Biblical Numbers

Biblical numbers

There can be no works or words completed without number. From the time we get up in the morning till the time we retire at night, not a single day will pass by without us dealing with numbers. From art to science, east to west, and book to computer, nothing can escape the use of number.

This is so too to the works and words of God. His works were done to perfection with numbers. His words were spoken and written in the right numbers. And when we see numbers used in the Bible, they are not by chance but by design, not at haphazard but with significant.

We should, therefore, understand not only the holy words in the Bible but numbers as well in order that we may understand the Bible as intends by God.

One is no doubt a primary number as a symbol of unity. It excludes all difference, for there is no second with which it can either harmonize or conflict. When it is written: "Hear O Israel, The Lord your God is one Lord," it refers to one united Triune God. It excludes absolutely another Lord and, therefore, all idolatry.

Two affirms that there is a difference. This difference may be for good or for evil. A thing may differ from evil and be good; or it may differ from good and be evil. The second of any number always bears the difference. Take the second verse in the Bible. The first is: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." The second is, "And the earth was without form and void. The first speaks of perfection but the second of ruin and desolation.

Three stands for that which is complete.

- God's attribute is complete in three of omniscience, omnipresent and omnipotence.

- There are three great divisions completing time of past, present and future.

- Men's complete nature of body, soul and spirit.

- The complete gift of God in faith, hope and love.

Four is made up of 3 + 1and it denotes the 1 as the extension or creation of the 3 (Trinity). Hence the verse, "In the beginning God created." Creation is therefore the next thing - the forth thing, and the number four always has reference to all that is created.

- The forth day saw the material creation finished.

- Four is the number of the great elements of earth, air, fire, and water.