QUESTION: What is the significance in the order observed in Heb. 12:22-2422But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22‑24)?
ANSWER: There are eight things in all, each being separated by the word "and": (1) the mount; (2) the city; (3) the innumerable company of angels; (4) the Church; (5) God; (6) spirits of just men; (7) Jesus; (8) the blood.
The earthly Zion raised the apostle's thoughts to the heavenly city and to heaven generally, then to its innumerable angelic hosts, and then to the Church enrolled there by the grace of God. God, as judge, naturally introduces the spirits of those faithful ones who had suffered righteously on the earth.
This leads on to the new covenant and its Mediator, who will again establish relationship with God's ancient people, and not only with them, but in virtue of His precious blood (that does not cry for vengeance as did Abel's), with the whole millennial earth. The passage thus speaks of God, Christ, heaven, angels, the Church, the remnant of the Jews, and the redeemed earth.