i am sure that 'who the 144,000 is' is inextricable from the explanation of this extremely peculiar list of the tribes.
could anyone who understands this please help to explain why exactly this list is given in exactly the way it is given?
I can offer my opinion the two cents..
First of all we do not know Christ, the anointing Holy Spirit of God in respect to men or tribes. This would include the apostles.
The tribe of Dan like the apostle Judas are two witnesses God uses to show us we are to not think of men above that which is written as if we did need a man to teach us. This is because it is Him who makes men different by giving them gifts.
Therefore that in which they freely received of God is not in respect to their own selves. This is a safeguard in respect to now if we have freely receive it, why would we glory, as if thou have not received it?It removes all boast of our own selves as well as us having the faith of Christ in respect to other men.
Dan like Judas are removed from the description of His bride the church according to the list in the chapter of Revelation. .
This is to show us we are not to have the faith of Christ ,the anointing Holy Spirit of God in respect to any man.
Dan which means Jehovah is judge is described as a serpent or deceiver and adder to indicate a false prophet as one that falls backward. Falling backward is an expression of judgment.
Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. Gen 49:16
Judas in the same way as the other witness is used to represent a false prophet as one sent by God, and therefore a false apostle.
Twelve is the number metaphor used in the parable to represent the authority of God as to whatever is in view . The twelve tribes and twelve apostles together as 24 elders make up the one bride of Christ coming down from heaven.
Focusing on falling back to indicate judgment in respect to the word Dan and not necessarily the person of Dan. Judas is used in the same way. 13-1=12
Judas as a false apostle shows his unbelief (no faith) by gathering with like-minded men that sought to kill the Son of man .
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, “I am he”. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.(indicating they were under judgement of God )
Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: Joh 18:3
In the end of the matter I would say the missing tribe, as well as the missing apostle (13-1=12) help us understanding the parable or pattern in respect that, we are not think of men above that which is written or face the consequence of falling back to indicate we could be under the judgment of God.This would be by not walking by faith (the unseen) according to the same spirit of faith .according as it is written... but are walking by sight in respect to the outward appearance of men.
