7:5 from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed,
- Judah means "Praise of God"
- Reuben was the oldest son of Israel, but the leadership was given to Judah because Reuben defiled his father's bed. 1 Chronicles 5:1-3; Hebrews 7:13-14.
- In Jacob's blessing, Genesis 49:1,8-12, Judah is the leader (usually into battle).
- In Moses' blessing, Deuteronomy 33:7, he implored God to help Judah 'against his adversaries.'
from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand,
- Reuben means "Viewing the Son"
- Jacob's blessing is remarkable, Genesis 49:3-4, inasmuch as Reuben had gone 'up to my couch.'
- Moses' blessing, Deuteronomy 33:6, is short and not too sweet.
from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,
- Gad means "A Company"
- Unclear why Gad is third in the list.
- Jacob's prophesy (Genesis 49:19) is that he will raid at the heels of those raiding him.
- Moses' blessing, Deuteronomy 33:20-21, indicates that Gad is an executor of 'the justice of the Lord,'
- Gad is the seventh son and the first of concubine Zilpah.