Three-fold Reference to the Tribes of Israel:

1. … “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seals therof.” (Rev. 5:5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And I heard the number 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. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manases were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (Rev. 7:4-8). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And 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.” (Rev. 21:12). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The first reference indicates that Jesus Christ is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” The second reference indicates that 12,000 Jews from each of the twelve (12) Tribes of Israel (144,000 total) are a special, or supernaturally sealed group of Jewish redeemed believers that exist on earth during the seven (7) year Tribulation period. The third and final reference to the Tribes of israel occurs in the detailed description of the New Jerusalem, that comes down from heaven. New Jerusalem is described as having twelve (12) gates and each gate is assigned or named after one of the Tribes of Israel. As such, anyone (earthly saved Kings, or redeemed saints) can’t enter the city of new Jersulam without seeing or noticing the name of the Tribe of Israel identified on the gate they are entering. Israel always has, and always will, be the apple of God’s eye and have a special place in God’s divine order of things. As such, they are given special notice and reference at each of the holy gates into the new Jerusalem.