Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand,.... The name of this tribe signifies "hearing", Gen 29:33; and such an hearing as is attended with obedience; and denotes the spiritual and practical hearing of the Gospel by those who hear, and understand, and believe, and practise what they hear, and yield the obedience of faith unto it. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand; this name signifies "joined", Gen 29:34; and denotes, that these sealed ones were not only joined one to another in love and holy fellowship, but to Christ, and were one spirit with him, and were members of his body, flesh, and bones, and cleaved to him with full purpose of heart. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand; the interpretation of this name is "hire" or "reward", Gen 30:18; and may design those rewards of grace which God bestows upon his faithful servants, in times of tribulation.