THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF
NUMBERS
This Is
Appendix 10 From The Companion Bible.
Numbers
are used in Scripture, not merely as in Nature, with supernatural
design, but with spiritual significance, which may
be summarized as follows 1
:-
ONE.
Denotes unity, and commencement. The first occurrences of
words or utterances denote their essential significance, in
interpretation. Words that occur only once, in the originals, are
emphatic and important. First day, Light. The first occurrences of all
important words and expressions are noted in the margin.
TWO.
Denotes
difference. If two different persons agree
in testimony it is conclusive. Otherwise two implies opposition,
enmity, and division, as was the work of the
Second day. Compare the use of the word "double"
applied to "heart", "tongue",
"mind", etc.
THREE.
Denotes
completeness, as three lines complete a plane figure.
Hence, three is significant of Divine perfection and completeness. The
third day completes the fundamentals of creation-work. The fourth,
fifth, and sixth days are the counterpart and repetition of the first,
second, and third, and correspond respectively. (See the structure of
Genesis 1) The number, three, includes resurrection also;
for on the third day the earth rose up out of the deep,
and fruit rose up out of the earth.
FOUR.
Denotes creative works (3 + 1), and always has reference
to the material creation, as pertaining to the earth, and
things "under the sun", and things terrestrial.
FIVE.
Denotes
Divine grace. It is 4 + 1. It is God adding His gifts and
blessing to the works of His hands. The Hebrew Ha'aretz
(the earth), by "Gematria" (that is to say the
addition of the numerical value of the letters together) is a multiple
of four, while Hashamayim (the heavens) is a multiple of
five. The Gematria of 
(charis), the Greek for Grace, is also a
multiple of five. It is the leading factor in the Tabernacle
measurements.
SIX.
Denotes the human number. Man was created on the sixth
day; and this first occurrence of the number makes it (and all multiples
of it) the hall-mark of all connected with man. He works six days. The
hours of his day are a multiple of six. Athaliah usurped the throne of
Judah six years. The great men who have stood out in defiance of God
(Goliath and Nebuchadnezzar and Antichrist) are all emphatically marked
by this number.
SEVEN.
Denotes spiritual perfection. It is the number or
hall-mark of the Holy Spirit's work. He is the Author of God's Word, and
seven is stamped on it as the water-mark is seen in the manufacture of
paper. He is the Author and Giver of life; and seven is
the number which regulates every period of Incubation and Gestation, in
insects, birds, animals, and man.
EIGHT.
Denotes resurrection, regeneration; a new beginning or
commencement. The eighth is a new first. Hence the octave in music,
colour, days of the week, etc. It is the number which has to do with the
LORD,
Who rose on the eighth, or new "first-day". This
is , therefore, the Dominical number. By Gematria (see
above),  (Jesus)
makes the numbers 888. It, or its multiple is impressed on all that has
to do with the Lord's Names, the Lord's People, the Lord's works.
NINE.
Denotes
Finality of judgment. It is 3 x 3, the product
of Divine completeness. The number nine, or its factors or multiples, is
seen in all cases when judgment is the subject.
TEN.
Denotes Ordinal perfection. Another new first; after the
ninth digit, when numeration commences anew.
ELEVEN.
Denotes
disorder, disorganization, because it is one short of the
number twelve (see below).
TWELVE.
Denotes Governmental perfection. It is the number or
factor of all numbers connected with government: whether by Tribes or
Apostles, or in measurements of time, or in things which have to do with
government in the heavens and the earth.
THIRTEEN.
Denotes
rebellion, apostasy, defection, disintegration, revolution,
etc. The first occurrence fixes this (Genesis 14:4);
and the second confirms it (Genesis 17:25).
It, and its multiples, are seen in all numbers, and in the Gematria (see
above) of all names and passages that are associated with rebellion,
etc.
SEVENTEEN.
Denotes a combination of spirit and order
(10 + 7). It is the seventh prime number (as 13 is the sixth prime
number).
Other numbers follow the laws which govern the
smaller numbers, as being their factors, sums, products or multiples:
that is to say 24 is 12 x 2, a higher form of 12.
25 = 5 2. Grace
intensified.
27 = 33. Divinity
intensified.
28 = 7 x 4. Spiritual perfection in
connection with the earth.
29 = 33. Intensifying
of Divine judgment.
30 = 3 x 10. Divine perfection,
applied to order.
40 = 10 x 4. Divine order applied
to earthly things. Hence, the number of probation.
The four perfect numbers, 3,7,10, and
12, have for their product the remarkable number 2,520. It is the Least
Common Multiple of the ten digits governing all numeration; and can,
therefore, be divided by each of nine digits, without a remainder. It is
the number of chronological perfection (7 x 360).
NOTES
1
The whole subject may be studied in Dr. Bullinger's work on Number
in Scripture (London: Eyre and Spottiswoode).
Number
in Scripture: Here
is yet another great book by the insightful E.W. Bullinger. Number is
Scripture is fascinating and shocking, as it sheds light on the hidden
footprints of the Holy Spirit in the scripture. Readers learn about
the significance of what previously seemed like meaningless numbers.
Everything in the Bible has a meaning, numbers included. Don't miss
reading the book along with the Bible. Some of the tidbits in this
book are worth a king's ransom, such as where 360 degrees came from,
why there are 12 zodiac signs, why certain numbers are used in the
Bible, etc. The book helps in making the Bible fun to read. (Approx.
$10-$11)
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