^7:5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,

from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,

from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

from the tribe of Judah, 12,000 were sealed,

• Judah means "Praise of God"
• Reuben was the oldest son of Israel, but the leadership was given to Judah because Reuben defiled his father's bed. 1 Chronicles 5:1-3; Hebrews 7:13-14.
• In Jacob's blessing, Genesis 49:1,8-12, Judah is the leader (usually into battle).
• In Moses' blessing, Deuteronomy 33:7, he implored God to help Judah 'against his adversaries.'

from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,

• Reuben means "Viewing the Son"
• Jacob's blessing is remarkable, Genesis 49:3-4, inasmuch as Reuben had gone 'up to my couch.'
• Moses' blessing, Deuteronomy 33:6, is short and not too sweet.

from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

• Gad means "A Company"
• Unclear why Gad is third in the list.
• Jacob's prophesy (Genesis 49:19) is that he will raid at the heels of those raiding him.
• Moses' blessing, Deuteronomy 33:20-21, indicates that Gad is an executor of 'the justice of the Lord,'
• Gad is the seventh son and the first of concubine Zilpah.