Was just reminded of something I had written out a year ago:Jacob had 12 sons. They are listed in the order of their birth, from Genesis 29 on. The first was Reuben – whose name means “Behold, a son.” The fourth was Judah, which means “Praise, or Praise of Jehovah (the LORD).” We know this was the line the Messiah came through – the kingly line. The last (12th) son was named Ben-oni (“Son of my sorrow”), but was changed to Benjamin (“Son of my right hand.”). All the others are listed in Genesis as well, and it is easy to determine their meanings from Strong’s. But that is not essential to where I am going with this.

Next, let’s go to Exodus 28. Here we have the High Priest and his garments. The Breastplate, which was worn over the chest, had 12 stones over his heart – one for each tribe of Israel – according to the order of their birth. See verses 15-21 and 29. So look up the first, fourth, and twelfth ones. Got that?

Now, let’s go to Revelation 4 and see a type which I have only ever seen explained in one particular commentary. Remember chapters 4 and 5 are what is seen in Heaven in between the Rapture of the church (4:1 – after these things, the church period – chapters 1-3. see also Revelation 1:19) and before the Tribulation period where the judgements of God are poured out upon the earth (chapter 6-19).

Revelations 4:2-3 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Who sat upon the throne? Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Notice the rainbow (signifying mercy in judgement) completely circling the throne. Even in this end-time period of worldwide judgement, the Lord God will have mercy on those who repent and turn to Him during those seven years. Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Now look at the stones mentioned. Which sons do they represent? Which one is mentioned first? The Sardius stone, which Benjamin is represented by – the name given him by his mother was Ben-Oni, “The Son of my sorrow.” This was what Jesus was known by when He was on earth (a Man of Sorrows). Though now He is exalted and is at the right hand of the Father – Benjamin, “The Son of My Right Hand.” The Jasper stone is mentioned next. This represents Reuben and refers to Christ’s second coming – “Behold, a Son.” For unto us a child is born (Christ’s first coming), Unto us a Son is given (His second coming). What color is the rainbow around the throne – around the King? Emerald, the fourth stone – representing Judah, “the praise of the Lord.”

Just a neat little known type – that reinforces what is taught in other passages, and shows that everything in the Bible is in there for a purpose, even if we don’t always know why ourselves.

January 20th, 2005
Jerry Bouey