Of the tribe of Judah [were] sealed twelve
thousand
Judah is mentioned first, because Christ sprung from that tribe,
and the pure worship of God was preserved in it; and that itself
was preserved a distinct tribe until the coming of Shiloh; its
name signifies "praise God", ( Genesis
29:35 ) ; and shows, that it becomes all the sealed ones, all
true believers, and every member of the church of God, to praise
him for all favours and blessings, temporal, spiritual, and
eternal.
Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve
thousand;
Reuben was Jacob's firstborn, but by his sin he lost the honour
and privilege of birthright, and therefore is mentioned after
Judah, who prevailed above him and the rest of his brethren; his
name signifies "see the Son", ( Genesis
29:32 ) ; and shows that the Son of God is to be looked unto
for righteousness, life, and salvation, by all that expect to be
saved, and to him does the true church look for eternal life and
happiness.
Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve
thousand;
his name signifies a "troop", ( Genesis
30:11 ) , and may denote that there would be a numerous
company of saints and faithful witnesses during the time of
sealing, and amidst all the troubles and afflictions that would
attend the church and people of God, and who in the issue would
be conquerors, and more than conquerors, through Christ; see (
Genesis
49:19 ) .