So...here's another - explain this one to me:?

Question

Ok, now it's been a while since I've read the bible, so forgive me on the exact #, wording and passage.

I remember hearing that only so many tribes of Israel (was it Israel?) would enter the kingdom of Heaven, to equal a grand number of ??, or something to that. (again, you'll have to bear w/me as I only recently paid attention to this passage.)

1. who is considered of the designated tribe(s) and 2. If there's a set #, how can you think that out of ALL the people ever upon the face of the world, you'll be one of those people?

Answer 1

I believe you are thinking of Revelation 7. Revelation is a very symbolic book. The 144,000 that it refers to is not to be taken literally. 12 is the number of God's people (12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles). 10 is a number meaning complete (like we have 10 fingers). 12*12*10*10*10 = Symbolic for every single one of God's people, whether Christian or Jew.

Answer 2

ok

1) Compare the actual Jewish tribes listed in Genesis chapter 49 (read it all and make a list of them) and then read the list of the spiritual Jews given in Revelation 7:4-8 (which also gives the total number as 144,000). It is quite plain that 2 different groups are spoken of. (Paul also uses the term "spiritual Israel and being circumcised of the heart instead of the traditional Jewish procedure)

2) Yes, that is a limited number

3) Read Revelation 7:9-14 and you see that another group, which is not numbered, will survive the Great Tribulation.

4) Jesus spoke of a little flock (Luke 12:32) and also of a group that he referred to as "other sheep" (John 10:16) and that these would be one flock (in unity)

So, there are two groups that are chosen. They will have different responsibilities.

For the responsibilities of the 144,000 or little flock, read Revelation 5:9 - they will be a kingdom (have rulership) and priests - notice the term "bought from the earth", so they would be former humans. Now cross reference the term "bought from the earth" with Revelation 14:1-5 (the 144,000 are mentioned again and the fact that these were bought from among mankind.)

To be rulers - they would need someone to rule over, right?

If you want a further discussion of what the larger group will be doing..... hit my contact button on my bio page and I would be happy to give you more information.

Referring to the person who commented on Jehovah's Witnesses thinking that they want to be of that number....... That is an inaccurate statement, since most of the ones that I have spoke to, feel that they will be among the larger group, they do NOT plan to go to heaven, but to live forever on EARTH, not in heaven.

Answer 3

LOL- It must have been 40 years since you read, or had it read to you!
Israel was Jacob who had his name changed be God, he had 12 sons, the sons of Israel, each became a tribe of Israel, the 12 tribes of Israel!

There is no grand number that will enter heaven!

There will come in the last days 144,000 that are teachers, priests of God, that will convert in the last days many who will enter heaven!

You need to read again!

Answer 4

Wow, looking at the various answers, it seems there are as many different beliefs as there are people.

I think you're thinking of the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation. This consisted of 12,000 Israelites from each of the 12 tribes listed (Rev 7:3-8 and 14:1-5).

1. The tribes are as written: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin. (The tribe of Dan is replaced by Manasseh and Ephraim isn't listed by itself, but could easily be the tribe of Jospeh)

2. Its a misconception that only a set number of these people from these tribes either go to heaven or whatever. It's also a misunderstanding that they are Jewish evangelists preaching the Christian Jesus. In fact, using Christian hermanutics to look for the answer is the wrong way. What many overlook is that the answer is in Torah.

These 144,000 people, 12,000 from each tribe listed, are going to be the new group of kohanim (Levitical priests) who will learn the truth and teach about God and His Torah. They will be people of known and unknown Jewish heritage who, upon learning certain truths from God's Torah, accept God's covenant on His terms and are anointed kohanim, priests. What they will be accepting is God's offer as given in Exodus 19:5-6.

It would be an honor to be counted among these kohanim, and even though I have learned of who they are, I dont think God would include me among them. I don't think I'm worthy of such an honor. But I do hope to see them one day.

Answer 5

144,000 Jews will be accepted. The count is found in the book of Revelations. Tribulation will take a toll on the Jews and only 144,000 will be left. Out of the 144,000 come the 12 original tribes. Although some of the tribes have been extinct because God cut them off for their whoring after other gods and cavorting with other pagan tribes. They were diluted and after all of their sins, they were exterminated through various civil and national wars with other tribes.

Jehovah Witnesses believe that only 144,000 people will make it to heaven and that they want to be counted to be among that number. Unfortunately, their belief or interpretation is not sound. All one has to be is born again to be saved by Jesus Christ and spirit filled to be resurrected and live life on the new earth in New Jerusalem in a glorified body. They will be able to translate to heaven and earth as one is allowed.

Answer 6

That's a misconception widely promoted by Jehovah's Witnesses. They believe that only 144,000 will make it into Heaven. But the number 144,000 is only symbolic in that it symbolizes 12 (the number of completeness) times 12 tribes of Israel. This would be fufilled by Christ who would bring salvation to all peoples of the world, Jew and gentile alike.

Answer 7

Jacob had 12 sons. They are the tribes of Israel. Their names are Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Judah, Levi, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, and Zebulun. The two sons of Joseph , Ephraim and Menasseh, were also given the status of tribes. See Genesis 49:1 - 28; Genesis 48:14. About the number of tribes entering Heaven, I believe you might be referring to the 144,000 in Revelation Chapter 14. As for who will enter Heaven, in Romans 11:17 - 26, the Apostle Paul, said as followers of Christ, Christians, we become part of the tribes of Israel (Spiritually). How do we become Christians, we must believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Which is that we are all guilty of sin; and that our sin separates us from God now and forever; that God loved us and sent his own Son to pay the penalty for our sin; that all we have to do in order to be forgiven and have eternal life is to trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as the Lord of our lives and that God raised him from the dead. If you haven’t been invited to do that , I would personally like to invite you now.
All you have to do is ask Jesus for forgiveness of your sins, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Will you accept this invitation?

Answer 8

I can't understand your question, but Israel has 12 tribes.

Answer 9

this is old testament,but you probably need to look through more'cause there are all kind s of sayings and prophecies throughout the bible, other wise Jesus Christ would'nt have preached to the multitudes...there'd be no reason for it ...would there(and i'm sure he wasnt fishing for the few in the crowd)

Answer 10

YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE 12 TRIBES OF JUDAH.
THE 144 THOUSAND ARE THE SAINTS WHO WERE KILLED FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST. I THINK WE FLEW PASS THAT NUMBER A LONG TIME AGO.
WHEN JESUS COMES BACK FOR THE CHURCH,
WE WILL BUILD A NEW EARTH.WHILE SATAN IS BOUND FOR 1000 YEARS.
THIS IS ALL FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS. LONG STORY-WORTH THE READ.
GOD BLESS WITH YOUR SEEKING THE TRUTH