Definition: And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 21:12. It's a really beautiful and symbolic description of what’s going to happen after the end of times. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a future kingdom that will be incredibly powerful and secure, built on a foundation of peace and justice. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And had a wall great and high” : Think of it like a massive, strong defensive wall – not just a simple barrier, but one designed to protect something important. “and had twelve gates” : This suggests that there will be multiple ways for people to enter and leave this kingdom. “And at the gates twelve angels” : These are powerful beings, like guards, watching over the entrances. It’s a huge number – 12! “and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel” : This is the really important part. The twelve tribes of Israel represent the entire nation of God's people throughout history. The names on these gates are literally written on them – meaning they’re a symbol of the whole community. So, what does it all mean? The verse paints a picture of a kingdom that is: Secure: It’s incredibly strong and protected. Unified: It represents the whole nation of God's people, united under one rule. Just and Holy: It’s designed to be a place where justice reigns and righteousness prevails. In essence, it's a promise that after the world ends, God will create a perfect, eternal kingdom – a place of peace and harmony, built on the foundation of Israel's history. Important Note: This is a metaphorical description. It’s not meant to be taken literally about our current world. It's a vision of something far greater than anything we experience today. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Revelation? Discuss the symbolism behind this image? Answer any specific questions you have about it?