The Number 7
Earlier in this number study we looked at the number six and we saw that it was the number of work. In looking at that number we also saw that the number seven was the Sabbath of rest. Even in that, we see that number 'clearly' illustrated as the totality of the week. It signified the completeness of time as it relates to coming to the Sabbath of Rest. Seven is the complete (finished) week. This is the same principle with this number.
- 7 days alert for Noah, Gen7:4
- 7 days for the dove, Gen8:10
- 7 ewe lambs of Abraham, Gen21:28
- 7 days of eating unleavened bread, Ex23:15
- 7 lamps (menorah) for the tabernacle, Ex37:23
- 7 days of dwelling in booths, Lev23:42
- 7 locks of hair on Samson's head, Judg 16:13
- 7 daughters of Jethro in Exodus 2:16 2.
- 7 sprinkles of blood in Leviticus 4:63.
- 7 lamps in Numbers 8:24.
- 7 nations of Deuteronomy 7:15.
- 7 priests w 7 trumpets on the 7th day in Joshua 6:46.
- 7 feast days for Samson in Judges 14:177.
- 7 sons not worth a daughter like her: Ruth 4:15
In Matthew it’s the SEVEN loaves: 15:34
In Mark it’s the Sadducee story of the SEVEN brothers: 12:20
In Luke it’s the SEVEN devils of Mary Magdalene: 8:2
In Acts it's the SEVEN sons of the Priest Sceva: 19:14
The Revelation Sevens
The seven churches and seven spirits: 1:4
- seven golden candlesticks: 1:12 -
seven stars: 1:16 - seven angels: 1:20
- seven lamps: 4:5 - seven seals: 5:5
- seven horns and seven eyes: 5:6
- seven trumpets: 8:2
- seven thunders: 10:3
- seven heads and seven crowns: 12:3
- seven plagues: 15:1
- seven golden vials: 15:7
- seven mountains: 17:9
- seven kings: 17:10
The whole Bible is replete with the numerical symbology of the number seven. There were seven seals to the book that is opened by the Lamb, which were indicating that it is completely or totally secure in these seals. No one could open it but God. Likewise, the seven trumpets are indicating the totality of God's judgments. From start to finish, when we reach seven, it is finished. Or in the seven vials which are the totality of the Wrath of God that is to be poured out upon the earth. All these things show this spiritual signification of the number. Even when Mary Magdalene was healed
luke 8:2
"And certain woman, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called magdalene, out of whom went Seven Devils."
Mark 16:9
"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared unto mary Magdalene, out of whom went Seven devils."
Jesus cast out of her seven devils to signify the totality of the rule of Satan in her. When we are saved, we are made free from Satan where he no longer has rule over us. The number seven signified the total removal of Satan from within her, and now God would make His abode there. And what agreement has the Temple of God with the temple of idols? None. Satan is totally cast out. The Number seven illustrates his total rule in the unsaved. But by Grace of God he is totally cast out when we become Saved.
Leviticus 4:6
"And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary".
There we see that the blood was to be sprinkled seven times, which signifies that the person is 'totally' forgiven and made completely clean. Likewise:
Matthew 18:22
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven".
In these verses God is illustrating that the number of times we should forgive someone is 'seventy times seven.' In other words, we are not to forgive just some sins, or even literally four hundred and ninety sins (70x7), but by the use of seven it is illustrating that we must forgive in totality. We must have complete forgiveness as often as we are sinned against, just as Christ has forgiven 'all' our sins. Seven is multiplied by seventy (10x7) to emphasize total fulness and bring home the point that we must love as we are loved, unconditionally. As Christ continues to forgive us all our transgressions, so we are likewise to forgive in 'totality.'
Another example is in Revelation, where the Holy Spirit of God is signified by 'Seven spirits, and seven eyes.'
Revelation 3:1
"And unto the Angel of the Church at Sardis write, these things saith He that hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the Seven stars; I know thy Works, that thou hast a name which thou liveth, and art dead."
Revelation 4:5
"And out of the Throne proceedeth lightnings and Thunderings and voices; and there were Seven lamps of fire burning before the Throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
Revelation 5:6
"And I beheld, and lo in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures,, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having Seven Horns, and Seven Eyes, which are the Seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."
Psalms 12:6
"The Words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified Seven Times."
Seven times illustrates 'complete' Purity. In other words, there is no impurities found God's word anywhere. Total infallibility of the Word. The spiritual significations of the number seven are seen all throughout scripture.
Revelation 5:1
"And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with Seven Seals."
This book was sealed totally so that none could open it but God. The number seven again signifying this total sealing.
Revelation 10:3
"and He cried with a loud voice, as when a Lion Roareth, and when He cried Seven thunders uttered their voices."
Seven thunders signifies the totality of God's voice. His Word will be complete, finished. The mystery is over. When that which is complete or perfect is come, we will then know, even as we are known. We see the same principle as it speaks of the seventh trumpet sounding. It's the 'last' trumpet, the 'totality' of the trumpets accomplished.
Revelation 10:7
"but in the days of the voice of the Seventh Angel, when He shall begin to sound, the Mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the Prophets." Again, the totality being illustrated by the number seven. It's finished, ended, all fulfilled, all complete! The Sabbath of Rest is Come. The labours in this world are over
Revelation 2:7
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches: To Him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
Matthew 15:37
"And they did eat, and were filled, and they took up of the broken that was left, seven baskets full."
. Revelation 12:3
"And there appeared another Wonder in Heaven, and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads."
The seven heads are seven mountains (revelation 17:9) which are symbolic of kingdoms. Seven equals the totality of authority (heads) of this dragon and of his rule throught time. The crowns signify that it is a kingdom, and the seven his complere rule throughout time in it. Thus we see in this symbolism a picture of the totality of the dragon's (satan's) rule. That is why it says (revelation 17:10) that five of the heads of this beast had already fallen at the time of the writing of Revelation. Those rules of Satan were over. It said, one is, and one is yet to come, and there was a final 8th (which was part of the seven). i.e., it's part of 'this totality,' and he would rule a short time near the end of the world when Satan is loosed. The Seven illustrates the totality of the time of rule of this beast. God uses this number in this way to show us certain Spiritual truths. It's not the perfection of Satan, but illustrates the totality of his authority (heads) and rule. He is the prince of the power of the air. When the seventh king falls, that will be the end of him, the finish of the totality of his rule and authority.
Related to this is the ten horns of this Beast that signifies a rule for 'a short time.' The number ten here illustrates the fullness of time while not being the complete (totality of) time (more on this in the study of the number 10). So we see seven as the totality of his time, and the number ten as a short period he reign in within the totality. The very context and content of Revelation Chapter seventeen also confirms this. As the ten kings had received no kingdom as yet, but would reign later, one hour with this beast.
Horns in scripture 'Signify' Power. As you can see in Revelation chapter seventeen, the ten horns that were on the Beast were said to be ten kings which had received no power (when it was written) but would receive power to rule with the beast. i.e., Kings symbolize Rule, and Horns symbolize Power (horns of an animal are a figure of his power). Likewise, these horns here in Revelation chapter five signify God's Power. Unlike Satan's rule in power, God's rule in power is omnipotent. The seven horns signify the 'totality' of his rule and power, and the seven eyes illustrate the 'totality' of the watch of the Holy Spirit. Eyes equate to seeing/knowing. There is one Holy Spirit, but the number seven here is numeric symbolism illustrating His presence over the totality of the world. And the same application with the Seven eyes. It illustrates his 'total' watch over the earth where He sees all. The Holy Spirit of God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. The number seven illustrates the magnificent totality of this.
(7 horns - Omnipotent) The totality of His Power!
(7 spirits - Omnipresent) He is all (totality) Everywhere!
(7 eyes - Omniscient) He is all (totality) knowing/seeing!
This is how the number seven is used in scripture to illustrate this spiritual significance. It shows us the totality of whatever is in view. This is also seen in multiples of the number such as seventy, seven hundred or seven thousand. A good example is when Jesus sent the seventy out two by two. They represented the totality of the Church. Much like the seven Churches of Asia do.
Showing posts with label The Use of Numbers in the Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Use of Numbers in the Bible. Show all posts
Saturday, 9 August 2008
SIGNIFICANCE OF NUMBERS
1
represents absolute singleness and unity (Ephesians 4:4–6; John 17:21, 22.) (We presume readers need no more than these two citations, as most of the biblical information regarding unity and singleness is common knowledge.)
2
represents the truth of God’s Word; for example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), and a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is also used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation
3
represents the Godhead / Trinity. The angels cry “Holy” three times to the triune God (Isaiah 6:3). See also Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7, 8.
4
represents universal truth, as in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 20:8). In acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all the gentiles.
5
represents teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000.
6
represents the worship of man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g, sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1. The number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:18).
7
represents perfection, and is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest. The “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens). (See Genesis 2:1–4, Psalm 119:164, and Exodus 20:8–11 for just a few of the examples.) The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in Daniel and Revelation alone. In Revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven thousand slain in a great earthquake, seven heads, seven crowns, seven last plagues, seven golden vials, seven mountains, and seven kings.
10
represents law and restoration. Of course, this includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. See also Matthew 25:1 (ten virgins); Luke 17:17 (ten lepers); Luke 15:8 (healing, ten silver coins).
12
represents the church and God’s authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem city has12 foundations, 12 gates 12 thousand furlongs, a tree with 12 kinds of fruit 12 times a year eaten by 12 times 12,000 or the 144,000. (See Revelation 21.)
40
represents a generation and times of testing. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 years in the desert, as did the children of Israel. Jesus fasted for 40 days.
50
represents power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10), and Pentecost occurred 50 days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2).
70
represents human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1); The Sanhedrin
represents absolute singleness and unity (Ephesians 4:4–6; John 17:21, 22.) (We presume readers need no more than these two citations, as most of the biblical information regarding unity and singleness is common knowledge.)
2
represents the truth of God’s Word; for example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), and a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is also used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation
3
represents the Godhead / Trinity. The angels cry “Holy” three times to the triune God (Isaiah 6:3). See also Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7, 8.
4
represents universal truth, as in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 20:8). In acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all the gentiles.
5
represents teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000.
6
represents the worship of man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g, sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1. The number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:18).
7
represents perfection, and is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest. The “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens). (See Genesis 2:1–4, Psalm 119:164, and Exodus 20:8–11 for just a few of the examples.) The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in Daniel and Revelation alone. In Revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven thousand slain in a great earthquake, seven heads, seven crowns, seven last plagues, seven golden vials, seven mountains, and seven kings.
10
represents law and restoration. Of course, this includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. See also Matthew 25:1 (ten virgins); Luke 17:17 (ten lepers); Luke 15:8 (healing, ten silver coins).
12
represents the church and God’s authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem city has12 foundations, 12 gates 12 thousand furlongs, a tree with 12 kinds of fruit 12 times a year eaten by 12 times 12,000 or the 144,000. (See Revelation 21.)
40
represents a generation and times of testing. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 years in the desert, as did the children of Israel. Jesus fasted for 40 days.
50
represents power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10), and Pentecost occurred 50 days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2).
70
represents human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1); The Sanhedrin
The Use of Numbers in the Bible
In reading the Bible, it soon becomes apparent that certain numbers occur more frequently than we would expect. From the context it is soon apparent that some of these numbers have symbolic as well as literal meaning.
The Number 2
When we look through the scriptures we find that God often uses the number two as a signification for agreement, and by implication, truth. And because God has declared that the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1st Timothy 3:15), this number is also often used in association with it. It's the numerical symbolism of a faithful (truthful) witness or testimony. i.e., one being in agreement or a "confirming" witness of another. For example, the two witnesses spoken about in the book of Revelation chapter eleven. They are the Lord's faithful witnesses who bear testimony to the truth! Therefore are they spoken of as "two" witnesses, signifying that they come with the truth. In fact, we can readily see that the designation of two witnesses has always been the guide post that God has used for "establishing agreement of truth." From scripture we see that from the very beginning God instituted this number as the guide post for truth.
Numbers 35:30 "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die." Matthew 18:16 "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." John 8:17 "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.." Luke 10:1 "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them Two and Two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come." Mark 6:7 "And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits." Acts 1:10 "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel: Or again, God illustrates truth with this number in Hebrews six. Hebrews 6:17-18 "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, Confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to LIE, we might have a strong consolation..." 1st Timothy 3:15 "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth". The Church is identified with the number two because it is the Pillar and ground of the truth. The faithful servant and witness of God.
The Number 3
Another of the numbers where we can readily see God use it in a spiritual sense to signify something, is the number three. It is used of God to signify His Purpose or His Will! The same illustration is seen as God brought a thick darkness upon the land of Egypt (exodus 10:22-23) for three days. In this, God's purpose and sovereign will of judgment is worked out. The number three illustrated that it was for God's purposes that they were in darkness while all the Children of Israel had light!
We can see this in the three times in a year God commanded that the men of Israel were to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14,17 Deu. 16:16). This illustrated the will and purpose of God in the feasts Laws, which all pointed to Christ! In 2nd Samuel 21:1 the Lord sends famine in the land for three years, and says it was because of Saul and his bloody house. In other words, it was God's will that this happen, and the purpose of God in doing this was to bring judgment because of Saul's bloody House. Another example is in 1st kings 17:21 as Elijah stretches forth his body over a dead child three times, and the child lives again. This signified that it was God's will and for His own purpose that the child should yet live again, a type or spiritual "shadow" of things to come. Again, as the Lord said His servant Isaiah walked naked and barefoot three years as a Sign (signification) and a wonder upon Egypt (Isaiah 20:3), once more indicating God's will and purpose for Egypt. Even when we look at the three men who were cast into the furnace of fire, and a fourth who was there like the Son of God (Daniel 3:24-25), we see that it was God's will and purpose that these three men would not be harmed by the fire because of the presence of the Son of God. This was demonstrating that by the presence of Christ, the will and purpose of God that His people not be harmed in the fire, will be accomplished. These are just a few of the examples, and we could go on and on about this. These places where the number three is found is numerical symbology which is putting forth spiritual truths, that we can learn from as we consider them. For in three, God works out His purpose and His will. As Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so it indicated it was for God's purpose, and that His will would be worked out in this (Again, a type of Christ).
Acts 9:9
"And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."
Acts 10:16
"This was done thrice (3 times): and the vessel was received up again into heaven."
One of the greatest places to see this numerical symbology is in that there is only one God, and yet there are three in the Godhead. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
1st John 5:7
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one".
2nd Corinthians 12:8:
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice (three times) that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee.."
Matthew 18:19-20
"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered in My name, there Am I in the midst of them."
The Number 4
There are many other numbers which carry great spiritual significance, just as the numbers two and three does. The number four for example illustrates the universality of something. Derived from the four compass directions being all points, all directions, or everywhere.
Ezekiel 7:2
"Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God unto the land of Israel; an end, the end is come upon the four corners of the earth."
The earth of course doesn't have four corners, but God uses this language to show that the end is come universally upon the all the land. On every compass direction, on every part. The number four illustrates this universality.
Acts 10:11, 11:5
"And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth."
And of course, with further study we come to understand that this was to show us that Salvation was going to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. I.e., there would be universal Salvation! Salvation to all parts of the earth, to every nation and kindred and land. Again,
Revelation 7:1
"And after these things I saw four Angels standing on the FOUR corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree."
Again, four angels, four corners of the earth, four winds of the earth. Universal judgment over the earth everywhere, being held back by the angels of God. The Earth, universally is kept from this "until" God seals His servants in their foreheads. Then and only then will this universal judgment occur. The number four (Winds, Angels, Corners of the earth) signify this is a worldwide judgment. It is everywhere present.
Revelation 20:8
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, God and magog, to gather them together to battle..."
The nations from the four quarters of the earth is again a picture illustrating universality. I.e., all the nations of all parts of the world. Jesus uses the same type language as he speaks of his return, declaring,
Matthew 24:31
"And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another."
In other words, all the Elect (chosen) universally will be gathered together from all parts. This symbolism is seen consistently in scripture. We see the same principle demonstrated in scriptures about the four carpenters, the the four horns of the Altar, the four Spirits of Heaven, the four beasts, etc., etc. They are all illustrative of the universality of whatever is in view.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it was giving us a picture of the resurrection wherein we all (believers) would be made alive.
John 11:17
"Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already".
The Number 6
One number which there has been a couple of popular ideas about what it might represent, is the number 6. When we look at the number six in scripture, it most often deals with the application of "work" in the world. In fact, even in the chapter of Genesis that many use to claim it represents man, it clearly signified the completion of work days. i.e., in six days, work was complete, and on the seventh there was Rest! The emphasis was on the number 6 being days of work, not on it being the day man was created (which was a work of God). And this theme of work is what is usually seen being illustrated by the number six all throughout scripture. It was the time that God spent doing His Work, and it is the time we are likewise told to work!
Genesis 1:31 - 2:1
"And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended His WORK which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made."
Exodus 20:9-11
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord Thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."
Jeremiah 34:13-14
"...I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,
at the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee..."
Hebrews 4:11
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after that same example of unbelief."
This is also seen in verses like,
Revelation 14:13
"...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may REST from their labours; and their WORKS do follow them."
Exodus 23:10
"And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor and the needy shall eat."
Sometimes the meaning of the number 6 is less conspicuous. For example in a verse like Ezekiel 46:1 when talking about the Sanctuary,
"Thus saith the Lord God; the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened."
1st Kings 10:19
"The Throne had six steps, and the top of the throne round behind:...."
Deuteronomy 16:8
"Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord Thy God: thou shalt do no work therein." This is the prevailing illustration of the number six in scripture. It's the time that God has assigned in the world for work. Whether it be us, or God Himself. The number six
The Number 12
The number twelve is another prime example of spiritual significance. In other words, God uses this number to show us some spiritual truth in it's application. Would we be prudent Bible students in thinking that it has no meaning besides a count, and it's mere coincidence the places which it is found? No, we would be negligent to think so. In my studies I have found that the number twelve spiritually points to the Congregation of God. A good example would be the twelve brothers, the twelve sons of Jacob who were the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the Old Testament congregation, or Children of God. The number twelve spiritually signified this! These twelve sons were not a coincidental number of births, they were God ordained! Likewise, the significance is passed on after the cross as the twelve apostles became the New Testament representative of the congregation or Children of God. The exact same spiritual number attached to God's congregation on both sides of the cross. We can see this brought forth Gloriously as in Revelation 21, the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem (Thee Church) comes down from Heaven.
Revelation 21:12
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the Twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel:"
Revelation 21:14
"And the wall of the City had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the Twelve Apostles of the lamb."
Mark 5:42
"And straightway the damsel arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. and they were astonished with a great astonishment."
Matthew 26:53-54
"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve Legions of Angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
Mark 5:25
"And a certain Woman which had an issue of blood twelve years.."
Mark 5:30
"And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Him about in the press and said, who touched My Clothes."
The Number 40
The number forty in scripture often illustrates a time of trial or testing. For example as the Lord tried/tested Israel in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy 8:2
"And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments or no."
The Lord tried (proved) them forty years in the wilderness. The word proved means to test! It was God's testing program to see if they would keep His commandments and be faithful. The number forty signified this. we see the same testing as Jesus Christ was tried of Satan forty days in the Wilderness.
Mark 1:13
"and He was there in the Wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan."
likewise, after Christ was killed, He proved Himself forty days.
Acts 1:3
"to whom He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."
The Numbers 10, 100, 1000
The Numbers ten and it's multiples (100, 1000) often illustrates the Fullness of whatever is in view, without it "necessarily" being the totality. As a practical illustration, monday would be a full day, but not the totality of the week. Likewise ten would represent the fullness or completeness of that particular day, but not necessarily the totality of the whole week which that day is part of. A perfect Biblical example is the Beast of Revelation chapter 12 and chapter 17, with it's 7 heads and 10 horns. The number seven illustrates the totality or total length of time of Satan's authority (heads) and rule (crowns), while the ten horns illustrates His rule only near the end of the world. i.e., as said in Revelation 17, the ten horns had no kingdom as yet (when revelation was written), but is prophesied to reign one hour with the Beast. The ten horns signified the fullness of time (10) that these kings would have power (horns) to reign with the beast. It's called a short season, but it is the fullness of time within the time context of the rule of this Beast! That number ten signifies that fullness of time.
Likewise, the multiples of ten, as ten times ten (100) or ten times one hundred (1000) illustrate the completeness or fulness of whatever is in view, without it necessarily being the totality of it. As an example, look at the parable of the silver money.
Luke 15:8
"Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?"
,
Luke 15:3-5
"And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing".
Isaiah 7:23
"And it shall come to pass in THAT DAY, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns. With arrows and with bows shall men come hither; because All he land shall become briers and thorns."
Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;"
1st Chronicles 16:15
"Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,"
Psalms 105:8
"He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations."
The Significance of the Number 7 would be given under a different heading
The Number 2
When we look through the scriptures we find that God often uses the number two as a signification for agreement, and by implication, truth. And because God has declared that the Church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1st Timothy 3:15), this number is also often used in association with it. It's the numerical symbolism of a faithful (truthful) witness or testimony. i.e., one being in agreement or a "confirming" witness of another. For example, the two witnesses spoken about in the book of Revelation chapter eleven. They are the Lord's faithful witnesses who bear testimony to the truth! Therefore are they spoken of as "two" witnesses, signifying that they come with the truth. In fact, we can readily see that the designation of two witnesses has always been the guide post that God has used for "establishing agreement of truth." From scripture we see that from the very beginning God instituted this number as the guide post for truth.
Numbers 35:30 "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die." Matthew 18:16 "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." John 8:17 "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.." Luke 10:1 "After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them Two and Two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come." Mark 6:7 "And He called unto Him the twelve, and began to send them forth two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits." Acts 1:10 "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel: Or again, God illustrates truth with this number in Hebrews six. Hebrews 6:17-18 "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, Confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to LIE, we might have a strong consolation..." 1st Timothy 3:15 "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth". The Church is identified with the number two because it is the Pillar and ground of the truth. The faithful servant and witness of God.
The Number 3
Another of the numbers where we can readily see God use it in a spiritual sense to signify something, is the number three. It is used of God to signify His Purpose or His Will! The same illustration is seen as God brought a thick darkness upon the land of Egypt (exodus 10:22-23) for three days. In this, God's purpose and sovereign will of judgment is worked out. The number three illustrated that it was for God's purposes that they were in darkness while all the Children of Israel had light!
We can see this in the three times in a year God commanded that the men of Israel were to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14,17 Deu. 16:16). This illustrated the will and purpose of God in the feasts Laws, which all pointed to Christ! In 2nd Samuel 21:1 the Lord sends famine in the land for three years, and says it was because of Saul and his bloody house. In other words, it was God's will that this happen, and the purpose of God in doing this was to bring judgment because of Saul's bloody House. Another example is in 1st kings 17:21 as Elijah stretches forth his body over a dead child three times, and the child lives again. This signified that it was God's will and for His own purpose that the child should yet live again, a type or spiritual "shadow" of things to come. Again, as the Lord said His servant Isaiah walked naked and barefoot three years as a Sign (signification) and a wonder upon Egypt (Isaiah 20:3), once more indicating God's will and purpose for Egypt. Even when we look at the three men who were cast into the furnace of fire, and a fourth who was there like the Son of God (Daniel 3:24-25), we see that it was God's will and purpose that these three men would not be harmed by the fire because of the presence of the Son of God. This was demonstrating that by the presence of Christ, the will and purpose of God that His people not be harmed in the fire, will be accomplished. These are just a few of the examples, and we could go on and on about this. These places where the number three is found is numerical symbology which is putting forth spiritual truths, that we can learn from as we consider them. For in three, God works out His purpose and His will. As Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so it indicated it was for God's purpose, and that His will would be worked out in this (Again, a type of Christ).
Acts 9:9
"And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink."
Acts 10:16
"This was done thrice (3 times): and the vessel was received up again into heaven."
One of the greatest places to see this numerical symbology is in that there is only one God, and yet there are three in the Godhead. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
1st John 5:7
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one".
2nd Corinthians 12:8:
"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice (three times) that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee.."
Matthew 18:19-20
"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered in My name, there Am I in the midst of them."
The Number 4
There are many other numbers which carry great spiritual significance, just as the numbers two and three does. The number four for example illustrates the universality of something. Derived from the four compass directions being all points, all directions, or everywhere.
Ezekiel 7:2
"Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God unto the land of Israel; an end, the end is come upon the four corners of the earth."
The earth of course doesn't have four corners, but God uses this language to show that the end is come universally upon the all the land. On every compass direction, on every part. The number four illustrates this universality.
Acts 10:11, 11:5
"And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth."
And of course, with further study we come to understand that this was to show us that Salvation was going to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. I.e., there would be universal Salvation! Salvation to all parts of the earth, to every nation and kindred and land. Again,
Revelation 7:1
"And after these things I saw four Angels standing on the FOUR corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree."
Again, four angels, four corners of the earth, four winds of the earth. Universal judgment over the earth everywhere, being held back by the angels of God. The Earth, universally is kept from this "until" God seals His servants in their foreheads. Then and only then will this universal judgment occur. The number four (Winds, Angels, Corners of the earth) signify this is a worldwide judgment. It is everywhere present.
Revelation 20:8
"And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, God and magog, to gather them together to battle..."
The nations from the four quarters of the earth is again a picture illustrating universality. I.e., all the nations of all parts of the world. Jesus uses the same type language as he speaks of his return, declaring,
Matthew 24:31
"And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another."
In other words, all the Elect (chosen) universally will be gathered together from all parts. This symbolism is seen consistently in scripture. We see the same principle demonstrated in scriptures about the four carpenters, the the four horns of the Altar, the four Spirits of Heaven, the four beasts, etc., etc. They are all illustrative of the universality of whatever is in view.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it was giving us a picture of the resurrection wherein we all (believers) would be made alive.
John 11:17
"Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already".
The Number 6
One number which there has been a couple of popular ideas about what it might represent, is the number 6. When we look at the number six in scripture, it most often deals with the application of "work" in the world. In fact, even in the chapter of Genesis that many use to claim it represents man, it clearly signified the completion of work days. i.e., in six days, work was complete, and on the seventh there was Rest! The emphasis was on the number 6 being days of work, not on it being the day man was created (which was a work of God). And this theme of work is what is usually seen being illustrated by the number six all throughout scripture. It was the time that God spent doing His Work, and it is the time we are likewise told to work!
Genesis 1:31 - 2:1
"And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended His WORK which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made."
Exodus 20:9-11
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord Thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."
Jeremiah 34:13-14
"...I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,
at the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee..."
Hebrews 4:11
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after that same example of unbelief."
This is also seen in verses like,
Revelation 14:13
"...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may REST from their labours; and their WORKS do follow them."
Exodus 23:10
"And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor and the needy shall eat."
Sometimes the meaning of the number 6 is less conspicuous. For example in a verse like Ezekiel 46:1 when talking about the Sanctuary,
"Thus saith the Lord God; the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened."
1st Kings 10:19
"The Throne had six steps, and the top of the throne round behind:...."
Deuteronomy 16:8
"Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord Thy God: thou shalt do no work therein." This is the prevailing illustration of the number six in scripture. It's the time that God has assigned in the world for work. Whether it be us, or God Himself. The number six
The Number 12
The number twelve is another prime example of spiritual significance. In other words, God uses this number to show us some spiritual truth in it's application. Would we be prudent Bible students in thinking that it has no meaning besides a count, and it's mere coincidence the places which it is found? No, we would be negligent to think so. In my studies I have found that the number twelve spiritually points to the Congregation of God. A good example would be the twelve brothers, the twelve sons of Jacob who were the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the Old Testament congregation, or Children of God. The number twelve spiritually signified this! These twelve sons were not a coincidental number of births, they were God ordained! Likewise, the significance is passed on after the cross as the twelve apostles became the New Testament representative of the congregation or Children of God. The exact same spiritual number attached to God's congregation on both sides of the cross. We can see this brought forth Gloriously as in Revelation 21, the Bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem (Thee Church) comes down from Heaven.
Revelation 21:12
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the Twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel:"
Revelation 21:14
"And the wall of the City had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the Twelve Apostles of the lamb."
Mark 5:42
"And straightway the damsel arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. and they were astonished with a great astonishment."
Matthew 26:53-54
"Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve Legions of Angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
Mark 5:25
"And a certain Woman which had an issue of blood twelve years.."
Mark 5:30
"And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Him about in the press and said, who touched My Clothes."
The Number 40
The number forty in scripture often illustrates a time of trial or testing. For example as the Lord tried/tested Israel in the wilderness.
Deuteronomy 8:2
"And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments or no."
The Lord tried (proved) them forty years in the wilderness. The word proved means to test! It was God's testing program to see if they would keep His commandments and be faithful. The number forty signified this. we see the same testing as Jesus Christ was tried of Satan forty days in the Wilderness.
Mark 1:13
"and He was there in the Wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan."
likewise, after Christ was killed, He proved Himself forty days.
Acts 1:3
"to whom He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."
The Numbers 10, 100, 1000
The Numbers ten and it's multiples (100, 1000) often illustrates the Fullness of whatever is in view, without it "necessarily" being the totality. As a practical illustration, monday would be a full day, but not the totality of the week. Likewise ten would represent the fullness or completeness of that particular day, but not necessarily the totality of the whole week which that day is part of. A perfect Biblical example is the Beast of Revelation chapter 12 and chapter 17, with it's 7 heads and 10 horns. The number seven illustrates the totality or total length of time of Satan's authority (heads) and rule (crowns), while the ten horns illustrates His rule only near the end of the world. i.e., as said in Revelation 17, the ten horns had no kingdom as yet (when revelation was written), but is prophesied to reign one hour with the Beast. The ten horns signified the fullness of time (10) that these kings would have power (horns) to reign with the beast. It's called a short season, but it is the fullness of time within the time context of the rule of this Beast! That number ten signifies that fullness of time.
Likewise, the multiples of ten, as ten times ten (100) or ten times one hundred (1000) illustrate the completeness or fulness of whatever is in view, without it necessarily being the totality of it. As an example, look at the parable of the silver money.
Luke 15:8
"Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?"
,
Luke 15:3-5
"And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing".
Isaiah 7:23
"And it shall come to pass in THAT DAY, that every place shall be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, it shall even be for briers and thorns. With arrows and with bows shall men come hither; because All he land shall become briers and thorns."
Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;"
1st Chronicles 16:15
"Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,"
Psalms 105:8
"He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations."
The Significance of the Number 7 would be given under a different heading
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