Biblical Numbers

UNDERSTANDING

BIBLICAL

NUMBERS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction To The Study Of Biblical Numbers 3

Chapter One: The Importance Of Biblical Numbers 4

Chapter Two: Interpreting Biblical Numbers 7

Chapter Three: In The Beginning 11

Chapter Four: The Number 1 13

Chapter Five: The Number 2 16

Chapter Six: The Number 3 22

Chapter Seven: The Number 4 26

Chapter Eight: The Number 5 29

Chapter Nine: The Number 6 32

Chapter Ten: The Number 7 34

Chapter Eleven: The Number 8 39

Chapter Twelve: The Number 9 41

Chapter Thirteen: The Number 10 43

Chapter Fourteen: The Number 11 46

Chapter Fifteen: The Number 12 49

Chapter Sixteen: The Numbers 13-20 51

Chapter Seventeen: The Number 40 54

Chapter Eighteen: The Number 50 56

Chapter Nineteen: The Number 666 60

Chapter Twenty: The Number 144,000 63

Conclusion: Continuing The Study Of Numbers 66

Appendix One: A Quick Reference Guide 67

Appendix Two: For Further Study 69

INTRODUCTION

To The Study Of Biblical Numbers

Jesus said: "...Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matthew 5:18). Jots and tittles are small letters and hooks that identify certain Hebrew letters and give meaning to the words. If Jesus said that even these small marks are significant, then every word in the holy scriptures is important--including biblical numbers.

The Amplified Bible states it as follows:

For truly I tell you, until the sky and earth pass away and perish, not one smallest letter nor one little hook [identifying certain Hebrew letters] will pass from the Law until all things [it foreshadows] are accomplished. (Matthew 5:18, AMP)

This study explains the importance of biblical numerology and provides guidelines for properly interpreting numbers. You will learn the meaning of selected numbers, their prophetic significance, and how to apply what you learn. These foundational studies will equip you to interpret the spiritual meaning of numbers used in scripture and provide the skills necessary for you to continue this fascinating study independently.

The Apostle Paul admonished believers to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The Amplified Version interprets "rightly dividing" as "correctly analyzing" the Word of truth.

A balanced approach to the study of biblical numbers will enable you to do just that--correctly analyze spiritual truth in this important area of divine revelation.

CHAPTER ONE

The Importance Of Biblical Numbers

There is inherent dynamic spiritual power in God’s Word:

For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

We cannot explain the division between the human soul and spirit. Scientists cannot even identify the soul and spirit, much less divide them. But God’s Word is so powerful that it can not only do this, it can also divide the joints and marrow of your body and discern your innermost thoughts and intents.

God created the world by His Word:

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

(Hebrews 11:3)

God spoke, and there was so much power in each word He said that the elements obeyed and our world was formed--darkness and light, day and night, the earth and the seas, the animals, and mankind.

God never wastes words. Every Word He speaks has divine purpose and meaning:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

If not one Word from God is void of meaning and purpose, then this confirms that even numbers used in His Word have great spiritual significance. Jesus said:

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18).

The Amplified Version adds to our understanding of this verse:

Jots and tittles are small letters and hooks that identify certain Hebrew letters and give meaning to the words. If Jesus said that even these small marks are significant, then how can we doubt the importance of numbers in the biblical text?

Perverting God’s Truth

From the very first temptation, a major strategy of Satan has been to pervert God’s truth. Satan’s first words to mankind questioned the instructions that were given by God to Adam and Eve: " ... And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1).

Questioning the truth of God’s Word is how Satan begins the perversion process. When answering Satan, Eve misquoted God's Words by adding to them and minimizing the penalty for sin. She claimed that God had said: "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die" (Genesis 3:3).

Compare this with what God actually said:

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

(Genesis 2:16-17)

God did not say "neither shall you touch it." This was added by Eve. God also said, "...thou shalt surely die"--this was the penalty for eating the fruit of the tree. Eve changed this phrase to "...lest ye die", meaning, "you might die".

In answering Eve, Satan again contradicted God's Word:

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die; For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:4-5)

As you can see from this exchange, Satan always perverts the Word of God. In terms of the significance of biblical numerology, the enemy operates in two major ways:

First, through the occult and their perversion of truth. The ancient Babylonians and Egyptians developed numerology based on astrological divination, which is forbidden in the Scriptures. Numerology is also used in Hinduism, Buddhism, New Age, and other pagan religions for the purposes of fortune-telling and prediction of the future. Because numerology is used in the occult, many believers have avoided the subject.

Second, by inspiring some scholars to give bizarre interpretations of biblical numbers, overemphasize their importance, or infer their own beliefs and thoughts into their findings.

Perversion that results in diversion is a strategy often used by the enemy. Satan perverts a valid truth to the point that some believers are diverted from exploring its biblical significance for fear of being classed with those who have erred from sound doctrine. For example, consider the revelation of God in the heavens:

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalms 19:1-3)

Do you know that the stars and constellations actually tell the Gospel story? They reveal the plans and purposes of God. Astrology has so perverted the meaning of the stars and astronomical signs, however, that many believers are unaware that God’s message is revealed in the heavens. The legitimate study of astronomy and God's revelation in the stars is not related in any way to the ungodly practice of astrology.

The same is true in the study of biblical numerology. The importance of numbers is clearly seen in scripture, and you must not let the perversion of the enemy prevent you from recognizing the true value of this subject.

Biblical Numbers Are Inspired

The Word of God is divinely inspired. You can take a word, such as love, study every place in the Bible where it is found, and come to a spiritual understanding of its meaning. In the same way, you can study numbers in scripture and arrive at an understanding of their meanings.

Some people say that we should not concern ourselves with numbers, but God commands those with understanding to count the number identifying the Satanic being that is to arise in the end-times:

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)

Should not this understanding of the spiritual significance of the number 666 extend to other numbers in God's Word also?

There is no biblical directive to apply a code or to give letters numerical values. Neither are there clear declarations like, "The number 7 means such and such." But by comparing scripture with scripture, word with word, number with number, and by studying related passages, you can arrive at the their true meanings.

The abuse of numerology must be guarded against, but not to the exclusion of a legitimate approach to this important study. Understanding basic guidelines for interpreting biblical numbers will help you guard against spiritual errors--and that is the subject of the next chapter.

CHAPTER TWO

Interpreting Biblical Numbers

The Bible is the divine revelation of the true and living God and every jot and tittle in His Word is deemed important. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that every word is significant--and this includes numbers.

Biblical numerology is defined as the study of the spiritual significance of numbers used in the Bible. A proper understanding of numbers is possible through the application of basic guidelines for the proper interpretation of all scripture. These include the following:

The Bible must be discerned and interpreted spiritually.

Jesus told His disciples: "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" (Mark 4:11).

You can only understand the mysteries of God’s Kingdom if you are a true disciple of Jesus and have spiritual discernment: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).

You cannot understand biblical truths with a carnal, unregenerate mind. As you study biblical numerology, as well as other scriptural truths, ask God to reveal the meanings to you through the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

The Bible should be taken literally, except when symbolism is obvious.

God’s Word means what it says and should be taken literally. Pharaoh’s army did drown in the Red Sea. Jonah was swallowed by a great fish. Jesus was raised from the dead. Only where obvious symbolism is used should you take the Word symbolically.

For example, Jesus used the term "shepherd" to describe Himself, although we have no record of Him ever herding natural sheep (John 10:11). In Matthew 9:36, we are described as being sheep in need of a shepherd. The shepherd and his care for the sheep are used symbolically to describe our relationship with the Lord.

The Book of Revelation is filled with symbolism. For example, in Revelation chapter 6, the horses and horsemen are not actual horses and riders, but are symbolic of various events that will take place during the end-times.

The Bible must be interpreted within its proper context.

You cannot build a doctrine on one isolated scripture. You must consider all that the Word of God has to say on a given subject. Study similar passages on a subject, word, or number to learn how it is used elsewhere in scripture. Read the verses surrounding the passage you are studying, and use a concordance and biblical word study book to examine the meaning.

The Bible provides keys to interpretation.

The Bible often explains itself. When it does, that is the interpretation that should be accepted. An example of this is found in the parable Jesus told concerning the sower and his seed:

Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:3-9)

A few verses later, we find the interpretation of the parable:

The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

(Mark 4:14-20)

Many examples similar to this are found in the prophetic books--such as in the book of Revelation where symbolism is frequently employed and then explained in subsequent passages.

The Bible is interpreted according to precedent.

Precedents--previous biblical explanations or uses of a number--help determine its meaning. How was the number used or explained elsewhere in scripture?

Biblical prophecy often has multiple interpretations.

In biblical prophecy, there is often an immediate fulfillment, in addition to a long-range fulfillment. For example, when Peter quoted from the prophecies of Joel on the day of Pentecost, he said that Joel’s words were being fulfilled that day. But the promise of God’s Spirit being poured out upon all flesh also refers to the last-day outpouring of the Holy Spirit prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

Another prophecy with multiple fulfillments is found in Matthew chapter 24. Many scholars believe that the predictions in this passage were fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the Romans demolished Jerusalem. While much of the prophecy was fulfilled at this time, it will have its complete fulfillment at the end of time prior to Christ’s return. We know this because of the context in which Jesus spoke these words is recorded in Matthew 24. It was an answer given in response to the question: "What shall be the sign of your coming and the end of the world?" Numbers in the Bible that are used prophetically may also have multiple meanings.

Understanding Biblical Numbers

In addition to applying the basic rules of interpretation, numbers must be studied in relation to biblical languages. There are no numbers in the Hebrew and Greek alphabets. The Hebrews, Greeks, and other ancient cultures used letters for numbers. Each letter had numerical significance, so when a word was written, it also had numerical value or meaning.

In a small way, we do the same thing in English. For example, is "o" a zero or a letter of the alphabet? Does "l" indicate the number 1 or a lower case "l"? When "o" or "l" is used, the context tells us their meaning. The same is true for Hebrew and Greek. The authors knew these differences when they were writing numbers and letters.

Each of the Hebrew and Greek letters have a number assigned to it. For example, the word Jesus. In Greek, Jesus is lesous. Thus, Jesus in Greek becomes the number 888. How do we arrive at this?

Jesus in Greek is spelled: L-E-S-O-U-S.

-The letter "L" has a numerical value of 10.

-The numerical value of "E" is 8.

-The numerical value of "S" is 200.

-The numerical value of "O" is 70.

-The numerical value of "U" is 400.

-The numerical value of "S" is 200.

When the letters in the name Jesus (Lesous) are added up in the Greek, the result is (10+8+200+70+400+200) = 888. This means that the number 888 is a unique number for Jesus Christ.

Application Of Scriptural Truths

The primary purpose of scripture is to communicate spiritual truths in a way that you can understand and apply biblical principles in your life. Thus, translating words into numbers or analyzing the significance of numbers is meaningless if you do not gain spiritual insights that affect your life and ministry.

The understanding of the meaning of a number enables you to comprehend its prophetic significance so that you can prepare yourself accordingly. The meaning of numbers can also encourage you, bless you, or warn you.

The spiritual significance of biblical numbers is apparent from the beginning of time, so let’s go back and see how it all started.

CHAPTER THREE

In The Beginning

Numbers are symbols that are used to represent quantities. So who created the concept of quantities? God. By Him, all things were created:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17)

All things--including numbers as a way to represent quantities--were created by God. In the beginning, God measured, weighed, and balanced His creation:

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? (Isaiah 40:12)

Numerical significance in scripture is not surprising when we consider that the Author of the Bible designed our universe. He measured waters and determined heavenly spans. He is capable of counting the grains of sand at the seashore and the hairs on your head. The natural order of our world is precise, so it is not surprising to learn that every Word and number used by God is also meaningful.

The first use of numbers in the Bible appears in the creation account. The number 1 was first in sequence. On the first day, light was created, representing unity because light cannot be subdivided. Light represents the Lord Jesus Christ and His unity with God:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5)

Thus, the number 1 represents unity and the truth that the Lord, our God, is one (Mark 12:29). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. As light, they are indivisible.

On the second day, God separated the firmament (the heavens) from the waters, thus establishing that the number 2 represents a division initiated by God. The number 2 also represents a double portion, as it is double the number 1. The Bible also emphasizes the power of two as witnesses to the truth.

On the third day, the waters were gathered together, the dry land appeared, and plant life was created. In the creative process of the third day, we see the life-giving power of God at work, initiating and sustaining life. The number 3 refers to the life-giving power of the

Trinity of God which is also reflected in the triune nature of man and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

On the fourth day, God set the heavens in a proper relationship with the earth by creating the moon, stars, sun, other planets, and the entire solar system. Thus, the number 4 symbolizes the universal nature of something.

On the fifth day, God created animals, He blessed them and continues to feed and watch over them. This is provided by His grace, not because of anything these creatures do themselves. Thus, the number 5 is established to mean the work of grace, symbolizing God’s unmerited favor.

On the sixth day, God created man in His image. The number 6, then, is a number that represents man.

On the seventh day, God rested. He had finished creation and declared it to be complete. and perfect The number 7 refers to rest, completion, and perfection.

So, from the beginning, we see that numbers are significant. Dr. A.T. Pierson comments: “A mathematical mind is manifest in the universe, in the planetary and stellar worlds, their distances and dimensions, densities, proportions, orbits, and periods of revolution.”

F.W. Grant concluded that: “Every law of nature...tends to express itself in terms of arithmetic. Why should not a law of number pervade scripture also, and link God’s work and God’s Word together?”

Now let’s examine some select numbers in detail to gain spiritual and prophetic insights from their meanings.

CHAPTER FOUR

The Number 1

As we noted in the creation account, God created light on the first day. Since light cannot be divided, it represents unity. The number 1 symbolizes unity because it consists of no additional number as other numbers do. For example, the number 2 consists of two 1s; the number 3 consists of either three 1s or 2 plus 1, etc.

The Unity Of God

Light represents Jesus Christ and His unity with God the Father and the Holy Spirit:

Thus, the number 1 represents unity and the fact that the Lord our God is one God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. As light, they are indivisible. This concept of the number 1 denoting the unity of the one true God is expressed in the opening lines of one of the first professions of faith found in scripture: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Jesus declared that He and His Father were one: "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). Jesus desired this same indivisible unity for His followers. He prayed that believers would become one with Him and with God, their Heavenly Father:

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one , even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:20-23)

One Man, One Name, One Focus, One Shepherd

It was by one man that all men were affected by sin and its devastating penalties:

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (Romans 5:12)

It was through one man, Jesus Christ, that all men can be made righteous:

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)

There is only one name by which you can be saved--the name of Jesus (Acts 4:10-12). Only through Jesus can you be saved and declared righteous before God.

Jesus admonished that you should have one focus (Mark 10:21-22). You also should have a singleness of spiritual vision (Matthew 6:22). Paul's focus was the Kingdom of God and getting to know God more intimately (Philippians 1:10,14). What is your focus?

Jesus declared that He was the Good Shepherd and that:

... other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

(John 10:16)

There is one shepherd and one fold composed of all true believers. Are you part of the fold?

The Unity Of Believers

God has made believers of all nations to become one in Him:

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. (Acts 17:26-27).

Paul understood this concept of unity among God’s people. He admonished:

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

(Ephesians 4:1-6)

Part of walking worthy of our calling is keeping the bond of unity--our oneness in God.

This does not mean that we must agree in all of our opinions or convictions. Rather, we are to be one in spirit, as we are all members of one spiritual body:

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. (1 Corinthians 12:13-14)

Spiritual unity results in the manifested presence of God. In the upper room prayer meeting when the disciples were all in one accord, the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 2:1-4). In the Old Testament, at the dedication of the temple the cloud of God’s glory descended upon His people when they were united in worship:

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)

Some people are always seeking blessings from God. Do you want to know how to live in the continual outpouring of His blessings? Then grasp the true meaning of the number 1, this concept of spiritual unity:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (Psalm 133)

Where does God command His blessings? Where His people are dwelling together in unity. You don’t have to seek His blessings. You don’t have to pray them down. Begin to function in unity with other believers and His blessings will be commanded upon you.

CHAPTER FIVE

The Number 2

On the second day, God divided the firmament from the waters and established the number 2 to mean division.

The Division Of Good And Evil

In the beginning, God created light (symbolizing good) and immediately divided it from darkness (symbolizing evil): "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness" (Genesis 1:3-4).

The truth that good is represented by light and evil by darkness is apparent when Peter declares:

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

In the beginning, God made a division between the light (which represented good) and the darkness (which represented evil). One of the final acts of our Lord will be to divide those who are saved from those who are lost:

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:31-34)

Spiritual Division

Spiritually, when you accept Jesus you are separated from your old life of sin and you become a new creation in Christ:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The two thieves who were crucified with Christ were symbolic of the division of all mankind into the saved and the lost, those forgiven and those not forgiven (Matthew 27:38). You live life either according to the dictates of the Spirit or according to those of the flesh:

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:5)

You will either live your life as part of the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of Satan. There is no middle ground. Amos 3:3 declares: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" The Bible clearly indicates that you cannot serve two masters:

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)

In His Word, God has set before you the critical choices of blessing or cursing, death or life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Then He gives you the correct answer: Choose life!

He has set before you two ways to build your life--on the rock Christ Jesus or the shifting sands of this world (Matthew 7:24-27). He has set before you two paths of life: A broad one that leads to destruction, and a narrow one that leads to everlasting life (Matthew 7:13-14).

Division Over The Word

The Word of God is the two-edged sword that divides the soul and spirit and the bones and marrow (Hebrews 4:12). The Word also divides the entire world on the basis of those who accept God's truth and those who reject it.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was called the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). On the occasion of Christ's birth, the angels pronounced peace on earth (Luke 2:14) and the Prophet Zacharias, under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, declared that Jesus would guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:67, 79).

Prior to His return to heaven, Jesus gave the gift of peace to His followers, promising "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

The word "division" brings to mind problems and conflicts, not peace and unity. This concept of divine division, however, is found in the Bible in words spoken by Jesus Himself who declared:

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Luke 12:51-53)

How could someone with the name "prince of peace" and who left His followers with the gift of supernatural peace possibly make such a declaration as, "I came to bring division?" It is because Jesus spoke of a division whose source is not evil, but which comes from God Himself and accomplishes His divine purposes.

This division results because of the Word of God:

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (Matthew 10:34-36)

The sword of God’s Word makes a division between those who embrace God's truths and those who do not. Did you ever stop to think that the divisions that have come into your life might have been instigated by God to fulfill His purposes? Do you realize that perhaps a division or loss you experienced may have occurred because of your belief in and adherence to the Word of God?

The Double-Portion Blessing

The number 2 also indicates a double-portion blessing:

-The firstborn child in an Israeli family received twice the inheritance as the other children (Deuteronomy 21:17).

-A double-restoration was to be made of anything that was stolen (Exodus 22:7).

-The children of Israel were forbidden from collecting manna on the Sabbath, but they were permitted to collect a double-portion of it on the sixth day (Exodus 16:5).

-Elisha asked for and received the double-portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9).

Ask God for the blessing of two--the double-portion of God’s anointing to fall upon your life and ministry.

Two Witnesses To The Truth

The number 2 also signifies truth. It is the numerical symbol of a truthful witness or testimony. Numbers 35:30 declares: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."

God mandated the principle of requiring a minimum of two witnesses to establish the truth. We see this principle illustrated in Matthew 18:16, where Jesus declared concerning offences: "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." A minimum of two witnesses confirm the truth. Jesus reiterated this in John 8:17 when He declared: "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true."

When Jesus Christ dispatched the seventy disciples to evangelize, He sent them out by twos (Luke 10:1). He did the same with His twelve disciples (Mark 6:7), as both groups were bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel. When Jesus ascended to heaven, there were two angels to testify to the truth of His resurrection, ascension, and future return (Acts 1:10).

Perhaps the modern church would do well in heeding this principle of sending people out by twos to accomplish the work of the ministry because...

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

In all of the preceding examples, two witnesses were used to confirm the truth of God’s Word. This principle was also illustrated when God confirmed the immutability of His Word:

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:17-18)

God confirmed His Word by two immutable things (two witnesses), in which it was impossible for God to lie. Jesus said that the Father bore witness of Him:

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

(John 8:17-18)

Jesus bore witness of Himself, and the Father confirmed it. Thus, in the mouths of two witnesses, the truth was established. When Jesus died and His side was pierced with a sword, blood and water flowed out--two witnesses to the validity of His death.

Recognizing the biblical concept that truth is established by two witnesses helps us understand why it is so powerful when two or more gather in the Name of Jesus: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).

When two or more believers gather together in the Name of the Lord, they are confirming the truth of the Word, and Jesus shows up! This is why there is great power in the agreement of two or more believers in prayer:

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:19)

The Last Witnesses

There will be two last witnesses to the truth in the end-times. Prophetic teaching in the Bible reveals that during the closing days of time, the temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt and the nation of Israel will enter a seven-year treaty with the Antichrist. In the middle of that treaty, the Antichrist will stop the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation that was prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 11:31, 12:11).

This event marks the beginning of an era known as the Great Tribulation. During this time, God will give power and authority to two special witnesses who will prophesy for three and one-half years. Again, two witnesses are used to confirm the truth of God’s Word.

Revelation 11:1-14 describes these two witnesses and their ministries. They will wear sackcloth, which indicates that they are in mourning. They will have power to shut up the sky so that there will be no rain; ability to turn the waters into blood; and power to strike the earth with various plagues.

Over the years, there have been many different views as to the identity of these two witnesses. Some believe that they will be Enoch and Elijah. This belief is usually based on the fact that they are the only two people in the Old Testament who did not physically die. Others believe that Moses and Elijah will be the witnesses. Moses represents the law, and Elijah represents the prophets. Others believe that these two witnesses are symbolic of the church, with both Jews and Gentiles working together in the end-times. There is another school of thought that claims that the witnesses will be two new prophets who will minister in the spirit and power of Elijah.

The identities of these two witnesses will be made known at God's appointed time. What is important for you to understand is their role in fulfilling God's end-time plan and His purpose for raising them up. The word witness is translated from the Greek word martus, the English word martyr, meaning "one who bears witness by his death". Webster's Dictionary defines a witness as "one who gives evidence" and "to furnish proof of something." Through their lives, deaths, and resurrections, these witnesses will be living testimonies of the power of God.

These two witnesses will prophesy for three and one-half years. Through the miracles, signs, and wonders they perform, they will furnish proof of God's power and authority to the world. When the two witnesses have fulfilled all God has purposed for them to accomplish, the Antichrist will kill them. Their bodies will lie exposed in the streets of Jerusalem for three and one-half days. The deaths of these witnesses will be a great news event. Satellites will transmit pictures of their bodies and people around the world will celebrate their demise (Revelation 11:10).

These celebrations will be short-lived, however! After three and one-half days, the two witnesses will be resurrected from the dead by the power of God. John saw a vision of the witnesses standing to their feet and noted that "...great dread and terror fell on those who watched them" (Revelation 11:11, AMP). As they stood upon their feet, the two witnesses heard a loud voice, saying to them: "...Come up here" and they ascended into heaven as the world watched (Revelation 11:12).

Dividing To Multiply

Do you know that sometimes God divides in order to multiply and accomplish His purposes? Mankind was divided into two beings: Male and female. They were to multiply, replenish the earth, and fulfill God’s reproductive plan.

In New Testament times, when the Church in Jerusalem was persecuted and forced to divide and scatter, it actually multiplied:

...And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. (Acts 8:1,4)

God's arithmetic is not the same as ours. We must realize that all divisions we experience are not negative. God often divides in order to multiply.

With the initial study of the numbers 1 and 2, the tremendous importance of biblical numbers is becoming apparent. We are ready now to move on to one of the most significant numbers in the Bible, the number 3.

CHAPTER SIX

The Number 3

In the creative process of the third day, we see the life-giving Spirit at work, initiating and sustaining life. The waters were gathered together, the dry land appeared, and plant life was created, so the number 3 refers to the life-giving power of the Trinity of God.

The Trinity Of God

-The number 3 represents the Trinity: The Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

-It is evident in God’s triune character. He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent.

-It is noted in the three major attributes of God: Goodness, graciousness, and mercy (Exodus 33:18-19).

The Triune Nature In The World

-This triune nature is reflected in time, space, matter, and speech. Time is divided into past, present, and future. Space is measured in terms of height, width, and depth. Matter is described in terms of solids, liquids, and gas.

-Mankind also has a triune nature. Humans are composed of body, soul, and spirit. Their abilities include thought, word, and deed.

-In the Old Testament tabernacle and temple there was a tri-fold separation between the outer court, inner court, and the holy of holies. The death of Jesus enables believers to pass through the outer and inner courts spiritually and come into the presence of God in the most holy place.

God’s Purposes

The number 3 is related to God’s purposes being accomplished. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Here are a few illustrations:

-God sent three messengers to Abraham to tell him that Sarah would conceive in her old age (Genesis Chapter 18).

-God brought darkness upon Egypt for three days while His sovereign purposes were accomplished (Exodus 10:22-23).

-Elijah stretched his body over a dead child three times, and the child was resurrected

(1 Kings 17:21).

-Isaiah walked around naked and barefoot for three years to illustrate God’s prophetic purposes (Isaiah 20:3).

-Jonah was in the belly of a great fish for three days while God’s purposes were accomplished (Jonah chapter 2).

-The Apostle Paul was blind for three days while God worked in his life (Acts 9:9).

-Peter's vision of the beasts let down from Heaven were symbolic of God’s sovereign intent to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Peter was told three times to rise and eat (Acts 10:16).

The Life Of Jesus

We have seen in the preceding examples how God’s purposes are expressed symbolically by the number 3. There is no greater example of this than in the life of Jesus Christ. We see the number 3--indicating God's accomplished purposes--occurring repeatedly in His life and ministry.

-The Father spoke from heaven three times during Christ’s ministry (Matthew 3:17; 17:5, and John 12:28).

-Three characteristics of a shepherd were applied to Jesus:

-The good shepherd: Speaking of His death (John 10:14-15).

-The great shepherd: Speaking of His resurrection (Hebrews 13:20).

-The chief shepherd: Speaking of His future glory (1 Peter 5:4).

-Three appearances of Jesus are mentioned in the Bible:

-In the past: To take away sin (Hebrews 9:26).

-In the present: At God's right hand (Hebrews 9:24).

-In the future: To those who look for Him (Hebrews 9:28).

-Three disciples witnessed Christ's transfiguration.

-Three disciples went into the garden to pray with Jesus.

-The Lord asked three times for the impending cup of His suffering to pass, but only if it was His Father’s will.

-Peter denied the Lord three times.

-Pilate sought three times to let Jesus go.

-It was the third hour when they crucified Jesus.

-There were three crosses, three men crucified, and writing in three different languages on the cross of Jesus.

-Jesus was in the heart of the earth for three days and nights.

-After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and questioned him three times regarding his love for Him.

-The Word of God declares a tri-fold witness that Jesus is the Son of God:

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (1 John 5:7-9)

-We see Christ holding a three-fold office as king, prophet, and priest (Deuteronomy 17:15; 18:5,15 and Isaiah 6:3).

Prophetic Significance

Next to seven, the number 3 is the most common number in the book of Revelation:

-An angel will pronounce three woes to those living on earth to warn them of trials to come (Revelation 8:13).

-The murdered bodies of the two witnesses will lie openly in the streets of Jerusalem for three days before they are resurrected (Revelation 11:7-12).

-Three unclean spirits will be allowed to deceive the whole world (Revelation 16:13-16).

-The new Jerusalem will be square, with three gates on each side (Revelation 21:13).

The Divine Commission

The number 3 is also related to the divine mandate given to believers by Jesus. The commission has a three-fold manifestation of the Godhead and consists of three components.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19)

The Trinity--the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--are the power behind our commission. Our three-fold mandate is to teach the Gospel to people of all nations, baptize them, and then teach them to observe all things that are commanded in God's Word.

Three times in the New Testament, we are told to walk worthy of this divine calling:

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10)

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12)

CHAPTER SEVEN

The Number 4

On the fourth day of creation, God set the heavens in their proper relationship with the earth by creating the moon, stars, sun, and the entire solar system. Thus, the number 4 represents the universal nature of God’s creation and symbolizes universality.

The Universe

The number 4, as used in scripture, consistently illustrates the principle of universality. Its meaning is derived from the four compass directions which indicate the north, south, east, and west.

In Ezekiel 7:2, the Lord declares: "... An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the earth." Science has proven that the earth doesn’t have four corners of course, but what God is doing is using the number 4 prophetically to reveal the universality of end-time events on the earth.

We also see the principle of universality in the four lunar phases, the four seasons, and the four-fold biblical division of mankind into lands, tongues, families, and nations. (Revelation 13:7).

The Universal Extension Of The Gospel

This principle of universality is revealed in Peter‘s dramatic vision from God:

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. (Acts 10:9-16)

This vision was more than a dialogue concerning clean and unclean foods. It revealed that the gospel would be extended to the Gentiles--all nations--as well as to the Jews. Universal salvation would be offered to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The Universal Response To The Word

In the parable of the sower in Matthew chapter 13, the universal response to the Word of God is described. All men, everywhere, will respond in one of four ways to the gospel:

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:18-23)

The universal reaction to the Gospel will be one of four responses:

-They will receive the Word by the wayside. This is illustrated by those who hear the Word but do not understand it. The wicked one comes and steals the Word.

-They will receive the Word in stony places. A person hears and receives the word with joy, but it does not take root in their life. When tribulation and persecution arises, he is offended.

-They will receive the Word among thorns. The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke out the Word in the life of the listener.

-They will receive the Word in good ground. The Word is received, understood, and brings forth abundant spiritual fruit.

The Universal Resurrection

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it provided a prophetic preview of the end-times when all true believers will experience the resurrection. Lazarus was in the grave four days. Why not two days? Why not six days? Because four illustrates the universality of the future resurrection. Jesus declared:

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:25-26)

Whosoever--anyone and everyone--that believes in Jesus and accepts Him as Savior will receive the eternal life that is guaranteed by His resurrection.

The Universal Judgment

In Revelation 7:1, we see "... four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree." There are four angels, four corners, and four winds. In this vision, universal judgment is held back by the angels of God.

Revelation 20:8 speaks of the Antichrist spirit that "... shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, God and Magog, to gather them together to battle". The reference to the "four quarters of the earth" means that all nations will be deceived and will gather together for the final battle between the armies of Satan and his Antichrist and the armies of God, led by Christ.

Prophetic Universality

This prophetic symbolism of the number 4 remains consistent throughout scripture. We see it in the four carpenters, the four horns of the altar, the four beasts with faces, the four wheels, the four spirits of heaven, and the four cherubim, etc. Prophetically, in each of these examples, the number 4 always illustrates the universality of whatever is being discussed.

In Matthew 24:31, the Lord reveals: "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another." All of the elect (the universally chosen) will be gathered together from all parts of the earth. God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). No one is predestinated to be lost (Ephesians 1:5). We are predestined by God to be saved, but the elect will be composed only of those who have availed themselves of the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

What great significance is found in every number used in God’s Word! Next, we will learn the meaning of the number 5.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Number 5

On the fifth day of creation, God created the animal kingdom and blessed them. By blessing them, He was promising that He would care for them. His blessing and care for His creatures are manifestations of His grace. Thus, the number 5 was initially established to mean the work of grace, God’s unmerited blessing.

Symbols Of Grace

The number 5 is used repeatedly in the Old Testament to represent God's grace.

-There were five kinds of animals that were to be sacrificed under the Old Testament covenant: Goats, sheep, cattle, pigeons, and doves (Genesis 15:9; Exodus 29:38; Leviticus 1:1-17; 3:1,6-7,12; 4:3-4,23,32; 5:6-7). These sacrifices all reflect the grace of God in the forgiveness of our sins and/or in our worship. We cannot be forgiven or worship God without His manifested grace.

-The holy anointing oil had five components including myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. Your spiritual anointing for ministry is enabled by the grace of God that is manifested in your life.

-Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar was given a dream by God in which he saw a giant statue of a man. According to the interpretation given to Daniel, this statue represented five 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 bronze represented the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great.

-The two legs of iron symbolized the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:33, 40-43).

-The ten toes of iron mixed with clay symbolize later-day kingdoms yet to come (Daniel 2:41-44).

This statue represents five distinct eras of kingdoms of this world and provides a basic structure for understanding biblical prophecies and end-time events. Throughout each of these five eras of human government, God's unmerited grace is extended to mankind.

Saving Grace

The word grace in Greek means "the unearned and unmerited favor of God." Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines it as “the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life.” Grace is brought into your life by the revelation of Christ:

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 1:13)

You are saved by God’s grace:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Dynamic Grace

Grace is more than God’s unmerited favor extended for salvation. Grace is active in the everyday life of a believer. The Zondervan Encyclopedia of Bible Words states that "grace is a dynamic force that does more than affect our standing with God by crediting us with righteousness. Grace affects our experience as well. Grace is marked always by God’s enabling work within us to overcome our helplessness.”

Believers serve God by grace:

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

(Hebrews 12:28)

God is the source of grace. James declared:

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)

Not only can grace be added to you, it can be multiplied as your knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus increases:

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)

God wants you to experience His gift of abundant grace:

For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.

(John 1:16, AMP)

Receive this tremendous revelation from God right now. Unmerited and unlimited, God's grace is available to you today. Whatever your need, whatever your pain, whatever your heartache, His unlimited grace is sufficient:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

CHAPTER NINE

The Number 6

On the sixth day, God created man, so the number 6 was established as symbolic of man and all that relates to him. The number 6 is the sum of 2x3. Three speaks of God, but the number 2 speaks of division. So the number 6 denotes man’s division from His Creator and symbolizes man without God.

Man Without God

It is interesting to note that six types of pleasant foods were desired by the Israelites during their wilderness trek: Fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic (Numbers 11:5). Six is man’s number and denotes a failure to be satisfied. Israel was lusting after these things because of their sensual desires, not realizing that their true need was for God. Man always experiences lack without a true relationship with God.

Contrast the list of foods in Numbers 11:5 with those in Canaan which include wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey (Deuteronomy 8:8). There are seven items listed, and they are stamped with the symbol of God’s perfection and completeness. (More about this in the study of the number 7).

Man's Labor And God's Rest

Six represents a period of labor. Six days was the length of time in which God created the world and then He rested. Israel was commanded to sow their fields for six years and then allow them to remain fallow during the seventh year (Exodus 23:10). They were instructed to work six days and keep the seventh as a Sabbath. We are also instructed to work for six days and rest on the seventh day (Exodus 20:9-11). Man's labor (6) precedes God's rest (7).

We experience God's rest now through salvation by Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of our time on earth, our eternal Sabbath of rest will come:

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he

not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (Hebrews 4:1-11)

Today is the day of salvation. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, invite Him to come into your heart and life right now. You can be assured of His promises and His sacrificial work of salvation for your sins, right now, today!

Then someday, in the future, you will find eternal rest in the marvelous eternity that He has prepared for His children.

CHAPTER TEN

The Number 7

Seven indicates perfection and completion. It is one of the most frequently used numbers in the Bible. It is used approximately 735 times, including its derivatives (i.e., seventh, seventy times seven, etc.). The number is used extensively in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

Completion And Perfection

-Seven is considered to be God's seal of completion. He stamped His approval on creation by resting on the seventh day and declaring it good. Creation was complete.

-God blessed and sanctified the seventh day and set it apart as the Sabbath, which is to be kept holy unto Him: "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" (Genesis 2:3).

-The tabernacle was completed and dedicated on the seventh day after the start of its construction (Exodus 40:17). It took Solomon seven years to build the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:37-38). Both of these projects speak of completion and perfection.

-There were seven pieces of furniture in the tabernacle, including the bronze altar and laver, the golden menorah, the table of the bread, the golden altar of incense, the ark of the covenant, and the atonement seat. These seven pieces of furniture symbolized God's plan for the complete spiritual restoration of sinful mankind.

Spiritual Victory

Seven represents complete spiritual victory secured by Jesus Christ.

-Seven is a representation of our total consecration. Before Aaron and his sons began ministering as priests, they were consecrated for seven days (Leviticus 8:31-36).

-Seven is a picture of our total redemption through Christ. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice upon the mercy seat seven times (Leviticus 16:14).

-Seven represents total victory. When the children of Israel approached Jericho, God told them to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, when they marched around seven times, the work was completed. They shouted, the walls fell, and God gave them the city (Joshua 6:1-16).

-Seven represents total deliverance. There were seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Egypt. God revealed to Joseph what was coming in the future and gave him a strategy to prepare for it in order to save the world from starvation (Genesis 41:20-31).

-Seven represents multiplication. The seventh year was considered to be the Sabbath year--a year of rest in which Israel was directed by God not to sow or reap. God promised such an abundant blessing upon them during the sixth year that it would bring forth a harvest that was sufficient for three years!

-Seven represents freedom and debt-cancellation. God directed Israel to count seven Sabbath years--seven times seven which equals forty-nine years. The fiftieth year was the year of Jubilee. On the tenth day of the seventh month, on the Day of Atonement, the trumpet sounded, heralding the day of Jubilee. It was a time of freedom and debt-cancellation. Slaves were set free, the land was returned to its original owners, and debts were forgiven. They did not sow or reap that year, but ate of the increase from the previous year (Leviticus 25:11-12). (More on this in the study of the number 50).

-Seven represents total divine sufficiency. Jesus multiplied seven loaves and a few small fish to feed a multitude of four thousand men, besides women and children. After everyone had eaten, there were seven full baskets remaining! "And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full" (Matthew 15:37). Not only was there enough to meet the immediate need, but there was total divine sufficiency.

-Seven represents the inclusiveness of God's healing power. Jesus performed seven miracles on the Jewish Sabbath which was from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. These miracles confirmed the sacredness of the day as well as targeted the unfounded beliefs of religious leaders who did not think such acts should be done on the Sabbath.

-Jesus healed the withered hand of a man attending synagogue services (Matthew 12:9).

-At a Capernaum synagogue, Jesus cast out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:21).

-Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:29).

-A woman attending synagogue, who had suffered for eighteen years, was released from her bondage (Luke 13:11).

-Jesus healed a man with dropsy (Luke 14:2).

-A crippled man was healed at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:8-9).

-Jesus healed a blind man at the pool of Siloam (John 9:14).

Every type of malady is addressed in these examples--from a simple fever to demonic spirits and permanent conditions. His healing power is the perfect remedy for every physical, mental, and spiritual need you may experience.

Complete Forgiveness

Leviticus 4:6 uses the number 7 in relation to total forgiveness. This directive said that "... the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary." The blood was to be sprinkled seven times, indicating that the person was totally forgiven by God and completely clean.

The number 7 also provides insight as to how we are to forgive others. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus answered: "... seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). Jesus did not mean that the actual number of times we should forgive someone is 70x7, or a total of 490 times. What He meant is that we should forgive completely and freely as many times is necessary.

We are to forgive, as we have been forgiven--totally and without reservation:

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Seven Prophetic Feasts

The book of Leviticus records details of seven feasts that were instituted by God. These feasts were spread over seven months of the Jewish calendar and they symbolized God's complete prophetic plan as revealed and fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

-The Passover symbolized Israel's protection by the blood of the slain lamb and their deliverance from Egypt which is symbolic of sin (Leviticus 23:5). Jesus is the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

-The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a time when Israel cleansed their homes from leaven and presented their offerings to the Lord for seven days (Leviticus 23:8). This feast symbolizes the Messiah's sinless life, as leaven is a picture of sin in the Bible.

-The Feast of First Fruits prophetically indicated the resurrection of the Messiah as the first fruits of the resurrection of all the righteous (Leviticus 23:10-11). Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to Him as the "first fruits from the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:20).

-The Feast of Pentecost was determined by counting seven Sabbath days or forty-nine days from the day they made their wave offering to the Lord (Leviticus 23:15). This feast pointed to the great harvest of souls and the gift of the Holy Spirit that would be given to both Jewish and Gentile believers during the church age (Acts 2).

-The Feast of Trumpets was on the first day of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:24).

This feast points to the rapture of the church when the Messiah (Jesus) will appear in the heavens as He comes for the church. The rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:52).

-The Feast of Tabernacles started on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, and the children of Israel presented their offerings to God for seven days (Leviticus 23:24). This feast symbolizes the Lord's promise that He will once again “tabernacle” with His people when He returns to reign over all the world (Micah 4:1-7).

-The Day of Atonement was on the tenth day of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:27). This feast points to the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth and the Jewish remnant will "look upon Him whom they have pierced," repent of their sins, and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:1-6,25-36).

Prophetic Fulfillment

Seven is a number of prophetic fulfillment. The book of Revelation--which unfolds God’s end-time plan for the culmination of the ages--is filled with "sevens". These include the seven churches; seven Spirits of God; seven golden candlesticks; seven stars; seven lamps; seven seals; seven eyes; seven horns; seven angels; seven trumpet judgments; seven crowns; seven vials, containing the seven plagues that fill up the wrath of God; seven thunders; seven mountains; and seven kings. In each case, the number 7 indicates completion of God's purposes.

In the vision recorded in Revelation chapters 1-3. Jesus stands in the midst of seven candlesticks, symbolic of Christ standing in the midst of the seven churches of Asia. The seven stars are God’s messengers to these churches. The seven churches were actual churches at the time of the writing of Revelation, but they can also be viewed in terms of the periods of church history. When God addresses these churches in Revelation chapters 1-3, He is not just speaking to them. His message is for all believers and all churches of all time, communicating blessings to the faithful and warnings to the unfaithful.

Another example is illustrated by the seven heads of the dragon in Revelation chapter 12: "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads" (Revelation 12:3). The seven heads are seven mountains, which symbolize kingdoms (Revelation 17:9). The seven heads and crowns indicate the totality of their authority. This is not indicating that Satan's plan is perfect, but rather the complete authority with which evil will rule in the end-times. The seventh king will eventually fall, however, and God will extinguish Satan’s reign of terror.

The entire book of Revelation is filled with symbolism pertaining to the number 7. The seven seals on the book that is opened by the Lamb indicate that it is completely secured. The sounding of the seventh trumpet indicates God's judgments are completed. The seventh vial indicates the totality of the wrath of God that has been poured out upon the earth. When the seven thunders have finished sounding, God’s plan and purposes will be complete.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit of God is symbolized by seven horns, seven spirits, and seven eyes (Revelation 3:1 and 5:6).

-The seven horns represent His omnipotence, the totality of His power.

-The seven spirits represent His omnipresence, the totality of His Presence. He is

everywhere at the same time.

-The seven eyes represent His omniscience. He is all-seeing and all-knowing.

These prophetic symbols indicate that God’s rule is complete. He is over all and sees all. You have no need to fear circumstances today, in the future, or in the end-times. God is in control!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The Number 8

The number 8 consists of seven plus one. Seven denotes perfection, and one represents the beginning of the numerical sequence, so eight is representative of a new beginning.

New Beginnings

-The number 8 represents a new first. It is apparent in the days of the week. The eighth day actually begins a new sequence of the seven-day week.

-The octave in music begins again repeatedly on the eighth note.

-Eight people were saved on Noah’s ark and given a new beginning (2 Peter 2:5).

-When a leper was cleansed in Old Testament times, the eighth day marked a new beginning, for on that day he was presented before the priest and declared whole before the Lord (Leviticus 14:10-11).

-Circumcisions was to be performed on the eighth day of an infant's life, an act which represented the covenant between God and His people (Genesis 17:12). Paul explained the significance of this spiritually in the New Testament as "...putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" (Colossians 2:11).

New Life In Christ

The number 8 represents the Lord Jesus Christ, because the numerical value of His name in Greek totals 888. Jesus was given this name on the eighth day of His life:

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:21)

You learned previously that in Greek, the name Jesus is Lesous.

-The letter "L" has a numerical value of 10.

-The numerical value of "E" is 8.

-The numerical value of "S" is 200.

-The numerical value of "O" us 70.

-The numerical value of "U" is 400.

-The numerical value of "S" is 200.

When the letters in the name Jesus (Lesous) are added up in the Greek, the result is a compound of 8: 10+8+200+70+400+200 = 888.

Why is the number 8 significant in the name of Jesus? Because He is the only way that you can have a new beginning. The Bible declares:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The number 888 is a unique number for Jesus because He is both the beginning and ending of our faith:

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)

It was on the eighth day of the feast that Jesus gave an invitation to all in attendance to experience new life:

Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. (John 7:37-38, AMP)

After His resurrection, when Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, He said:

...Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)

Eight days later, when Jesus appeared to His disciples, He allowed them to touch Him:

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

(John 20:26-28)

After eight days, Jesus had received a glorified body which was symbolic of a new beginning.

If you are longing for a new beginning, the number 8 holds that prophetic promise. It is possible, through Jesus Christ, to begin again.

Being born again , not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter 1:23).

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Number 9

The number 9 is the last of the single numbers, completing the single-digit sequence. The number speaks of the believer's completion in Jesus Christ.

Completed Redemption

A confirmation of the meaning of this number is seen in the fact that the redemption of mankind from sin was completed in the ninth hour:

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice...and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

(Mark 15:34,37-38)

When Jesus yielded up His Spirit and died on the cross in the ninth hour, the work of redemption was completed.

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. (Luke 23:44-45)

In the ninth hour, the veil that limited access to the holy of holies in the temple was torn apart. This opened the way for sinful mankind to once again come into God’s presence through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ:

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil , that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Complete In Christ

The following lists of "nines" reflect the complete provision for believers that is available through Christ:

There are nine manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit that are to be developed in your life: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

There are nine major gifts of the Spirit that are to be demonstrated in ministry: The word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healings, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.

There are nine "blesseds" in the beatitudes. These statements describe godly attitudes that should be exhibited by all believers:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:3-11)

The Bible declares: "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:10).

Declare, right now, the tremendous truth that is revealed through the number 9: "I am complete in Him, Who is the Head over all principalities and powers!"

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Number 10

The number 10 is related to creation, restoration, and that which emanates from God and belongs to Him alone.

Creation

Genesis chapter 1 records the words "God said" ten times, a testimony to His divine creative power.

-God said, Let there be light.

-God said, Let there be a firmament.

-God said, Let the waters separate from the earth.

-God said, Let the earth bring forth living things.

-God said, Let there be lights in the firmament.

-God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly.

-God said, Let us make man in our image.

-God said, Be fruitful and multiply.

-God said, I have given you every herb and tree for meat.

-God said, It is not good for man to be alone--I will create a helpmeet.

Restoration

The number 10 also means restoration.

-Ten lepers were totally restored by Jesus:

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. (Luke 17:11-14)

-The parable of the loss and subsequent finding of ten valuable coins also illustrates restoration:

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:8-10)

-Your personal restoration--your redemption from sin--is so complete that the Word gives a ten-fold security clause concerning it:

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Here is your security clause: Nothing can separate you from God, be it death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, height, depth, or any other creature. That is pretty inclusive, is it not?

-The names of ten Old Testament patriarchs contain a hidden message of restoration in their meanings. (Meanings are drawn from word studies in "Strong’s Concordance".)

1. Adam means "mankind".

2. Seth means "is appointed to".

3. Enos means "feeble, frail, mortal".

4. Cainan means "a fixed dwelling place".

5. Mahalaleel means "God who is to be praised".

6. Jared means "comes down".

7. Enoch means "to instruct, train up".

8. Methusalah means "a man sent forth".

9. Lamech means "to be beaten, smitten, and tortured".

10. Noah means "bringing rest, a quiet peace".

The meanings of these names, combined together, read:

Mankind/ is appointed to/ feeble, frail, morality/ a fixed dwelling place/ God, who is to be praised/ comes down/ to instruct/ as a man sent forth/ to be beaten, smitten, and tortured/ bringing rest, a quiet peace.

These names indicate that mankind would be appointed to mortality (death), but that God--who is to be praised--would come down in human form to teach mankind a better way. Christ's suffering and death would bring rest and peace to sinful mankind. The hidden message of ten generations is a message of restoration.

That Which Emanates From And Belongs To God

The number 10 is actually composed of two sets of five. Five indicates God’s grace, so ten reflects a double-portion of the unlimited grace that belongs to God and emanates from Him.

The Ten Commandments were given by God as an expression of His unlimited grace to mankind by providing guidelines for living in a fallen world of sin (Exodus chapter 20).

The ten plagues in Egypt (Exodus 9:14) were expressions of His grace as, following each plague, He gave another opportunity for repentance,

The tithe is set at ten percent (Hebrews 7:4), the number 10 indicating the portion of our income that belongs to God: "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord" (Leviticus 27:30).

Regarding the importance of the tithe, the Prophet Malachi declared:

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:8-10)

The tithe belongs to God. When you fail to give it, you are actually robbing Him!

Ten "I ams" were spoken by Jesus and are recorded in the book to John. This is another illustration of the number 10 symbolizing what emanates from God. In this case, the statements reveal the essence of Christ's character:

1. I am the Bread of Life (6:35).

2. I am the Bread of Life which came down from heaven (6:41).

3. I am the Living Bread (6:51).

4. I am the Light of the world (8:12).

5. I am One that bears witness of myself (8:18).

6. I am the Door of the sheep (10:7,9).

7. I am the Good Shepherd (10:14).

8. I am the Resurrection and the Life (14:6).

9. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (11:25).

10. I am the True Vine (15:1,5).

These qualities emanate from the Lord Jesus Christ. When appropriated spiritually, these attributes provide total restoration in every area of a believer's life.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The Number 11

The number 11 does not occur frequently in the Bible, but when it does it seems to relate to judgment. Let's look at some biblical examples.

Judgment occurs in the eleventh year of King Zedekiah's reign:

Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about. So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. (Jeremiah 52:1-5)

Judgment also came in the eleventh year of Jehoiakim’s evil reign:

Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.

(2 Chronicles 36:5-7)

Judgment against Tyrus came in the eleventh year also:

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste: Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up. And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God: and it shall become a spoil to the nations. And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the Lord. For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. (Ezekiel 26:1-7)

Judgment against Pharaoh occurred in the eleventh year:

And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. (Ezekiel 30:20-23)

A total of eleven rulers in the Bible were judged by God for their rejection of the truth: Pharaoh (Exodus 10:28); Balak (Numbers 24:10); Jeroboam (I Kings 13:4); Ahab (1 Kings 22:27); Naaman (2 Kings 5:12); Asa (2 Chronicles 16:10); Joash (2 Chronicles 24:21); Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:19); Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:21); Zedekiah (Jeremiah 32:3); and Herod (Matthew 14:3).

Modern-Day Examples?

There appears to be some sort of connection between the number 11 and attacks by Islamic terrorists. In the 1972 terrorist attack at the Olympics, there were eleven Israeli athletes massacred by eleven terrorists.

The Madrid, Spain, train bombing by terrorists occurred on March 11, 2004.

The Mumbai (Bombay), India, train bombing was on July 11, 2006, and reportedly, the bombs went off within an eleven-minute span.

The Islamic terrorist attack on America occurred on September 11^th. The twin towers, which were targets of the attacks, visually resembled the number 11. The first airplane that crashed into the towers was American Airlines' Flight 11. Flight 11 had 92 people on board (9+2=11) and flight 77 had 65 on board (6 + 5 = 11). New York, where the twin towers were located, was the eleventh state added to the Union.

If the number 11 is not being used deliberately by terrorists, could it be that God is allowing variants of this number to surface repeatedly to reveal to those with spiritual perception that the true meaning behind these atrocities is judgment?

Deferred Judgment

If you have accepted Christ by asking Him to be your Lord and Savior, then you are a new creature in Him. You are no longer under God’s judgment. You are an heir to His promises:

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7)

The judgment for your sin was deferred when you accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the penalty for your transgressions.

As an heir of Christ, you need not fear the judgment represented by the number 11. You are secure as part of the people of God, which brings us to the biblical meaning of 12--the next number in this study.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The Number 12

The number 12 represents the people of God. Let’s see how this symbolic meaning was derived.

In the Old Testament, God selected twelve men from whom the nation of Israel would be birthed. Likewise, in the New Testament, twelve disciples were selected to be representative of the innumerable host of true disciples who would follow down through the centuries. In both cases, the number 12 represents God’s people.

Another illustration of the number 12 as it relates to God’s people is the healing of the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years (Mark 5:25). When she touched Christ’s garment, she was immediately healed. The Bible was specific in saying that she had suffered for twelve years and no one could help her. This woman was symbolic of all human suffering. As children of God, we are made whole by His virtue alone. No one else can help us.

When we consider the miracle that Jesus did for a twelve-year-old girl by raising her from the dead, we again see the prophetic significance of this number:

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. (Mark 5:42)

Why was it important to mention the age of the girl? Because this miracle is representative of the raising up of a people who were formerly dead in sin--the Body of Christ:

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-7)

There is repeated prophetic relevance to the number 12 in the book of Revelation:

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 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: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 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. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. (Revelation 21:10-21)

John saw twelve tribes, twelve angels, twelve foundations with twelve precious stones, and twelve gates with twelve pearls. These gates led to God’s city, which measured twelve thousand furlongs

Was the repeated use of the number 12 just a coincidence? No, it was not. The number relates to the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles, two groups that represent God’s people under the old and new covenants. God’s people from both Old and New Testament eras are represented symbolically through the inscription of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and the names of the 12 disciples. The new Jerusalem described in the book of Revelation is God’s city prepared for God’s people. Hence, the number 12 is used symbolically and frequently.

The twelve stars in the crown of the woman in Revelation chapter 12 are also symbolic of the people of God:

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.

(Revelation 12:1)

Most commentators agree that this woman represents the true church. The woman is clothed with the sun, a striking emblem of Jesus Christ, the light and glory of the church. The woman has the moon under her feet. The moon derives its illumination from the sun, as the church derives its light from Christ. Upon the woman’s head is a crown of twelve stars. This represents the twelve apostles, who were founders of the church and by whom the gospel was extended throughout the world. Again, God's people are represented by the number 12.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The Numbers 13-20

The numbers 13-20 are used less frequently in scriptures, but they still have significant meanings.

The Number 13

The number 13 is symbolic of rebellion against God, lawlessness, and God's judgment of such evil conduct.

-It is said of Nimrod, the mighty hunter, that he was "'before the Lord"--meaning that he tried to take the place of God (Genesis 10:9). He was the 13th in Ham's genealogy (Ham was one of Noah's three sons who survived the flood).

-Haman had a decree signed that on the 13th day of the first month all the Jews in the Persian Empire were to be killed (Esther 3:7-9).

-The number 13 was involved in the destruction of Jericho. The Israelites marched around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day they marched around seven times, making a total of thirteen.

-The number 13 is associated with evil to this present day. According to pagan superstition, Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Many modern high-rise buildings do not have a 13th floor because of wide-spread aversion to this number.

-The number 13 holds no threat for a true believer who is walking in obedience to God's Word.

The Number 14

The number 14 is double the number 7, which implies double spiritual perfection.

-The 14th day of the first month is the Passover, marking the day when God delivered the firstborn of Israel from death, thus perfecting and completing their deliverance from slavery which is symbolic of sin.

-The genealogy of Jesus Christ listed in Matthew chapter 1 is divided into three sets of 14 generations, indicating total perfection (Matthew 1:17).

-On the 14th day of the first month in 30 A.D. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God the Father, was crucified as the perfect sacrifice to save mankind from sin. Old Testament sacrifices were no longer necessary. The sacrifice for sin was complete.

The Number 15

The number 15 means spiritual rest. The 15th day of the first Hebrew month (Nisan) is the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread which is a day of rest for the nation of Israel. The 15th day of the seventh Hebrew month begins the Feast of Tabernacles and is also a day of rest.

The Number 16

According to the Old Testament record, both Azariah and Uzziah were sixteen years old when they began to rule as kings (2 Kings 14:21 and 2 Chronicles 26:1). Both men and King Jotham reigned for 16 years, indicating that perhaps the number 16 is related to government instituted by man. Some commentators also see this number as being related to God's love, as in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 there are 16 qualities of Godly love listed. Perhaps a contrast between human government and God's loving reign is suggested?

The Number 17

In the Bible the number 17 symbolizes complete victory over the enemy.

-God overcame the sins of rebellious humans when He began the flood on the 17th of the second Hebrew month. Noah's ark and its eight passengers rested on the mountains of Ararat on the 17th day of the seventh month.

-One of the major themes of the Day of Atonement, which occurs in the seventh Hebrew month on the tenth day (totaling 17), is the spiritual symbolic binding of Satan.

-Jesus Christ gained complete victory over death and the grave when God resurrected Him on Nisan 17.

-The seven beasts in Daniel's vision had seven heads and ten horns, for a total of 17. These beasts represent world-ruling powers from Daniel's time to the Second Coming of Jesus. The number 7 does not mean the devil's plan is perfect, rather that his defeat will be complete.

-The devil's end-time system is symbolized in scripture as having seven heads and ten horns, which totals 17 (Revelation 13). Ten plus 7 equal the number 17, which testifies to Christ's perfect victory over Satan's evil system of government (Revelation chapter 20).

The Number 18

The number 18 is symbolic of bondage. Because of their sin, the children of Israel were in bondage to Eglon, a Moabite king, and the Ammonites and the Philistines who oppressed them for 18 years (Judges 3:12, 14, 10:7-8). God freed the Israelites from Eglon through Ehud, who later became one of Israel's judges. Jephthah and Samson were used by God to free his people from the bondage of the Ammonites and the Philistines.

Bondage can also be spiritual in nature. While teaching in a Synagogue on the Sabbath day, Jesus healed a woman who had been in bondage to a spirit of infirmity for 18 years.

The Number 19

The number 19 implies a period of mercy before God's judgment is manifested.

The united kingdom of Israel split into two segments after the death of Solomon--which, of course, was not the perfect will of God. The portion referred to as Israel or the Northern Ten Tribes, had Jeroboam as their first king. .

Including Jeroboam, Israel was ruled by a total of nineteen kings before God allowed them to be conquered by the Assyrians and removed from their land due to their sins against God. Throughout the nineteen years of God's merciful delay of judgment, they did not repent or reunite with Judah.

The Number 20

Twenty means a complete or perfected waiting period.

-Jacob waited 20 years to take possession of his wives and property and 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 from Jabin, king of Canaan, who oppressed them. Finally, Deborah and Barak were raised up by God to free the people from bondage (Judges 4-5).

-In the days of the Prophet Samuel, the Philistines battled Israel and seized their Ark of the Covenant. This resulted in such calamities on the Philistines that after seven months they sent it back to the Israelites. The Ark ended up in the city of Kirjath-jearim, several miles west of the Holy City, and it was some 20 years before it was returned to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 5-7).

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The Number 40

The number 40 relates to revelation and to trials and testing.

Revelation

-Moses was on the mountain for 40 days and nights when he received the revelation of God’s law:

And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. (Exodus 24:18)

-After His resurrection, Jesus revealed Himself to many people during 40 days:

To whom also he [Jesus] shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)

These appearances provided concrete revelation of the validity of Christ’s resurrection.

Trials And Testing

-Noah and his family endured the deluge on the earth for forty days and nights (Genesis 7:4).

-Moses spent 40 years in Egypt and forty years in the desert being prepared for the work that God would later call him to do--which would take another 40 years of trials while leading a rebellious people!

-Israel was tried and tested in the wilderness for 40 years:

And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)

The Lord tested His people to see if they would keep His commandments and be faithful to Him. Unfortunately, they failed the test:

But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:17-19)

-The number 40 is significant in the account of the Lord’s time in the wilderness prior to the commencement of His ministry:

And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. (Mark 1:13)

Jesus passed every test through the power of the Word of God--and so can you!

The word translated tempted here actually means "tested" or "tried."

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted , when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

(James 1:13-15)

Next, we come to the number 50. Get ready for a revelation that will greatly impact your life.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The Number 50

The number 50 signifies rest and release. The meaning of this number is derived from Israel's celebration of the year of Jubilee, which occurs every fifty years in their religious calendar.

To understand the spiritual significance of the year of Jubilee and what it means to believers today, you must understand the plan that God gave to Israel concerning the observance of this important year. When Moses went up to Mount Sinai to meet with God, he was given instructions regarding specific days, times, and seasons which were to be consecrated and set apart as holy days. These special days were important to God and had specific purposes as they reflected His plan of redemption through Christ and revealed His desire to pour out blessings upon His people.

Among these special observances was the year of Jubilee. This was not just a man‑made Jewish tradition. It was God‑ordained. God planned for Israel to observe the Jubilee throughout the generations as a testimony to His faithfulness and supernatural provision.

The word jubilee is taken from the Hebrew word "yovel" which means "to cause to bring back." Over the years, it became known as a year of liberty, freedom, and rest. Jubilee was determined in Israel by precise calculations that were given by God. The Israelites were to count seven sabbatical years (7 periods of 7 years = 49 years). During the following year (the fiftieth), the year of Jubilee was to occur (Leviticus 25:8,10).

The criteria for calculating the fiftieth year was based on seven-year cycles. For six years, the Israelites would carry out a normal farming rotation. They would plant and sow and gather their harvests. They continued doing this until the seventh year, during which there was to be no sowing or harvesting. The land was to lie fallow for a Sabbath year of rest.

The seven-year periods were added up until seven Sabbath cycles had occurred. This would cover a total of forty-nine years (7x7=49). Following the forty-ninth Sabbath year, the special fiftieth year occurred--the year of Jubilee.

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. For it is the jubile; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field. In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession. And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another. (Leviticus 25:10-14)

God Moves In Cycles

The precise calculations used to determine the Jubilee year demonstrates God's vital concern with spiritual timing. God always works in times and seasons. He moves in cycles that have specific beginning and ending points. Within these divine cycles, various supernatural events occur--which lead us to conclude that these are God's cycles, not man-made cycles. Watch for the spiritual cycles of God being manifested in your life, your ministry, and world events.

If you are a born-again, Spirit-filled believer, then you are an heir of the promises of Abraham and the nation of Israel. Even though your flesh may not be circumcised, your heart is circumcised by the blood of Jesus:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. (Colossians 2:11)

As an heir of Abraham and the nation of Israel, you are a beneficiary of the same blessings--and this includes the observance of Jubilee. You may say, "The year in which I am reading this book doesn’t end in 50. I’m not 50 years old. I haven’t walked with the Lord for 50 years. So how do I determine my time of Jubilee?"

Your Jubilee is spiritual and includes the components of the Jubilee observed by Israel.

What Jubilee Means To You

God established five essential features which characterized Jubilee in ancient Israel.

Release. Liberty was proclaimed to all who were in bondage. Those enslaved were set free.

And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile: And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return. (Leviticus 25:39-41)

This release from bondage was not just something that God suggested Israel do, but it was commanded as the year of the Lord's release (Deuteronomy 15:2). God declared complete and total liberty for His people.

Jesus has provided for your release:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. (Luke 4:18-19)

Restoration. Lost possessions were returned. Property that had been lost through debt or poverty reverted back to its original owner.

In the year of the jubilee the field shall return unto him of whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land did belong. (Leviticus 27:24)

God has promised that He will restore the years you have lost to the enemy (Joel 2:25).

Debt-Cancellation. All debts were canceled.

At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the Lord's release. (Deuteronomy 15:1‑2)

Jesus cancelled your spiritual debt at the cross by forgiving all of your iniquities (Psalm 103:3).

Protection. The people would dwell in the land safely because the enemy--who came to rob, steal, and destroy--would be defeated.

And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. (Leviticus 26:5-8)

As a believer, you need not fear evil because the Lord is with you (Psalm 23:4) No evil can threaten your position in God (Psalm 91:10).

Increase. There would be divine sufficiency, a supernatural cycle of God’s provision. During the year of Jubilee, fields remained fallow and the people lived on what was harvested the previous year.

And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase: Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store. (Leviticus 25:20-22)

The Bible promises that God will provide all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).

This Is Your Time

During Jubilee, there was to be release, restoration, debt-cancellation, protection, and increase.

This is your time of Jubilee spiritually. It is a time for you to reclaim everything that the enemy has stolen from you! Reclaim your health! Reclaim your family! Reclaim your ministry! Reclaim your finances! Reclaim it all!

A loud blast of the trumpet proclaimed the beginning of the year of Jubilee in Israel. The trumpet of God is sounding today in the spirit world, marking your spiritual Jubilee. God wants you to have liberty in every area of your life--physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially. He wants you to experience total freedom from every bondage of the enemy including sinful habits, wrong attitudes and emotions, and your sinful past.

This is the time for taking back all that was stolen from you. It is time to reclaim your lost property, finances, ministries, dreams, unsaved loved ones, and anything else that Satan has stolen from you. That is what the number 50 means to you.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The Number 666

You learned in chapter nine of this study that the number 6 symbolizes man. There is a compound of the number 6--the number 666--that will have immense spiritual significance in the end-times. It is the mark of the Satanic beast known as the Antichrist.

Three men stand out in scripture as types of the Antichrist, meaning they were enemies of God and His purposes as fulfilled through Jesus Christ. The number 6 is related to all of them. The first is Goliath, the giant of Gath, who was six cubits tall (1 Samuel 17:4-7). The second is King Nebuchadnezzar who erected an image of gold sixty cubits high and six cubits broad and demanded that it be worshipped. In Revelation 13:18, we are commanded to count the number of a third significant being with an Antichrist spirit who will arise in the end-times:

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)

There is no doubt as to the meaning of the number 666. This passage clearly explains that it is the number of a man. This number is the numerical value of the Antichrist’s name in Greek. Knowing this will enable believers to identify him before he is publicly revealed. Do you see why it is important to understand the prophetic significance of numbers? You can know the identity of this man before he ever rises to power!

Working alongside of Satan and the Antichrist will be the False Prophet. John saw this end-time False Prophet in the form of a second beast. This beast looked like a lamb, had two horns, and a voice like a dragon. But lambs do not have horns, nor do they roar like a dragon! Jesus is the true Lamb of God and He warned of false prophets who would come in sheep's clothing (acting as believers) but who were ravenous wolves inwardly (deceivers). He said: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15).

This end-time False Prophet and the counterfeit religion he represents will appear harmless as a lamb, but will be based upon lies from the pits of hell. His message will bring destruction on those who accept it.

As the Holy Spirit does not speak of Himself but testifies of Christ, likewise the False Prophet will not speak of himself but will speak of the Antichrist. He will cause those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book Of Life to worship the Antichrist. Empowered by Satan, he will be able to perform counterfeit signs and wonders.

Through these counterfeit miracles, the False Prophet will persuade unbelievers to make an image of the Antichrist. This image will be placed in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, where the Antichrist will set up his headquarters:

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Revelation 13:14-15)

Using his satanic powers, the False Prophet will cause this image to come to life, and it will be able to speak. All who are living upon the earth will be required to worship this image or face death.

By worshiping the beast and its image, people will give their allegiance to Satan and his counterfeit religious system. Those who choose to do this will receive an identifying mark:

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 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 13:16-18)

You may wonder why anyone would do such a thing, but you must remember that during these times there will be strong delusion operating in those who have rejected the truth. They will be deceived by the counterfeit miracles that the False Prophet performs, and they will willingly give their allegiance to him.

The redeemed will have Christ's Name, the Name of God, and the name of the New Jerusalem written in their foreheads (Revelation 3:12, 14:1, 22:4). These names will identify them as His possession and protect them. The mark of the Antichrist is 666 which is the numerical equivalent of his name. This mark will identify those who belong to Satan.

Those who take the mark of the beast will be able to buy and sell and escape the wrath of the Antichrist, but they will not escape the wrath of God. They eventually will be tormented forever in the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).

Those who refuse to take the mark of the beast will not be able to buy or sell and will face death, but in the end they will rejoice around the throne of God forever (Revelation 7:14-17).

Through unveiling the meaning of the number 666, Satan's counterfeit system has been exposed. You can see how, even now, Satan is at work preparing the world for the Antichrist and this godless system. The time is closer than you think! Do not allow

yourself to become distracted by things that will take your focus off of the fact that Christ's coming is near at hand.

What powerful meanings God has given to numbers in His Word! Let’s continue on to the meaning of 144,000, another number which provides further prophetic revelation concerning the end-times.

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Number 144,000

In a previous chapter, the prophetic significance of the number 12 was noted in terms of how it related to the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples which illustrated all of God's people. In the end-times, God will have an army of 12 times 12,000--a total of 144,000 witnesses--special disciples who will prepare the world for Christ's final return. the Apostle John wrote:

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

(Revelation 7:2-3)

John saw an angel carrying the official seal of the living God that is used as a mark of ownership. The seal was placed upon144,000 people to identify them as the redeemed and true servants of God. These people will be secure from the mark and actions of the beast, as well as exempt from the judgments of God that will come upon the earth.

The purpose of this mark is to protect the servants of God when the trumpet judgments are released on earth. For example, in Revelation 9:14 when the fifth trumpet sounds, the bottomless pit is opened and a plague of locusts is released on the earth, they are not allowed to hurt those who have the seal of God in their foreheads.

John records that there will be 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). Some people believe that this represents a remnant of Messianic Jews who will be saved from every tribe of the nation of Israel. Others believe that these verses are symbolic of God's spiritual Israel and that they represent both Jews and Gentiles who are spiritual heirs of Abraham:

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, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:28-29)

Whatever the identity of the 144,000 may be, we know for sure that they are protected by God for a divine purpose.

God protected His people from the plagues that came upon Egypt--including the final plague of death, from which they were delivered by the blood of the lamb. Not only did God have a plan for delivering His people from Egypt, He also protected them while they were living there. Just as God’s protection was upon the Israelites, protecting them from the terrible plagues that He sent upon the Egyptians, He will also protect those who are sealed during the Great Tribulation.

Revelation chapter 14 opens with an amazing scene described by Apostle John:

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (Revelation 14:1-5)

In this vision, John witnessed the triumph of the Lamb following His second coming. He also saw the 144,000, who had been preserved by God's power, standing on Mount Zion.

As John is looking at this group, he hears a remarkable sound from heaven. He compares it to the roaring of rushing waters or peals of thunder. It is, of course, a demonstration of God’s divine power. Though powerful, the sound also has a musical quality, as if it is being played on a harp.

Suddenly, the masses standing before the throne begin singing a new song of praise to God. No one but the 144,000 are able to sing this special song. In this passage we learn that:

-The 144,000 are redeemed from among men (Revelation 14:3). They have been bought with a great price and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

-The 144,000 are virgins (Revelation 14:4). This description is symbolic of spiritual faithfulness and purity to Christ. Throughout the New Testament, the Church is often referred to as the Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2).

-The 144,000 are followers of the Lamb who have kept His Word and followed His example and direction (Revelation 14:4).

-The 144,000 are first-fruits unto God and the Lamb (Revelation 14:4). Jesus-- "of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18).

The implications from this description are that the 144,000 are kept from doctrinal and moral impurities and are characterized as those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They are described as virgins. Under ordinary circumstances, the married state is not regarded better than singleness, but in the terrible period of the Great Tribulation, a

normal married life will be impossible. So, in order to serve the Lord without distraction, they remained unmarried.

The faithfulness of the 144,000 emphasizes the importance of living a holy life in order to be a witness to the world. Believers are instructed to be holy and blameless:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. (Ephesians 1:4)

John records that the 144,000 have the Names of Christ and of God the Father written on their foreheads. God's name rests upon you also if you are a true believer. Cannot the same power that will keep believers during this terrible time on earth help you in the challenges you face today?

These 144,000 people are an amazing example of the holiness of God manifested in the midst of a generation that is utterly wicked. If they can live a holy life during the most wicked and evil time ever experienced on earth, then what valid excuse could we possibly have for not abiding by the standards of God’s Word?

In the letter to the faithful church in Philadelphia, Jesus promised to write the Name of God on all who overcame. He said: "...and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and, I Will write upon him my new name" (Revelation 3:12).

In Revelation chapter 22, we see the redeemed of the Lord in the new Jerusalem with God's Name written in their foreheads: "...and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads" (Revelation 22:3-4).

God drew a line between His people and the Egyptians (Exodus 8:22). His seal of protection on the doorposts enabled His people to overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb. God has also put a difference between you and the world. It is the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. The blood of the Lamb is your protection and the enemy cannot cross that bloodline!

Whatever you face in the future, know that even as the 144,000 will be sealed, you are already sealed by the Holy Spirit and preserved for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). You can boldly claim your confidence in "...him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy..." (Jude 24)

CONCLUSION

Continuing The Study Of Numbers

You have been studying the arithmetic of heaven. As you have learned, numbers in the Word of God are significant and instrumental for understanding biblical truths. Biblical numbers do not merely hold numerical value, they also convey important spiritual concepts.

The examination of every number in the Bible is beyond the scope of this analysis. The primary purpose of this study has been to provide you with tools for interpreting the significance of biblical numbers and demonstrate the importance of applying the truths you learn from their meanings.

Using what you have learned in this study will prevent you from erring doctrinally in the study of biblical numerology. Refer to Chapter Two frequently to review the guidelines of interpretation. As you study other numbers in the Bible, refer back to the meanings of the primary numbers analyzed in this study and build upon that knowledge.

The Lord declared:

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off (Deuteronomy 30:11).

God wants you to understand every detail of His Word:

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

(1 Corinthians 2:12-14)

Using the practical tools and the spiritual knowledge that you have gained through this study, you are now equipped to continue your analysis of biblical numbers and their significance so that you can "...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

APPENDIX ONE

A Quick Reference Guide

One: Unity of God and His people.

Two: Supernatural division, a double-portion, witnesses to the truth.

Three: The Trinity, the triune nature of man, the fulfillment of God’s purposes.

Four: The universal nature of something--the universal Gospel, the universal reception of the Word, and the universal resurrection and judgment.

Five: The grace of God--His unmerited favor.

Six: The number of man, representing man’s labor and man without God.

Seven: Rest, perfection, completion, total spiritual victory, and the seven spirits of God.

Eight: A new beginning.

Nine: The believer, complete in Christ.

Ten: Divine creation, restoration, and a manifestation of that which belongs to God.

Eleven: Judgment by God.

Twelve: The people of God.

Thirteen: Symbolic of rebellion against God, lawlessness, and God's judgment of such evil conduct.

Fourteen: The number 14 is double the number 7, which implies double spiritual perfection.

Fifteen: The number means rest.

Sixteen: Some commentators believe this number is related to God's love, as in

1 Corinthians chapter 13 there are 16 distinct qualities of Godly love listed. It also may be related to human government.

Seventeen: Symbolizes complete victory over the enemy.

Eighteen: Symbolic of bondage.

Nineteen: A period of mercy before God's judgment is manifested.

Twenty: A complete or perfected waiting period.

Forty: Revelation, trial, and testing.

Fifty: Jubilee: Release, rest, restoration, debt-cancellation, protection and increase.

666: Deception--the number of the Satanic beast who will deceive the world in the end-times.

144,000: Divine preservation. The number of those supernaturally protected by God during the tribulation.

APPENDIX TWO

For Further Study

(Reproduce copies of this form to continue your study of numbers.)

Number:___________

References: Use a concordance to list key passages where the number is used in the Bible.

__________________________ ___________________________

_________________________ ___________________________

Meaning: Use a dictionary of biblical words to learn the meaning of this number.

________________________________________

Related numbers: List any related numbers and their meanings.

(For example, the number 6 is related to 666.)

________________________________________

Summary: Summarize what you learn about the meaning of this number.

________________________________________

Application: What spiritual applications can you draw from your study of this number?

________________________________________