YOU CAN COUNT

ON IT

God's Design Through Numbers

Eli Borden

Copyright © 1988 by: Eli Borden

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1-4954-4537-2

ISBN-13: 9781495445378

TO MY CHILDREN

Eddie, Tammy, Cheri

and

TO MY NEW CHILDREN

Sonya, Valorie, J.W.

May all of you find true Spiritual happiness

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Number 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

Number 5

Number 6

Number 7

Number 8

Number 9

Number 10

SPECIAL NUMBERS

Number 12

Number 40

Number 1000

SPECIAL NUMBER STORIES

Flood

153 Fish

29 Trade Items

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Several people deserve a word of appreciation for helping with the production of this volume. Thanks to the congregations where I made presentations that led to the development of this book. Many of my students were helpful in brainstorming sessions over materials relevant to number symbolism. Thanks also to Sylvia Mahoney, who assisted my work through her insights and probing questions.

A special word of appreciation goes to three special people who helped proofread the manuscript -- Martha Whitman, Elora Duda, and my wife Wilsie Borden.

INTRODUCTION

GOD CREATED NUMBERS

Surely any serious student of the Bible has at some time wondered why the number 40 is used so frequently in God's Word? The flood of Noah's day lasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Israel, after disappointing God during its exodus from Egypt to the promised land, was forced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Genesis 50:3 states that 40 days were required for embalming. Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days when God issued the 10 Commandments; additionally, when the stones were broken, Moses went back for 40 days and nights. Jonah was given 40 days to preach to Nineveh before God destroyed the city. Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness before being tempted by the devil, and after the resurrection, Jesus was on earth 40 days before the ascension. These are but a few of the approximately 150 scriptures that use the number 40. Was this just a commonly used number? Did many events merely happen to occur within this time frame? Or is it possible that the number 40 has some type of deeper, symbolic meaning?

In reading the book of Revelation, one becomes aware that understanding the meaning is impossible without insights into the significance of the numbers used throughout the book. For instance, it seems more than coincidence that there are 7 stars, 7 churches, 7 letters (each with 7 parts), 7 plagues, 7 trumpets, 7 seals, 7 angels, 7 candlesticks, 7 thunders, 7 lamps, and 7 spirits. The number 3 is a frequently used number, as are 4 and 10. Two numbers that have generated controversy since the inception of the book are the 144,000 who were sealed and the evil number 666. A study of number symbolism will demonstrate clearly to the reader that numbers have meaning beyond being mere digits.

NUMBERS HAVE MEANING

One of the most conclusive and dynamic proofs that numbers have symbolic meaning is found in Mark 8:11-21. In reading the passage below, the reader should notice the significance of the numbers 7 and 12.

Mark 8:11-21,

And they forgot to take bread; and they had not in the boat with them more than one loaf. And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned one with another, saying, We have no bread. And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your hearts hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces took ye up? and they say unto him, Seven. And he said unto them, Do ye not yet understand?

Jesus did not ask, "What were the leftovers placed in?" The answer, of course, would have been, "Baskets." After the feeding of the multitude, He did not ask, "What did we place in the baskets?" The answer to this question would have been, "Loaves." Jesus asked a number question -- HOW MANY? To the first question the answer was 12, and to the second question the answer was 7. After receiving the two answers, Jesus then said, "Do ye not yet understand?"

The possibility that numbers have significant meaning now becomes fact; Jesus' third question would have been absolutely meaningless if the 12 and the 7 had not conveyed a message of some kind that His followers were missing. Later in this volume, the significance of 7 and 12 and the meaning of the passage above will be discussed in more depth.

NUMBERS COMPOSE THE UNIVERSE

Numbers permeate the entire universe and are indicative of a universal design. One difference between light and sound is the speed at which they travel. Light travels at 186,282.396 miles per second, while sound travels at 1129 feet per second in dry air at 68 degrees F. This is the reason an observer at a track meet sees the smoke from the starting gun before he hears the sound. If moisture is added to the atmosphere or if the temperature is raised or lowered, the speed of sound will vary in accordance. The elements around us are all mathematically based. Without exception, two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen form water. The atmosphere is formed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, 0.03% carbon dioxide, and traces of hydrogen, ozone, methane, carbon monoxide, helium, neon, krypton, and xenon. The number of elements is known, and these elements can be numerically measured.

Other characteristics of earth and the universe speak concerning a mathematical design. For instance, gravity can be explained numerically -- any falling object will increase its speed at the rate of 32.17 feet each second of its fall. Earth is moving at 45,000 miles per hour toward the constellation Hercules, while the Milky Way galaxy is moving at 375 miles per second toward the constellation Leo. Earth moves around the sun at 66,000 miles per hour and rotates on its axis every 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.1 seconds. Earth is rotating at the equator at the rate of 1,000 miles per hour.

The beauty around us is also grounded in numbers; consider that color is based on the wavelength of light. A wavelength of 0.000030 inches is seen as red, while a wavelength of 0.000014 inches is violet. High intensity of light will create white, while zero intensity is the explanation for black.

Music is created by variations of frequency (stated simply, the number of vibrations per second). Middle C is middle C because 258.652 cycles per second will create the pitch every time. The human voice ranges from low E, 81.470 cycles per second, to High F, 381.039 cycles per second; this range covers four octaves. These variations of the cycles create uniqueness in our voices, and the changes in cycles create music with differences in pitch.

Human beings are different from plants and from other animals because of the differences in the genetic code that has been calibrated to each life form. Changes in the DNA chain can produce changes in proteins that will affect the structure and cause mutations. Each human being is a unique living creature because of his genetic makeup.

Each individual has a numerical pulse rate, a blood pressure, a red blood cell count, a temperature, a height, and a weight. When one goes to the doctor and lab work is done, abnormalities are diagnosed by differences in the norm that are determined by average numbers relating to the area in question.

GOD COMMUNICATES THROUGH NUMBERS

What all of this is saying is that all of creation is a numerical design. Is it any shock, then, to learn that the two divisions of the Bible are also mathematically linked? Every letter in Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament, is also a number; and every letter in Greek, the language of the New Testament, is a number. The chart on here demonstrates the numerical value of both the Greek and Hebrew alphabets. Each of the systems added 5 symbols to the list to complete the needed number values. These 5 figures were used only as numbers, not as letters in the alphabet. This means that all series of Hebrew or Greek symbols in the Bible not only form words, but these symbols can also be read as numbers. The reader should study the alphabetic chart to get the full impact of the former statement.

TRANSLATION CHANGES

If it can be demonstrated that numbers have symbolic meaning, then the number used is the number that should remain in the Bible regardless of the translation. Unfortunately, some translations have ignored the original numbers by changing the ancient measurement of a cubit into the modern, English measurement of feet. This literalizes a symbolic message by taking 6 cubits and making it 9 feet. The difference in the meaning of a 6 and a 9 does not permit this type of liberty to be taken. In the name of accuracy in one direction, accuracy is missed in another. The King James Version, the first English translation from the original languages, faithfully used the original numbers. Several other versions have also maintained accuracy. To assist the reader in this study, the American Standard Version will be quoted since it has retained the original numbers from the ancient manuscripts.

DUAL MESSAGES

Since Greek and Hebrew symbols can be read as numbers and as words, when Jesus said that He was the Alpha and the Omega, was He saying He was the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet? Or was He saying that He was number 1 and number 800? The statement can be interpreted both ways, but which did Jesus intend? Nearly all commentators explain the meaning of the letters alpha and omega, but what about the numbers generated by the alpha and omega? To assist the reader in understanding the meaning of 1 and 800, the chart at the end of this chapter clearly demonstrates that 1 means creation, and 8 symbolizes resurrection. The message is that Jesus is both Creator and Resurrection, the beginning and the new beginning. For one to miss this symbolic message is to miss much of the depth of God's word.

THE DISCOVERY OF NUMBER SYMBOLISM

The symbolic nature of numbers was mentioned earlier when reference was made to the overwhelming quantity of numbers in Revelation and to the questions Jesus addressed to His followers after the feeding of the two multitudes. It would be impossible to understand the significance of these numbers if a system for understanding had not been developed earlier. The first person to ever take note of the symbolic nature of numbers was the Greek mathematician Pythagoras in the fifth century B.C. What is amazing is that 1,000 years before Pythagoras' discovery, Moses had written about a 40 day flood, 10 commandments, 10 plagues, 12 tribes, and many other significant numbers. In fact, as one reads about each of the numbers and their symbolic meaning, he will find that Moses established the meaning of every number in the first five books of the Old Testament. It is understandable that these formerly inconspicuous numbers drew much attention after the discovery of Pythagoras was made known.

EARLY USE OF NUMBER SYMBOLISM

Another meaningful development in ancient times related to gematria, a technique of hiding a name within a number. Remember that the Hebrew and Greek languages both are mathematical equivalents. A writer might say that he was in love with number 531, and readers would begin to decode the message by adding numbers (letters) that would arrive at the total. The name of Jesus in the Greek has a numerical value of 888. While the name Jesus has many glorious meanings, the number of His name also holds great significance, as the study of the number 8 will later reveal.

When Revelation first appeared in the Christian world, early readers were intrigued by the numbers and spent time decoding the message. It is unfortunate that the study of numbers shifted from a Christian influence to the occult. Today if one wants to read material concerning numbers, he will find himself searching in the section of the library that deals with myth, magic, and superstition. The study, now called numerology, is associated with the likes of reading tea leaves, reading palms, and studying horoscopes. However, the study of numbers had its origin in biblical works; God was the designer. Just as in some other areas, man took a work of God and perverted it. In this volume, the word numerology will not be used in referring to God's use of numbers; to clearly differentiate the occult's use of numbers from God's use of numbers, the phrase number symbolism will be used for biblical figures of speech. Two questions remain to be explored before investigating specific numbers. The first question deals with why God placed messages within numbers; the second question explores how one can determine what the numbers symbolize.

WHY DID GOD COMMUNICATE THROUGH NUMBERS?

Three reasons clearly explain why God would send messages through numbers. First, mathematics is the universal language. It is a fact that 5 items will be counted as 5 items in any language. Multiplying 3 items times 3 items will always total 9; it doesn't matter in what language this function occurs -- the outcome is the same. This leads to another point -- mathematics is absolute. While words may vary in meaning from one person to another, a person cannot arbitrarily decide that 5 + 5 = 7. These two numbers always total 10.

There has been much debate over words in the Bible, but the flood always occurred with a rain of 40 days and 40 nights. There have always been 12 tribes and 12 apostles. Without alteration, 10 is the number of commandments delivered to Israel through Moses. There certainly seems to be significance in these two reasons why numbers are found so frequently in the Bible, but consider thirdly that number messages present a challenge to the reader who wants to delve more deeply into God's message. Numbers are universal, absolute, and profound. One question remains.

CAN ONE KNOW THE MEANING OF NUMBERS?

Words have meaning when they have the same value applied to them by many people over a period of time. Stability would be impossibility if a significant number of people could not agree on the meaning of a word. The same principle is true with numbers. If numbers are used many times with the same symbolic meaning, then one can determine the interpretation of the number.

Once the meaning of the number has been determined, any mathematical function with that number has importance. For instance, multiplying one number by another alters the meaning. The 12 multiplied by the 10 generates 120, or symbolically, this is God's people multiplied by totality. When one number is added to another, the meaning is also changed; consequently, the 3 added to the 4 equals 7. Symbolically, the 3 is the Godhead, and the 4 is the world; when the Godhead and the world are brought together, the result is perfection, the meaning of the number 7.

When a number is squared, the power of the number is magnified; thus, the number 12 times the number 12, yields a product of 144. The 144.000 who were sealed in the 7th chapter of Revelation was composed of the people of God times the people of God times 10 cubed. This leads us to the next point; the most powerful way to express a number is through cubing it. The number 10 X 10 X 10 produces the awesome number 1,000. These number messages can be decoded because of the repetition of usage throughout the Bible.

After Pythagoras' discovery that numbers have symbolic meaning, many writers began studying the messages sent through numbers. About 500 AD, superstition, myth, and magic began moving numbers into the realm of the occult. The bulk of modern authors on the power of numbers concern themselves with the supernatural; however, this study will center on God's design through numbers.

One word of caution -- just as words may be symbolic or literal, numbers may be used in the same two ways. Jesus once told His followers that the temple would be destroyed and then rebuilt in 3 days. On another occasion Jesus pointed to the temple and told His followers that one stone would not be left on the other when Jerusalem fell. In the first instance, the word temple was used symbolically, referring to His body's being destroyed and then resurrected after 3 days. In the second instance, the word temple was used literally. One must be cautious that he does not read too much into the numbers of the Bible and that some form of moderation be used in interpretation. This study will first examine numbers 1 through 10; most theorists believe that numbers past this point must be understood by studying their composition -- i.e. the 40 is formed by multiplying 10 X 4. Succeeding segments of this volume will analyze special numbers -- 12, 40, and 1,000. The book will conclude by examining some of the special number stories found in the Bible. Hopefully, this study will give the reader some insights into number symbolism that will help build faith and create interest in studying God's will.

NUMBERS AND THEIR MEANING

1 = Creation of God and unity of His creation -- all things come from 1 and return to 1.

2 = Separation from God -- division -- 2 is the first number that can be divided.

3 = The Godhead -- Father, Son, and Spirit -- 3 is the first number that has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

4 = The world and/or worldliness -- the earth has 4 seasons, 4 points to the compass; the world and its universe were in place on the 4th day of creation.

5 = Grace -- both the anointing oil and the incense used in Israelite worship were composed of 5 elements. In the 7th chapter of Revelation, the 5th angel seals the faithful.

6 = Mortality -- man was created on the 6th day. The evil works of Satan through man are characterized by 6's.

7 = Perfection -- God rested on the 7th day, after creating the earth in 6; Jesus has the 7 Spirits of God.

8 = New beginning/resurrection -- Since 7 completes the set, then the new set is begun with 8. Jesus' name is 888.

9 = Judgment -- God's will being finalized with the Godhead squared, 3 X 3. Micah details a 9-fold judgment.

10 = Totality -- God's will in the Old Testament was bound in 10 commandments; Egypt was destroyed by 10 plagues.

THE UNIVERSE BEGAN WITH 1

The brilliant English physicist, Stephen Hawking, theorized that the universe began with singularity; this should come as no surprise to a Christian. Before any thing else existed, first of all there was God. One number begins and forms all other numbers, the number 1. A person can say, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Or he can say, "The Lord our God is one." Each says the same thing, for all creation began with 1.

Mark 12:29,

Jesus answered, the first is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Most people read this passage with a simple interpretation that there is 1 God, but the nature of the wording allows it to be reversed. One is God; God is One. One, of necessity, points to the beginning, for at this point there was no other. Singularity was the rule; since the only existence was God, there could be no idolatry. When God created man, He gave man the choice to leave the state of unity and separate himself from God. Man made his choice to sin, thus separating himself from God and forming 2, God began His majestic work to return man to Himself through Jesus Christ. Ultimately the world will end where it began.

Zechariah 14:9,

And Jehovah shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall Jehovah be one, and his name one.

JESUS IS ALSO 1

To bring man to Himself, God sent His Son, to be the new beginning, 8. God made the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th; this means that day 8 began the new set of 7. If 7 completes through perfection, then the 8 is nothing more than a new 1. The chapter dealing with 8 will demonstrate that Jesus was circumcised and named on the 8th day and that He was given the name 888. All things are to be brought back to the Creator, 1, through the New Creation, 8. Jesus claimed to be 1 with the Father.

John 10:30,

I and the Father are one.

Since each Greek letter of the alphabet also was used for a number, when Jesus said He was the "Alpha," He not only was saying He was the first letter of the alphabet, but also number 1. Earlier scriptures concluded that God is 1. If Jesus and the Father are 1, then it is possible for Jesus to reunify man with God. One should notice the play on the number 1 in the following passage, keeping in mind that there are two 1's spoken of in the reading. This would create 2, division, that Jesus returned to remedy.

Romans 5:15-21,

But not as the trespass, so also is the free gift. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound unto the many. And not as through one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment came of one unto condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses unto justification. For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ. So then as through one trespass the judgment came unto all men to condemnation; even so through one act of righteousness the free gift came unto all men to justification of life. For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one shall the many be made righteous. And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly; that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When one adds the 1 of Jesus to the perfect number 7, the sum is the number of new creation, resurrection -- 8. Jesus not only claimed to be the "Alpha," He also claimed to be the "Omega," 800, the 8 of resurrection times the 10 of totality. Jesus is the beginning; Jesus is the new beginning. He is creation and resurrection all rolled into 1.

By adding the 1 of Jesus to the worldly number 4, one discovers that the sum is the number for grace, 5. Only through Jesus can the division in the world be remedied by His grace. This helps us to understand why it was God's plan to send His Son to earth to perfect that which He had created.

1 IS THE CALL FOR UNITY

At one time the Gentiles and Jews were far apart, but it was through Jesus Christ that they were unified according to God's purpose.

Ephesians 2:11-16,

Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, having "abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.

The phrase "no hope and without God in the world" placed man in absolute despair. Nothing on the part of humanity could remedy the situation; therefore, man was hopelessly lost forever. But as one reads the passage above, he is heartened to learn that a sinner can return to God through Jesus Christ.

JESUS PRAYED FOR 1

When Jesus was on earth, His prayer was for unity; He had come to earth as the New Beginning, to bring man back to God. The reader should observe His prayer in John 17:21-23, and notice the plea that all might return to 1.

John 17:21-23,

That they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us; that the world may believe that thou didst send me. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me.

THE CHURCH IS 1 BODY

Jesus takes those who return to the Father and places them in His church, His body.

Ephesians 1:22,

...and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The nature of this body can be explained in a study of the need for unity as expressed in the number 1.

Ephesians 4:4,

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is over all, and through all, and in all.

There is no stronger statement of 1 or of unity than "over all, through all, and in all." What else can there be?

Paul continues the thoughts concerning unity in the Philippian letter. Two passages follow:

Philippians 1:27,

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel.

Philippians 2:2,

...make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind...

MARRIAGE FORMS 2 INTO 1

This is the sort of unity that Jesus calls for in a marriage when 2 become 1.

Matthew 19:4-6,

And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Paul furthers the responsibility of God's people to strive toward unity when he made a comparison of the church to the bride in his letter to the church at Ephesus.

Ephesians 5:25-32,

Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourished! and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church; because we are members of his body. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.

To summarize the concept, God began the universe as 1. Man departed and created division through 2, but God determined to send His Son to bring man back to 1. Jesus prayed for the world to be 1, and He died that the world might become 1 with Himself and His Father. He placed those who wanted to return to God through His body and made them 1. The number 1 clearly points to the Creator and His desire that all return to him in unity.

2 IS DIVISION

In the beginning God, symbolized by 1, created the heavens and the earth; He placed man upon this planet, and all was unified until man determined that he wanted to go his own way. When man chose to leave the unity of God, division occurred, symbolized by the number 2. Two is the first number that can be divided, and because of this, the symbolic message of 2 has come to be accepted as strife, division, and discord. From darkness, God created light and then divided the light from darkness. Symbolically, light represents good, and darkness represents evil. This symbolical difference is explained below:

John 1:4-10,

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. There was the true light, even the light which lighteth every man, coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world knew him not.

Evil -- darkness -- caused the fall of man, and since that time the struggle has continued between light and darkness.

Day 2 of creation was a division day in which God divided the water on land from the water in the firmament.

Genesis 1:6-8,

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

On the 2nd day of creation, God did not proclaim, "It is good". Some believe that since day 2 is the only day that God did not signal His evaluation of "good," that the number 2 is an ominous number. It is not likely that there is any such significance, but it is interesting to observe. Two is generally viewed as an evil number; however, several exceptions can be found. The Bible is divided into 2 great sections; Jesus sent His followers out 2 by 2 to carry His message to the world. In Revelation there were 2 witnesses that the world persecuted because of their faithfulness. It must be remembered, however, that these are exceptions, not the rule.

2 UNCLEAN ANIMALS

The story of Noah and the ark has an interesting use of the number 2, when it comes to the number of animals taken aboard the ark.

Genesis 7:2,

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven and seven, the male and his female; and of the beasts that are not clean two, the male and his female.

Once again the number 2 is connected with the unclean or evil. God is obviously against division and strife that are symbolized by this number.

MAN HAS 2 CHOICES

Throughout the Bible, the theme of good vs. evil, light vs. darkness, truth vs. falsehood, and God vs. Satan has been developed through the number 2. Jesus drew the line when He said that each person must make the choice as to whom to follow.

Matthew 6:24,

No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

2 IS EVIDENCE OF STRIFE

Evidence of strife and choices between good and evil become numerous as several Bible stories are traced dealing with the number 2 and its relationship to the alternatives of right and wrong. The story of Cain and Abel would certainly be typical of the problem when 2 do not walk together.

Genesis 4:1-5,

And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man with the help of Jehovah. And again she bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.

The division that occurred between the 2 brothers brought about the first murder recorded in the Bible.

Genesis 4:8,

And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Strife can be further seen in another famous Bible pair -- Abraham and Lot. At one time they had accord as relatives, Abraham being Lot's uncle. They left together from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran to enter the land of Canaan, and after spending some time in Egypt, they left the foreign land together. However, it was not long afterwards that strife separated the 2.

Genesis 13:7,

And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle...

The strife caused the 2 to divide their cattle and to settle in separate places. Their new homes are recorded in

Genesis 13:12,13,

Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the Plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners against Jehovah exceedingly.

Shortly after this time, God made the great promises to Abraham that he would be blessed by much land, by being the father of many nations, and by blessing the earth through his Seed. The coming of Jesus Christ was to be through Abraham, but many more points of division would occur before this blessed occasion. Isaac and Ishmael were both sons of Abraham, but they were half-brothers; Isaac's mother was Sarah, and Ishmael's mother was Hagar. The difference between the 2 is amazing. This spiritual division was referred to in the Galatian letter.

Galatians 4:29-31,

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, so also it is now. Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman. Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of a freewoman.

The promise delivered to Abraham was to be consummated through Isaac, not through Ishmael.

This leads to another separation, that of the 2 sons of Isaac, Jacob and Esau. Abraham and Lot were uncle and nephew; Isaac and Ishmael were half-brothers; the two sons of Isaac, Jacob and Esau, were twins. Despite their biological closeness, the two were destined to strife even before their birth.

Genesis 25:22,23,

And the children struggled together within her: and she said, If it be so, wherefore do I live? And she went to inquire of Jehovah. And Jehovah said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two peoples shall be separated from thy bowels: And the one people shall be stronger than the other people: and the elder shall serve the younger.

The state of preference was fulfilled when Jacob received the birthright, and in retrospect Malachi stated in

Malachi 1:2,3,

I have loved you, saith Jehovah. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith Jehovah: yet I loved Jacob; but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.

Jacob was renamed Israel and became the father of 12 sons who established the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah, thus fulfilling the promise to Abraham; however, much division and strife occurred between promise and birth.

ISRAEL WAS DIVIDED INTO 2 PARTS

The nation of Israel was also divided into 2 separate nations of Israel and Judah under the leadership of Jeroboam and Rehoboam.

1 Kings 12:15-17,

So the king harkened not unto the people; for it was a thing brought about of Jehovah, that he might establish his word, which Jehovah spake by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king harkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

2 = DEATH, SEPARATION

When man made the choice in the garden to depart from unity, 1, to follow his own paths and designs, the consequence was separation by death. Our parents were told that the day they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would surely die. Their bodies were subject to death from that point, and since that time, death has been man's enemy, but the answer is through grace in Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:21,

...that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Physical death can be explained as 1 turning into 2 as the soul separated from the body.

Ecclesiastes 12:7,

...and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.

While physical death separates the soul from the body, eternal separation is also possible at judgment.

Hebrews 9:27,

...it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.

At judgment there will be 2 groups, the lost and the redeemed.

Matthew 25:31-33,

But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Matthew 25:46,

And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

There will be 2 categories of mankind -- lost and saved, who are referred to in 2 ways -- sheep and goats. They will be gathered in 2 groupings -- wheat and tares, and will be placed on 2 sides to divide them -- left and right. There will be 2 types of rewards -- punishment and eternal life because of the difference in 2 dwellings -- heaven and hell. All of this will occur because of 2 choices man had in life, whether to serve God or mammon.

God Light Saved Sheep Wheat Right Rewards Heaven

2,s OF REVELATION

Revelation is replete with examples of 2, indicating the division between righteousness and evil, the saved and the lost. Chapter 21 tells of the beautiful city new Jerusalem, which is symbolic of the redeemed; while chapter 17 tells of the wicked city Babylon, symbolic of the lost. The people of God are symbolized by the "radiant woman" who was given the wings of an eagle to fly into the wilderness where she was protected, but unrighteousness is depicted by the harlot. Two feasts are pictured in chapter 19 of the book, the glorious marriage feast of the Lamb, and the feast of vultures devouring the lost.

In chapter 20, the redeemed lived and reigned with Christ; however, the lost were dead for the symbolic 1,000 year period. The lost were not listed in the Book of Life, while the names of the saved were listed in the book. The lost were sealed with the mark of the beast in chapter 13; the redeemed, in contrast, were confirmed with the seal of God.

New Jerusalem

Radiant Woman

Feast of the Lamb

Live and reign

Sealed of God

Reaped to face rest

There are 2 reapings that occur in chapter 14 -- one for the lost and one for the redeemed. As the fall of the wicked city was heralded, 2 woes were proclaimed by 3 groups in Revelation 18:10-19. Earlier in chapter 8, an eagle flew through the heavens proclaiming the message of God with 3 woes, "woe, woe, woe to them who dwell on earth." But now that man was acknowledging the plight of the wicked city, only 2 woes were cited by each of the 3 groups. It is certainly clear that one cannot serve God and mammon; a choice must be made.

MAN CAN CHOOSE SEPARATION

Jesus came that He might unify God's creation that had been divided by sin; however, man has the choice to remain separated from God as 2 rather than to be united in God as 1. The choice made in this life to remain separated from God will result in eternal separation upon death. Two is certainly a dynamic number! To avoid eternal separation from God, it is important to remember a principle stated in Amos 3:3, "Shall two walk together, except they have agreed?" Agreement between 2 creates the unity of 1, but disagreement can never bring 2 into 1. It is up to man to return to God through Jesus Christ, to reject division, and to accept unity. Only through Jesus can the division in the world be remedied. You can count on it.

The number 3 is the first of all numbers that has a beginning, a middle, and an end; consequently, it is one of the most important symbolic numbers in all of the Bible, for it symbolizes the Godhead. 1 John 5:8 sounds puzzling at first reading; however, when viewed in the light of 3 divinely necessary characteristics, the concept becomes clearer. Jesus was born of the "water," which gave Him the human element; He shed His "blood" as an atonement for the sins of the world; He is epitomized by the "spirit," which John says is the Truth. The mortality of man must come in contact with the blood of Jesus for humanity to receive the Spirit of God.

John 3:5-7,

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born anew.

The interesting concept that John gives us is that the 3 agree in 1. God has 3 great functions as the Father, Son, and Spirit. He has lived and will live in 3 time frames that encompass the entirety of existence -- HE WHO WAS, HE WHO IS, and HE WHO IS TO COME. God has 3 great characteristics -- omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience. Too many times in the Bible, the number 3 emerges when God is being characterized or emphasized; it is an important number to research and examine.

3 IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

As early as the eighteenth chapter of Genesis, Abraham was visited by God through 3 angels whom he offered 3 measures of meal made into cakes.

Genesis 18:1,2,

And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed, himself to the earth...

Genesis 18:6,

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes...

This may supply the link as to why 3 measures of flour were used in the Jewish meal offering, in the whole burnt offering, and for other special Jewish sacrifices. All of this was pointing to Jesus, who was to be the ultimate sacrifice for the world.

A 3-fold blessing was given from Jehovah to Israel.

Numbers 6:23-26,

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel: ye shall say unto them, Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee:

Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

The 3 blessings are magnificent! God will 1) bless thee and keep thee, 2) Jehovah will make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee, and 3) Jehovah will lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. The use of 3 certainly characterizes the nature of God.

In Isaiah the 6th chapter, the Seraphim cried, "Holy, holy, holy," to praise God. This would be one "holy" for each of the 3 persons in the trinity.

Isaiah 6:3,

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts.

TWO GREAT TEMPTATIONS ARE LINKED BY 3's

While man is constantly enticed by evil, the Bible tells of two outstanding temptations -- that of Eve and that of Jesus. It is intriguing to note that both temptations were 3-fold in nature. The 3 can be seen in the temptation of Eve, when she saw 1) that the tree could offer physical sustenance of food, 2) that the tree looked aesthetically good, and 3) that it offered the possibility of making her wise. These 3 temptation variables are found in the following account.

Genesis 3:6,

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and she gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat.

The temptation of Christ also came in 3 ways. Just as he did with Eve, Satan first of all tempted Christ with the need for physical sustenance with food. Jesus was susceptible because He had been fasting for 40 days and nights.

Luke 4:3,

If thou art the Son of God, command this stone that it become bread.

Satan next tempted Christ in

Luke 4:5,6,

And he led him up, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and the devil said unto him, To thee will I give all this authority, and the glory of them: for it hath been delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Thirdly, Satan tempted Jesus as recorded in

Luke 4:10,11,

And he led him to Jerusalem, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou art the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence; for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to guard thee: and, On their hands they shall bear thee up, Lest haply thou dash thy foot against a stone.

The difference in the two sets of 3 is that man's downfall began with Eve's susceptibility to the temptations and the fall that followed because of rejecting the will of God; whereas, Jesus overcame the temptations by relying on strength from above. The first temptation placed man in jeopardy; whereas, the second gave man hope. The Godhead was emphasized by the use of the 3; Eve spumed the Godhead with a 3-fold denial. Jesus, on the other hand, championed the Godhead with His denial of Satan. The denial of one caused the acceptance of the other; one cannot serve God and mammon.

JONAH AND JESUS ARE LINKED BY 3's

Another symbolic 3 occurred when Jonah was trapped inside the belly of what some versions refer to as a large fish and others refer to as a whale for 3 days. The connection to Jesus is made clear in two passages from the gospels.

Matthew 12:38-41,

Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet: for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here.

Luke 11:29,30,

And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah. For even as Jonah became a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall the Son of man be to this generation.

Jesus foretold His 3 days in the grave many times; frequently He would refer to the temple's being torn down and His rebuilding it in 3 days.

THE NEW TESTAMENT USES MANY 3's

Jesus said that Peter would deny Him 3 times before the cock would crow the night of His betrayal. The twenty-sixth chapter of Matthew relates the lamentable story of Peter's fulfilling of the prophecy. The 3 denials of Peter underscored the fact that Peter's denial of Jesus was also a denial of God and the Spirit of God at the same time.

Matthew 26:69-75,

Now Peter was sitting without in the court: and a maid came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I know not the man. And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known. Then began he to curse and to swear, I know not the man. And straightway the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

John relates that after the resurrection, Jesus encouraged Peter to confess Him 3 times.

John 21:15-17,

So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again a second time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The only way that this exchange makes sense is to realize that Jesus asked Peter whether he loved Him 3 times because Peter had denied Jesus 3 times shortly before the trial of the Master. The 3-fold denial of Jesus demanded a 3-fold confession to affirm the Godhead.

3's SURROUNDING THE CRUCIFIXION

Other occurrences of the number 3 encompass the crucifixion; consider that the inscription placed above the cross, THE KING OF THE JEWS, was written in 3 languages. John relates that the inscription was made in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

John 19:20,

This title therefore read many of the Jews, for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city; and it was written in Hebrew, and in Latin, and in Greek.

Jesus was not crucified by Himself; it just so happens that there were 2 thieves crucified at the same time, which would bring the number to 3.

Matthew 27:38,

Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right and one on the left.

REVELATION USES MANY 3's

In reading the book of Revelation, one notices that the number 3 is frequently used. For instance, as the book opens, the central theme is that the letter is coming from 1) the Father, 2) the Son, and 3) the Spirit through John. To emphasize the inspiration of the Godhead, John fills the opening chapter with the symbol 3. Verse 2 states that John was the witness to 1) the word of God, 2) the testimony of Jesus Christ, and 3) all that he saw. Verse 3 states that there is a blessing to those who 1) read, 2) hear, and 3) obey. Verse 3 sends peace from Him 1) who is, 2) who was, and 3) who is to come; furthermore, the same verse includes the Godhead by sending peace not only from 1) Him, but also from 2) the seven Spirits before the throne, and from 3) Jesus Christ. The fifth verse refers to Jesus as 1) the faithful witness, 2) the firstborn of the dead, and 3) the ruler of kings. John praises Jesus in verse 5 as Him who 1) loves us, 2) released us from sins, and 3) made us to be a kingdom. John writes in verse 8 about the Lord God 1) who is, 2) who was, and 3) who is to come. John himself was a fellow partaker in 1) tribulation, 2) the kingdom, and 3) perseverance. Then in verse 19, John was commissioned to write 1) the things he had seen, 2) the things which are, and 3) the things which shall take place after these things. The number 3 occurs too many times in a context of showing the message coming from the Godhead for one to overlook the powerfulness of the symbol.

Chapters four and five of Revelation return to the Godhead theme by showing that God is in control of the universe. In accomplishing this task, John saw God on his throne, surrounded by the colors of 3 stones, the jasper, sardius, and emerald. Out of God's throne came 1) lightnings, 2) voices, and 3) thunders.

A total of 3 hymns were sung to God, and a total of 3 hymns were sung to Jesus. This is accomplished in a beautiful way with two songs being rendered to God by the twenty-four elders and by the four living creatures, and two hymns being sung to the Lamb by the elders and creatures and by the band of angels. The fifth hymn that was sung in the chapter was sung by every living creature ever created and was directed toward God and the Lamb. The two hymns to each, and the one to both, make a total of 3 being sung to each. The first hymn, found in chapter 4, verse 8, praises God with 3 "holies," and praises Him for being the Almighty 1) who was, 2) who is, and 3) who is to come.

Hymn 1 to God

Revelation 4:8,

And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.

The second hymn, praises God for His 1) glory, 2) honor, and 3) power. This hymn was sung by the 24 elders as they cast their crowns before God.

Hymn 2 to God

Revelation 4:11,

Worthy art thou, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for thou didst create all things, and because of thy will they were, and were created.

In chapter 5 of Revelation, the focus turns from God to His Son. Jesus is credited with having 1) been slain, 2) purchased unto God with his blood, men of every nation, and 3) made them to be a kingdom. The first hymn to Jesus was sung by the living creatures.

Hymn 1 to Jesus

Revelation 5:9,

Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth.

The next hymn sung in the chapter was voiced by a myriad of angels. The song praises Jesus for 7 attributes gained because the Lamb was slain. The number 7 highlights the fact that Jesus, through His sacrifice, made the perfection of humanity possible. The reader will also find in the passage below that the angels were so numerous they could not be counted. The number of angels is highlighted by frequent use of the word thousand.

Hymn 2 to Jesus

Revelation 5:11,12,

And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

The scene is brought to a conclusion by a hymn being sung by every created thing in the universe joining voice to praise both God and Jesus. There can be no question at the end of these two chapters that God is in control of everything. The 4 blessings given signify that the world belongs to God, not to some earthly power.

Hymn 5 overall

Hymn 3 to God

Hymn 3 to Jesus

Revelation 5:13,

...Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever.

It might also be pointed out that the three persons of the Godhead are present in chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation; the Father is there on His throne; the Son is there in the form of the Lamb, and the Seven Spirits are before the throne.

Other significant 3 's are found in Revelation as well. In chapter 7, the divine protection of the earth until the sealing of God occurred was shown by angels being told not to let harm come to 1) the earth, 2) the sea, 3) the trees. Chapter 8 warns the earth of impending doom by placing 3 woes upon it. To contrast false gods with the True and Living God, chapter 9 states that these gods can neither 1) see, 2) hear, nor 3) walk. In chapter 11, John was to measure 3 elements -- 1) the temple, 2) the altar, and 3) the worship therein. When the beast mocks Jesus Christ in chapter 13, John claims that the beast has 3 parallels with Jesus in his attempt to force the world to worship him; he has 1) power, 2) a throne, and 3) great authority. The warning is that he gets these 3 tokens of power from the dragon; the beast is not to be worshipped.

After the middle chapters unfold dealing with the seals and beasts, the emphasis on the Godhead returns in chapter 19. The multitude in heaven praises God for His 1) salvation, 2) glory, and 3) power. One can easily see that the number 3 is highly significant in Revelation as it relates to the Godhead.

Three takes on even more significance when it is combined with other numbers. The 3 of the Godhead and the 4 of the world combine to total the perfect number 7. When 3 is multiplied times 4, the product is 12, the number symbolizing God's working with people. More about these numbers will be observed later in the book, but for now, you can count on it -- the number 3 symbolizes the divine, the trinity, and the Godhead.

While the 3 symbolizes the Godhead, the 4 consistently is used to represent the world. This seems quite reasonable because the directions of the world are numbered by 4 -- east, west, north, and south. The seasons that regulate the passage of time for the earth are 4 -- spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Four is also the number for the great elements of the planet -- earth, air, fire, and water.

THE 4's OF REVELATION

The number 4 is used heavily in Revelation when the world or worldliness is indicated. The opening of the seals permitted the 4 living creatures to call forth visions. The first 4 seals revealed the 4 riders on 4 colored horses -- 1) white, 2) red, 3) black, and 4) pale, indicating the fate of the world.

4 LIVING CREATURES

One of the most comforting visions seen by John was that of God on His throne surrounded by 7 circles. The 5th circle was composed by 4 living creatures. When John saw the throne and the 4 living creatures surrounding it, he gave a description of these beings.

Revelation 4:6-8,

...four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night...

These 4 living creatures were instrumental in singing praises to God and to the Lamb in chapters 4, 5, 7, 14, and 19. Their closeness to the throne and their praise of God would indicate an extremely high position in relation to the Almighty. Another indication would be the power with which the creatures speak. This lofty position becomes even more evident in chapter 6, because as Jesus opened each of the first 4 seals, one of the living creatures called forth a rider on a horse.

Opening of the 1st seal

Revelation 6:1,

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, Come.

Opening of the 2nd seal

Revelation 6:3,

And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come.

Opening of the 3rd seal

Revelation 6:5,

And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come.

Opening of the 4th seal

Revelation 6:7,

And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, Come.

The 4 living creatures supplied a link between God and man. They were near the throne, and they brought the message of God to man to reveal the rapidly approaching events that were to fall upon the earth. Another close link to man is evident because of the 5th circle that they formed; 5 is the number of God's grace. Later in this chapter, evidence will be supplied that the 4 living creatures envisioned by John are the same as the 4 living creatures seen by Ezekiel.

4 RIDERS OF THE APOCALYPSE

The first of the riders rode a white horse symbolizing purity. In Revelation 19 the author envisions Jesus riding a white horse. The picture of Jesus on a white horse when the first seal was opened seems appropriate because of the symbol of white and the virtue of Jesus. Jesus came to earth to become the mediator between God and man. His purpose was to supply the grace of God to humanity through His death upon the cross. Jesus came to conquer sin and to be victorious over the hearts of men.

Revelation 6:2,

And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.

The world was to be blessed by Jesus' arrival on earth, but it was not long before disaster struck. The King of kings and Lord of lords was taken prisoner by the authorities, and the Jewish leaders were able to bring about His crucifixion through Roman rule; Pilate washed his hands of the matter. Those that Jesus had conquered, His followers, continued His teachings after His death, but many were sacrificed because of their belief and their dedication. The second rider warned of persecution that was to plague the followers of Jesus. This rider is not a symbol of war; the sword is a knife used in sacrifices. War will be symbolized when the 4th rider appears in John's vision. The image is that of Christians being sacrificed because of their belief in the rider on the white horse.

Revelation 6:4,

And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

When the third rider appeared, the image portrayed was that of economic persecution to appear upon the earth. Christians would be discriminated against simply because of their unwillingness to follow the edicts of human leaders. Their conviction was to the rider on the white horse. The image depicted is not that of famine; just as indicated above about warfare, famine is covered in the opening of the 4th seal. The symbolism indicates that those who serve the worldly powers would be given preferential treatment by human rulers -- the wine and oil of the rich were not to be hurt. However, the wheat and the barley that were the staples of the poor would be priced to the point that a day's salary would be insufficient to buy a day's nourishment. Economic persecution certainly came upon those who chose to follow the crucified Jesus.

Revelation 6:5,

...behold, a black horse; and he that sat thereon had a balance in his hand. And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, A measure of wheat for a shilling, and three measures of barley for a shilling: and the oil and the wine hurt thou not.

The 4th seal revealed a rider on a pale horse and told of 4 ways that people would die -- 1) war, 2) famine, 3) pestilence, and 4) wild animals. Those who live in the world will naturally face problems that are generated because of the finite nature of planet earth. Those who live "for the world" will be losers because their life will end in ultimate failure. The number 4 highlights the concept by listing 4 fates when the 4th rider appeared as the 4th seal was opened.

Revelation 6:8,

And I saw, and behold, a pale horse: and he that sat upon him, his name was Death; and there was given unto them authority over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with famine, and with death, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

4 WINDS OF DESTRUCTION

While the time of destruction of the earth is unknown, the Bible clearly attests to the fact that the day will arrive. What will happen to Christians when that day comes? John comforts the reader by revealing that the earth would be protected until the sealing of God was complete. To accent the point, 4 angels held back the 4 winds of destruction until the sealing of God's people was complete. You can count on it; God knows those who are His!

Revelation 7:1,

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that no wind should blow on the earth, or on the sea, or upon any tree.

4 REACTIONS WHEN THE CENSER WAS POURED ON THE EARTH

Before the sounding of the trumpets, an angel added incense to the prayers of the saints. When the contents of his censer were poured upon the earth, it brought 4 effects -- 1) thunders, 2) voices, 3) lightnings, and 4) an earthquake.

Revelation 8:5,

And the angel taketh the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and cast it upon the earth; and there followed thunders, and voices, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

FIRST 4 TRUMPETS

In Revelation 8:7-13, the first 4 trumpets warn of destruction that was to come upon the earth with damage being shown 1) to the earth itself, 2) to the sea, 3) to fresh water, and 4) to the sun, moon, and stars. When the bowls of God's wrath were poured out in Revelation 16:1-9, the first 4 bowls also affected the 1) earth, 2) sea, 3) fresh water, and 4) universe.

4 LISTINGS OF THE WORLD

Four methods of dividing the world are found frequently when the earth or worldliness are the subject of attention in Revelation. Chapter 5:9 refers to the categories as 1) tribe, 2) tongue, 3) people, and 4) nation. Chapter 7:9 calls these 1) every nation, 2) tribes, 3) peoples, and 4) tongues. The list is changed somewhat in chapter 10:11, with 1) peoples, 2) nations, 3) tongues, and 4) kings; however, even though the wording changes, the use of 4 items in the list does not. The 4 are listed as 1) peoples, 2) tribes, 3) tongues, and 4) nations in Revelation 11:9. John continues the trend in chapter 13:7 with the 4 being categorized as 1) tribe, 2) people, 3) tongue, and 4) nation. The dwellers of the earth are enumerated in chapter 14:6 as 1) nation, 2) tribe, 3) tongue, and 4) people. Once again, another word is injected into the list in chapter 17:15, but the numbering remains 4 as John calls them 1) peoples, 2) multitudes, 3) nations, and 4) tongues.

John used 6 different words in cataloging mankind -- nations, peoples, tribes, tongues, kings, and multitudes; yet, when the list is given at any one time, only 4 words are ever used to make the point. Why is it that when God is mentioned, 3 is the number of the characteristics or qualities, but when the world is mentioned, 4 is the qualifier.

4 IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

One could not understand the 4's used in Revelation if the meaning had not been established earlier in the Bible. How early in the Bible is the number 4 used in connection with the world? Genesis has the world in place on the 4th day of creation; the Garden of Eden also had 4 heads to the rivers. But more significant than these is Moses' cataloging of humanity into 4 categories in the book of Genesis. One thousand years passed after Moses put these numbers into place; then Pythagoras discovered that numbers have symbolic meaning. Man had begun to uncover the design of God.

THE FIRST CENSUS AND 4's

Genesis indicates that the families after the flood were numbered into 4 categories. Genesis 10:5 tells that the descendants of Japheth were divided in their 1) lands, 2) tongues, 3) families, and 4) nations. Verse 20 continues with the pattern in numbering the sons of Ham after their 1) families, 2) tongues, 3) lands, and 4) nations. Finally, the same pattern is followed in verse 31 with the numbering of Shem into 1) families, 2) tongues, 3) lands, and 4) nations. The ordering of the 4 elements differs somewhat, but the number 4 does not change in the 3 lists.

4 KINGDOMS OF DANIEL

The book of Daniel centers around 3 visions concerning 4 earthly kingdoms. The first vision symbolized the 4 kingdoms as parts of a metal man with a golden head, silver upper body, and brass middle body. The legs and feet were made of iron and clay. Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream as 4 kingdoms with the first being Babylon. He told the king that Babylon would be overthrown by the kingdom of silver. In chapter 5 of Daniel, Babylon was overthrown by Medo-Persia; therefore the first 2 kingdoms covered in the prophecy were Babylon and Medo-Persia.

Daniel further informed Nebuchadnezzar that the 2nd kingdom would be overthrown by the kingdom of brass. Once again, Daniel identified the conquering empire by name. In chapter 8, Daniel had a vision of a 2 homed ram that he said symbolized Medo-Persia. The 2 homed ram was defeated by a he-goat that Daniel said symbolized Greece.

Daniel never revealed the name of the 4th kingdom; however, he gave two great clues to help the reader determine the identity. First, he named the initial 3 kingdoms in the exact historical order of their dominance upon earth. The 4th in line was Rome. Secondly, Daniel revealed that an event would occur in the days of the 4th kingdom -- the spiritual kingdom of God would be established. During the reign of Augustus, the very first Roman caesar, the King of kings was born in Bethlehem. Before Jesus' ascension, He claimed that all authority had been given to Him in heaven and on earth. The kingdom of God was established during the days of the Roman empire.

In the 7th chapter of Daniel, the author had a vision of 4 beasts coming up from the sea. Daniel interpreted his own vision by saying that the 4 beasts represented 4 kingdoms. Exactly like the vision of Nebuchadnezzar, the kingdom of God was to be established during the days of the 4th kingdom. The 4 kingdoms were symbolized by a 1) lion, 2) bear, 3) leopard, and 4) a 10 horned beast. Since 4 kingdoms were envisioned in chapter 2, and the 4th kingdom of each vision found the kingdom of God established during its era, it is only reasonable that the 4 kingdoms of chapter 7 are the same as the 4 kingdoms in chapter 2.

4 HORSES OF ZECHARIAH

Zechariah saw a vision similar to the vision of John's 4 horses, when he saw 4 chariots. The reader will note that the horses are said to be the 4 winds of heaven; the 4 winds of Revelation symbolized God's destructive power over the world. The chariots drawn by the horses seen by Zechariah patrolled the earth to carry out the will of God.

Zechariah 6:1-7,

And again I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled strong horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four winds of heaven, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. The chariot wherein are the black horses goeth forth toward the north country and the white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the south country. And the strong went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

4 LIVING CREATURES

Ezekiel had a vision of 4 living creatures that delivered an awesome vision of God. John, in Revelation, also had a vision delivered by 4 living creatures as they commanded the riders of horses to appear before John as the first 4 seals were opened. One should be aware of the use of the number 4 in the following passage.

Ezekiel 1:5-10,

And out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one of them had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings thus: their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and they four had the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle.

Many explanations have been offered as to what the 4 living creatures are; in fact, some have even seen UFO's as being the meaning of the scripture. However, the best explanation is given by Ezekiel himself later on in his prophecy.

Ezekiel 10:20,21,

This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim. Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. And as for the likeness of their faces, they were the faces which I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; they went every one straight forward.

Throughout the Bible, the cherubim were presented as beings closest to God who served to bring man in closer contact with God. The 4 features of the faces -- 1) man, 2) lion, 3) ox, and 4) eagle have been noted by some authors to represent 4 characteristics of God -- 1) intelligence, 2) strength, 3) durability, and 4) speed. The 4 living creatures seen by John in Revelation had the same 4 features and were found in the 5th circle surrounding God.

Just as with the 3, the 4 gains more significance when combined with other numbers. The two numbers are also powerful when they interact with each other. Remember that when the 3 and 4 are multiplied, the product is the notable number 12, and when the two numbers are added, the resulting sum is the perfect 7. You can count on the 3 and the 4 having continued influence when the numbers 7 and 12 are later explored.

5 SYMBOLIZES GOD'S GRACE

The number 5 can be derived in one of two ways; one can add the Godly number 1 to the worldly number 4 to net the number, or one can add the Godly number 3 to the worldly number 2. In either instance, adding a Godly number to a worldly number results in perfecting the imperfect by turning it into the number 5. In the seventh chapter of Revelation, it is the 5th angel who comes from the sunrising to join the 4 angels protecting the earth. The 5th angel carried the seal of God to identify God's faithful so that they would not be harmed when the tribulation occurred.

Grace is unwarranted favor, it is mercy and compassion given from God to undeserving man. Man had done nothing to deserve God's sending His Son to earth; yet, immediately after the fall of man in the garden, God presented his plan to conquer Satan through His Son.

Genesis 3:15,

...and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

THE PROMISE RENEWED THROUGH ABRAHAM

Man disappointed God countless times through the ages; yet God, through His grace, promised Abraham that Jesus would come into the world. To confirm His promise, God sealed it with an oath.

Hebrews 6:13-19,

For when God made promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he sware by himself, saying Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee, And thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men swear by the greater: and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation. Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath; that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to he, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil...

5 SEALED ABRAHAM'S PROMISE

Although man did nothing to merit the grace that God granted Abraham in the promise of a saviour for the world, God willfully sent Jesus to die for humanity's forgiveness. Abraham was to recognize, seal, and thus accept the promise by making 5 sacrifices -- 1) heifer, 2) she-goat, 3) ram, 4) turtle-dove, and 5) young pigeon.

Genesis 15:9,

And he said unto him, Take me a heifer three years old, and a she-goat three years old, and a ram three years old, and a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.

Not only were 5 items used to seal the grace of God, but also the first 3 animals to be sacrificed were each to be 3 years old. Remember that 3 is the number of the divine, the trinity, the Godhead.

DAVID AND THE 5 STONES

When David went into battle with Goliath, he picked up 5 stones from the brook. It is important, however, that David used only 1 stone but not the other 4. It was by God's grace that David was able to defeat the giant.

1 Samuel 17:40,

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

THE ANOINTING OIL AND 5

Israel's worship was surrounded by the number 5. This is true in the case of the anointing oil that separated the anointed one from the world to God as nothing else could do. There were 5 elements, and each of the 5 elements was formed with multiples of 5.

Exodus 30:23-25,

Take thou also unto thee the chief spices: of flowing myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty, and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive oil a hin; and thou shalt make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil.

The 5 elements were 1) myrrh, 2) cinnamon, 3) calamus, 4) cassia, and 5) olive oil. It was the olive oil that transformed the other 4 items into the holy anointing oil of God's grace.

INCENSE AND THE NUMBER 5

The number 5 can also be found in the incense used by Israel in their worship; it was composed of 5 parts, 4 were spices, and 1 was salt. Jesus said that the Christian is the salt of the earth. The incense made with 5 elements was used to approach God. Look for these 5 elements that Jehovah told Moses to use in making the incense.

Exodus 30:34,35,

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight; and thou shalt make of it incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt pure and holy...

TABERNACLE WORSHIP AND THE NUMBER 5

The tabernacle itself was formed by multiples of 5. The outer court which surrounded the tabernacle was 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide. Also surrounding the tabernacle were 20 pillars on each side and 10 pillars on each end; this made a total of 60 pillars, 5 times the number of the 12 tribes.

The pillars that supported the curtains were 5 cubits apart and 5 cubits tall; the outer curtain was divided into squares that were 5 cubits by 5 cubits. The brazen altar of burnt offering also measured 5 cubits by 5 cubits. The fact that the brazen altar was 3 cubits high is symbolic of the divine nature of God's atonement.

When one observes the tabernacle itself, it is clear that the number 5 permeates the structure because each of the dimensions is divisible by the number 5. It was 10 cubits high, 10 cubits wide, and 30 cubits long. The Holy of Holies was 10 cubits in every direction, with the Holy place being 20 cubits by 10 cubits. Israel had a constant reminder through its worship that its welfare was by the grace of God. Humanity never earns the favor of God; rather, it is given through His grace.

THE 5th KINGDOM IN DANIEL

Other locations within the Old Testament also tell of the significance of God's grace through the number 5. Daniel told of 4 worldly kingdoms that were to appear and be destroyed; the 5th kingdom was called the "stone" kingdom in chapter 2, and in both chapters 2 and 7, Daniel stated that this kingdom was the kingdom of God and would be an eternal kingdom. Certainly man does not deserve to be part of an eternal kingdom, but God gave it through His grace. The passage below clearly explains that the 4 kingdoms of the world would be conquered by the 1 kingdom of God. It is only through God's grace that worldliness can be overcome.

Daniel 2:44,

And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

THE 5's OF REVELATION

In Revelation, after the opening of the first 4 seals that revealed the impending doom on the earth, the opening of the 5th seal revealed the redemption of the faithful.

Revelation 6:9-11,

And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And there was given them to each one a white robe; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little time, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, who should be killed even as they were, should have fulfilled their course.

After seeing the slain saints beneath the altar of God, and after learning that 5 elements compose the incense used in worship, doesn't the passage in Revelation 8:3-5 have more impact? The angel adds much incense to the censer to strengthen the prayers of the saints being sent before the throne of God. God, through His grace, benefits His followers by saving them and by destroying wickedness that could harm them.

When one studies the number of times that the number 5 is used in connection with God's grace, the link can be made to the symbol. You can count on it; 5 is a significant Christian number, for it signifies God's grace.

MAN WAS CREATED ON DAY 6

Because man was created on the 6th day, the number 6 came to be known as the number for mortality, the weakness of humanity. The passage of man's time is regulated by multiples of 6; in fact, the number 4 of the world, multiplied times the number 6 of man arrives at the 24 hour day. There are 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour.

Genesis 1:27-31,

And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created them. And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth... and to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the heavens, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for food: and it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening and morning, the sixth day.

THE SERPENT WAS CREATED ON DAY 6

Not only was man created on the 6th day, so also was the serpent. Humanity is finite; humanity is weak; humanity is sinful. Man and evil are drawn together through the fact that both man and the serpent were created on the 6th day. Man at first was given control over all life, vegetable and animal; however, man's weakness and decision to follow evil moved him from his status with God and placed him in alliance with the serpent. Rather than serve the Creator, man chose to serve the creature.

Genesis 1:23,24,

And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day. And God said, Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kin, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind: and it was so.

CAIN'S FAMILY WAS NUMBERED BY 6

It is interesting to notice that the descendants of Cain are numbered through only 6 generations: 1) Enoch, 2) Irad, 3) Mehujael, 4) Methushael, 5) Lamech, and 6) Lamech's 3 sons -- Jabel, Jubal, and Tubal-cain.

THE FLOOD CAME IN NOAH'S 600th YEAR

Noah was 600 years old when the world became so wicked that man's every thought was tainted. The weakness of mortality had run its course, and God found it necessary to destroy wickedness.

Genesis 7:6,

And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.

6 DAYS OF WORK

During the days of Moses, God established a covenant in which work was to take place for 6 days with rest following on the 7th.

Exodus 31:15-17,

Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Jehovah; whosoever doeth any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

The principle of working 6 days and resting 1 carried over even to the tilling of the field. Israel was commanded to work the ground for 6 years and to let it lie fallow on the 7th.

Leviticus 25:2,3,

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto Jehovah. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruits thereof; but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath unto Jehovah: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

ISRAEL AND THE NUMBER 6

When Israel was commanded to make the golden candlestick in Exodus 37, it was to be made with 6 branches, 3 on each side, tied to the main candlestick to form the perfect number 7. The message is that completeness is not within the human realm; man needs God to make him whole. Six is one number shy of the flawless 7, but God is 1, and when added to the 6, the perfection of 7 is realized. Chapter 21 of Exodus relates that a Hebrew slave was bound for a limited period of 6 years, but on the 7th year he was to go free.

Israel was also to establish cities of refuge where persons who accidentally committed murder could flee for protection. There were 6 of these cities established, 3 in Canaan and 3 on the other side of the Jordan.

Numbers 35:12-14,

And the cities shall be unto you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation for judgment. And the cities which ye shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge. Ye shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.

6 TROUBLES OF JOB

Job, a tremendous story of human suffering, had something interesting to say about the number 6.

Job 5:19,

He will deliver thee in six troubles; Yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

The message by use of symbolic language indicates that man will have troubles throughout life, but these will be nothing that God cannot carry him through; as long as humanity exists, man will suffer through problems, seeking the deliverance of God. When man is perfected through forgiveness, no harm can befall him. God will have joined the 1 and 6 into the unblemished 7.

JESUS GAVE 6 WOES TO THE WICKED

When one is heading in the wrong direction, he must be warned. In biblical terms, when a warning is given, it is called a woe. Jesus warned the Pharisees and lawyers of their weakness by naming them, but He also enumerated them in a list of 6 when He taught His followers that the behavior of man, if left to its own ends, is destructive. The passage below has the word woe in bold print to assist the reader in counting the 6 woes given by Jesus.

Luke 11:42-52,

But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the love of God: but these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Woe unto you Pharisees! for ye love the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces. Woe unto you! for ye are as the tombs which appear not, and the men that walk over them know it not. And one of the lawyers answering saith unto him, Teacher, in saying this thou reproachest us also. And he said. Woe unto you lawyers also! for ye load men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. So ye are witnesses and consent unto the works of your fathers: for they killed them, and ye build their tombs. Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send unto them prophets and apostles: and some of them they shall kill and persecute; that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation: from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary: yea, I say unto you, it shall be required of this generation. Woe unto you lawyers! for ye took away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

HUMANITY REACHED ITS BLEAKEST MOMENT IN THE 6TH HOUR

When man's hopelessness was at its apex at the crucifixion of Jesus, darkness came over the land at the 6th hour.

Matthew 27:45

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

GOD'S ENEMIES AND 6's

Oftentimes the enemies of God are marked by the number 6. Such is the case with Goliath, the giant who fought against Israel and David. Goliath was 6 cubits tall; he had 6 pieces of armor, and his spearhead weighed 600 shekels. Nebuchadnezzar built a golden image for his countrymen to worship. The image was 60 cubits tall, 6 cubits wide, and 6 types of instruments could be used to give the signal to fall down and worship the Babylonian image. In chapter 12 of Revelation, John gives Satan 6 separate titles -- 1) dragon, 2) serpent, 3) Devil, 4) Satan, 5) deceiver, and 6) accuser.

No surprise is in store to a Bible student when he learns that the number of the Beast in Revelation is composed of 6's.

THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST IS 666

One of the most frequently observed and debated uses of the number 6 occurs in

Revelation 13:18,

Here is wisdom. He that hath understanding, Let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred and sixty and six.

John gives clues throughout Revelation that the 10 homed beast is the Roman empire. The beast is clearly the 4th kingdom from Daniel's era, because it had consumed the first 3 of the four beasts that Daniel had said represented kingdoms. Daniel saw a lion, bear, and leopard preceding the 10 homed beast. John saw a 10 homed beast that looked like a leopard, had the feet of a bear, and had the mouth of a lion. Any history book about the era will relate that Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece were the 3 kingdoms that preceded Rome; this was a great clue as to the beast's identity since the 4th kingdom had consumed the other 3 and had taken on their appearance.

A second great clue in the book deals with the 7 kings of the empire symbolized by the 7 heads of the 10 homed beast. A complete discussion of the caesars of the Roman empire is found in the section of the book treating the number 10. The reader may wish to turn to that section and study the material and charts that clearly show that Roman history parallels the kings of Revelation. It is obvious that the kings represent those of the Roman empire, because John was writing Revelation during the days of the 6th king of the 4th empire.

Revelation 17:10,

...and they are seven kings; the five are fallen, the one is, the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a little while.

If 5 had fallen and the 6th was ruling when John wrote the letter, there can be no question as to the identity of the beast. The 7th was to come later for a brief time; John was living during the middle of the kingdom symbolized by the beast.

The third great clue given by John is irrefutable; John refers to the 7 heads as representing the 7 mountains on which the woman sits. The chapter in this volume dealing with the number 7 positively identifies the kingdom as Rome, because the 7 mountains were the identifying feature of Rome and gave it a nickname that has endured through the centuries -- "The Seven Hills of Rome." One cannot miss this great clue. The first century Christian to whom this letter was written would have certainly recognized the beast to be the Roman empire.

The number 666 is just one more indication as to the identify of the beast. Ancient number systems were based upon alphabets; for example, both the Greeks and Hebrews assigned a numerical value to every letter of their alphabet. Rome was unusual in its numerical system; there were only 7 letters of the Roman alphabet that were used in designing numbers. These were used in various combinations to make a complete system. While the focus is on Rome and on 6's, isn't it interesting that the first 6 Roman numerals I, V, X, L, C, D total exactly 666. To make the number even clearer, the reader should notice that the first two single digit numbers = 6, the second two are double digit numbers totalling 60, and the final two are triple digit numbers totalling 600. It is hard to miss the fact that 666 is an identifying feature of the Roman empire. It was under Roman rule and Roman authority that Jesus Christ was crucified. No other kingdom has ever persecuted Christianity more than Rome did, and at no other time in history has Christianity ever faced such tribulation as it faced during the days of the 10 homed beast. TALK ABOUT AN ENEMY OF GOD!

Many believe that the 666 refers to a single person in history. If one is looking for the name of a single individual to fit the 666, he can find two great possibilities in Roman history -- Nero and Domitian have been frequently submitted as number 666. The Jewish spelling of Nero Caesar totals 666, because by totalling each Hebrew letter (also a number), the result is 50+200+6+50+100+60+200 = 666. Domitian was rumored to be the reincarnated Nero; thus, the link to the number 666 -- if Nero were 666, then a reincarnated Nero in the form of Domitian would also be 666.

The number 6 is clearly a number that characterizes that weakness of humanity and mortality. When Revelation announces that the number 666 is the number of a man, the message is simply that caesars may claim to be gods, but they are merely men.

6 WOES ON THE CITY

In the 8th chapter of Revelation, God gave 3 woes to the wicked as trumpets of warning were being sounded. Now that the city had fallen in chapter 18, 6 woes were uttered. These woes, rather than being warnings, are mournings. The world was mourning over the loss of the wicked city Babylon, and the number 6 highlights the mortal nature of the city. Although Rome was perhaps the strongest nation ever to exist on planet earth, it was still composed of frail humanity. There were 3 groups of mourners to indicate the fall was divinely administered. But each of the groups expressed 2 woes to underscore division of the fallen from God. The key to the entire story, however, is that there were 6 woes altogether. The lament was over the fall of Babylon, the symbolic name for Rome. The first of the groups is found in Revelation the 18th chapter, it was the kings of the earth.

Revelation 18:9,10,

And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived wantonly with her, shall weep and wail over her, when they look upon the smoke of her burning, standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

The second group was composed of the merchants, who also uttered their 2 woes.

Revelation 18:15,16,

The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning; saying, Woe, woe, the great city...

The third group of mourners involved the shipmasters and sailors.

Revelation 18:17-19,

...And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off, and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city? And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city...

The number 6 is found frequently throughout the Bible, and its most common link is to mortality and the evil that surrounds it. When the meaning of the 6 is lined up from start to finish, you can count on it; the number 6 is in opposition to God.

Probably every student of the Bible is aware that the number 7 has special significance. This is certainly true in respect to Revelation; however, it would be impossible for a reader to understand the number 7 if the number had not been used symbolically earlier in the Bible. This chapter will clearly illustrate that the number 7 indicates completeness or perfection. Man cannot perfect himself; therefore, the only way that perfection can be achieved is through God's forgiveness. For this reason, the number 7 is also used in close connection with forgiveness.

7 WAS GIVEN MEANING BY MOSES

The very fact that God rested on the 7th day established the perfection of the number. The passage used to highlight this chapter states that God blessed the 7th day. The significance of this act was reconfirmed by Moses in his second book.

Exodus 20:11,

...for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

The number 7 must have been special because of the use of the number in the story of the flood. In reading about the 7's in the passage below, the reader should be aware of God's blessings on the number as the 7 applies only to the clean animals. These were the animals that man would use in his sacrifices for forgiveness. As more passages on the number 7 are presented, it will become clear that forgiveness, symbolized by 7, was important in the Israelite system of forgiveness and in Jesus' message to Peter that forgiveness is 70 X 7. Another use of 7 will also be found in the scripture below when God gave man 7 more days before the flood was to begin.

Genesis 7:2-4,

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven and seven, the male and his female; and of the beasts that are not clean two, the male and his female; of the birds also of the heavens, seven and seven, male and female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the ground.

LEVITICAL SACRIFICES AND THE NUMBER 7

Because of God's resting on the Sabbath, every 7th day was set aside. But it should also be explained that every 7th year was classified as a Sabbatic year.

Leviticus 25:2-4,

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto Jehovah. Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruits thereof; but in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath unto Jehovah: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

The year of Jubilee was to be recognized after 49 years, or 7 X 7.

Leviticus 25:8,

And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and there shall be unto thee the days of seven sabbaths of years, even forty and nine years.

Leviticus 25:11,

A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you...

The reader might remember that the number 5 is the number of grace as he sees the number 50 and its relevance in the blessings of God being passed to the people. It certainly is clear, however, that the number 7 is important in this sequence since every 7th Sabbatic year was followed by a jubilee year. The number 7 again gains significance in Israel's worship since every 7th month was holy.

Leviticus 16:29,30,

And it shall be a statute for ever unto you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the home-born, or the stranger that sojourneth among you: for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins shall ye be clean before Jehovah.

In reading the preceding passage, the reader should have become aware that forgiveness of sins was tied to the number 7. The connection of 7 to forgiveness was initiated when Noah took 7 pairs of each of the clean animals aboard the ark.

The Passover feast was to last for 7 days; this procedure was begun with the very first Passover when Israel was preparing to leave the bondage of Egypt.

Exodus 12:15,

Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

The feast was to be continued by Israel and was to last 7 days.

Leviticus 23:6,

And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto Jehovah: seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread.

Between Passover and Pentecost, there were 7 weeks.

Leviticus 23:15,16,

And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall there be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meal offering unto Jehovah.

The feast of tabernacles was to last for 7 days.

Leviticus 23:34,

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto Jehovah.

All of these significant 7's were written by Moses, the author of the first five books of the Old Testament; thus Moses first established the relevance of the number 7. Remember that Moses did his writing around 1500 BC, about 1,000 years before Pythagoras made his discovery that numbers had symbolical importance. This fact alone should establish the point that God did the designing, and man merely made the discovery.

THE FALL OF JERICHO AND 7's

When Israel entered into the land God had promised them, they had many foes to overcome. One of the greatest moments in Israel's history came at the defeat of Jericho. One cannot miss the point that God directed the downfall of the city, but the message is underscored even more by the use of the number 7. To bring about the victory for Israel, the people of God were to march around Jericho once a day for 7 days. On the 7th day, they were to march around the walls 7 times. Then 7 priests were to blow the 7 trumpets as the people shouted. Surely the reader cannot believe that the number 7 just happened to be in this story this many times!

Joshua 6:4,

And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.

Joshua 6:20,

So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city...

NAAMAN AND THE NUMBER 7

II Kings tells of a captain in the Syrian army, one Naaman by name. Although Naaman had a prominent position, he was not exempt from the dreadful disease leprosy. The story line goes that Naaman was put in touch with Elisha, the prophet of God, to see if a cure could be wrought. Read what Elisha told Naaman to do to rid himself of the disease.

II Kings 5:10,

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, any flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Naaman refused to do as the prophet had commanded because he had determined that surely some great act must be performed to rid his problem. When washing in the Jordan was given as the remedy, Naaman was angry and felt he had wasted his time. Naaman's servants convinced him to give the cure a try, and it was not until Naaman followed the directions, that his health was restored.

II Kings 5:14,

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

The parallel idea is that an unclean soul is also cleansed by forgiveness that comes through being perfected by the number 7. Remember the 7 pairs of clean animals for sacrifices; recall the 7 connected with Jewish forgiveness through the Levitical system. The number 7 certainly has deep roots in the Old Testament.

FORGIVENESS AND 7

The New Testament also has many uses of the number 7; Jesus taught two lessons about forgiveness in which He used the number 7 to illuminate the meaning of the symbol. The first of the lessons was reported by Luke.

Luke 17:3,4,

...if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Did Jesus place a limit on the number of times that a person was obligated to forgive someone who has wronged him? Or did Jesus make forgiveness a limitless task for the one who is wronged? If the number 7 is used symbolically here, then the task would have no limit because the number 7 indicates perfection and entirety. This point is solidified when by an examination of another teaching directed at Simon Peter.

Matthew 18:21,22,

Then came Peter, and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I,forgive him? until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times, but, Until seventy times seven.

Peter must have heard Jesus' teaching that one should forgive his brother 7 times; however, it appears that Peter did not understand the intent of the message. He used the same number that Jesus had applied earlier, but Jesus corrected him by saying 70 X 7. Did Jesus change His mind about the number, or had Peter tried to place a literal interpretation on the number to find a limit to toleration? Jesus was not instituting a new limit of 490; rather, He was simply emphasizing what He had said earlier -- forgiveness is to be absolute and forever.

The numbers used would actually be 7 X 10 X 7, which would mean perfect times total times perfect. There is obviously no limit to the forgiving nature of a follower of Jesus; the numbers speak loudly to the issue. One should be impressed to realize that Jesus' admonition was based on a framework that began with Noah and the 7 pairs of clean animals, to Moses and the 7's of the Levitical system of forgiveness, to Naaman and the dipping 7 times to remove uncleanness. The number 7 is certainly connected to the perfection brought about by forgiveness.

JESUS SENT OUT 70

When Jesus looked for followers and workers, His search was connected to the numbers 3 and 4. When one multiplies the two numbers, the product is 12; Jesus selected 12 apostles. When one adds the 3 and the 4, the sum is 7; by multiplying 7 X 10, totality, one arrives at 70.

Luke 10:1,

Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come.

7 BASKETS OF LEFTOVER BREAD

Earlier in this volume, this story was used to prove that numbers are definitely symbolical in nature. Now a more explicit accounting of this tremendous story in the life of Christ will be given.

Mark 8:14-21,

And they forgot to take bread; and they had not in the boat with them more than one loaf. And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. And they reasoned one with another, saying, We have no bread. And Jesus perceiving it saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? do ye not yet perceive, neither understand? have ye your heart hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among the four thousand, how many basketfuls of broken pieces took ye up? And they say unto him, Seven. And he said unto them, Do ye not yet understand?

Jesus had previously taught His followers that He was the Bread of Life. He had also taught that He was to die on the cross for the sins of the world -- MEANING: THE BREAD OF LIFE WAS TO BE CONSUMED. However, just as the bread was left over at the feeding of the multitude, so also was Jesus to be "left over" after the Bread of Life was consumed. How was this to occur? Jesus was to be "left over" in 12 baskets, the 12 apostles who were to continue working with the world to bring souls to God. The number 12 is derived by multiplying 3 X 4, or God working with the world.

Why were the apostles to retain Jesus and work with the world? They were to do this so that 7 baskets could be picked up at the next feeding. The number 7 is similar to the number 12, in that both numbers are derived from combining the 3 and the 4. The number 7 is the way God would have the world -- joined with Him in perfection. But the only way that the 3 can join with the 4 into a 7 is if the Bread of Life, 3, is fed to the world 4 to create the number 12. Isn't it beautiful how the use of these numbers gives depth and meaning to this important teaching of the Master?

7 WEEKS FROM RESURRECTION TO ASCENSION

After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus instructed His followers to go to Jerusalem until they received the power from God. This volume has already demonstrated that 7 was a significant number between the Jewish Passover feast and the Jewish observance of Passover. Jesus was crucified during the Passover to become the ultimate Passover feast.

I Corinthians 5:7,

Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are unleavened.

The time element had not changed for the Jewish feasts; therefore, from the time of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, until the creation of the church, 7 weeks transpired.

Acts 2:1-4,

And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

7 PIECES OF CHRISTIAN ARMOR

Ephesians 6:14-18,

Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

What are the 7 pieces of armor? The Christian is equipped with 1) truth, 2) righteousness, 3) gospel of peace, 4) faith, 5) salvation, 6) Word of God, and 7) prayer. This contrasts with the 6 pieces of armor that Goliath used in his battle with David.

With the many uses of the number 7 in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, it is possible for the student of Revelation to understand more fully the meaning of John's message. This is true because Revelation is so heavily coded with number symbols.

7's IN REVELATION

An awesome persecution was about to come upon the world, and John was commissioned to prepare the church for the onslaught. Because perfection is gained through adding the world to God, 4 + 3, the recurrent use of 7 underscores the theme of purification and holiness. As John wrote to and about the church, he frequently used the number 7 as an identifying feature.

In chapter 1, John saw a vision of Jesus walking among 7 golden candlesticks. Revelation 1:20 reveals that the 7 candlesticks are 7 churches. Jesus was holding 7 stars in His right hand; verse 20 discloses that the 7 stars are the 7 angels of the 7 churches. It is possible that the 7 angels represent the elderships of each church since elders bear responsibility for the church's spiritual life.

Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation present 7 letters to the 7 churches, and each of the letters contains 7 parts -- 1) a greeting, 2) a vision of Jesus Christ, 3) commendations for the good that exists within the congregation, 4) condemnations for the weaknesses present, 5) warnings and admonitions, 6) promises to those who overcome, and 7) a challenge to hear what the spirit is saying to the churches. The detailed chart will help the reader see the complete picture of the 7 letters with 7 parts. Three of the letters leave out one point, but the silence on the issue is a message all of its own -- i.e. the characteristic did not exist.

GOD IS SURROUNDED BY 7 CIRCLES

The 4th and 5th chapters of Revelation, picture God on His heavenly throne. The overwhelming message of the two chapters is that God is in control of all of the universe. Many were confused into thinking that the controlling force of the universe was on a Roman throne, but this is clearly not the case.

God is first surrounded by the colors of 3 radiant stones -- the jasper, the sardius, and the emerald. Circle 4 is comprised of the 24 elders; this number is composed of two sets of 12, symbolizing the 12 tribes and the 12 apostles, or the people of God of the Old Testament and the people of God of the New Testament. Circle 5 contains the four living creatures; if one reads Ezekiel, he will conclude that the four living creatures are the cherubim. Circle 6 embodies an angelic band impossible to number.

Revelation 5:11,

And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.

Circle 7 leaves no doubt that God is in control of the universe because it includes ALL EVER CREATED.

Revelation 5:13,

And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things that are in them...

7 SPIRITS OF GOD

In chapter 1 of Revelation, John says in verse 4 that the message is coming in part from the 7 Spirits that are before the throne of God. Chapter 4 also alludes to the 7 Spirits --

Revelation 4:5,

And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Chapter 5 uses the number 7 in reference to Jesus Christ and to the Spirit of God. Jesus is seen as a Lamb that has 7 horns and 7 eyes.

Revelation 5:6,

And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

How has God sent the seven Spirits "forth into all the earth"? This is clear to see! Jesus was given the 7 Spirits of God.

Revelation 3:1,

And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.

The concept that Jesus has the completeness of the Spirit of God is verified by John in his gospel.

John 3:34,

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he giveth not the Spirit by measure.

The Spirit was not measured out to Jesus in fragments; Jesus was perfected with the completeness of the 7 Spirits of God. Because Jesus has the 7 Spirits of God, by sending Jesus to earth, God also sent His Spirit to earth. Perhaps it is because Jesus had the 7 Spirits of God that He was found worthy of receiving 7 tributes.

Revelation 5:12,

Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

REVELATION IS DIVIDED INTO 3 SETS OF 7

One can divide the book of Revelation into three groups of 7: the 7 seals, the 7 trumpets, and the 7 last plagues.

7 SEALS

Revelation 5:1,

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals.

It was the opening of these 7 seals that revealed the doom of the Roman empire. At the opening of the 6th seal, 7 calamities were enumerated.

Revelation 6:12-14,

And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood; and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casteth her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind. And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

This symbolizes the fact that the destruction of Rome would be complete. This is further indicated because 7 classes of humanity were to be destroyed.

Revelation 6:15,

...and the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains, and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid themselves in the caves, and in the rocks of the mountains...

In the interim between the opening of seals 6 and 7, a vision was seen of the sealing of the people of God on earth. Another group in heaven had already come through the tribulation. God was given 7 praises for the redemption of the numberless multitude.

Revelation 7:12,

Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.

John also reveals the redeemed by the listing 7 characteristics.

Revelation 7:14-17,

These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.

7 TRUMPETS

When the 7th seal was opened, 7 angels with 7 trumpets were revealed to sound the warning concerning the fall of Rome. The sounding of the trumpets is the material covered in Revelation, chapters 8 through 11. The trumpets sounded warnings that Rome was soon to fall; the calamities forecast are enumerated in the same order that the 7 last plagues fall on Rome. The first 4 trumpets warn of natural disasters that were to afflict the kingdom. To indicate that the vision was only a warning, partial destruction came; only one-third of the land was affected. This was followed by disasters of the sea, of the fresh water, and of the universe. Remember that the number 4 is the symbol of the world and/or worldliness.

The 5th trumpet warned of the destructive nature of evil; evil left unchecked will surely bring a nation to its end. The 6th trumpet warned of invasions that were to transpire and bring Rome to an end. After the sounding of the 7th trumpet, John saw the forces of evil mustering up their power in an attempt to destroy the Will of God. Chapter 12 reveals that the dragon, identified clearly as Satan, has 7 heads and 7 crowns; perhaps this indicates that Satan attempts to imitate the perfection of God.

7 AND THE DRAGON

According to Revelation 13, the beast, which is the Roman empire, has 7 heads. The 7 heads of the dragon and the 7 heads of the beast link the two together and give insight to the reader concerning the nature of the beast. The beast gains its power from Satan himself. In chapter 17, no doubt is left as to the identity of the beast, because the 7 heads are said to represent 7 kings and also represent the 7 mountains on which the city sits.

A complete discussion on the 7 kings is found in this volume in the chapter concerning the number 10. In that section of the book, the reader will also find two charts that help explain Roman history that fulfills the 10 kings of Daniel and the 7 kings of Revelation.

One of the clearest images ever presented was John's reference to the 7 heads representing the 7 mountains on which the woman sits. Rome has always been known as the "City that sits on seven mountains." The early reader would have clearly seen the imagery as pointing to Rome. God may have His 7's, but one must recognize that evil is an imposing force as well. Satan's connection with the number 7 indicates his struggle with God and his attempt to make himself into an angel of light. If evil came to one as an ugly, unappealing force, mankind would run from its face; however, evil presents itself in alluring ways to increase temptation to its greatest level.

7 LAST PLAGUES

Included in the visions brought on by the 7th trumpet are the angels with the 7 last plagues of God.

Revelation 15:6,

...and there came out from the temple the seven angels that had the seven plagues, arrayed with precious stone, pure and bright, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles.

Egypt was destroyed with 10 plagues; Rome was to be destroyed by 7. The destruction of both brought about the end of a dynasty.

The first 4 plagues paralleled the 7 trumpets. The first 4 were natural disasters very similar to the plagues that fell on Egypt. The first plague to strike brought sores upon those who bore the mark of the beast. One should be reminded of the boils that afflicted only the Egyptians but not the Israelites. The second and third plagues turned the sea and the fresh water into blood, just as the Nile in Egypt had turned to blood about fifteen hundred years earlier. The fourth plague was horrible; the sun scorched men with fire. The first 4 were plagues that brought natural destructive power to the wicked of earth.

The 5th trumpet had warned of the destruction that could come through evil, and the 5th angel poured out darkness on all the earth. The reader is once more reminded of the plagues that fell on Egypt. The 6th plague brought Armageddon; Rome was to fall because of the invasions that were to come upon the empire. When the 7th angel poured out the last plague, the details surrounding the fall of Babylon were enumerated. The last bowl was poured out in chapter 16, and the resulting description of destruction, the mourning of the wicked, and the rejoicing of the redeemed carry the reader to the middle of the 20th chapter of Revelation.

Understanding the number 7 certainly is important in comprehending Revelation, but this would not be possible if it had not been for the fact that the number 7 is used consistently throughout the entire Bible to symbolize the completeness and perfection of God. Because perfection can only come through forgiveness, you can count on the number 7.

It necessarily follows that if 7 is a complete, perfect number, then 8 is a new beginning. St. Augustine pointed out that the world was created in 6 days, God rested on the 7th, and rejuvenation began on the 8th. Place an 8 on its side, and what is the result?

8 SURVIVED THE FLOOD

Genesis 7:13,

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark.

According to the Genesis account of the world, the inhabitants of planet earth had become so wicked that clean thoughts were no more to be found. God decided that He would destroy worldliness to give the earth a clean start. The destruction was to take the form of a flood that would destroy all life not protected by the ark. It is certainly interesting to realize that the new beginning was accomplished by 8 souls. The occasion and the number were also mentioned in the New Testament.

I Peter 3:20,

...when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

CIRCUMCISION ON THE 8th DAY

The ritual of circumcision began during Abraham's day as a covenant related to the great promises that God made to Abraham. The promises were sealed by use of the number 8.

Genesis 17:12,

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised.

This practice was also a major part of the Mosaical system, but it was an outward act that related to the heart.

Deuteronomy 30:6,

And Jehovah thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

The importance of the circumcision of the heart was also a theme in the New Testament.

Romans 2:28,29,

For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

A cleansing of the heart gives man a new beginning just as surely as the male child of Israel was recognized with the ritual on the 8th day. It is noteworthy that Jesus, to fulfill the Old Law, was also circumcised on the 8th day.

Luke 2:21,

And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called Jesus...

JESUS, ISAAC, AND 8

The reader has just learned that Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day, but other 8's also are connected with His arrival, life, and departure from earth. Isaac is a symbol of Jesus. Consider that Isaac was the only begotten son of Abraham and Sarah; furthermore, Isaac was a miracle child. Abraham and Sarah had long passed the age possible to bring a child into the earth, but God's will was that the child be born. Both Isaac's and Jesus' births were announced by an angel; both could trace genealogical tables back to Abraham. Isaac was to be sacrificed by father Abraham, just as God offered Jesus to be sacrificed for the world. Another interesting link that can be drawn is that Abraham had 8 sons, but only 1 of the 8 continued the special line. For instance, Jesus was to come through Isaac's line and was to bless the world. The promise to Abraham was to be continued through Isaac, not through any of the other 7 sons. The blessing was through the only son of Sarah, the special 1 of Abraham's 8.

JESUS, DAVID, AND 8

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords; additionally, the Bible states that Jesus was to sit on the throne of David. The link between David and Jesus is interesting because David is also an 8; he was the 8th son of Jesse. This fact is revealed when the first king of Israel, Saul, finished his reign. When the second king of Israel was to be selected, God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to locate the new leader.

I Samuel 16:10-13,

And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said. Arise, anoint him; for this is he.

The 8th son of Jesse, David, was the chosen king, the king linked to the spiritual kingdom of Jesus.

JESUS AND 8'S

The real clincher to the meaning of the number 8 is found in the Greek numbering system. Since every letter in the Greek is also a number, every series of Greek symbols can be read as either a word or a number, depending on the context in which it is found. The name of Jesus, when used as Greek numbers, totals 888. here illustrates the spelling of the name of Jesus in Greek; here shows the numerical value of each of the letters in Greek. By taking each letter and its parallel number, one can easily see that Jesus' name is 888. Jesus was given the name 888 on the 8th day when He was circumcised, and Jesus said that He was an 8.

Revelation 22:13,

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.

The number 8 is strengthened by multiplying it by 10 X 10. Since the Alpha is 1 and the Omega is 800, the message is that Jesus is the beginning and the new beginning, resurrection.

DOMITIAN WAS AN IMITATION 8

Daniel wrote in chapter 7 that the fourth kingdom would have 10 kings, but that an 11th would arise that would break off 3. It doesn't take great mathematical skills to discover that 11 minus 3 equals 8. John wrote that the beast had 7 heads that represented 7 kings; however, he continued that there would be an 8th that would arise. The belief that Domitian was Nero reincarnated would make him "of the 7."

Revelation 17:11,

And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eight, and is of the seven; and he goeth into perdition.

The 13th chapter of Revelation develops the theme that caesars would try to gain worship status. They did so by impersonating Jesus Christ. The chapter points out that the "beast" has a throne, kingdom, and authority, but not from God; these come from the dragon. The beast has a death stroke that looked as if it has been healed; many in that age thought that Domitian was the reincarnated Nero. The beast said great things, had wide authority, and had disciples that performed his will. The beast even had the power to benefit his followers and thus sealed them as God had sealed His own.

But the beast was mortal, nothing more -- his number is 666. Now is it any surprise that the beast would have a king that made himself into an 8 by putting aside 3? Any person pretending to be God becomes an anti-God or anti-Christ. Augustus, Claudius, Vespasian and Titus were deified after their death, but Domitian claimed deity status during his lifetime. When Domitian forced himself into an 8 by claiming to be "lord and master," he opposed God as few before him had ever attempted. Jesus was and is the true 8; none can take His place.

The number 9 has been viewed by many as finality and judgment. Judgment will be viewed by the masses as both good and bad -- good if rewards are given, bad if punishment is issued. If the judgment of God is good, it will be so only because He permitted His son to die upon the cross by turning His back and allowing the event to occur.

The 9 is a dynamic number because it is the 3 of the Godhead squared. Numerologists go berserk over the number because of its mystical nature; for instance, one can multiply 9 by any other single number, and by adding the two numbers found in the product, he will return to 9. While numerologists play with tea leaves, palm reading, and number magic, it is important to remember that God designed numbers. Since God created numbers, man should spend his time seeking God's messages through them rather than trying to manipulate them through magic and superstition.

It is remarkable to learn that the first and last double digit products are 18 and 81. Jesus said that He was the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. The chart on the opposite page shows the 18 and the 81 to be the first and the last. When Creation (1) is added to the new Creation (8), finality (9) is the sum. Being the Alpha and the Omega, Jesus is not only symbolized by the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet, he is also the 1 and the 800; the 8 is strengthened by multiplying it by 10 X 10.

Earlier in this study it was demonstrated that a Godly number added to a worldly number brought about perfection through forgiveness. The chart on here illustrates that when the two numbers in the product are added, the resulting sum is 9. This principle holds true throughout the entire multiplication table of the number 9. One can choose to accept God's forgiveness by accepting Him in this life, but one has no choice concerning finality and judgment.

Hebrews 9:27,

And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh the judgment.

9 IS FINALITY JUDGMENT

How deep is God's love? How wide is God's grace? How long is God's patience before judgment? The story of Noah and the ark dimensions in God's method of saving the faithful and destroying the wicked. The height and depth of the ark was 30 cubits, 3 X 10. God's love comes from the Father, Son, and Spirit; His love is for all and is measured in 3's.

John 3:16,

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

God's grace is wide and is measured in 5's; the ark was 5 X 10 cubits wide, symbolizing the breadth of God's grace. God's grace is freely given to all who will accept it.

Titus 2:11,12,

For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly...

While the love and grace of God spread without limits, the same is not true of His tolerance for mankind. The length of the ark was 9 X 10 X 10, 900 cubits. To illustrate the awesome power of God's finality, the 900 cubit length of the ark was divided on 3 floors, each 300 cubits long. Moses explained the end of God's forbearance earlier in the account of the flood.

Genesis 6:3,

And Jehovah said, My Spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh...

Genesis 6:6,

And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

The truth of the story carries to every generation, every nation, and finally to humanity itself. Every era of wickedness has had its day of judgment, for evil cannot last forever. The finality comes with the judgment of God, and the numerical symbol is 9.

THE GEMATRIA OF DAN IS 9

Earlier in this volume, the game of gematria was introduced, the ancient technique of hiding names in numbers. Since each letter was also a number, each name in Hebrew and Greek is a number as well. The name of Dan, by taking each letter for a number, totals 54; this would be judgment (9) times humanity (6). By definition, the name Dan means "Judge." Judgment came on the tribe of Dan because of its wickedness. It is more than mere irony that the story of the Danites' sinfulness is found in the book of Judges.

Judges 18:27-31,

And they took that which Micah had made, and the priest whom he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people quiet and secure, and smote them with the edge of the sword; and they burnt the city with fire. And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Beth-rehob. And they built the city, and dwelt therein. And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city was Laish at the first. And the children of Dan set up for themselves the graven image; and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land.

The tribe of Dan was one of the 2 tribes that were not numbered when the sealing of the 144,000 transpired. It is appropriate that Dan is connected with the number 9.

HAGGAI SPOKE OF 9 JUDGMENTS

Haggai 1:11,

And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the grain, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands.

The number of judgments enumerated in the preceding passage involved the following 9: 1) land, 2) mountains, 3) grain, 4) new wine, 5) oil, 6) fruit of the ground, 7) men, 8) cattle, 9) labor of the hands.

THE LIFE OF JESUS ENDED IN THE 9TH HOUR

The last statement before Jesus died came in the 9th hour; His last breath was taken in the 9th hour. The number 9 can certainly be understood as referring to finality and judgment. The judgment of the wicked is an event to be feared, but to one who is 1 with God, the judgment should be eagerly awaited. The number 9 is not a frequently occurring number in the Bible, but the importance of it is something on which you can count.

When one thinks of the Old Testament, it is automatic to think of the 10 commandments. If one is thinking about the Bible and is given the number 10, the next word that follows is "commandments." The number 10 symbolizes totality. Man's first calculator was the appendages on his hands; when all fingers and thumbs were held up, the number was 10, and that's all there was -totality. The use of the number 10 in the Bible seems to verify that this number was considered to signify totality or completion, and it is very similar to the number 7. The symbolic relevance of the number reaches its highest significance when it is cubed to achieve 1,000; because of its importance, the 1,000 will have a special section devoted to it in this book.

NOAH COMPLETED THE FIRST 10 GENERATIONS

The number 10, at times, seems to be a divider of units; consider, for instance, that Noah completed the first 10 generations listed in the Bible.

1.

Genesis 5:3,

And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth;

2.

Genesis 5:6,

And Seth lived a hundred and five years, and begat Enosh:

3.

Genesis 5:9,

And Enosh lived ninety years, and begat Kenan:

4.

Genesis 5:12,

And Kenan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalelel:

5.

Genesis 5:15,

And Mahalelel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:

6.

Genesis 5:18,

And Jared lived a hundred sixty and two years, and begat Enoch:

7.

Genesis 5:21,

And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:

8.

Genesis 5:25,

And Methuselah lived a hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lantech:

9.

Genesis 5:28,

And Lantech lived a hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: and he called his name Noah...

10.

Genesis 5:32,

And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

ISRAEL WAS DELIVERED BY 10 PLAGUES

Israel would not have been a nation if it had not been for the 10 plagues that God brought upon Egypt. From the time that Abraham first fled to Egypt to escape the famine in Canaan, God's people were entangled with this wicked nation. During Joseph's day, a massive immigration by the children of Jacob into Egypt occurred. Joseph gained political status in the country, rising to be next in power to Pharaoh himself. However, after Joseph's death, the Israelites fell into disfavor and were maneuvered into slavery. Conditions continued to worsen for the people of God as Egypt employed taskmasters to control the slaves. The bondage of God's people in Egypt is a parallel of God's people in slavery to sin. Just as God designed a way for His people to leave Egypt, He has also designed a way for people to leave the bondage of sin today.

Moses was chosen to lead the children of God back to the promised land. To accomplish this task, God empowered Moses to bring 10 plagues upon Egypt. The following is a list of plagues that God sent Pharaoh to convince him to free His people: 1) the Nile turned into blood, 2) frogs swarmed over all in the land, 3) lice infected Egypt, 4) flies covered all parts of the country except for Goshen where Israel dwelled, 5) murrain destroyed the cattle, 6) boils attached themselves to the Egyptians, 7) hail destroyed vegetation and living creatures in the field, 8) locusts plagued the nation, 9) darkness covered the land, and 10) the first born died. Egypt did not submit to God's order to free Israel until all 10 plagues had obliterated Egypt.

ISRAEL WAS RULED BY 10 COMMANDMENTS

This chapter began with a brief statement concerning the 10 commandments; these 10 precepts controlled the morality of God's people.

Exodus 20:8-17,

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.

TITHING WAS BASED ON 10ths

The word tithe means to give a 10th. This was Israel's means of taxation to maintain the operations of the nation and to take care of the priestly tribe of Levi.

THE TABERNACLE WAS BASED ON 10's

The tabernacle was the seat of worship for Israel; it was portable, and thus it was carried and erected everywhere the nation travelled. The Holy of Holies was where the ark of the covenant and the cherubim were located. The Holy of Holies was 10 cubits squared, indicating the perfection of God. The Holy Place was 10 cubits by 20 cubits.

The Israelites were freed by 10 plagues, were governed by 10 commandments, were commanded to seek God in a 10 X 10 X 10 Holy of Holies, and were tithed a 10th of all they had. Surely they realized that 10 was an important number.

THE 10 VIRGINS

The totality of mankind was symbolized by 10 virgins in a parable that Jesus told concerning the kingdom of God.

Matthew 25:1,

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

While the whole of humanity can be found in the 10 virgins, the reader will discover that the entirety is divided into 2 segments. The importance of the number 2 is division, and certainly no point could be clearer in the parable than this -- when Jesus comes again, He will separate the prepared from the unprepared.

Matthew 25:2-4,

And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

It is also significant that the division was in 2 groups of 5. Jesus extended His grace to both the lost and the saved; if one is lost, it is not because Jesus failed to do His job. However, despite the fact that grace was given to the entire world, there will still be division because some will accept the grace and others will not. The story is both happy and sad. It turns out happy for those who were prepared for Jesus' coming, but the ending is sad for those who were unprepared when the bridegroom returned.

Matthew 25:10-12,

And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.

THE 10 HORNED BEAST

In THE DEATH OF THE BEAST, evidence was presented that the beast of Revelation was Rome. That volume illustrated that the beast that John dealt with in Revelation was the same beast earlier envisioned by Daniel. In the book of Daniel, the author saw 4 beasts, with the 4th being the 10 homed beast. Daniel told us that these beasts represented 4 kingdoms, and he went on to name the first 3 -- Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. History is clear that the kingdom that followed Greece was Rome. In fact, the 10 homed beast seen by John had consumed the first 3 and had taken on their characteristics. It looked like a leopard, had the feet of a bear, and had the mouth of a lion. This is the reverse order given by Daniel, who had seen a vision of 4 kingdoms symbolized by a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a 10 homed beast.

Daniel and John gave other great clues that the beast was Rome. Daniel said that the 10 horns symbolized 10 kings; it is important to notice that there were 4 kingdoms and that the 10 kings were rulers in the 4th empire. Many want to twist the passage to mean 10 kingdoms; that is not what the scripture says. Daniel then added an 11th horn (king) that broke off 3 horns (kings). When 1 king in a kingdom breaks off 3 kings in the same kingdom, what is the event called?

This is a perfect description of civil war, and in the year 69 AD, Rome had such a civil war in which exactly 3 pretenders to the throne were deposed. In the year 69 AD, civil war broke out in Rome; Galba, Otho, and Vitellius each gained power for a few months, but history does not give them caesar recognition. An American parallel would be that Jefferson Davis of Civil War fame is not listed among the official presidents of the United States. He was president of the Confederacy, but history does not treat deposed kings and presidents with kindness. The 3 would-be-caesars were overcome by the family of Vespasian who formed the Flavian Dynasty. Domitian, the 11th caesar, was a general in his father Vespasian's army. Domitian later claimed that his father and his brother Titus held the office only until the rightful caesar took his place. The chart on Roman caesars clearly illustrates the fulfillment of prophecy during the days of the Roman empire.

John saw the 10 homed beast, but he said that it had 7 heads that symbolized 7 kings. John left out the 3 that had been ousted in the Roman civil war. Daniel, looking forward in time, included all kings that were to sit on the throne. John, looking backward to the event, left out the 3 who were defeated in the civil wars. Both Daniel and John added 1 king to the originally announced list. Daniel's 10, plus 1, minus 3, equals 8, and John's 7, plus 1, equals 8. Nothing comes closer to exactness of this prophecy than Roman history. One should keep in mind that 10 is the number symbolizing completeness; there were 10 kings who sat on the throne. The number 7 symbolizes perfection; only 7 were recognized as legitimate caesars by the empire and by history. The reader may wish to refresh his memory on this topic by reading again the information over number 7 and number 8. The charts on here and here will also help clarify the importance of these numbers.

Definitely, you can count on it; 10 has carried special meaning for the people of God. The next section of this volume will examine 10 when it is cubed into the powerful expression 1,000.

ROMAN CAESARS

(Total who sat on the throne)

JULIO-CLAUDIAN DYNASTY

1. Augustus

27BC

2. Tiberius

14AD

3. Gaius (Caligula)

37

4. Claudius

41

5. Nero

54

FLAVIAN DYNASTY

9. Vespasian

69

10. Titus

79

11. Domitian

81

ROMAN CAESARS

(Actual who were recognized)

JULIO-CLAUDIAN DYNASTY

1. Augustus

27BC

2. Tiberius

14AD

3. Gaius (Caligula)

37

4. Claudius

41

5. Nero

54

...and they are seven kings;

the five are fallen...

Revelation 17:10

FLAVIAN DYNASTY

6. Vespasian ...one is

69

7. Titus the other is not yet come...

79

8. Domitian himself also an eighth,

81

and is of the seven... Revelation 17:10,11

THE FIRST USE OF 12

One of the most dynamic of all the numbers in the Bible is the number 12. The two main divisions of Bible history, the Old and New Testaments, each have 12 as the number related to the people of God with 12 tribes and with 12 apostles. Because of this fact, 12 has consistently been interpreted as symbolizing God's working with His people or God's organization of His followers. This is not an arbitrary number, because the 12 is composed of God (3) working with (X) His people (4).

The number 12 can also be derived by adding the 5 of grace to the 3 and 4. God works with the world through His grace. At the end of time, the 3 and 4 will be joined together in 7, because the grace of God will have fulfilled its purpose. Man will have been perfected through eternal forgiveness. During this present life, man cannot be with God without the grace of the Creator. Today man must work with 12 in order to someday be joined to God by perfection that can be achieved only through forgiveness, 7.

THE FIRST USE OF 12

The glorious work that God had made in the beginning had been tainted by the sin of man, and a period of 10 generations had been completed with the birth of Noah. At this time in man's history, wickedness ruled the world.

Genesis 6:5-8,

And Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And Jehovah said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the ground; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.

The work of God included destruction of the wicked and redemption of the faithful. To bring about His will, God gave Noah a period of 120 years to work with civilization in an attempt to bring man back to God.

Genesis 6:3,

And Jehovah said, My Spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years.

When God established the time working with man before judgment was to come upon the earth, the time-frame was 12 X 10; the symbolic message is God's working with man times totality.

The effort that was expended to reach mankind reached only 4 families, the families of Noah, Ham, Shem, and Japheth. With the Godhead's (3) working with (X) these (4) families, die number 12 is generated.

THE WORLD'S FIRST CENSUS

The number 12 once again comes into play with 3 X 4 when the families of earth were counted in perhaps the first census ever. After the flood, the 3 sons of Noah began to repopulate the earth.

Genesis 10:1,

Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, namely, of Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood.

When this great census occurred, the 3 families were cataloged into 4 categories: 1) lands, 2) tongues, 3) families, and 4) nations. Below are the passages that tell of the enumeration.

Genesis 10:2-5,

The sons of Japheth: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenas, and Rephath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan: Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. Of these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands, every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Genesis 10:20,

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, in their nations.

Genesis 10:32,

These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations.

ISRAEL AND THE 12 TRIBES

The 3 great dispensations of the Bible are the Patriarchal, the Mosaical, and the Christian. Under each dispensation, God worked with man through the number 12. This was already demonstrated in the story of Noah under the Patriarchal dispensation; now it is time to explore the use of 12 in the Mosaical age.

The nation of Israel was formed by the sons of Jacob. To make the story complete, the reader must return to the promise that God gave to Abraham that through his seed all nations of the earth would be blessed. This means that the lineage from Abraham to Christ, of necessity, would have a consistent line. From Abraham came Isaac, and from Isaac came Jacob. From the promise that Abraham would father a great nation to the birth of Jacob, 3 generations were involved; this would emphasize the role of the Godhead in fulfilling the promise. Jacob's name was changed to Israel after he wrestled all night with an angel. After the confrontation, the angel announced that Jacob's name had been changed to Israel.

Genesis 32:28,

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

The sons of Israel became the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel; however, a numbering problem becomes evident. Israel fathered 12 sons -- 1) Reuben, 2) Simeon, 3) Levi, 4) Judah, 5) Zebulun, 6) Issachar, 7) Dan, 8) Gad, 9) Asher, 10) Naphtali, 11) Joseph, 12) Benjamin. These sons were listed in

Genesis 35:22-26,

...Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: the sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's first-born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun; the sons of Rachel; Joseph and Benjamin; and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid: Dan and Naphtali; and the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; God and Asher, these are the sons of Jacob...

If there were 12 sons and 12 tribes, where is the problem with the numbering? There was no tribe of Joseph! The two sons of Joseph were each given tribal status, but wouldn't this make 13 tribes rather than 12? The list of tribes is given in Numbers the 13th chapter, just before the spies were sent into Canaan to explore the promised land.

Here is the list: 1) Reuben, 2) Simeon, 3) Judah, 4) Issachar, 5) Ephraim, 6) Benjamin, 7) Zebulun, 8) Manasseh, 9) Dan, 10) Asher, 11) Naphtali, and 12) Gad. Certainly sounds like 12; however, Levi was not included in the number. Why was the tribe of Levi omitted from the list? When the land of Canaan was divided for the inheritance, the answer to the riddle becomes clear.

Joshua 14:4,

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for their cattle and for their substance.

Since Levi was the priestly tribe, its members were spread throughout the territory of the other tribes so that they could complete their service to the nation. With Joseph's and Levi's not being counted among the 12, the number would have been 10; however, two sons of Joseph brought the number back to the original 12. It becomes evident that 12 is not just an arbitrary number.

12 WAS AN IMPORTANT NUMBER TO ISRAEL

Because of 12 tribes, many of Israel's sacrifices, memorials, and other activities were done in multiples of 12. After the commandments were delivered to Israel, Moses built an altar to Jehovah, but read how Moses constructed the pillars.

Exodus 24:4,

And Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

The altar and the pillars were to stand as a memorial of God's compact with Israel.

THE BREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST

The breastplate of the high priest had 12 stones set into it, one for each of the tribes of Israel. What is even more significant is that the stones were arranged in 4 rows of 3 to illustrate even more clearly that God was working with Israel.

Exodus 28:15-21,

And thou shalt make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be and double; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row; and the second row an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be inclosed in gold in their settings. And the stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

CEREMONIAL BREAD

The table of shewbread was located in the holy place in the tabernacle. The high priest every sabbath day was to place 12 loaves of unleavened bread on the table as a memorial to God.

Leviticus 24:5,6,

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth parts of an ephah shall be in one cake. And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before Jehovah.

DEDICATION OF THE ALTAR

When the altar was dedicated, the number 12 played such a significant part that even a novice would be aware of its important role in the ceremony. Be aware of the number of times that 12 or a multiple of it is used in the passage that follows.

Numbers 7:84-88,

This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel; twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden spoons; each silver platter weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand and four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; the twelve golden spoons, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the spoons a hundred and twenty shekels; all the oxen for the burnt-offering twelve bullocks, the rams twelve, the he-lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and the males of the goats for a sin-offering twelve; and all the oxen for the sacrifice of peace-offerings twenty and four bullocks, the rams sixty, the he-goats sixty, the he-lambs a year old sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.

When counting the number of times that 12 or a multiple is used in the dedication, the reader will discover that the number 12 is employed 12 times. The design of God is dynamic!

GOD USED 12 TO DRY THE JORDAN RIVER

When Israel was crossing the Jordan River, 12 men, one for each of the 12 tribes, was selected to carry the ark of the covenant. The 12 who were selected were anointed to become priests to perform the necessary service. The Jordan was overflowing at that time of year, but watch what happened when the feet of the priests touched the water.

Joshua 3:17,

And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation were passed clean over the Jordan.

As a memorial of this event, Joshua ordered that 12 stones be placed in the river bed where Israel crossed the swollen waters of the Jordan.

Joshua 4:8,9,

And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, as Jehovah spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests that bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.

12's IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The first significant event that is recorded in the life of Christ came when He reached the age of 12.

Luke 2:41-47,

And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Reflect for a moment over the importance of the number 12 throughout the Bible. The years of Noah's preaching before the flood were 12 X 10, and the first census was of 3 families with 4 categories in the enumeration. The Mosaical age was filled with 12's that all surrounded the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus' first known act came at the age of 12. Anyone observing the number of times that God used the number 12 to signify His work with man, would not be surprised to learn that Jesus selected 12 apostles to carry out God's work with humanity.

JESUS SELECTED 12

Jesus came for only a short time and selected apostles who would continue His work after He was crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended. Why did Jesus choose exactly 12 to do this work? The answer is rather obvious by now! This is God's number for working with man! The list of apostles is given four times in the Bible. The catalog of apostles varies in each account, but is also similar in some ways.

For example, Peter begins each of the lists, although his name is registered as Simon in the three gospels. Philip is listed fifth in all four of the accounts. The order that is presented in each varies somewhat, and some of the names are also presented differently. For instance, many believe that Judas, the son of James is the same person as Thaddaeus. Probably one of the most glaring of all differences is the addition of Matthias in the book of Acts. Judas Iscariot had already killed himself by the time that the events in Acts were occurring. Perhaps Matthias was added to the list to bring the number back to 12 to emphasize God's work with man on the day of Pentecost.

Paul and Barnabas were also called apostles in the book of Acts.

Acts 14:14,

But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude crying out...

No other passage lays claim to Barnabas' being an apostle, nor does the Bible profess that any other person was ever given such status. However, much is said concerning the apostleship of Paul. In many of his letters he makes reference to his apostleship. This is done in Romans 1:1, I Corinthians 1:1, II Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, I Thessalonians 2:6, I Timothy 1:1, II Timothy 1:1, and Titus 1:1.

The apostleship of Paul became a big issue to him because many would not accept his position, perhaps because he was not one of the original 12. In one of his letters, Paul presents an intense plea concerning his role of leadership.

II Corinthians 11:21-23,

I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak foolishness), I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.

The original twelve were given specific orders to take the word first to Jerusalem and then to the rest of the world; on the other hand, Paul was called as an apostle to preach to the Gentiles.

Ephesians 3:8,

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ...

With Paul's addition as an apostle and with the name of Matthias also in the total, the number would be 14. Remember that one passage even referred to Barnabas as an apostle; this would bring the number to 15. Yet, when Revelation refers to the apostles, the number is always given as 12.

12 BASKETS FOR 12 APOSTLES

In the chapter concerning number 7, the story about the feeding of the multitudes was told. This occurred in Mark 8 when Jesus asked about the number of baskets picked up on each occasion. Jesus asked His followers how many baskets they had picked up at the first occasion; the answer was 12. The followers of Jesus were to remain on earth after Jesus, the "Bread of Life," had ascended to His Father.

The gathering of saints was to continue because God (3) was working with (X) man (4). But at the second feeding of the multitude only 7 baskets were picked up. When Jesus comes again, He will not be coming to work with man, symbolized by the number 12; rather, He will be returning to perfect man (4) and unify him (+) with God (3). When the 4 is added to the 3, the sum is 7. The only way for the 7 to become reality for man is for the 12 to exist first with God's work completed through man. The work that Jesus began was to be continued by the 12 that He had chosen for this specific purpose. Two feedings are recorded -- the first as God works with man, the second as God perfects man and brings him into spiritual harmony.

THE GENTILES WERE REACHED THROUGH 12

Remembering that the number 12 represents God's working with man, the reader should recall that God first sent the apostles to spread the teachings of Jesus throughout the entire world, but the teaching was to begin in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:46,47,

...and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

The apostles did as Jesus had instructed; however, there came the time that God was to extend His work to the Gentiles. Peter was the one called on to go to the household of Cornelius to convert the first non-Jewish church member of any record in the Bible.

The story of this conversion is found in the book of Acts, chapter 10. The first 8 verses of the chapter tell of Cornelius' searching and reaching out to God. After much prayer, Cornelius was told to send for Simon Peter, who was residing in Joppa at the time. Cornelius responded in

Acts 10:7,8,

And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the next day, before the men had reached Joppa, Peter was on the housetop praying to God when he went into a trance and saw a vision. The number 12 is present in the form of a sheet with 4 corners and a message repeated 3 times. The 3 messages with the 4 cornered sheet once more presents a 12, God's working with the world.

Acts 10:11-16,

...and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four comers upon the earth: wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean. And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common. And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.

The conversation indicates that Peter was having struggles extending God's messages to those outside the Jewish circle. God presented this vision to Peter to let him know that the Creator does not make unclean beings; the Gentile was to be accepted by God. This conclusion is warranted because of the sequence of events that followed. While Peter was still puzzling over the message he had received, the 3 men that Cornelius had sent arrived at Peter's house with the following message.

Acts 10:22,

...Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.

While Peter was presenting his message to the household of Cornelius, the Holy Spirit appeared. This caused Peter to realize that God was working with the Gentiles, and that Gentiles were to be accepted.

Acts 10:45-48,

...on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ...

When the number 12 manifests itself when God saved Noah and his family; when it appears with God's being with Israel through 12 tribes; and when it surfaces again in the New Testament with the 12 apostles, it is clear that you can count on it -- God designed the 12 as a symbol for working with His people.

24 ELDERS

If the number 12 symbolizes the people of God, then the number 24 would be a variation of the same message. In the 4th chapter of Revelation, John saw into heaven where God was on His throne. God was surrounded by 7 circles, meaning that He was in perfect control of the universe. God was first surrounded by 3 colors of 3 precious stones creating a rainbow effect. The 4th circle surrounding God was formed by the 24 elders. Since 12 tribes constituted God's organization under the Old Covenant and 12 apostles guided the work of God under the New Covenant, the 24 would be the combination of the 2. The interpretation of the symbol would be that God was surrounded by His followers from all of time.

Revelation 4:4,

And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones; and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, arrayed in white garments; and on their heads crowns of gold.

To illustrate that the elders represent the redeemed of all time, the following points will offer distinct proof to support the claim. First, the 24 elders are sitting on thrones. In Paul's letter to the Romans, he said in chapter 5 that Christians reign in life with Christ. They are dressed in white to show purity because they have been cleansed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They are wearing crowns of gold because they have achieved the victory in Christ.

MAN'S PERFECTION IS THROUGH 12

Man can only reach the perfection of 7 if he works with God through 12. This point is really brought home in the concluding chapters of Revelation. When John saw the redeemed, they were called the bride, the wife of the Lamb; the redeemed were also called New Jerusalem. The beauty God sees in the perfected redeemed is awesome; that this perfection depended on God's work with man is underscored by the number of times that 12 surfaces. The reader should also be aware of how the 12 is composed of 3 X 4. Earlier in this volume, it was illustrated that the 3 and the 4 can be added to 5 (grace of God) to also net the sum of 12. If man permits God to work with him, His grace results in perfection.

Revelation 21:9-18,

...I will show thee the bride, the wife of the Lamb. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal: having a wall great and high: having 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: on the east were three gates; and on the north three gates: and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations. And on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that spake with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length thereof is as great as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs: the length and the breadth and the height thereof are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. And the building of the wall thereof was jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto pure glass.

This reading pictures the beauty of the redeemed through jewels, precious metals, and glass; this is the way God views the faithful. The numbers that are present depict the perfection of the saints, perfection that did not come from isolated lives of followers, but rather, perfection that came from God's working with man through Jesus Christ.

As the reading continues, the reader will discover that the 12 foundations are composed of 12 stones, reminiscent of the 12 stones in the breastplate of the high priest; the 12 gates are also made up of 12 pearls.

Revelation 21:19-21,

The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; die second sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the several gates was of one pearl; and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

The theme is continued with a listing of the benefits bestowed upon the redeemed, and one of the gains made is that the tree of life lost in the Garden of Eden is restored to those who have overcome the tribulation. Watch the number 12 emerge once again.

Revelation 22:1,2,

And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

When all of the citings of 12 found in Revelation 21 and 22 are collected, the impact is tremendous. The chart on the here graphically details the 12's of the two chapters.

Isn't it amazing that the number 12 surfaces 12 times in this beautiful passage dealing with the redemption and perfection of man? God began His work with man in the book of Genesis and confirmed over and over again His work with the number 12. As the Bible concludes, John lets the reader know that God's will is to be accomplished with perfection through the number 12. You can count on it.

At the beginning of this book, the question was raised as to why so many 40's were found in the Bible. The best way to understand any number after the number 10 is to see how the number is composed. The number 40 is derived by multiplying 4, the number of the world, times 10, totality. When 40's are used, the meaning seems to be connected with a struggle against worldliness; often it is a total separation from the world.

THE 40 DAY FLOOD

Genesis the 6th chapter tells that in the days of Noah the world had become so wicked that every imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of men was evil. How did God decide to eradicate the evil in the world? He did it with a 40 day flood.

Genesis 7:4,

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made will I destroy...

After 40 days, the worldliness that had plagued the earth was eradicated; not a part of worldliness, ALL OF IT.

40 DAYS FOR EMBALMING

When Israel, once known as Jacob, died, 40 days were spent preparing the body for entombment. These 40 days ended the world's mourning for the father of the tribes of Israel. More importantly, the 40 days were set aside as a time of embalming.

Genesis 50:3,

And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of embalming: and the Egyptians wept for him three-score and ten days.

ISRAEL WANDERED FOR 40 YEARS

When the Israelites were delivered from Egyptian slavery, God led them through the wilderness to Canaan where they were to enter the land He had promised them. The 12 spies were sent into the land to investigate the territory that Israel was to inhabit. The report given by 10 of the spies indicated no faith in the power of God to accomplish the task; therefore, God punished Israel, a year for each of the 40 days they were spying-out the land. He led them back into the wilderness where they were nomads for a period of 40 years.

God guided Israel through this wilderness for one specific purpose -- that the worldly or unfaithful who left Egypt would have time to die before Israel entered Canaan. Joshua and Caleb were the only male, adult members of the original exodus who were permitted to enter the promised land. The following passage will explain the point.

Deuteronomy 1:35-39,

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see the good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it; and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed Jehovah. Also Jehovah was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither: Joshua the son of Nun, who standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage thou him; for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. Moreover your little ones, that ye said should be a prey, and your children, that this day have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I possess it.

It was not until the worldly or unfaithful were dead that God permitted the crossing of the Jordan and the entrance into Canaan. The number 40, therefore, signifies not only the eradication of evil, but also the preparation of the faithful. One cannot exist without the presence of the other.

Deuteronomy 2:15-18,

Moreover the hand of Jehovah was against them, to destroy them from the midst of the camp, until they were consumed. So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people, that Jehovah spake unto me, saying, Thou art this day to pass over Ar, the border of Moab...

For the interval of time that Israel was in the wilderness, God was still with them. Just as God watched over Noah and the faithful for the 40 day flood, He also watched over the faithful of Israel during the 40 years of roaming in the desert.

Deuteronomy 2:7,

For Jehovah thy God hath blessed thee in all the work of thy hand; he hath known thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years Jehovah thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

The preservation of the nation of Israel was no small task, as one can see when the size of the nation is revealed. When the Israelites left Egypt, one of their first acts after crossing the Red Sea into the wilderness was the numbering of the men over the age of twenty, those who were war-ready.

Numbers 1:45-47,

So all they that were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel; even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. For Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, Only the tribe of Levi thou shalt not number, neither shalt thou take the sum of them among the children of Israel; but appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony...

If there were 603,550 Israelite men over the age of twenty who belonged to the tribes that could do the warring, then by counting the Levite men, all of the females of all twelve tribes, and all of the males under the age of twenty, there had to be close to two million people that God watched over for 40 years. Imagine the amount of manna and quail that had to be furnished each day for mere survival levels. Imagine the water that was supplied during these 40 years; yet God saw His people through so that evil could be destroyed.

MOSES WAS IN THE MOUNT 40 DAYS

Israel had been guided by Egyptian laws during the time that they were in captivity; however, after gaining their freedom, laws were needed to guide them. When Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, Moses went up to meet God and receive the 10 commandments. Moses separated himself from worldliness to be with God for a period of 40 days; thus, once again the number 40 is used in connection with total worldliness (4 of the world X 10, totality). It was a time that God used to prepare Moses for the task of becoming law-giver to Israel.

Exodus 24:18,

And Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

When Moses returned after 40 days, Israel had turned to idolatry. Moses was so angry that he broke the tables on which the 10 commandments had been inscribed. This meant that Moses would have to return to the mount to once again receive the commandments of God for Israel to follow. Simple logic would tell us that Moses should be in the mount for a shorter time since detailed instructions had been given earlier, however, 40 days were required the second time around.

Exodus 34:28,

And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

NINEVEH HAD 40 DAYS TO REPENT

The book of Jonah deals with the sinfulness of the city of Nineveh and the mission of Jonah to preach to the citizens. God set the time for Nineveh's repentance at 40 days.

Jonah 3:4,

And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

JESUS FASTED FOR 40 DAYS

One of the greatest stories in the life of Jesus pertains to His temptation by Satan. To prepare Jesus and to separate him from total worldliness (10 X 4), He was led into the wilderness for a period of 40 days.

Matthew 4:1,2,

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.

Jesus was totally ready for the enticements of the devil after he had been removed from the world for 40 days.

40 DAYS AFTER THE RESURRECTION

After Jesus rose from the dead, He remained on earth for a period of 40 days. The apostles were going to need much strength to withstand worldliness; this 40 day period would give Jesus time to build the apostle's faith and remove them from the world.

Acts 1:3,

...to whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God...

There are enough instances of the number 40's being used in connection with total worldliness for the reader to count on the significance of this major symbol.

1,000 IS 10 AMPLIFIED

The principle was established earlier that a number multiplied by itself strengthens the number. A number that is cubed by multiplying the number by itself and then by itself again is magnified even more. The number 1,000 is obtained by multiplying 10 X 10 X 10. When one remembers that 10 symbolizes totality, he should be amazed by the gravity of the number 1,000. It is the most forceful way that one can say total, complete, absolute, forever. Several passages will be cited in this section to exemplify this point.

GOD'S LOVE IS MEASURED IN 1,000's

There are those folks who believe that God selects those whom He loves to save and selects those He does not love to condemn. John certainly did not support this idea in

John 3:16,

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have eternal life.

The message is that God sent His love to man in the form of Jesus, but that it is up to man to accept God's love through belief. The word world has no qualifier on it; God so loved ALL the world; furthermore, the word whosoever sends the invitation to ANYONE who will accept.

The theme that John established through a verbal message was earlier stated by Moses through number symbolism.

Deuteronomy 5:10,

...and showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Other versions of the same passage read, "unto a thousand generations." The symbolic thousand is used to underscore that God's love is extended to ALL who love and obey Him.

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IS 1,000

When God makes promises and creates covenants, His part of the agreement will not be broken. To verify this truth, Moses symbolized it with a symbolic number.

Deuteronomy 7:9,

Know therefore that Jehovah thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations...

There are only two ways to interpret the meaning of the number 1,000 in this passage. A literal interpretation would mean that God has a limit on his faithfulness of exactly 1,000 generations. Surely there are none who believe that God can or will break His word after 1,000 generations. The other interpretation is a figurative one; if 10 means total, then its cubed product 1,000 would mean symbolically that God will keep His word forever. God is faithful for all of time.

THE CATTLE ON 1,000 HILLS

The question as to literal or figurative is really made clear in another Old Testament example.

Psalms 50:10,

For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills.

If the above passage is translated literally, then anyone can find hill number 1,001. and he can own the cattle on that particular hill. Obviously the passage is symbolic; God owns ALL the beasts of the forest, and He owns ALL the cattle on ALL the hills. The author simply makes the ownership of cattle symbolic by saying 1,000 hills, but there is no difference in ALL and 1,000.

TIME AND 1,000

Poetry often employs symbolic language to make a point. The Psalms, as the reader has already discovered with the 1,000 hills, uses figurative language. Another is found in

Psalms 84:10,

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

The psalmist was not counting days; the message is that a day with God is better than an eternity without Him.

Mortals are so locked-in to the concept of time; yet time was created. While humanity is concerned about seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years, God is living in timelessness. One passage from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament will help illustrate the point.

Psalms 90:4,

And a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

II Peter 3:8,

But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The symbolic message is beautiful. To God there is no difference between eternity and a fleeting moment. GOD IS NOT BOUND BY THE RESTRAINTS OF TIME.

An area of immense controversy surrounds the 20th chapter of Revelation. John sees visions of Satan bound for 1,000 years; the faithful reigning with Christ for 1,000 years, and those who were not faithful remaining dead for 1,000 years. How can this mystery be unraveled? Having already discovered the meaning of the number 1,000. the reader should have a vital tool for interpretation.

1,000 YEAR REIGN OF SAINTS

The analysis will begin with the thousand year reign of Christians. A close reading will clearly demonstrate that the passage below does not deal with how long Christ was to reign, but rather with how long Christians were to reign with Him.

Revelation 20:4,

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

It is already perfectly clear that the scripture is dealing with a reign of saints and not the reign of Christ; the passage says it explicitly. According to another passage in the apocalypse, Jesus is to reign forever.

Revelation 11:15,

The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.

The concept could not be clearer! Jesus will reign forever, not for a literal 1,000 years; furthermore, the passage in question does not even concern itself with the reign of Christ. It deals with the length of the reign of saints. How does one interpret the 1,000? Literally? Figuratively? It is amazing that another passage in Revelation explains clearly how long Christians will reign.

Revelation 22:5,

And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light; and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Simple logic dictates that if one passage says that Christians will reign forever and another passage says they will reign for 1,000 years -- 1,000 and forever are the same. The word forever is literal, and the number 1,000 is symbolic, meaning forever. This is what the number 1,000 has consistently indicated in other scriptures that have been cited; there is no change here.

Paul sheds light on the reign with Christ by disclosing that Christians begin their reign with Christ during this life.

Romans 5:17,

For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, even Jesus Christ.

What a tremendous lesson to learn! One can begin his reign with Christ in this life, and it will continue for 1,000 symbolical years, meaning -- FOREVER.

1,000 YEAR DEATH OF THE EVIL

The antithesis of Christians living and reigning for 1,000 years is the statement that those who were not faithful would not live for 1,000 years.

Revelation 20:5,

The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished...

Those who follow Christ never cease to live; the reign begins during life and goes forever. Upon resurrecting Lazarus, Jesus said that if a man believed in Him, he would never die. However, what about those who fail to follow Jesus? They are spiritually dead for the duration of earth time, and when Jesus comes again, they are to go into perdition. The point of the passage is a contrast of what happens to those who follow Jesus, and what happens to those who follow the ways of the world. They were separated from God forever because death is separation.

1,000 YEAR BINDING OF SATAN

Earlier chapters of this volume have dealt with the identity of the beast. By now it should be clear to the reader that the beast was Rome. Understanding this concept is tremendously important in comprehending the passages concerning the binding of Satan. The destruction of the beast is what brought about the chaining of Satan. To understand the first is to shed light on the latter. It stands to reason that when Rome fell, Satan lost the best ally that he had ever had. It was under Roman rule that the Son of God had been crucified, and never was Christianity persecuted more than under Roman caesars. When Rome fell, for how long did it fall? -- FOREVER! Another way to say the same thing is found in

Revelation 20:2,3,

And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more...

Rome was gone forever; he was bound for 1,000 years. Never would Satan again have this partner to further his cause. The binding was complete; it was total. This was not meant to show that Satan would never have power again, but rather to illustrate that when Satan lost his ally, he was totally and completely limited at that time. However, other nations were to arise in the future that would carry out the will of the devil, and this is illustrated as the reading continues.

Revelation 20:3,

...after this he must be loosed for a little time.

Nations that follow the decrees of evil have only one path they can take -- destruction. The Christian should be comforted to learn that Satan's time with any ally can only be for "a little time." In comparison to eternity with God, any time of fighting evil should be seen as just a little time. Throughout history Satan has been loosed for a little time and then has been bound when the evil nation fell. It is certainly a warning for us today; evil cannot stand.

Throughout this passage, the number 1,000 consistently stands for total, all, forever, complete, etc. Understanding the meaning of the symbol helps to remove the difficulty from comprehending the scripture.

144,000 WERE SEALED

As one reads about the 7 seals being removed from the scroll in Revelation, it becomes obvious that destruction was to come soon. The question is asked at the end of chapter 6, "Who then is able to stand?" To assure Christians that they would be protected when the devastation came, the followers of God were sealed. Once again, we have two choices as to how to interpret the 144,000 sealed followers of God. Is the number literal, or is it figurative? When one looks at how the 144,000 is derived, he finds a tremendous case for the number being figurative. First, the 144 is formed by squaring the number 12; thus, 12 X 12 equals 144. Remember in the introduction we learned that by multiplying a number times itself, the meaning of the number is magnified.

Revelation 7:4-8,

And I heard the number of them that were sealed, a hundred and forty and four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

If the text is literal, most people on earth can forget salvation, because the sealing applies only to the Jews. But wait! Can a person speak of the Jews symbolically? For our answer let's read from the works of Paul.

Romans 2:28,29,

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

According to this passage, it is possible for one to speak of Jews in referring to Christians. The concept can indeed be symbolical.

Another good claim can be laid for the Jews being symbolical because of the listing of the tribes. Earlier in this volume, it was pointed out that there was no tribe of Joseph. The Levites were also omitted from the counting because they were the priestly tribe; Levites lived within the territory of each of the other tribes and served them. Levi had no inheritance of its own. Since Joseph and Levi were not counted as tribes, their inclusion in the list should send the reader a signal that the catalog is symbolic.

Since 2 tribes are added to the list, 2 must also be excluded from the list to arrive at the total of 12. Omitted from the list are the tribes of Dan and Ephraim. One might also notice that an unusual ordering is found since the eldest brother, Reuben, starts the listing in the Old Testament. Perhaps Judah began this list because it was through Judah that Jesus was to come. The emphasis is on Christianity rather than on Judaism in this tabulation.

Returning to the numerical importance of the redeemed, the number speaks too loudly and is too perfect a symbol. The figure is composed of the people of God (12) squared, X total (10) cubed. Therefore, 12 X 12 X 10 X 10 X 10 equals 144,000. There can be no greater statement that God knows every servant of His and will miss none when it comes to protection during times of trial.

Some interpreters, in trying to make the figure literal, claim that this is the actual number of the redeemed. A continued reading will reveal that there was already a tremendous number who had died during the tribulation. They were in heaven already and were not counted among the 144,000 sealed on earth. It is obvious that each and every redeemed person will make it through, because their forerunners are already in God's hands.

In chapter 14 of Revelation, John saw the 144.000 standing on mount Zion with Jesus. They had made it through the tribulation just as anticipated.

Revelation 14:1-5,

And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of a great thunder: and the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth. These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the first-fruits unto God and unto the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no lie: they are without blemish.

This event occurred before the beast was destroyed, before Satan was chained, and before the reign with Christ was discussed in chapters 19 and 20. It is simply a message that says that God will protect His people.

The number 1,000 presents a powerful message that helps to clarify passages that otherwise seem cloudy. It is a number that should cause readers to search their Bibles even more thoroughly for the deeper messages of God.

SPECIAL

NUMBER

STORIES

Certainly there are many stories where varied numbers are used to symbolize the account. However, three special accounts in the Bible will be highlighted in this concluding section of the book.

THE FLOOD

Since the story of the flood has been frequently used to explain several of the numbers that have been highlighted in this volume, it is appropriate for the flood to have a special section of the book to focus on the symbolism of its numbers.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ARK

Genesis 6:15,

And this is how thou shalt make it; the length of the ark three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

The number 3 and the number 5 are symbolically important in these measurements. To show the involvement of God in the plan for saving Noah and his family, there are 3 dimensions -- 1) length, 2) breadth, and 3) height. The length of the ark was 3 X 10 X 10, 300 cubits. The height of the ark was 30 cubits, or 3 X 10. The reader should be reminded that a number multiplied by 10 adds totality to the figure. The number 5 is the symbol for grace; the width of the ark was 50 cubits, or 5 X 10. It was through the work of God's grace that evil was eradicated from the world and that Noah and his family were saved from the destructive waters. Additional features of the ark also yield significant number symbols.

Genesis 6:16,

A light shalt thou make to the ark, and to a cubit shalt thou finish it upward; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

The 3 becomes significant once more with the 3 levels of the ark commanded of God as a sign of the trinity. Since there were 3 stories, each 300 cubits long; 900 linear cubits was the total length of the floorspace of the ark. The end of God's patience had arrived; 9 X 10 would indicate the judgment of God to come on the earth. Those who were judged faithful were held above the flood waters by 3 floors, each 300 cubits long. God becomes even more significant when the Bible reveals that there was only 1 source of light. Jesus called Himself the light; there is only 1. Jesus also called Himself the door, there is only 1 door. The ark had only 1 entrance into it for man and animal alike to embark.

THE REDEEMED OF THE FLOOD

More numbers become significant when one considers Noah and his family. Noah was 600 years old when the flood occurred; since 6 is the number for mortality, the number symbolizes the humanity of Noah that required God's grace for salvation.

Genesis 7:6,

And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.

The humanity of Noah and his family is underscored also by the fact that by counting Noah and his 3 sons, there were 4 families who boarded the ark. The number 4 is the symbol for the world.

The number 8 is a tremendously important number, for it indicates "new beginning."

Genesis 7:13,

In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them into the ark...

With Noah and his wife and his three sons and their wives, the number of souls who returned to earth to make another start was 8.

THE ANIMALS TAKEN ABOARD

Genesis 7:2,

Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee seven and seven, the male and his female; and of the beasts that are not clean two, the male and his female...

There were 2 of the unclean animals because neither unclean nor 2 is a good concept. The 2 is the first number that can be divided, and God is opposed to division. But 7 pairs of the clean animals were taken aboard the ark; these animals were ones that were appropriate for future sacrifices that man would be required to make to God. The first of these sacrifices was made as the survivors disembarked from the ark.

THE TIME ELEMENT

As the story of the flood unfolds, it is clear that the time elements that surround the occurrence are important. When the announcement was first made to Noah about the destruction of worldliness, God gave Noah 120 years to preach to mankind.

Genesis 6:3,

And Jehovah said, My Spirit shall not strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years.

The prescribed time for God's work with man through Noah was based on 12 times 10; the reader is reminded that 12 is the number indicating God's work with man, or 3 X 4.

The last warning before the flood came 7 days before the rains began.

Genesis 7:4,

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights...

The 7 days would underscore perfection, 3 + 4, that would exist after the flood had worked its cleansing.

The passage above tells that the flood waters came down for 40 days and nights. Since 4 is the number for the world and 10 is the symbol for total, the figurative message is that total worldliness would be eliminated by the flood waters.

The water covered the earth for a period of time that had to be divinely established.

Genesis 7:24,

And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days.

In terms of the Jewish calendar, 150 days would have been 5 months, 5 being the number symbolic of grace. It was through God's grace that the raging of the water ceased. Man had done nothing to merit God's grace, but God willingly began the healing process. The number of days, 150. that the waters were on the earth can be derived by multiplying 3 X 5 X 10. These numbers, stated in their figurative messages, would mean the Godhead times grace times totality. What a powerful message the numbers send!

The ark came to rest during the 7th month; Noah could see the mountains in the 10th month, and after seeing the earth for the first time in months, he waited 40 days to send out the first bird to check conditions.

Genesis 8:4,

And the ark rested in the seventh month...

Genesis 8:5,

And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month...

Genesis 8:6,7,

And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: and he sent forth a raven...

The numbers 7, 10, and 40 indicate the perfection that came because of the total destruction of worldliness.

To add to the significance of the time frame, it is interesting to note that the earth was dry exactly 12 months after the rain began.

Genesis 8:13,

And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth:

The flood began when Noah was 600, and it ended 1 year later or 12 months. The number 12 is symbolic of the Godhead's (3) working with (X) the world (4); God saved the faithful from the destruction.

THE 4 CHECKS WITH BIRDS

To check the condition of the earth, Noah sent out 2 birds, a raven and a dove. Genesis 8:7-12 gives the account and relates that the raven was sent out only 1 time, but the dove was sent out on 3 occasions. The first trip by the dove resulted in its return because it could find no place to rest with the flood waters covering the earth. On the second trip the dove returned with an olive leaf. After 7 days, the dove was sent on its third trip, and it did not return because the waters were then abated. The 3 dove flights are significant in showing the presence of God in the event.

Perhaps after the discovery of Pythagoras that numbers are symbolic, early man may have been intrigued by the rainbow, God's sign to the world that He would never destroy the world again by water. The perfectness of God and His willingness to forgive can be seen in the 7 hues of the rainbow. The colors are always arranged in a definite order, that of the solar spectrum -- specifically, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet; however, these shade into each other. The 3 primary colors are present in the red, yellow, and green. This highlights the Godhead in the rainbow. At the same time, there are 4 secondary colors, signifying the world. God brought the colors of the rainbow to indicate His forgiveness of man. The reader may remember that early in this volume, proof was offered that Moses put all the symbols into place in the first five books. The chart on the opposite page illustrates the point graphically.

1 = unity through God

1 ark

1 window for light

1 door for entrance

2 = Division

2 of the unclean animals

2 groups -- the saved and the lost

3 = Godhead

3 X 10 X 10 the length of the ark

3 X 10 the height of the ark

3 Dimensions -- length, breadth, height

3 Floors of the ark

3 flights of the dove

4 = World

4 families were redeemed out of the earth

4 X 10 days the world was flooded

4 X 10 days after sighting the world to sending raven

4 birds sent to check out the world

5 = Grace

5 X 10 the width of the ark

5 months until the waters stopped raging

5 X 10 X 3 days for the waters not to prevail

6 = Mortality

6 X 10 X 10 was the age of Noah when flood began

7 = Perfection

7 clean pairs for sacrifices

7 days, the length of the last warning

7th month, the ark rested

8 = New beginning

8 souls returned to replenish the earth

9 = Judgment

9 X 10 X 10 linear cubits of floor space on ark

10 = Totality

10 used frequently to strengthen other numbers

10th month, land was seen

12 = God working with man

12 X 10 years for Noah to preach

12 months from dry land to dry land

153 FISH

One of the ancient writers who was intrigued by number messages was St. Augustine. The number story that he involved himself with more than any other was about the two fishing experiences of Jesus. The two fishing events are similar to the two instances where the multitudes were fed. The first feeding occurred when God's work could still be done on earth; however, the second feeding of the multitude symbolized the perfection of God's people at the end of time.

The two fishing narratives are similar in that one deals with fishing for souls during the time humanity has on earth. The second treats the fishing for redeemed souls at the end of earth time. Below is the citing of the first of the fishing episodes.

Luke 5:4-7,

And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking; and they beckoned unto their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Jesus was not teaching His apostles to catch fish from the sea; these were professional fisherman; the underlying message was that Jesus would teach them to fish for men.

Luke 5:10,11,

...from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all, and followed him.

The fishing story was an object lesson taught by Christ to the apostles; they were to fish for all men in every nation. First, Jesus gave no directions as to where to cast the nets -- merely "let them down." He later commissioned His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The followers of Jesus were to gather as many fish (men) as they could so long as time existed.

Secondly, the catching of so many fish created problems; the nets began to tear and the ships began to sink. The number of fish caught was not given; if it were enough to sink two ships, apparently the number was endless. The obvious meaning is that the gathering of as many converts as possible from as many places as possible would contaminate the church. Paul, in II Thessalonians the 2nd chapter, tells of a falling away that was to occur. Through the lessons that Jesus taught with this fishing experience, the apostles learned that they were to gain as many followers as possible, but that there would be adverse consequences that would come with the "catching of the fish."

The second time that Jesus went fishing with His apostles came during the 40 days between resurrection and ascension. It can be safely assumed that the event was significant because Jesus had so little time left to be with His disciples. The circumstances surrounding the event will also lead to the conclusion that the meaning of the incident is heightened by taking place after His death, burial, and resurrection.

John 21:3-6,

They went forth, and entered into the boat; and that night they took nothing. But when day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

John 21:11,

Simon Peter therefore went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, the net was not rent.

This event occurred after the resurrection; furthermore, Jesus told them to cast their nets only on the right side of the boat. Earlier He had told them to cast their nets everywhere, to go into all the world. When Jesus returns for the next "great fishing" for men, He is not coming back to catch as many as possible; He is returning to collect the redeemed. This is evidenced by the nets being cast on the right side. One is reminded of the sheep on the right and the goats on the left. The 25th chapter of Matthew tells that the ones on the right would inherit the kingdom, but the ones on the left would be told to depart.

To add to the existing two clues, it should be noted that the disciples caught exactly 153 fish. Augustine wrestled with this number because it was too specific to be a casual circumstance. After much investigation, he finally arrived at a viable solution. He believed that the 153 fish represented the saved of both covenants, the Law and the Spirit. When an individual thinks of the Old Law, he thinks of the 10 Commandments; when one thinks of the New Law, he centers on the 7 Spirits. By adding the 7 and the 10, Augustine arrived at the sum of 17. If one takes every number from 1 through 17 and adds them together, he arrives at the total of 153. The message is that God will not miss a one of those who are His; He knows who they are. The purpose of this number is very similar to the purpose of the 144,000. It gives assurance to the followers of Jesus that they will not be overlooked when Jesus comes to claim His own. God has their names in the Book of Life.

Another interesting number emerges when the 153 is divided by 17. The resulting number is 9, the number for finality and judgment. When the judgment comes, God will reclaim all of the redeemed, and we can rest assured that He knows each and everyone of them.

29 TRADE ITEMS

An interesting scripture is found in the 18th chapter of Revelation when the great city of Babylon falls. Indisputably, Babylon is symbolic because Babylon had not been around for some 600 years; God had ended its glory during Daniel's lifetime. The meaning of Babylon was treated earlier in this volume when documentation was presented on the number 6 to illustrate that the subject of the fall in Revelation is Rome.

Daniel wrote about Babylon during its power; he foretold of Babylon's downfall and then predicted the demise of the next 3 kingdoms. The 4th kingdom was Rome. John, in his day, wrote about the fall of the kingdom that was then in power, Rome.

When the city fell, the world mourned over its collapse because many had benefited from its wealth and grandeur. The merchants of the earth lamented over the vast loss because they lost much in trade. For some reason, John took the time and space to list 29 separate items that could no longer be bought and sold. One knows full well that these 29 items were not all inclusive; there had to be other items that would not be exchanged any longer. Why did John write this expansive list? After examining the list in numerous ways, this author concluded that John used the list to send a message symbolically through numbers. What a find to discover that the list was arranged in categories! It was not merely a random list of articles. To help the reader see John's classification of items in the passage below, the divisions will be highlighted by alternating the use of underlining and bold print.

Revelation 18:11-13,

And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise any more; merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble; and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.

Most readers are impressed with the list of commodities ending with the last item on the list -- SOULS OF MEN. It is obvious that the entire list had to be pointing to this 1 commodity, and it was a dramatic way to accomplish the job. However, the number arrangement makes the sequence even more powerful. The 1 item in this whole world that is of any value at all is the soul.

The wording of the New International version is plain when Jesus warned His followers about the pursuit of worldly goods.

Matthew 16:26,

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Counting the items once again, one will find that there are 28 elements above the 1 that John highlighted. The number 28 is the product of 4, the number of the world, X 7, the number of perfection. Anyone who participated in the quest for these worldly goods was making the wrong choice between God and mammon, worldly goods.

Matthew 6:24,

No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Since it is impossible to serve both God and worldly goods, the pursuit of mammon results in the loss of the soul.

Now that the grouping of worldly goods has been established, it is crucial to interpret the meaning of each. The catalog begins with 4 metals and jewels -- 1) gold, 2) silver, 3) precious stone, and 4) pearls. The number 4 is the digit symbolizing the world and the pursuit of worldliness. It is certainly appropriate that our list of goods begins with the number of the world.

The second assortment of commodities also numbers 4; it is a variety of cloths -- 1) fine linen, 2) purple, 3) silk, and 4) scarlet. The first 2 categories are composed of products used for adornment above and beyond the necessary. It may also be significant that there are 2 sets of 4 to begin the list since 2 symbolizes separation. The quest for worldly goods separates man from godly pursuits.

The number of items in the third set changes to 6, the number of man or mortality. Within this classification are those things formed and shaped by the hands of man: 1) thyine wood, 2) ivory vessels, 3) vessels of precious wood, 4) brass vessels, 5) iron vessels, and 6) marble vessels.

The fourth grouping of merchandise was herbs and spices. The reader might remember that 5 herbs and spices had gone into the production of the ceremonial incense and the anointing oil used by Israel in their worship. Man had removed himself so far from God that 5 herbs and spices were being used in the quest for satisfying sensual needs. The grouping includes: 1) cinnamon, 2) spice, 3) incense, 4) ointment, and 5) frankincense.

Initially in this listing of merchandise, 2 sets of 4 were given; another catalog of 4 is included in the list with the following 4 processed foods: 1) wine, 2) oil, 3) fine flour, and 4) wheat. The number 4 symbolizes the world, and with the former 2 lists of 4, there are 3 sets of 4 in the overall list of goods. The 3 sets of 4 create the number 12, God working with the world. The 4 is the only number that appears more than once in the sequence; it is more than coincidence that the number appears 3 times. God was still working with the world, 3 X 4, but the world had made its choice to seek physical contentment rather than spiritual welfare.

The next collection was livestock, and these totalled 3: 1) cattle, 2) sheep, 3) horses. The reader should be aware that a pattern has been forming. The list began with 2 sets of 4, but then progressed from a group of 6, to 5, to 4, and then to 3. If the pattern continues, the reader should find 2 in the next grouping.

You can count on it! The number 2 indeed is found in 1) chariots, and 2) slaves. This classification involves the gladiator fights held by the Romans to debase those who did not fit into the system. Many of the slaves were Christians who would not comply with the edicts of the caesars to worship something other than God. The Roman elite used slaves and chariots in the Roman Colosseum in an insatiable endeavor for another thrill. Domitian's favorite groups to use in the gladiator fights were Christians, women, and midgets.

The overall catalog of commodities above was recorded in 7 separate classifications; 7 is the number of completeness or perfection. The complete tabulation comes to 28, which is composed of the 4 X 7, the world times perfection or absoluteness.

The 8th category in the composite list is found all by itself -- THE SOULS OF MEN. The emphasis on the soul is accomplished in several ways. First, it is the last in the entire list; the technique of leaving the most important to the last is called "climactic." Second, it is found in the 8th grouping; God's choice is to perfect man through forgiveness and give him a new beginning, but man still has the choice to accept God's grace and forgiveness or seek the goods of the world. Third, the numeric design of declining values in inverse pyramid style highlights the importance. Fourth, the word itself, when compared to the finite elements in the overall list, stands out as foremost.

This passage in Revelation surely adds proof to the claim that the numerical design of the Bible is marvelous. It is one of many evidences that man merely discovers the designs of the universe that God has planned and created. You can count on the designs of God.

CONCLUSION

Throughout this volume, it has been illustrated that each number, in addition to having a literal dimension, has a figurative meaning as well. Faith can be strengthened considerably when one discovers the number messages that God has placed in His word, but, at the same time, one can be overwhelmed by the depth of His word. A person's entire life can be spent in study of the Bible, but there is always something else to learn. Hopefully, this study of the numbers of the Bible has helped build the reader's faith and will give him eagerness to search the word. The numbers are all there for the finding; you can count on it.