June 23: TRIBE NAMES & MEANING (part 1)
Of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; Revelation 7:5
Though the scattered tribes of the nation of Israel have been amalgamated into the general population, there is a marvelous message of redemption in this list. The names, each with a unique meaning, are arranged in a different order than any other listing of the tribes in the Bible. In some listings, Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s two sons, are listed in the place of Joseph who received a double blessing from the Lord (Genesis 49:25). The lists regarding land allotments do not include Levi, as they were over the priesthood and did not inherit land. Dan and Ephraim are omitted from the Revelation list as both were given completely over to idolatry and apostasy (see Judges 18:30-31; Hosea 4:17; and Deuteronomy 12:29-32).
Judah means “I will praise the Lord.” He was the fourth son of Israel. As a young man, he suggested to his brothers the idea of selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver (Genesis 37:26-28). He sank to another low (with Tamar) described in chapter 38. But—praise the Lord!—he allowed the Holy Spirit to accomplish a total character change, as shown when he was willing to sell himself to save his little brother (Genesis 43:8-9). Another solid reason for Judah to be listed first is that the Savior was born out of this tribe: the Lion of the tribe of Judah!
Reuben means “He has looked on me.” Although Reuben was the firstborn, he was unwilling to stand firmly against his brothers to save Joseph (Genesis 37:21-22). He may have been of a mind to take Joseph safely home, but he procrastinated. Reuben lacked “backbone” and was unstable as water as a young man (49:4). He had an affair with his father’s concubine (35:22). But we can recognize a wonderful character reversal as Reuben matured. As a young man, he had envied Joseph, but later we see that he was merry with them as Benjamin received a five times as much portion (Genesis 43:34). Reuben showed that he had gained “backbone” in character and was done with weakness and cowardice (42:37).
Gad means “Given good fortune”. Gad was the seventh son of Israel. Seven is the number associated with completeness. At the end of Israel’s life, he said of his seventh son: Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, but he shall triumph at last (Genesis 49:19). Being the seventh son was certainly a sign of good fortune for the family, and seven boys was jovially referred to as a troop. In Gad’s life, he met with a troop of troubles. These are not specified, but Psalm 18:28-30* addresses the idea with great encouragement for every soul yielded to the true God. The tribe of Gad symbolizes all who have been confronted by a “troop” of trials and temptations. But the final scenario includes a total turnaround toward the Lord for strength and deliverance. A whole-hearted turn to Christ makes them more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)!
*For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:28-30