Of the tribe of Levi [were sealed] twelve thousand.—Levi’s name signifies _A joining_. “This time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have borne him three sons.” The next honor is apparently reserved for those who have literally sacrificed all their possessions in this world in order that they might be more closely joined to the Lord and His service. Levi had no inheritance in the land, as a tribe, and as an individual the only event recorded in the life of the patriarch is one of destruction of the unfaithful.—Gen. 34:25‐29.
Of the tribe of Issachar [were sealed] twelve thousand.—Issachar signifies _There is reward_, or _He brings reward_. “God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband.” “Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: and he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear.” (Gen. 30:18; 49:14, 15.) This seems to signify that the next honor goes to the zealous, those who joyfully undertake, in the Lord’s name and cause, to work hard for the glory of His name.—1 Cor. 15:58.
7:8. Of the tribe of Zabulon [were sealed] twelve thousand.—Zebulun signifies _Habitation_ or _Dwelling_. It signifies the blessed satisfaction that comes to those who, like the Master, during their earthly pilgrimages have not known where to lay their heads; but, although they have wrestled with poverty throughout life’s little day, have nevertheless held faithfully to the Lord, serving Him, with limited education, strength, talents and opportunities, in hope of finally reaching “The Home where changes never come, nor pain, nor sorrow, toil nor care.” What a homecoming they will have! In the Father’s House of many mansions theirs will be the happiest home.
Of the tribe of [Joseph were sealed] BENJAMIN twelve thousand.—Benjamin signified _Son of my Sorrow_ originally, but the name was changed to signify _Son of the right hand_. The youngest of Jacob’s children, he seems in some aspects to typify the Great Company class (Z. ’81‐1‐7), but succeeds in gaining the higher reward, probably because of being the companions of those that occupy more advanced positions in the Body. Thus the humble‐minded and faithful servants and _companions_ may and do fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ, even though their personal sufferings be slight.—Heb. 10:33.