This number, John writes in his Revelation, is apparently the number of people from the twelve tribes of Israel who have been “sealed” with the name of God on their foreheads and will surely inhabit the New Jerusalem that will “descend from heaven” after the trials and tribulations of the “End of Days”. Their number, John says, is exactly 144 000, and it is apparently made up of 12000 male members from each of the twelve tribes of Israel; the tribes of Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph and Benjamin.
Few subjects in the Bible have caused more confusion and controversy. Firstly, laymen ask, why is the number limited to the tribes of Israel? Secondly, why is it exact and apportioned equally between them? Thirdly, why is it limited to men only since, in Revelation 14:4, they are described as “those who have not defiled themselves with women, and are chaste men”? Most worryingly, if “sealed” is interpreted to mean “saved” (i.e. those who will attain heaven and not be cast into the Lake of Fire), some suggest that only 12 000 out of each tribe can be sure of their heavenly place.
