Biblical numbers
There can be no works or words completed without number. From the time we get up in the morning till the time we retire at night, not a single day will pass by without us dealing with numbers. From art to science, east to west, and book to computer, nothing can escape the use of number.
This is so too to the works and words of God. His works were done to perfection with numbers. His words were spoken and written in the right numbers. And when we see numbers used in the Bible, they are not by chance but by design, not at haphazard but with significant.
We should, therefore, understand not only the holy words in the Bible but numbers as well in order that we may understand the Bible as intends by God.
One is no doubt a primary number as a symbol of unity. It excludes all difference, for there is no second with which it can either harmonize or conflict. When it is written: “Hear O Israel, The Lord your God is one Lord,” it refers to one united Triune God. It excludes absolutely another Lord and, therefore, all idolatry.
Two affirms that there is a difference. This difference may be for good or for evil. A thing may differ from evil and be good; or it may differ from good and be evil. The second of any number always bears the difference. Take the second verse in the Bible. The first is: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The second is, “And the earth was without form and void. The first speaks of perfection but the second of ruin and desolation.
Three stands for that which is complete.
– God’s attribute is complete in three of omniscience, omnipresent and omnipotence.
– There are three great divisions completing time of past, present and future.
– Men’s complete nature of body, soul and spirit.
– The complete gift of God in faith, hope and love.
Four is made up of 3 + 1 and it denotes the 1 as the extension or creation of the 3 (Trinity). Hence the verse, “In the beginning God created.” Creation is therefore the next thing – the forth thing, and the number four always has reference to all that is created.
– The forth day saw the material creation finished.
– Four is the number of the great elements of earth, air, fire, and water.
– Four are the regions of the earth – east, west, north, and south.
– Four are the divisions of the day – morning,
– Four are the seasons of the year – spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Five is 4 + 1. We have had hitherto the three persons of the Godhead, and their manifestation in creation. Now we have further revelation of 1 (people) being called out from God’s creation (4). Thus we have one for Father, two for Son, three for Spirit, four for creation and five for redemptive Grace.
– The 5 grace offerings of burnt/grain/peace/sin/guilt
– The grace of the 5 loaves, Matt. 14:17
– The grace to the 5 virgins, Matt. 25:2
Six is the day man was created. Therefore, it has to do with man, the human number. Moreover, six days were appointed to man for his labor, and so, the number is man’s day to labor.
Seven is a great number of Divine perfection. We see them in:
– God’s words are purified 7 time, Ps.12:6
– God rested on the 7th day, Gen. 2:2
– God’s perfect pardon 70 x 7 times, Mt. 18:22
– Jesus 7 sayings on the Cross.
Eight associates with the new beginning.
– Eight were saved and started anew from flood, Gen 7:13-23
– Eight is the day for circumcision to start a new life, Gen. 17:12
– Eight is the day Jesus first appeared to his disciples after…, Jn
Nine is the number of remarkable in many respects. It is held in great reverence by many regardless of one’s faith. In mathematic, it possesses properties and powers which are found in no other number. It is the last of the digit and thus signifies the conclusion in fullness.
– Fullness in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:8-11
– Fullness in the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23
Ten is the human government.
– Ten governing nations, Dan. 7:24
– Ten tribes of northern Kingdom, 1Kg.
– Ten men decided the faith of Ruth, Ruth 4:2
Eleven is the number in between 10, the human government, and 11, the Divine government which we will see under. Whether we look at it as 10+1 or 12-1, it is the number which marks the over doing of human government and the short falling of the Divine government. It is the imperfection number.
Twelve is the Divine government.
– There were 12 Patriarchs from Seth to Noah, and 12 from Shem to Jacob.
– There were 12
– Twelve is the predominating number of Solomon’s
– There were12 Apostles, 12 gates, 12 pearls, 12 angels and 12 foundations in the New
Fifteen is a multiple of 5 x 3. Five is grace and three is completion. Fifteen, therefore, refers to grace in completion. A few examples may suffice:
– The
– Hezekiah’s reprieve from death was 15 years, 2 Kg. 20:6
– The Jews were delivered from death under Esther on the 15 days of the month.
– Lazarus was raises in
– Paul’s ship anchored safely in 15 fathoms, Acts 27:21
Thirty is a sorrowful number. There was a 30 days mourning for Aaron, Num. 20:29
and for Moses, Deut 34:8
Forty is a testing number. There were
– 40 days rain during the flood, Gen 7:4
– 40 days spying in
– Moses spent 40 days on the Mt Sinai, Ex. 24:18
– Moses 40 years in the desert, Num. 14:35
– Goliath taunted
– Jesus 40 days in the wilderness, Mt. 4:2
– 40 days between resurrection and Ascension, Acts 1:3
Fifty is for celebration.
– Pentecost is 50 days after Passover, Lev 23:15-16
– 50 jubilee years, Lev. 25:10
– 50 men to run before Absalom, 2 Sam 15:1
– Pentecost is 50 days after resurrection, Acts 2
Seventy is human judgment.
– Moses 70 elders, Num 11:16
–
– 70 weeks of desolation, Dan 9:24-27
– Jesus appointed 70 workers Lk 10:1
And so, we will certainly appreciate God’s Word and His use of numbers in the Bible when we get a better understanding of the meanings behind these numbers.
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