There are various places in the Scriptures that show us a multiplicity of classes in the Lord's Kingdom. Their number varies based on the picture being considered. For instance, when studying the antiytpe of the children of Abraham and Keturah, we see six classes and a further breakdown as shown in their geneology.
When we view Joel 2:28-29 we see another six classes... some are the same and some are not.
The former type shows the order of the resurrection of earthly classes in the Kingdom, for the union of Keturah and Abraham comes after the death of Sarah, who types the covenant that developed Antitypical Isaac who represented the Christ class.
Keturah's Children come along after the death of this covenant (or closing of the high calling). Some of these brethren had already lived and died (the Ancient Worthies) but had been silent in the grave during the Gospel Age when the high calling was open. The first son of Keturah (Zimran, meaning celebrated) types the 70 most prominant of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies. This thougth is drawn out mostly from the realization that God often used this figure of 70 when dealing with his people. Moses selected 70 as did Jesus in His earthly ministry. Bro Russell even selected 70 pilgrims to represent him to the various classes around the world. There were 49 special teacher of the Church during the Gospel Age that we generally call Star Members... for they are the 7 stars of Revelation... ( 7 x 7 = 49). First there were the 12 Apostles, which according to Bro Russell were the 1st Star, Angel or Messenger to the Church at large. Then, during the interim of the Gospel Age (between the Harvests) there were 35 more beginning with John (who gets counted twice since he alone taught in both of the first two periods) and lasting to William Miller (1829-1849). Lastly there was Bro's Russell and Johnson... thus totaling 49. The 35 interim Star Members each had a special helper (example: John Wesley traveled and taught with his brother Charles), thus the number here is 35 x 2 = 70 again. So here we have Keturah's first born (from the grave) as the first of the resurrected prophets (35 ancient worthies) and their 35 special helpers.
The second son (Jokshan, meaning bird catcher; in reference to overcomers of the fallen angels) represents the remainder of these two classes in their resurrection.
The third son (Medan, meaning strife; representing how this class will stand as great controversalists for the truth as they meet up later with the world at large returning from the grave) are the Consecrated Epiphany Campers.
The fourth son (Midian, which carries the same meaning as Midian, thus showing their close relationship) represents the Fleshly Israelites who were promised their salvation before the Gentile world (first to the Jew, then the Gentile).
The fifth son (Ishbak; leaving) types the justified believers who did not consecrate. They have to some extent forsaken sin adn come closer to Jesus than the unbelief class.
The sixth son (Shuah; meaning low place or depression) types the non elect, the lowest class to be developed under the New Covenant (Keturah here represents that Covenant giving life to these classes).
These are just the high points of this type.
IN the Joel scripture we read... 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
This is perhaps a little rendition of the first shall be last and the last first
These four classes mentioned here are all earthly in their resurrection... the sons are the Consecrated Epiphany Campers and the Law Covenant Loyal Jews; the daughters are the emerging unbelief class that will eventually in large part become saved believers; the old men are the ancient worthies; and the young men (literally 'youthfuls') are the Youthful Worthies.
verse 29 then gives the two spirit classes: vs. 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
The servants here are the Little Flock and the handmaids are their servants, the Great Multitude. Note in vs. 28 it begins by stating "It shall come to pass afterward"...after what? after the two former spirit classes of the next verse are complete.
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The sons and daughters are shown more clarity in Isaiah chapter 60 (Oh how I love these verses)
1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.
5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
The sons of verse 4 have come from far... have already covered much ground by the time of the resurrection; thus, have made progress already in their (our) consecrated walk... but the daughters are here in the resurrection time (Arise, shine...) are just beginning to take the milk from the breast... the two testaments which give the milk of the Word.
Hope this helps a bit
