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November 2024
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Bible Numbers Explained

Bible Numbers Explained in Detail
See also https://chrismichals.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/meaning_of-numbers-stephen-e-jones.pdf
1
Represents:
Unity – New Beginning(s) – Singleness – No Other(s) – Monotheism – Supremacy – The Uniqueness of God – Unity for Humans
Only divisible by itself – independent of all other numbers – but a factor of them all.
The atomic number of hydrogen – the most widespread element of the universe – a constituent of water – the source of all life.
The Hebrew Word for ‘One’ [`echadh] means unique i.e. the Uniqueness of God:
“Hear O Israel, the Lord [is] our God; the Lord [is] unique” [Deuteronomy 6:4; cp. also Zechariah 14:7]. It is not just that there is only one God; He is an absolutely unique God beyond comparison with anyone or anything.
The 1st of the Ten Commandments, on which all others are founded and without which is chaos, destruction and death, is “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” [Exodus 20:3].
The number 1 also represents the unity between God the Father and His Son Jesus [John 10:30]. Jesus, by his singular sacrifice, has made possible the forgiveness of all our sins. He is the one Mediator and Shepherd [1Timothy 2:5; John 10:16] in the life of a Christian.
Jesus is called the firstborn of every creature [Colossians 1:15] and the firstborn not only of the dead [Colossians 1:18] but also among many brethren [Romans 8:29]. He is also called “the firstfruits” [1Corinthians 15:20, 23]; thus He is the first of many to be resurrected to eternal life [especially those in the first resurrection, see Revelation 20:6].
Christ referred to himself as the First or Alpha [the first letter of the Greek language] several times in the book of Revelation [Revelation 1:11, 17, 22:13].
The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus, emphasized the uniqueness of the Christian calling when he stated there was only one true spiritual body of believers with all sharing in one spirit [the Holy Spirit]. True Christianity entails one hope, one faith, one baptism, one Lord and Saviour and one Father [Ephesians 4:4-6; also John 10:16].
2
Represents:
Union – Division / Dividing – Witnessing – A Difference – Double Portion – Duality – Contrary (light/dark, good/evil) or Complimentary (spiritual/material; divine/human)
 
Two sit on the Heavenly Throne – God the Father and His Only Begotten Son.
In marriage, two become one [Genesis 2:23 – 24]; this is the case with Christ + His church.
In God the Father [and likewise in Jesus Christ, the Son of God] “dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily”.
In the Old Testament, at least two people testified to convict someone of a crime or sin.
Jesus has two natures – human and divine.
Bible has two Testaments – Old and New.
Ten Commandments – written on two tablets of stone.
Two cherubims guard the Ark of the Covenant [Exodus 25:22].
Daniel and Revelation.
Jesus sent disciples out in two to witness.
Two types of people – sheep and goats.
Day & night – heaven & earth – sun & moon – male & female.
3
Represents:
Godhead (3 Powers) –Divine Completeness / Perfection / Holiness – Resurrection – Holy Spirit – Completion of Divine Will – Wholeness / Inner Sanctity – Binding (Spirit of God)
 
The Godhead consists of God the Father, His Only Begotten Son and His Holy Spirit. These are described as (great/highest) powers, (living) persons and great Worthies.
For there are three that bear record: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one [1 John 5:7-8 with wording corrected (re: Erasmus addition)].
God is also 3 in 3:
Omnipotent Omnipresent Omniscient
Light Love Spirit
Holy Just Righteous.
The universe is also 3 in 3: Matter [gas, liquid & solid] Space [height, length & width] Time [future, past & present].
The original Old Testament Scriptures: The Law, The Prophets & The Writings.
The modern Old Testament has 39 books = 3×13.
The New Testament has 27 books = 3x3x3 = completeness to the third power.
3 named angels in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel & Lucifer.
It was on the 3rd day of creation that “the dry land Earth” was made [Genesis 1:10, 13].
3 acts of existence: Birth, Life & Death.
Man is to be body, mind & soul in tune with God.
3 human abilities: Thought, word & deed.    Animal, vegetable & mineral.    Faith, hope, & love.
3 aspects of wickedness: The world    The flesh    The devil.
Pre-Flood: 3 righteous patriarchs: Abel, Enoch & Noah.
Post-Flood: Mankind descended from the 3 sons of Noah: Shem, Ham & Japheth [Genesis 10:1-32].
God requested 3-year-old animals [Genesis 15:9].
3 “men” informed Abraham that his barren wife would bear a son [Genesis 18:2, 14] and then discussed the future of the nearby city of Sodom [Genesis 18:16-33]:
The Lord is gracious, long-suffering, and of tender compassion. But his promised blessings are upon condition of obedience. God had done everything that he could for Sodom; but her inhabitants would not keep the commandments of God. Three angels disguised as men appeared to Abraham as he sat in the door of his tent. They were strangers to Abraham, but he treated them courteously, and supplied all their necessities as human beings, knowing not that one of those whom he entertained was no less than the Son of God. [1888 1637.3].
Abraham obeyed God’s command to sacrifice his son after a 3 day journey to Mount Moriah [Genesis 22:1-4].
Post-Flood: 3 righteous “fathers”: Abraham, Isaac & Jacob / Israel.
Baby Moses was hidden by his mother for 3 months [Exodus 2:2].
Moses requested of Pharaoh that he take his people on a “three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God” [Exodus 3:18].
Fruit was not to be eaten until 3 years after planting [Leviticus 19:23].
3 major feasts: Spring festivals [Passover & Days / Feast of Unleavened Bread] Summer festival [Feast of Weeks / Pentecost] & Fall / Autumn festivals [Feast of Trumpets, Atonement & Feast of Tabernacles] [Deuteronomy 16:16].
Samuel is called by the Lord 3 times before he realizes & answers [1 Samuel 3:8].
Both the Tabernacle & the Temple consisted of 3 parts: The Court, The Holy Place & The Sanctuary.
Regarding the Temple: The Oracle was a cube [20 cubits x 20 cubits x 20 cubits]:
And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD. And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar. [1 Kings 6:19-20].
Regarding the Tabernacle: Within the Oracle / The Most Holy Place / The Holy of Holies was a cube [10 cubits x 10 cubits x 10 cubits]:
And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive tree, [each] ten cubits high.
And five cubits [was] the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other [were] ten cubits.
And the other cherub [was] ten cubits: both the cherubims [were] of one measure and one size.
The height of the one cherub [was] ten cubits, and so [was it] of the other cherub.
And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the [one] wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house. [1Kings 6:23-27].
Just as three witnesses would firmly prove a matter to be true, a threefold repetition seems to establish it firmly or emphasize it. – Deuteronomy 19:15; Ezekiel 21:27; Acts 10:9-16; Revelation 4:8; 8:13.
Jonah was in the belly of a great fish 3 days and 3 nights [Jonah 1:17].
Jonah’s journey across the city of Nineveh took 3 days [Jonah 3:3].
Prayer – 3 times a day – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice [Psalms 55:17].
Satan tempted Jesus 3 times before leaving Him [Matthew 4:1-11] .
Jesus took Peter, James & John “up into an high mountain” “And was transfigured before them” [Matthew 17:1-2].
And Mary abode with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her own house [Luke 1:56].
Jesus was missing for 3 days when He was 12 years old [Luke 2:42, 46].
Jesus’ ministry lasted 3 years, covering 3 Passovers [John 2:13; 6:4; 11:55-12:1].
Jesus raised 3 people from the dead: Lazarus [John 11:5-14], the son of the widow of Nain [Luke 7:11-12] and the daughter of a man named Jairus [Luke 8:41-42]:
During His ministry Jesus raised the dead to life. He raised the son of the widow of Nain and Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus. But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised they continued to be subject to death and decay. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ’s resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They were the multitude of captives who ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave. . . . [CTr 286.2]
Jesus prayed 3 times in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest [Matthew 26:36-44].
3 hours of darkness covered the land [12 pm – 3 pm] [Matthew 27:45].
He died at the 9th hour [3 pm] [Matthew 27:46-50].
He was placed on the cross at the 3rd hour of the day [9 am] [Mark 15:25].
The subscription above Him was written in 3 languages:
And Pilate wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, [and] Greek, [and] Latin. [John 19:19-20].
Jesus was 33 [3 x 11] when He died.
Christ to rise on the 3rd day [Mark 9:31].
Saul was blinded for 3 days; “neither did eat nor drink” [Acts 9:9].
The fruits of patience: faith, hope & charity [1 Corinthians 13:13].
John’s message from God: “from him which is, and which was, and which is to come” [Revelation 1:4].
In Revelation, an angel with a loud voice gives 3 woe’s to those who live on earth to warn them of more trials to come [Revelation 8:13].
3 unclean spirits will be allowed to deceive the whole world to fight the returning Jesus Christ in what is called the battle of Armageddon [Revelation 16:13-16].
The new Jerusalem – square shaped with 3 gates on each side [Revelation 21:13].
4
Represents:
God’s Absolute Control over His Creation & World / Earth (directions, winds, empires) – Universal Truth – Creative Works including All Things Terrestrial.
The 4th of the Ten Commandments is to remember and keep God’s holy Sabbath day [Exodus 20:9-11]. The Sabbath day is tied directly to the creation week. God himself made the period between Friday sunset and Saturday sunset extra special when he rested on it after bringing everything into existence the previous six days [Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:11].
The 4th commandment is the first that refers to the earth.
The 4th clause of the Lord’s Prayer is the first that mentions the earth.
4 consonants formed God’s Divine Name: YHWH.
A river went out of Eden and parted into 4 heads [Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel & Euphrates] [Genesis 2:10-14].
The Israelite camp was divided into 4 parts, each having 3 tribes, when camping around the Tabernacle [Numbers 2:1-34].
The materials of the Tabernacle were 4 [gold, silver, brass, and ornamental work].
In the vision of Ezekiel, there are 4 living creatures with 4 faces, 4 wings and 4 sides [Ezekiel 1:5-6, 8], 4 cherubim each with 4 faces [man, lion, ox and eagle] [Ezekiel 1:10] and the wheels, which followed the living creatures, had 4 sides [Ezekiel 1:17].
In a vision of Zechariah, 4 chariots came from between two mountains of brass [Zechariah 6:1].
In the dream and vision of Daniel there are 4 winds and 4 great beasts representing earthly kingdoms [Daniel 7:1-8].
4 Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Parable of the seed and 4 types of soil [wayside, stony, thorns & good ground] [Matthew 13:3-8].
Parable of the tares of the field [the world] and the 4 types [the good seed, the tares, the harvest & the reapers] [Matthew 13:36-39].
4 winds [Matthew 24:31].
Lazarus was 4 days in the grave [John 11:17]:
“If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” These words were proved true in the history of the Jewish nation. Christ’s last and crowning miracle was the raising of Lazarus of Bethany, after he had been dead four days. The Jews were given this wonderful evidence of the Saviour’s divinity, but they rejected it. Lazarus rose from the dead and bore his testimony before them, but they hardened their hearts against all evidence, and even sought to take his life. (John 12:9-11.) [COL 265.1]
“Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself cometh to the grave.” Lazarus had been laid in a cave in a rock, and a massive stone had been placed before the entrance. “Take ye away the stone,” Christ said. Thinking that He only wished to look upon the dead, Martha objected, saying that the body had been buried four days, and corruption had already begun its work. This statement, made before the raising of Lazarus, left no room for Christ’s enemies to say that a deception had been practiced. In the past the Pharisees had circulated false statements regarding the most wonderful manifestations of the power of God. When Christ raised to life the daughter of Jairus, He had said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.” Mark 5:39. As she had been sick only a short time, and was raised immediately after death, the Pharisees declared that the child had not been dead; that Christ Himself had said she was only asleep. They had tried to make it appear that Christ could not cure disease, that there was foul play about His miracles. But in this case, none could deny that Lazarus was dead. [DA 534.3]
The danger attaching to this expedition into Judea was great, since the Jews were determined to kill Jesus. Finding it was impossible to dissuade him from going, Thomas proposed to the disciples that they should all accompany their Master, saying, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” Therefore the twelve accompanied the Saviour. On the way, Jesus labored for the needy, relieving the suffering and healing the sick as was his custom. When he reached Bethany he heard from several persons that Lazarus was dead, and had been buried four days. While still at a distance from the house, he heard the wailing of the mourners. When a Hebrew died it was customary for the relatives to give up all business for several days, and live on the coarsest food while they mourned for the dead. Professional mourners were also hired, and it was they whom Jesus heard wailing and shrieking in that house which had once been his quiet, pleasant resting place. [2SP 361.3]
A hasty council of the priests and Pharisees was called to determine how to proceed with regard to Jesus, in view of the excitement and enthusiasm of the people on his account. They decided that it would be dangerous to seize upon him openly on any pretext, for since the raising of Lazarus the sympathies of the people were greatly in favor of Jesus. So they determined to use craft and take him secretly, avoiding all uproar or interference, carry on the mockery of a trial as quietly as possible, and trust to the fickle tide of public opinion to set in their favor when it was known that Jesus was condemned to death. [2SP 373.1]
But another consideration came up: If they should execute Jesus, and Lazarus should remain as a witness of his miraculous power to raise from the dead, the very fact that a man existed who had been four days in the grave, and whose body had begun to decay, yet had been called to life and health by a word from Jesus, would sooner or later create a reaction and bring disaster upon themselves for sacrificing the life of Him who could perform such a miracle for the benefit of humanity. They therefore decided that Lazarus must also die. They felt that if the people were to lose confidence in their rulers, the national power would be destroyed. [2SP 374.1]
4 beasts [like a lion, calf, man & eagle] full of eyes [all-seeing creatures] surround God’s heavenly throne [Revelation 4:6-8].
4 horses / colours in Revelation and the 4 riders who bring destruction [Revelation 6:2-8].
4 destructive angels standing on the 4 corners of the earth [Revelation 7:1].
4 divisions of the day [evening, midnight, morning & noon].
4 lunar phases of our moon – crescent, gibbous, waxing, and waning.
4 things make up the physical universe – time, space, and mass/energy [usually abbreviated as just “matter”].
Humans have 4 limbs – two legs and two arms; their legs and feet are specialized for two-legged locomotion – most other mammals walk and run on all four limbs.
4 principle types of blood groups: A, B, AB and O.
4 cavities of the human heart: The left and right ventricle and the left and right atrium.
4 major provisions for man [earth, air, fire and water].
4 seasons – spring, summer, autumn & winter.
4 cardinal points of the compass / direction of travel on the earth: North, South, East and West.
4 states of matter are observable in everyday life: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen constitute the leading characteristics of naturally occurring organic compounds.
4 fundamental / physical forces – the strong / nuclear force, the electromagnetic force, the weak / radiate force and the force of gravitation.
5
Represents:
Power & Divine Grace – Mercy – God’s Goodness – Pentateuch – Redemption – Human Weakness – [Living] Faith
There are 5 books of God’s Law – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy – these form the Pentateuch where ‘Penta’ means five.
There are 5 books in the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and The Acts of the Apostles – which form the New Pentateuch.
The Ten Commandments – 2 sets of 5 commandments. The first 5 commandments relate to our treatment and relationship with God – the last 5 concern our relationship with other human beings [Exodus 20:3-17].
The ‘tabernacle in the wilderness’ profoundly reflects God’s grace in its use of the number 5. This tabernacle, whose design was given directly by God, contained 5 curtains [Exodus 26:3], 5 bars [Exodus 26:26 – 27], 5 pillars and 5 sockets [Exodus 26:37] and an altar made of wood that was 5 cubits long and 5 cubits wide [Exodus 27:1]. The height of the court within the tabernacle was 5 cubits [Exodus 27:18].
5 primary types of offerings God commanded Israel to bring to Him – the Burnt Offering [Leviticus 1; 8:18 – 21; 16:24], Sin [Leviticus 4; 16:3 – 22], Trespass [Leviticus 5:14 – 19; 6:1 – 7; 7:1 – 6], Grain [Leviticus 2] and Peace Offering [Leviticus 3; 7:11- 34].
The Holy anointing oil [Exodus 30:23 – 25] – the ingredients – given directly by God and used to consecrate the furniture of the tabernacle – comprised of 5 parts – a revelation of pure grace.
Five kinds of animals were sacrificed under the Old Covenant Law of sacrifice: cattle, doves, goats, pigeons & sheep.
Grace came by Christ, who has 5 names – Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9.6].
5 major Sections in the Book of Psalms:
Section 1 [Psalm 1 to 41] – refers to the Passover, Israel’s beginning, and the start of the God’s plan of salvation that centres around Christ.
Section 2 [42 to 72] – sings about a unified Israel in the land and pictures the creation of the New Testament Church.
Section 3 [73 to 89] – bemoans the destruction of both God’s Temple and Jerusalem. This section also hints at prophecies regarding the End Time Great Tribulation.
Section 4 [90 to 106] – rejoices over the 1,000 reign of Jesus and shows Israel gathered again.
Section 5 [107 to 150] – pictures a time when Judah [representing all Israel] shall again be delivered.
Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar was given, by God, a dream where he saw a giant statue of a man. This statue, according to the interpretation given by God to Daniel, represented 5 periods of world-ruling empires:
The statue’s Head of gold represented Babylon [Daniel 2:32, 38]
The Chest and Arms of Silver symbolized the Persian Empire [Daniel 2:32, 39]
The Belly and Thighs of Brass represented the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great [Daniel 2:32, 39]
The Two Legs of Iron symbolized Rome’s Empire [Daniel 2:33, 40-43]
The Ten Toes of Iron mixed with Clay are the successors to the Roman Empire [Daniel 2:41–44].
Because man has 5 fingers, 5 toes, and 5 senses the number 5 is significant and thought to be the number of human weakness. He is considered weak and dependant. The number 5 may speak of man’s weakness and inability or God’s strength and ability. Some interesting examples:
David picked up 5 smooth stones to fight Goliath [1 Samuel 17:40].
Daniel proclaimed the Fifth Kingdom to be an Everlasting Kingdom [Daniel 2:37-44].
Jesus, out of compassion and grace fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves [John 6.1-10].
Jesus confronts the woman at the well who had 5 husbands [John 4:7-18].
Before His death, Jesus bled from 5 wounds on the altar of the Cross – His two hands, His two feet and His head:
The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacerated with stripes; those hands so often reached out in blessing, nailed to the wooden bars; those feet so tireless on ministries of love, spiked to the tree; that royal head pierced by the crown of thorns; those quivering lips shaped to the cry of woe. And all that He endured–the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands, His feet, the agony that racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father’s face–speaks to each child of humanity, declaring, It is for thee that the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise. He who stilled the angry waves and walked the foam-capped billows, who made devils tremble and disease flee, who opened blind eyes and called forth the dead to life,–offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice, and this from love to thee. He, the Sin Bearer, endures the wrath of divine justice, and for thy sake becomes sin itself. [DA 755.1]
5 ministries whereby God’s grace is given to the world – Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers [Ephesians 4.11].
6
Represents:
Man – His Weakness – Manifestation of Sin – Evil – Satan – Something Incomplete or Imperfect
Also: Evils of Satan, Lacking (i.e. not yet 7), Carnal man, Flesh, Human wisdom, efforts and labour [Luke 13:14].
Hence 6 represents the worship of man and signifies his rebellion, evil, imperfection, works and disobedience.
6 when fully developed as 666 symbolizes an unholy trinity – whereas 777 relates to Jesus Christ.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six. [Revelation 13:18].
All six of the letters which represent the number system of the Roman Empire when added together yield the number 666: I =1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C = 100 & D= 500.
The factorial of [6 x 6 =] 36 = 36 + 35 + 34 + 33 + 32 . . . 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 666 = 6 x 3 x 37 = Man obtains Holiness / Perfection through The Word of God.
It is interesting to note that there are 66 [ = 6 x 11] books in the modern [King James] Bible – 6 [Incomplete] being raised to a higher power by 11 [Incomplete] – God’s Word has constantly being expanded to man. When it was first put in written form it was 5 books forming The Pentateuch; then it was expanded as Jesus knew it – 22 books forming the Old Testament. Further expansion also included the New Testament. Today, it has been furthered by the Spirit of Prophecy; it will continue to be made known to God’s people especially prior to and around the Coming of Christ. Then with the setting up of His Kingdom and onwards for eternity God will reveal further treasures concerning His Word. Study the texts below:
It is of immense importance, in the light of the lessons of Christ, that every human being should study the Scriptures, that he may be convinced in whom his hopes of eternal life are centered. The Bible should ever have been made the great, grand book of study, which has come down to us from heaven, and is the word of life. Should that book which tells us what we must do in order to be saved, be set aside in a corner, and human productions be exalted as the great wisdom in education? The very knowledge children and youth need to obtain for usefulness in this life, and that they may carry with them in the future life, is found in the word of God. But this is not encouraged and presented before them as the most essential knowledge, and as that which will give the most correct information of the true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. There are gods many and doctrines many. There are maxims and commandments placed before our youth as the commandments of God. It is impossible for them to understand what is truth, what is the sacred, and what is the common, only as they understand the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. [SpTEd 233.1]
The history of the church and the world, the loyal and the disloyal, is here [Isaiah 58:12-14] plainly revealed. The loyal, under the proclamation of the third angel’s message, have turned their feet into the way of God’s commandments, to respect, to honor and glorify Him who created the heavens and the earth. The opposing forces have dishonored God by making a breach in His law, and when light from His Word has called attention to His holy commandments, revealing the breach made in the law by the Papal authority, then, to get rid of conviction, men have tried to destroy the whole law. But could they destroy it? No; for all who will search the Scriptures for themselves will see that the law of God stands immutable, eternal, and His memorial, the Sabbath, will endure through eternal ages, pointing to the only true God in distinction from all false gods. [1MR 45.2]
We should consider that it was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ came to earth, it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the law of God as it should be regarded, but it was to demonstrate to all the worlds that God’s law is unchangeable and that the wages of sin is death. [TMK 367.2]
There is a great deal more to this subject than we can take in at a glance. O that all might see the importance of carefully studying the Scriptures! Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly mansions constitute the universe of God. Not so. The redeemed throng will range from world to world, and much of their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity this subject will be continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension. [TMK 367.3]
The truths contained in the Scriptures are grand, elevating, uplifting, ennobling. If the lost image of God is restored during probationary time these truths must be cherished. They are graced with such simplicity that they could not have originated in any human mind. A Sower from a higher world went forth to sow the seeds of truth. Only this higher phase of education is able to prepare students for the higher life–the highest grade in the highest school, where, with Christ and God as teachers, we shall throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity learn how best to magnify and glorify God’s name. [AUCR, July 12, 1899 par. 23]
We should consider that it was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ came to earth; it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the law of God as it should be regarded; but it was to demonstrate to all the worlds that God’s law is unchangeable, and that the wages of sin is death. [RH, March 9, 1886 par. 23]
There is a great deal more to this subject than we can take in at a glance. Oh that all might see the importance of carefully studying the Scriptures! Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly mansions constitute the universe of God. Not so. The redeemed throng will range from world to world, and much of their time will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption. And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony are beyond comprehension. [RH, March 9, 1886 par. 24]
This earth has been honored and blessed with the presence of the Son of God. In the Scriptures we read of His incarnation, His teaching, His miracles, His death, and His resurrection. The effort to understand these wonderful subjects puts to the tax the highest powers of the mind, and then there is an infinity beyond which can not be exhausted. The oftener the mind is called to this study, the stronger and clearer it will become. In the daily life will be revealed the mysteries of godliness, which may be experienced, but can not be explained. Throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity the redeemed will study these subjects, ever gaining from them a deeper and clearer knowledge of God and of Christ. [ST, April 26, 1905 par. 1]
Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day [Genesis 1:31] – likewise the Serpent.
Genesis 6 – God announces the Flood to destroy man:
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. [Genesis 6:6].
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [Exodus 20.9].
The sixth commandment in the Ten Commandments is the sin of murder [Exodus 20:13]:
There are many ideas in the world as to what is sin. The deist says that sin is dishonesty, a lack of patriotism, honour, and manliness. Those who have little idea as to what constitutes religion will tell you that sin is murder, adultery, robbery, and crime. But what does the word of God define it to be? John writes, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” Without the law we have no knowledge of what sin is. Those who have no respect for the law will be deceived by entertaining hopes of entering heaven. [BEcho, November 5, 1894 par. 3]
The liquor-dealer puts the bottle to his neighbour’s lips. Instead of breaking every yoke, and letting the victims of depraved appetite go free, he binds them the faster in their chains. He robs the wife and children of the support that is their due. He takes from them a kind and sensible father, by dealing out to him a potion that makes him a madman. Under its influence the drunkard is full of cruelty and murder, and perhaps in his madness actually commits murder. Then he is brought before the courts, and those who legalized the traffic are forced to deal with the results of their own work. They permitted the sale of the intoxicating draught, and now it is necessary for them to send this man to prison or the gallows for his crime. Soul and body the man is lost, cut off from earth, and with no title to heaven; and very often his wife and children are left in poverty, to become a public charge. [BEcho, January 22, 1894 par. 4]
Paul charged his brethren to beware lest in trying to correct the faults of others they should commit sins equally great themselves. He warns them that hatred, emulation, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, and envyings are as truly the works of the flesh as are lasciviousness, adultery, drunkenness, and murder, and will as surely close the gate of heaven against the guilty. [5T 244.2]
Every physician who has received a thorough education will be very modest in his claims. It will not do for him to run any risk in experimenting on human life, lest he be guilty of murder and this be written against him in the books of heaven. There should be a careful, competent physician who will deal scarcely ever in drugs, and who will not boast that powerful poisons are far more effective than a smaller quantity carefully taken. –MS. 22, 1887. [MM 139.4]
If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing. [Exodus 21:2].
And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof: But the seventh [year] thou shalt let it rest and lie still [Exodus 23:10-11].
The sixth clause in the Lord’s prayer petitions that we not be led into sin and be delivered from evil [Matthew 6:13].
Jesus was accused 6 times of being demon possessed [Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15 and John 7:20, 8:48, 8:52, 10:20].
6 earthquakes have occurred within the Bible era: [Exodus 19:18, 1Kings 19:11-12, Amos 1:1, Matthew 27:54, 28:2 & Acts 16:26].
Other references to there being earthquakes include Isaiah 29:6, Zechariah 14:5 in the days of Uzziah, Matthew 24:7 / Mark 13:8 / Luke 21:11, Revelation 6:12, 8:5, 11:13 & 19 & 16:18.
6 persons bore testimony to the Saviour being innocent: Judas [Matthew 27:3-4], Pilate’s wife [Matthew 27:19], Pilate [Luke 23:14], Herod [Luke 23:15], The dying thief [Luke 23:41] & The centurion [Luke 23:47].
In Roman time, the sixth hour was 6-7AM – Jesus was being tried by the Roman governor Pilate [John 19:14].
The world turned dark at the beginning of the sixth hour – Hebrew time [noon] – when Christ was on the cross [Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44].
Jesus suffered on the cross for six hours [as he suffered that man might be saved]; from 9 AM, [see Mark 15:25] the hour of the first daily sacrifice in the Temple to 3 PM [see Mark 15:33-34; Matthew 27:45; Luke 23:44] the hour of the last sacrifice.
He gave up His life at the beginning of the 7th [Completeness / Finished / Fulfillment] hour.
7
Represents:
Spiritual Completeness / Perfection – Sanctification – Resurrection – Covenant – Holy Spirit – Finished – Totality – God’s Seal
The Bible, as a whole, was originally divided into 7 major divisions:
[1] the Law; [2] the Prophets; [3] the Writings, or Psalms; [4] the Gospels and Acts; [5] the General Epistles; [6] the Epistles of Paul; and [7] the book of Revelation.
The total number of originally inspired books was 49, or 7 x 7, demonstrating the absolute perfection of the Word of God.
From the 7 Days of Genesis to the 7 last plagues of Revelation, Scripture is saturated with the Number 7.
The first use of the number 7 in the Bible relates to the creation week in Genesis 1. God spends six days creating the heavens and the earth, and then rests on the seventh day. This is our template for the seven-day week, observed around the world to this day. The seventh day was to be “set apart” for Israel; the Sabbath was a holy day of rest [Deuteronomy 5:12].
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The 7th time Noah’s name occurs is where it is said, “Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations” [Genesis 6:9].
Other examples of 7: 7 pairs of each clean animal on the ark [Genesis 7:2]; 7 lamps [Exodus 25:37] and 7 things that the Lord hates in Proverbs 6:16.
There are 7 annual Holy Days God, beginning with Passover and ending with the Last Great Day [the day after the Feast of Tabernacles ends in the fall]. The cycle of the holy days is completed in 3 festival seasons by the 7th month of the sacred calendar: Passover and Unleavened Bread, 1st month; Pentecost, 3rd month; and Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles and Last Great Day, 7th month.
The Seven Feasts: Passover – Unleavened Bread – Firstfruits – Pentecost – Trumpets – Day of Atonement – Tabernacles
There are at least 7 men in the Old Testament who are specifically mentioned as a man of God:
Moses [Joshua 14:6] – David [2Chronicles 8:14] – Samuel [1Samuel 9:6, 14] – Shemaiah [1Kings 12:22] – Elijah [1Kings 17:18] – Elisha [2Kings 5:8] – Igdaliah [Jeremiah 35:4].
In just one verse in Isaiah 11:2, the Holy Spirit rested on Jesus in 7 distinct ways:
Spirit of the LORD – wisdom – understanding – counsel – might – knowledge – fear of the LORD.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
In Matthew 13 Jesus is quoted as giving 7 parables: Matthew 13:3-9, 24-30, 31-32, 33, 44, 45-46, 47.
In the book of Hebrews, written by the apostle Paul, he uses 7 titles to refer to Christ:
‘Heir of all things’ [Hebrews 1:2] – ‘Captain of their salvation’ [2:10] – ‘Apostle’ [3:1] – ‘Author of eternal salvation’ [5:9] – ‘Forerunner’ [6:20] – ‘High Priest’ [10:21] – ‘Author and finisher of our faith’ [12:2].
In the book of Revelation there are 7 churches / candlesticks, 7 Spirits, 7 stars / angels of the 7 churches, 7 lamps of fire, 7 seals, 7 horns, 7 eyes, 7 trumpet plagues, 7 thunders and the 7 last plagues. The first resurrection of the dead takes place at the 7th trumpet, completing salvation for the Church.
“Jesus Christ” is found 7 times in Revelation [Revelation 1:1, 1:2, 1:5, 1:9 (x 2), 12:17 & 22:21].
8
Represents:
New Beginning / Birth – New Order / Creation – Circumcision of the Heart – Resurrection – Eternal Life – Holy Spirit
God saved 8 people via the ark in order to have a new beginning for mankind after the flood.
The priesthood of Aaron and his sons was consecrated on the 8th day [Leviticus 9:1].
On the 8th day of an Israelite male child’s birth, he entered the Sinai Covenant by the ritual of circumcision.
David, God’s anointed, is the 8th son of Jesse [1 Samuel 16:10-13].
8 is the first cubic number [2 x 2 x 2]. This is significant because the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and in the Jerusalem Temple was the same height, length and breadth – a perfect cube [1 Kings 6:20].
The costly great stones forming the foundation to the Temple were based on the cubit numbers 8 and 10 [1 Kings 7:10].
The prophet Elijah was involved with 8 miracles:
Causing the dew and rain to cease for 3 1/2 years (1Kings 17:1)
Miracle of the barrel of meal and cruse of oil (1Kings 17:14)
Resurrection of the widow’s son (1Kings 17:22)
Calling of fire from heaven on the altar (1Kings 18:38)
Causing it to rain (1Kings 18:45)
Calling fire from heaven upon the first 50 soldiers (2Kings 1:10)
Calling fire from heaven upon the second 50 soldiers (2Kings 1:12)
Parting of the Jordan (2Kings 2:8)
One method of timekeeping used in Israel was called a ‘watch.’ Watches were time periods in which guards were placed on duty. Although days were initially divided into 6 equal watch periods [Judges 7:19], by the time of the New Testament days were divided into 8 equal parts [Matthew 14:25; Mark 6:48].
The New Testament was penned by 8 men [Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, James, Peter, Jude, Paul].
The church met on the 8th day [first day of the next week] and Jesus stood in the midst of His disciples on the eighth day [John 20:26].
The gematria of Jesus in Greek, Iesous, is 888 [I = 10, e= 8, s=200, o=70, u=400, s=200]. Many of the names for Jesus are multiples of 8.
9
Represents:
Fruits of God’s Holy Spirit – Hour of Prayer – Divine Completeness from the Father – Finality – Unchangableness
9 = 3 x 3; it conveys the meaning of finality / final perfection – Christ died at the 9th hour [3 pm] [Matthew 27:46-50]; as a result, all those that believe and obey Him may have salvation over sin.
The 9 fruits of God’s Holy Spirit are listed in Galatians 5:22–23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
9 conquers 666 = [9 x 2 x 37] where 9 [Divine Completeness (forms a)] x 2 [Union (between Divine/Human)] x 37 [(and defeats all evil through) The Word of God].  
 
10
Represents:
Testimony – Law and Responsibility – Ordinal Perfection / Completion – God’s Law – Trial – Testing
In Genesis 1 we find the phrase “God said” 10 times, which is a testimony of His creative power.
God gave the Ten Commandments to man [Exodus 20:1-17].
10 generations of man lived on the earth before the flood waters came and swept away all those who were disobedient.
Genesis 5 gives the genealogy of Adam: 1 Adam > 2 Seth > 3 Enos(h) > 4 Cainan / Kenan > 5 Mahalalel > 6 Jared > 7 Enoch > 8 Methuselah > 9 Lamech > 10 Noah.
The 10 plagues God sent on ancient Egypt, in order to free His people, represented His complete and total judgement of the pagan empire.
The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people. [GC 627.3].
The Tabernacle had 10 curtains [Exodus 26:1].
100 = 10 x 10 silver castings formed the sockets / foundation of the Tabernacle [Exodus 38:27]
The 10 spies failed to see God’s power and provision, so they brought back an evil report; only Caleb and Joshua showed their faith and trust in God by giving a true report and, as a result, only they were permitted to enter into the promised land [Numbers 114:36-38]:
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,
Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men that went to search the land, lived [still].
 
10 forms the basis of many number(ing) systems [digits on fingers/toes, etc.].
11
Represents:
Disorder – Chaos – Judgement – Disorganization – Lack of Fulfilment – Imperfection – Incomplete
 
Following 10 [Law and Responsibility], 11 represents the opposite – the irresponsibility of breaking the Law – bringing disorder and judgement.
11 = [10 + 1] = 11 = [12 – 1].
11 disciples remained with Jesus Christ after one had been judged and taken away [Judas committed suicide]. Their number was incomplete – a 12th Apostle [Matthias] being chosen by lot [Acts 1:15-26].
In Genesis 11, men rebelled against God and built the tower of Babel – He judged them by confusing their language which resulted in chaos.
Joseph, betrayed by his brothers and rescuer of his tribe, was the 11th son of Jacob [Genesis 35:22-26]:
Jacob’s twelve sons, named in Genesis, were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. His only daughter mentioned in Genesis 30:21 is Dinah. The twelve sons became the progenitors of the “Tribes of Israel”.
In the construction of the sanctuary, God told Moses to make 11 curtains of goats’ hair and join them together to form a covering upon the Tabernacle [Exodus 26:7].
Excluding Jehoiachin [who only ruled for 3 months], the last two Kings of Judah [Jehoiakim and Zedekiah] each reigned 11 years before the Babylonian conquest of Judah [2 Kings 23:36 & 2 Kings 24:18].
King Zedekiah, a wicked king, reigned 11 years – brought chaos and death on the inhabitants of Jerusalem [Jeremiah 52:1-11].
Ezekiel’s prophecies were in the 11th year – against Tyre [Ezekiel 26:1] and against Pharaoh [Ezekiel 30:20] and Egypt [Ezekiel 31:1]; thus we have an enhanced threefold repetition.
Jesus speaks about workers of the 11th hour in his parable of labourers [Matthew 20:6].
Jesus was about 33 years [11 x 3] when He died [“cut off” in Daniel 9:26] for the sins of mankind.
The apostle John saw 11 things in connection with the final judgement [Revelation 20:12-14]:
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
The sum of the numbers 1 to 11 is 66 = 11 x 6 = 11 [imperfection] x 6 [manifestation of sin].
12
Represents:
Governmental Perfection – God’s Power & Authority – Completeness – God’s Church – New Jerusalem
Also: Divine Government (to bring perfection) – Human Completion.
There are 12 signs of the zodiac [Job 38:32 in the KJV refers to ‘Mazzaroth’ meaning 12 signs] – [ancient symbols found in 1st century AD Jewish synagogues]. The stars are seasonal signs to help man govern his life [Genesis 1:14] i.e. 12 months in a year:
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
The circle of the heavens = 360 degrees = 12 x 30 degrees.
12 [Governmental Perfection] = 3 [unity] + 9 [divine blessings] = 5 [God’s goodness] + 7 [completeness and spiritual perfection].
12 [Governmental Perfection] = 3 [perfection of divinity] x 4 [the number of the earth].
12 [Completeness] = the nation of Israel as a whole. For example, Jacob [Israel] had 12 sons [01-Reuben, 02-Simeon, 03-Levi, 04-Judah, 05-Dan, 06-Naphtali, 07-Gad, 08-Asher, 09-Issachar, 10-Zebulun, 11-Joseph & 12-Benjamin], each of which represented a tribe begun by a prince = 12 princes in total [Genesis 49:28]. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham through Hagar, also had 12 princes [Genesis 25:13-16 and 16:20].
The 12 patriarchs from and including Shem [one of Noah’s sons saved in the Ark] to Jacob [Israel]:
Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Heber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
12 wells of water at Elim [Exodus 15:27].
12 pillars were erected by Moses at Mt. Sinai [Exodus 24:4].
God specified that 12 unleavened cakes of bread be placed every week in the temple with frankincense next to each of the two piles that were to be made. The priests were commanded to change the bread every Sabbath day [Leviticus 24:5, 8].
God chose and instructed Moses to take 12 men to conduct the census of the tribes [Numbers 1:2-16].
In Numbers 7, when the tabernacle and instruments had been anointed and sanctified, the 12 princes of Israel brought gifts totalling 12 oxen, 12 chargers of silver, 12 silver bowls, 12 spoons of gold, 12 bullocks, 12 rams, 12 lambs of the first year and 12 kids of the goats to the Sanctuary. There were also other offerings [multiples of 12] and all this occurred over a 12 day period.
12 spies sent out to spy the land of Canaan [Numbers 13:1-15] [Deuteronomy 1:23].
12 rods to confirm the choice of Aaron [Numbers 17].
12 pillars were erected in the Promised Land after passing over the river Jordan [Joshua 4:1-9].
12 judges [The Book of Judges]:
Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson.
Solomon appointed 12 officers over all Israel [1 Kings 4:7].
12 statues of oxen held up the water basin in Solomon’s Temple [1 Kings 7:25].
12 people are specially noted in scripture as being anointed for a unique task or responsibility. They are Aaron and his 4 sons to serve as priests [Exodus 29:7 – 9] and Saul [1Samuel 10:1], David [1Samuel 16:13] and Solomon [1Kings 1:39] to serve as kings over a united Israel. David’s son Absalom, who wanted to take the throne of his David but was killed [2Samuel 19:10], was also anointed by some to be king. The remaining 3 specially anointed are King Jehu of Israel [2Kings 9:6] and Kings Joash [2Kings 11:12] and Jehoahaz [2Kings 23:30] of Judah.
12 gates [Ezekiel 48:30-35].
And the altar [shall be] twelve [cubits] long, twelve broad, … [Ezekiel 43:16].
The 12 “minor” prophets of the Old Testament:
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.
Daniel [12 chapters] is also concerned with the time of the end – Daniel 12:12 states: “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days” = 1,335 days where 1 + 3 + 3 + 5 = 12.
12 is the number of the Church, both the Old Covenant Church of Israel founded by 12 physical fathers [the 12 sons of Jacob-Israel] and the New Covenant Church founded by 12 spiritual fathers [the 12 Apostles].  This number also has a relationship with multiples of 12.
When Jesus feeds the 5,000 His disciples pick up 12 baskets full of leftovers [Matthew 14:13-21].
12 legions of angels [Matthew 26:53].
Jesus is 12 years old when He questions the scholars in the Temple [Luke 2:41].
Christ called and choose 12 disciples to bear witness to what he did and to spread the good news of the gospel to the entire world [Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:13].
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. [Revelation 7:4].
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [Revelation 21:2].
And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: [Revelation 21:12].
And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. [Revelation 21:16–17] [144 = 12 x 12].
The tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month [Revelation 22:2].
13
Represents:
Apostasy – Depravity – Rebellion – Lawlessness – Sin – Satan
13 is the 6th prime number:
The series runs 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, etc. – 13 is therefore important being the 6th of the series – hence it partakes of the significance of the number 6 and is indeed an intensified expression of it. [Note: 0 and 1 are not generally recognized as prime numbers].
13 is symbolic of rebellion and lawlessness. Nimrod, the mighty hunter who was ‘before the Lord’ [meaning he tried to take the place of God – Genesis 10:9], was the 13th in Ham’s line [Ham was one of Noah’s three sons who survived the flood].
Ishmael, the illegitimate son of Abraham, was 13 years old when he was circumcised [Genesis 17:25].
The destruction of Jericho is stamped with the number 13, for the city was marched around for 6 straight days, and on the seventh day it was marched 7 times, making 13 times before the city collapsed [Joshua 6:2-5].
In Mark 7, Jesus mentions 13 things that defile a person:
Adulteries, fornications, evil thoughts, murders, covetousness, thefts, wickedness, licentiousness, guile, blasphemy, foolishness, pride and an evil eye [Mark 7:20-23].
Judas is considered to be the 13th. With Jesus as 1 + 12 Apostles = 13. Judas is named last in the list of Apostles [Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16].
14
Represents:
Deliverance – Salvation – A Double Measure of Spiritual Perfection – Fear of the Lord
7 represents completion – thus 7 + 7 = 14, indicating a double completion.
Jacob worked 14 years for his uncle Laban in order to be able to marry his daughter Rachel. The first period of seven years he allowed him to take Leah, the older sister of Rachel, and after the second period of seven years, he could finally marry Rachel. “These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.” [Genesis 29:15-30 & 46:22].
In the Book of Proverbs the expression “the fear of the Lord” occurs 14 times:
Proverbs 1:7, 29, 2:5, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 14:26, 27, 15:16, 33, 16:6, 19:23, 22:4, 23:17.
With the return of Exile, after the rebuilding of the Temple, the Israelites celebrated the Passover the 14th day of the first month [Ezra 6:19].
There are three sets of 14 generations between [and including] Abraham to Joseph [husband of Mary]:
“So all the generations from Abraham to David [are] fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon [are] fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ [are] fourteen generations.” [Matthew 1:17].
There are 14 ascending days and 14 descending days of the moon.
The phalanges are the bones that make up the fingers of the hand and the toes of the foot. There are 56 phalanges in the human body, with 14 on each hand and foot.
In Chapter 4 of the Book of Enoch [an apocryphal book] it talks about the 14 preferential trees which remain always green for all seasons of the year:
“They consider and behold every tree, how it appears to wither, and every leaf to fall off, except of fourteen trees, which are not deciduous”.
15
Represents:
God’s Promises – Spiritual Rest – Law Fulfilled
15 = 5 x 3 = 5 [Grace] x 3 [Divine perfection of the Godhead].
15 = 7 + 8 = 7 [Covenant] and 8 [Resurrection]; when Jesus manifest himself as God and defeated death and Satan [Resurrection was on Sunday, the 8th as well as the 1st day].
15 in the Bible pictures rest, which comes after deliverance, represented by 14. The 15th day of the first Hebrew month [Nisan] is the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a day of rest for the children of Israel [and for Christians]. The 15th day of the 7th Hebrew month begins the Feast of Tabernacles, also a day of rest.
The Ark was borne by the Flood which was 15 cubits upwards [Genesis 7:20].
The 15th day of the 1st month was designated the Feast of Unleavened Bread which begins at sundown after the Passover sacrifice [sundown begins the next day for the Israelites] [Leviticus 23:6].
The 15th day of the 7th month is the beginning of the final feast of the “liturgical year”, the Feast of Tabernacles [Leviticus 23:34].
King Hezekiah, who was sick and dying, prayed that God would remember his works and how he served him with his whole heart. God heard his prayer and told the king, through the prophet Isaiah, that he would be healed and granted an additional 15 years of life [2Kings 20:1-6].
The Jews were delivered from death under Esther on the 15th day of the month [Esther 9:18, 21]. Their sentence to death was connected with the number 13 [Esther 9:1].
Bethany, where Lazarus was raised, and from whence the Lord ascended, was about 15 furlongs from Jerusalem [John 11:18].
16
Represents:
Love – Loving
Sum of the first 4 odd numbers [1+3+5+7=16] which, by theosophical addition, gives 1+6=7, the sacred number.
16 Judges [or group of Judges] governed Israel from the time that the Israelites took possession of the promised land to the time that Saul was anointed their first human king:
Joshua, Othniel, Ehud, Deborah and Barak, Eli, Gideon, Abimelech [North only], Tola [North only], Jephthah [East only], Samson [in the South and West only], Samuel, Ibzan [East only], Jair [North only], Elon [East only] and Abdon [East only]. Samuel’s sons comprised the 16th and final Judge over Israel.
Jehoash, king of Israel, reigned for 16 years [798 to 782 BC]. King Ahaz reigned over Judah as sole ruler also for 16 years [732 to 715 BC].
Joash reigned 16 years on Israel to Samaria. [2 Kings 13:10]
Azariah [also known as Uzziah] is made king of Judah at the young age of 16 instead of his father Amaziah [2Kings 14:21,15:2]. A good king, he rules for the second longest period, 52 years [792 to 740 BC], of any ruler of either Israel or Judah.
Jotham, son of Uzziah, reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. [2 Kings 15:33]
Ahaz, son of Jotham, reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. [2 Kings 16:2]
16 classes of priests were formed with the heads of the family of son of Eleazar. [1 Chronicles 24:4]
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian church, stated 16 things about the quality of God’s love for us to possess. Love is incredibly patient and very kind. It never brags about itself nor does it envy others. Perfect love does not act vainly, behave in an unacceptable manner, is not selfish, is not very easily provoked and thinks no evil of others. It mourns sin but rejoices in what is the truth. Godly love is willing to bear and endure all things, and to hope for and believe the best. This greatest of all spiritual gifts will never fail [1Corinthians 13:4–8].
17
Represents:
Overcoming the Enemy – Complete Victory – Perfection of Spiritual Order – Goodness and Sacrifice
17 stands out very prominently as a significant number. It is not a multiple of any other number, and therefore it has no factors. Hence it is called one of the prime [or indivisible] numbers.
The 7th prime number.
17 being the 7th of the series, partakes of and intensifies the significance of the number 7.
17 is also the sum of two perfect numbers 7 + 10. Taken together the significance of these two numbers is clear; and when united in the number 17 we have a union of their respective meanings – spiritual perfection, plus ordinal perfection = the Perfection of Spiritual Order. In Romans 8:35-39 the series of 7 blessings in the form of questions is followed by 10 answers.
Also see Hebrews 12:18-24 where the Old Covenant and New are contrasted – 7 statements refer to the Old Covenant and 10 to the New Covenant.  In both these New Testament passages the New [10] is superior to the Old [7].
17 can mean double Spiritual Perfection plus the Completion of Divine Will = [2 x 7] + 3.
The sum of the numbers up to 17 = 1 + 2 + … + 16 + 17 = 153.
In the Bible the number 17 symbolizes “overcoming the enemy” and “complete victory.” God overcame the sins of rebellious humans when He flooded the earth through rain on the 17th of the second Hebrew month. Noah’s ark and its 8 passengers rested on the mountains of Ararat on the 17th of the 7th month [right in the middle of God’s annual Holy period known as the Feast of Tabernacles].
The Ten Commandments of God are found in 17 verses of Exodus chapter 20.
Jacob lived 17 years in the country of Egypt [Genesis 47:28].
Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold by his brothers and escorted in Egypt. [Genesis 37:2]
Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, reigned 17 years in Isarel to Samaria [2Kings 13:1].
Rehoboam, son of Solomon, reigned 17 years in Jerusalem [1Kings 14:21].
There are 17 Judges from the death of Joshua to Samuel:
Othonial, Aod, Samgar, Jahel, Deborah, Barac, Gideon, Abimelech, Thola, Jair, Jepheth, Abezan, Ahialon, Abdon, Samson, Eli and Samuel.
Rehoboam, son of Solomon and the the very first king of Judah after the united kingdom split in 930 BC, reigned for 17 years [930 to 913 BC].
The 17th of Nisan during Passion Week was the Old Covenant Feast of Firstfruits.  It was also the day of Jesus’ Resurrection when He defeated sin and death [Leviticus 23:11-14; Matthew 28:1-6].
In the book of 1Corinthians chapter 13, the 17th mention of the word ‘love’ comes when the apostle Paul states that it is the greatest gift of all [1Corinthians 13:13]. God’s unending love [John 3:16] is truly victorious over all things. Those who stay faithful to God to the end of their lives will gain the victory over the grave when they are miraculous brought back to life [see 1Corinthians 15].
The book of James has material from 17 Old Testament books. The book of 1Corinthians has 17 direct quotations from the Old Testament.
The apostle James wrote his Epistle 17 years after the crucifixion of the Jesus Christ.
There is a deep link between the symbol of Christ as the Fish/Fisherman, the Sacrifice, the Passover [153], the Covenant [612 = 4 x 153], and the Net [1224 = 2 x 612] in John 21:11 that caught the 153 fish. The Number 153 is the 17th triangular number, hence also is the sum of the integers from 1 to 17:
This relation has been known and meditated upon as early as the 5th century when Augustine commented on it in his Tractate 122 on John 20:30-21:11. He understood the Number 17 as the sum of 10 + 7 representing the Ten Commandments [Law] and the sevenfold Spirit [Grace]. While these may be valid “overtones” or “harmonics” of the Number 17, they certainly are not derived directly from the context of John 21:11 and so offer little true understanding of why God was so specific in recording the number of fish. A more satisfying understanding comes from obvious use of the biblical symbol of fish [men] caught by fishermen [apostles]. Jesus told Peter and Andrew that they would be “fishers of men” [Matt 4:19].
17 people and nations are present at the Pentecost: Galilee, Parthians, Medes and Elamites, peoples from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round to Cyrene, residents of Rome, Jews and proselystes alike, Cretans and Arabs [Acts 2:7-11].
18
Represents:
Bondage – Life and Sin / Death
18 in the Bible has a symbolic meaning for bondage.
The particular type of bondage mentioned in Exodus 20 – the chapter that first delineates God’s Ten Commandments – occurs in the context of the 1st commandment. After the word “bondage” God commands the children of Israel NOT to worship other gods [Exodus 20:2-3]. Serving other gods places people into spiritual bondage under Satan and his demons, which God punishes with physical bondage [see Judges 2:7,10-12,14] in order for people to reconsider their ways and repent.
After the death of Moses, Joshua led the children of Israel into the promised land. Then 7 years later in 1398 BC, he completed the dividing of Canaan among the Israelites. For the next 18 years until his death at the age of 110, he served as Israel’s first Judge.
Once in the promised land, the children of Israel were in bondage to several nations and peoples before Saul was made king. Eglon the Moabite king and the Philistines,[with the help of the Ammonites, oppressed them for 18 years [Judges 3:12,14 & 10:7-8]. God freed the Israelites from Eglon through Ehud [who would become one of Israel’s Judges]. He used Jephthah in the East and Samson in the South and West to free his people from the Philistines and Ammonites.
Rehoboam had 18 wives [2 Chronicles 11:21].
The 18 persons killed by the fall of the tower at Siloam [Luke 13:4].
Jesus delivered a woman having for 18 years a spirit that crippled her infirm [Luke 13:11].
Christ brought Sin, Bond, and the number 18 all together when He said “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” [Luke 13:16].
18 means life, but there is none who lives and does not sin, hence the concepts of Life and Sin/Death are inextricably intertwined.
A cubit, a unit of length found in the Old Testament, was the distance of a man’s arm from the point of the elbow to the end of his middle finger. A cubit is equivalent to about 18 inches [45.7 centimetres].
19
Represents:
Faith – God’s Perfect Order in regard to His Judgement
19 = 10+9.
20
Represents:
Redemption – A Complete or Perfect Waiting Period – Expectancy
20=2 x 10.
For 20 years Jacob waited to get possession of his wives and property, and to be freed from the control of Laban his father-in-law [Genesis 31:38-41]. For 20 years the children of Israel waited to be freed of Jabin, king of Canaan, who oppressed them. God response was to raise up Deborah and Barak, who freed the people from bondage [Judges 4-5].
In the days of Samuel the prophet the Philistines battled and overcame Israel, taking the Ark of the Covenant back to their land. The Ark brought such calamities on the Philistines that after 7 months they gave it back to the Israelites. It ended up in the city of Kirjath-jearim, which is several miles west of Jerusalem. Israel had to wait at least 20 years [1Samuel 5-7] before the Ark would be moved again.
Solomon spent 7 years building the house of God in Jerusalem and another 13 building his own home for a total number of 20 years. After he had completed both buildings Solomon gave Hiram, the king of Tyre, 20 cities in the land of Galilee [1Kings 9:10-11].
20 years Jacob waited to get possession of his wives and property [Genesis 31:38-41].
20 years Israel waited for a deliverer from Jabin’s oppression [Judges 4:3].
20 years the Ark of the Covenant waited at Kirjath-jearim [1 Samuel 7:2].
20 years Solomon was waiting for the completion of both the Temple and his Palace [2 Chronicles 8:1].
20 years Jerusalem waited between it’s subjugation and it’s destruction [Jeremiah 52:4, 2 Chronicles 36:1-10].
20 years Jeremiah prophesied concerning the destruction of Jerusalem [Jeremiah 52:4-13].
Samson judged Israel for 20 years (Judges 15:20, 16:31).
Under the commandment of Elisha from God, 20 barley loaves were enough to feed hundred persons [2 Kings 4:42-44].
God asked Moses to make a census of all Israelites 20 years old and above [Numbers 1:3].

On-going topic with much more to follow – please regularly return to this website for more information.