Topical Encyclopedia The number 12 holds significant symbolic and theological importance throughout the Bible, appearing in various contexts that underscore its association with divine order, governance, and completeness. This number is often seen as representing God's authority and the establishment of His kingdom.Twelve Tribes of Israel One of the most prominent appearances of the number 12 is in the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes descended from the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Each tribe played a crucial role in the history and spiritual life of the nation. The twelve tribes are listed in several passages, including Genesis 49 and Exodus 1. The division of the land among these tribes is detailed in the book of Joshua, emphasizing the number's connection to God's covenant and promises to His people. Twelve Apostles In the New Testament, Jesus Christ chose twelve apostles to be His closest followers and to carry forth His teachings. This selection is recorded in passages such as Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19. The apostles were foundational to the early Church, symbolizing the new spiritual Israel and the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The number 12 here signifies the authority and mission given to the apostles to spread the Gospel. Heavenly Jerusalem The number 12 is also significant in the description of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation. Revelation 21:12-14 describes the city as having twelve gates, each named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve foundations, each named after one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This imagery highlights the unity and perfection of God's eternal kingdom, where the Old and New Covenants are brought together. Other Biblical References The number 12 appears in various other contexts throughout Scripture. For instance, in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, the number 12 is frequently used in measurements and design, such as the twelve loaves of showbread (Leviticus 24:5-9) and the twelve stones on the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:21). These instances further emphasize the number's association with divine order and worship. In the book of Revelation, the number 12 is used to describe the 144,000 sealed servants of God, which is 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). This symbolic use underscores the completeness and totality of God's people. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the number 12 consistently represents God's authority, governance, and the fulfillment of His divine plan. Whether through the tribes of Israel, the apostles, or the heavenly city, the number 12 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the order He establishes in both the earthly and heavenly realms. Topical Bible Verses Revelation 21:12And 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: Topicalbible.org Exodus 28:21 Greek 3793. ochlos -- a crowd, multitude, the common people ... along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot -- company, multitude, number (of people ... (ochlo) -- 12 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3793.htm - 8k 3756. ou, ouk, ouch -- not, no 5064. tessares -- four 1325. didomi -- to give (in various senses lit. or fig.) 846. autos -- (1) self (emphatic) (2) he, she, it (used for the ... 4183. polus -- much, many Strong's Hebrew 8147. shenayim -- two (a cardinal number)... number) NASB Word Usage 1,052* (2), 1,222* (1), 112* (3), 12* (2), 12,000* (8), 120,000* (1), 122* (2), 172* (1), 2,172* (2), 2,322* (1), 2,812* (1), 20,000* (2 ... /hebrew/8147.htm - 7k 7230. rob -- multitude, abundance, greatness 5315. nephesh -- a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire ... 6485. paqad -- to attend to, visit, muster, appoint 7969. shalosh -- a three, triad Library That the Romans Added a Vast Number of Gods to those Introduced by ... Number Index Many Tumults under Cumanus, which were Composed by Quadratus. ... Number, 48, 49 1 Thessalonians v. 12, 13 John Chapter ii. 21-Dec Proofs in Continuation, Extracted from St. John's Gospel the ... The Doctrine of Angels. Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire. John Chapter xxi. 12-19. Resources What is the biblical significance of the number seven/7? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should we want God to teach us to number our days (Psalm 90:12)? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of 666? | GotQuestions.org Number: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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