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 half-tribes of Manasses and Ephraim, sons of Joseph. Ephraim is here represented by Joseph.

From this omission of Dan, St. Irenaeus concluded that Antichrist will spring from his tribe. The prophecy of Jacob is cited in support of this belief: "Let Dan be a snake in the way; a serpent that biteth the horse's heels that the rider may fall backward." This explanation of St. Irenaeus has but little to commend it because the tribes of Israel have long since lost their identity.

"9. After this I saw a great multitude which no man could number of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne in the sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands

10. And they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb.

11. And all the angels stood around about the throne, and the ancients and the four living creatures; and they fell down before the throne upon their faces and adored God.

12. Saying: Amen. Benediction and glory and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honor, and power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13. And one of the ancients answered, and said to me: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? And whence came they?"