from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
Here we have, I. An account of the restraint laid upon the winds. By these winds we suppose are meant those errors and corruptions in religion which would occasion a great deal of trouble and mischief to the church of God.
Commenting on Revelation 7:1-12
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand,.... "Asher", which the Septuagint pronounce "Aser", as here, signifies "blessed", Gen 30:13; as all the sealed ones are, blessed with all spiritual blessings, with grace here, and glory hereafter. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand; the name of this tribe signifies "wrestlings", Gen 30:8; and may design the wrestlings of saints, both with...
Verse 6. Continuation of Note from Revelation 7:5 II. The facts, then, to which there is reference in checking the tendency of things, and sealing the servants of God, may have been the following: (a) The preservation of the church from extinction during those calamitous periods when ruin seemed about to sweep over the Roman world.