A Comparison between Ancient Israel and Revelation:
This is a follow on from the Road to New Jerusalem Part Two, in which we looked at the blessing of Jacob’s sons and New Jerusalem as detailed in the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to the Apostle John. We will explore the difference in the ordering of the tribes in Revelation when compared to Genesis; who is missing, who was added, and how it affects the message of the Gates.
The order of birth in the Ancient Israel tribes begins with Reuben and ends with Joseph, the first born of Rachael. This is the natural line of the twelve sons of Jacob. The New Jerusalem order begins with Judah and ends with Benjamin, the last born of Rachel; the Kingship line of Jesus. The re-ordering of the tribes of Revelation reflects our progression of faith to the Kingdom of Christ as seen, in part two. But there are two important changes in the New Jerusalem list when compared to the tribal order of birth; the tribe of Dan is removed and Manasseh is added.
And Bilhah conceived and bare Jacob a son. And Rachael said God has judged me and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son: therefore she called his name Dan. (Gen 30:5)
As Dan pertains to Judgement he is removed by the LORD in New Jerusalem. Manasseh is now added as his blessing points to reconciliation and clemency. The Gates of New Jerusalem are set in the order of our journey to the LORD and Christ: belief, repentance and justification. They reflect the blessings of Jacob’s sons but change in order, crossing from flesh and blood to Spiritual growth, and inheritance through promise.
Now there is another matter we should look at briefly regarding the bloodline of Jacob and believed racial purity. Many are of the opinion, especially those of the Christian Zionist view that the LORD put in place a people of unbroken lineage through which Christ came. It is not entirely true, due to two important interventions; one in Egypt the other in Moab. Both are of great significance, especially Egypt, as it connects Zion’s Gates and forgiveness. The events of Moab on the other hand, relate to kindred redemption.
After Joseph was accepted into the ruling house of Egypt and given the name Zaphnathpaaneah by Pharaoh, he was also given Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, High Priest of On as his wife. She bore him two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh who became central to the future of Israel: the name Israel was later transferred to Ephraim, and Manasseh’s blessing becomes vital in that our sins are now overlooked by God. So, the line of Israel now contains Egyptian blood through Manasseh and Ephraim from this point on.
The next is Ruth and Boaz. Ruth was not an Israelite but from Moab. The Israelites, enemies of Moab had clashed often, and at one time under Moabite detention for eighteen years. (Jdg 3:14) And yet out of this backdrop came a story of true affection and redemption, and a remarkable king. Boaz, of the line of Judah, married Ruth who bore Jesse the father of David, of whom Jesus said; I am the root and the offspring. (Rev 22:16) This is about David’s belief, not his ancestry, as ‘root and offspring’ pertains to faith. As Paul states in Hebrews, look unto Jesus the author (root) and finisher (offspring) of faith. (Heb 12:2)
Therefore, along with Egyptian, Israel now acquires Moabite blood into its line; and both of these events by the hand of the LORD. So it is no surprise to see Paul writing of corruption when Salvation is not of Israelite lineage, but of Heavenly Spirit and open to all.
Now this I say brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. (1Co 15:50)
So, it is not about ancestry rather faith in Jesus Christ. And whether or not we understand the message in the Gates of New Jerusalem it is simply a reflection of our journey in faith; a foretelling of the road we all take. It also highlights the remarkable nature of the Word of God, a living Gospel in permanent motion so what we might miss today we may see tomorrow, because JESUS is in it from beginning to end; the Life and the Truth. And it was to Him, Jacob, Leah and Rachel gave praise and glorified, blessing their sons in the way that they did.
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, see thou do it not: I am they fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesy. (Rev 19:10)
In peace and love as always,
James