(9) And had a wall great and high, [and] had (10) twelve gates, and at the gates (11) twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
(9) A particular description of the celestial Church, first, by its essential parts, compared to a city down to verse 22, (Revelation 21:12-22). Secondly, from the outside, to the end of the chapter (Revelation 21:23-27). Thirdly, by the effects, in the beginning of the next chapter, the essential parts are noted the matter and the form in the whole work: of these the superstructure and foundation of the wall are entire parts (as they use to be called) which parts are first described in figure, to the 14th verse afterwards more exactly.
(10) According to the number of the tribes. For here the outward part is attributed to the Old Testament, and the foundation of the New Testament.
(11) He means the prophets, who are the messengers of God, and watchmen of the Church.