Revelation of John 21:12-21
Summary for Rev 21:12-14: 21:12-14 a In this vision, the twelve tribes of Israel represent the redeemed people of God (see 7:4-8 b; see also Rom 9:6-7 c). The foundation for this community of God’s redeemed is the twelve apostles of the Lamb. In Jesus, God’s promise to bless all of the families of the earth through Abraham has been fully realized (Gen 12:3 d).Summary for Rev 21:15-17: 21:15-17 e measure the city: Measuring defines accepted boundaries (contrast the unmeasured section of the Temple, 11:2 f; see also Ezek 40:3–42:20 g).
21:16 h The city is described as a perfect cube. Each dimension is 1,400 miles (Greek 12,000 stadia); the number 12,000 symbolically represents the people of God (see thematic note for Symbolic Numbers at end of chapter).
21:17 i In the ancient world, walls were important not only to the defense and boundary of a city, but also to its status. That these walls are 216 feet thick (Greek 144 cubits) indicates the strength of God’s redeemed people. The measurement of 144 cubits again uses a multiple of 12 to represent God’s people. A cubit was the length of a man’s forearm, with a standard length of about 18 inches.
21:18 j The wall is built of jasper (see study note on 21:11; cp. 4:3 k). The city is fashioned in gold, which is not opaque like earthly gold; rather, like God’s transformed people, the heavenly gold is clear and pure.
21:19 l The twelve precious stones adorning the foundation stones of the city’s wall are a reminder of the twelve stones on the high priests’ breastplate that represented the people of God (see Exod 28:17-20 m).
21:21 n Things that are precious and luxurious on earth are common building materials in heaven.
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