The Meaning Of Revelation 21:12 Explained

Introduction

The book of Revelation is one of the most intriguing and mysterious books in the Bible. It is full of symbolism and imagery that can be difficult to understand. One of the verses that many people struggle with is Revelation 21:12. This verse describes the New Jerusalem, a city that is said to come down from heaven. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Revelation 21:12 and what it tells us about God’s plan for humanity.

The Verse

Revelation 21:12 says, “It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.” At first glance, this verse may seem confusing. What does the wall represent? Who are the twelve angels? What is the significance of the twelve tribes of Israel? Let’s take a closer look.

The Wall

The wall that is described in Revelation 21:12 represents the protection and security that God provides for His people. This wall is high and strong, indicating that it cannot be easily breached. It is a symbol of the fact that God’s people are safe and secure in His hands. The wall also shows that there is a clear boundary between God’s people and the rest of the world. Those who are inside the wall are under God’s protection, while those who are outside are not.

The Gates

The gates that are described in Revelation 21:12 represent the way into the New Jerusalem. There are twelve gates, which correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel. This shows that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Each gate is guarded by an angel, which indicates that there is a spiritual component to entering the New Jerusalem. In order to enter, a person must have a relationship with God and be willing to follow His ways.

The Twelve Tribes of Israel

The twelve tribes of Israel are a significant part of the Old Testament. They were the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob and formed the nation of Israel. In Revelation 21:12, the names of the twelve tribes are written on the gates of the New Jerusalem. This shows that God has not forgotten His people and that He is faithful to His promises. It also indicates that the New Jerusalem is a continuation of God’s plan for Israel, rather than a replacement for it.

The Symbolism

The symbolism in Revelation 21:12 is rich and meaningful. The wall represents God’s protection, the gates represent salvation, and the twelve tribes of Israel represent God’s faithfulness. Together, they show that God has a plan for His people and that He is working to bring that plan to fruition. The angels at the gates indicate that there is a spiritual component to entering the New Jerusalem, and that it is not just a physical place.

The Application

So, what does all of this mean for us today? First of all, it shows that God is in control and that He has a plan for our lives. We can trust Him to protect us and guide us, just as He protected and guided the Israelites. Second, it shows that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity. We should be open to sharing the message of salvation with everyone we meet, just as the gates of the New Jerusalem are open to all. Finally, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness. We can trust Him to keep His promises and to work all things together for our good.

Conclusion

Revelation 21:12 is a beautiful and meaningful verse that reminds us of God’s protection, salvation, and faithfulness. It shows that God has a plan for His people and that He is working to bring that plan to fruition. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we can take comfort in the fact that God is with us and that He has our best interests at heart. Let us trust Him and follow His ways, knowing that He will lead us to the New Jerusalem, where we will dwell with Him forever.