Mt 24:14.

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