The twelve gates of Revelation's New Jerusalem

[psalms 91]

As I was putting together the different aspects of each member of Jacob's family tree, I noticed that I find myself identifying with different members for different reasons, so I am a mix of this and that one for those reasons. Is any one of them sticking out to say that is my main characteristic...hmmm.. maybe

That is the reason I put it out there.. because if anyone else could add insights it would greatly help. As it is I feel like I am like Issachar. I do a lot of deep research, and I think you can see that what I found, is shared with you all here on the forum.. as just an example.

I am so glad that you do, please always share as you are a valuable contributor and I learn so much from you

 

[Alithis]

As I was putting together the different aspects of each member of Jacob's family tree, I noticed that I find myself identifying with different members for different reasons, so I am a mix of this and that one for those reasons. Is any one of them sticking out to say that is my main characteristic...hmmm.. maybe

That is the reason I put it out there.. because if anyone else could add insights it would greatly help. As it is I feel like I am like Issachar. I do a lot of deep research, and I think you can see that what I found, is shared with you all here on the forum.. as just an example.

havnt had time to go over it properly yet. but..are you suggesting a sort of time zone for each set of gates..? like those deemed righteous by god from brfore the flood are escorted in the first 3 named tribes gates ,those under the covenant of abraham by the next three gate..those under the crosd by the next 3and those from the great trib. through yhe last 3..
or...somethink like that sort of thing.?
kind of like how we attribut the 7 churches in revelation to 7 time periods. ..sort of.. lol i have no idea what im talking about here.

 

[Alithis]

yes no maybe ? haha im just trying to get my head around the concept

 

[psalms 91]

It is easy to see that the seven churchs do relate to the different times of the church. We are currently in the last stage and pretty much at the end of that as well. Revelation requires much study and a lot of reference to the Old and New Testament to even begin to understand it.

 

[Cassia]

It is easy to see that the seven churchs do relate to the different times of the church. We are currently in the last stage and pretty much at the end of that as well. Revelation requires much study and a lot of reference to the Old and New Testament to even begin to understand it.

There is no doubt in my mind that the wheat and tares of Sardis, Thyratira, Philadelphia and Laodocea are the conditions found in christianity today. Philadelephia is the only one that the Lord has no words of condemnation for. Philadelphia is what followed the reformation. A time of small power but faithfulness to the Word. Jesus presents Himself here as the Holy One recognized by the faithful to God and brethern.

Revelation 3:7-13
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Philadelphia existed during the time of the puritines and has remnants at this time of Laodocea, as do the all of the last 4 churches.

As to the gates I agree that so much background is needed before making any guess as to what gate one will enter. My preference would be for an east gate that faces the morning sun. But definately not from the tribe of Dan as that tribe will no longer exist because of idolotry. Manassa and Ephram have enlarged to fill Joseph's double portion. Actually I would choose (assuming I had the right to choose) the gate of Manasa that is outside the camp.

 

[psalms 91]

Yes there is a remnant and always has been. They are the ones that follow the Way, Gods way, not mans, not institutions, but Gods, and remain true and obedient to His word

 

[Cassia]

Yes there is a remnant and always has been. They are the ones that follow the Way, Gods way, not mans, not institutions, but Gods, and remain true and obedient to His word

Remnant is probably the wrong word for the sheep of the NT because in the OT that refers to God-fearing Israelites becoming priests. Paul also speaks of them in Romans as the remnant.

Zechariah 8:20-23
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Revelation 21:24
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

 

[Cassia]

OR...... it may reflect just the tribe positions around the tabernacle of the wilderness...

Here's an illustration of where the gates are according to Ezekial

Ezekial 48:31 The north side's gates are Reuben, Judah and Levi
Ezelial 48:32 The gates on the east side are Joseph, Benjamin and Dan
Ezekial 48:33 The south side's gates are Simeon, Issachar and Zebulun
Ezekial 48:34 The gates on the west side are Gad, Asher and Naphtali

I'm not sure where your going with this thread visionary but this may help?

 

[psalms 91]

I am drawn to Judah

 

[visionary]

I was think along the line of characteristics traits... since time is no more... what else could possible tie us together in 12 groups but our characteristics much like the 12 churches of Revelation have characteristic flaws and righteous behaviors that redeem them.

 

[visionary]

Here's an illustration of where the gates are according to Ezekial

Ezekial 48:31 The north side's gates are Reuben, Judah and Levi
Ezelial 48:32 The gates on the east side are Joseph, Benjamin and Dan
Ezekial 48:33 The south side's gates are Simeon, Issachar and Zebulun
Ezekial 48:34 The gates on the west side are Gad, Asher and Naphtali

I'm not sure where your going with this thread visionary but this may help?

Interesting on the shifting of positions for each of the tribal members... as to where this thread is going.... I have no idea... it is exploratory on any clues that might help us figure it out...

 

[visionary]

Remnant is probably the wrong word for the sheep of the NT because in the OT that refers to God-fearing Israelites becoming priests. Paul also speaks of them in Romans as the remnant.

Zechariah 8:20-23
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Revelation 21:24
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

I think remnant... goes really smallllllll.... as Revelation says that it becomes just a "remnant of her seed".... It is one thing to be a church/congregation.. and quite another to be a remnant.. but for it to go to "remnant of her seed" is like seeds planted in the ground.. hard to find... but that is probably during the last flee where you are given "wings to fly to wilderness" Maybe we should have another thread open up to talk about the meaning of these verses.

 

[Cassia]

I was think along the line of characteristics traits... since time is no more... what else could possible tie us together in 12 groups but our characteristics much like the 12 churches of Revelation have characteristic flaws and righteous behaviors that redeem them.

Ah now your getting into the zodiac

 

[visionary]

There is no doubt in my mind that the wheat and tares of Sardis, Thyratira, Philadelphia and Laodocea are the conditions found in christianity today. Philadelephia is the only one that the Lord has no words of condemnation for. Philadelphia is what followed the reformation. A time of small power but faithfulness to the Word. Jesus presents Himself here as the Holy One recognized by the faithful to God and brethern.

Revelation 3:7-13
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Philadelphia existed during the time of the puritines and has remnants at this time of Laodocea, as do the all of the last 4 churches.

As to the gates I agree that so much background is needed before making any guess as to what gate one will enter. My preference would be for an east gate that faces the morning sun. But definately not from the tribe of Dan as that tribe will no longer exist because of idolotry. Manassa and Ephram have enlarged to fill Joseph's double portion. Actually I would choose (assuming I had the right to choose) the gate of Manasa that is outside the camp.

They are also characteristics of a believer... I bet you can find some who are "lukewarm" in your congregation... and others who are "philadelphia"... and those who are strong "brotherly love" for all who gather in His name and those coming to learn. There are those who are "Judah" leaders in matters of community righteousness. "Levi" are ministering people... and on and on goes the list of talents...

 

[Cassia]

Interesting on the shifting of positions for each of the tribal members... as to where this thread is going.... I have no idea... it is exploratory on any clues that might help us figure it out...

Why do you think the tribes changed position? Bill was saying that he leaned toward the tribe of Judah but it's changed to the north?

 

[Cassia]

I was think along the line of characteristics traits... since time is no more... what else could possible tie us together in 12 groups but our characteristics much like the 12 churches of Revelation have characteristic flaws and righteous behaviors that redeem them.

Btw I am curious if you know anything about the mosaics of the zodiac found on a early Christian church in Israel? Do you know why it's there? It could perhaps add more in terms of personality. My thoughts are we're born with certain traits and spend our Christian life learning the rest..

 

[visionary]

Btw I am curious if you know anything about the mosaics of the zodiac found on a early Christian church in Israel? Do you know why it's there? It could perhaps add more in terms of personality. My thoughts are we're born with certain traits and spend our Christian life learning the rest..

Good suggestion... that might be where we can find an answer.

Libra is the time of the feast of tabernacles which is the last feast. Libra, the Balance, or Scales, symbolizes measurement and balance in general as well as justice. Libra was symbolized by the Tribe of Dan (Gen 49:17). Libra can symbolize, depending upon the planet in the sign, a judge, jurisprudence, law, judgment, bloody judgment, wrath, or mass murder. It can symbolize a musical instrument, orchestra leader, a singer, or dancer. Or it can symbolize business, a buyer or seller, measurement, and calculation. Or it can symbolize mathematics, metallurgy, refining, chemistry, or pharmacy.

Interesting article on the connections between tribes and "mazzaroth" signs.
http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/472

 

[visionary]

Just to throw in one more point... the four animal banners on each side of the temple were... an ox a lion, a bird, and a man... doesn't that work with the visions of Ezekiel?

Ezekiel 1:10 The form of each of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right, the face of an ox on the left, and the face of an eagle.

 

[Cassia]

Just to throw in one more point... the four animal banners on each side of the temple were... an ox a lion, a bird, and a man... doesn't that work with the visions of Ezekiel?

Ezekiel 1:10 The form of each of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right, the face of an ox on the left, and the face of an eagle.

What's the question ? Just looking in "the witness of the stars"

 

[visionary]

Evidence of a correspondence between the Prediluvian Patriarchs and the signs of the Zodiac is found in the Jewish synagogue inscription from Engedi (below).

The synagogue itself was destroyed around AD 530 so this inscription dates some time from the early Byzantine period. It lists the Prediluvian Patriarchs first from Adam to Japheth in two rows, then immediately following the names of the signs of the Zodiac in two rows, then the names of the Hebrew months. Thus:


1. Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,|

2. Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham and Japheth,|

3. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo,|

4. Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aquarius, Pisces.|

5. Nisan, Iyar, Sivan, Tammuz, Av, Elul,|

6. Tishrei, Marheshvan, Kislev, Tevet, Shevat|

7. And Adar.


The three final Zodiac names are written in a curious way thus: gdy wdly dgym i.e. literally “Capricorn AND Aquarius Pisces”. Considering that these correspond positionally to Noah AND Shem, Ham-and-Japheth (the last two corresponding to the two linked fishes of Pisces), the odd phraseology is understandable.