Significance of the number Twelve (12) in the Bible

Since today is 12/12/12,  I thought I would take a quick look at the significance of this number in the Bible. I don't take numerology too far but it is quite obvious that the Bible does attach some symbolism to certain numbers. 

Holman (Bible Dictionary) says " After seven, the most significant number for the Bible is undoubtedly twelve."

And what does the number 12 symbolize? 

As one source puts it ( Biblestudy.org) : "It represents divine authority and appointment, as well as governmental foundation and perfection.."    (This is congruent with most other Bible scholar definitions)

Examples in the Bible include:

> Jacob (later named Israel) had 12 sons. Each of these sons became the "12 tribes of Israel" - a huge theme in both the Old and New Testaments.

> Jesus hand picked 12 disciples who later became the 12 Apostles.

(*** Holman points ut that in both cases there was a point made to keep the number at 12. When Levi was called out to be a priestly line, Joseph's sons each received a portion and became their own tribe. Also, when Judas betrayed Christ and killed himself, Paul was later added by God as the 12th Apostle.)

> Another interesting note is that Jesus began teaching with authority in the synagogues at the age of 12 

> One last multiple example is in Revelation (chapter 21) and the description of the New Jerusalem : 

The New Jerusalem has 12 gates of pearls, 

12 angels at the gates 

The names of the 12 tribes of Israel over the gates. 

The wall of the city has 12 foundations of precious stones

In them are the names of the 12 apostles. 

The wall is 144 cubits high (12 x 12).

	The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory  of God illuminated it. The Lamb [is] its light.
	Rev 21:24	And the nations of those who are saved  shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.
	Rev 21:25	Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).
	Rev 21:26	And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
	Rev 21:27	But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes  an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.