“ARE YOU AWARE THAT EVERYTHING IN THE UNIVERSE IS A PLANNED AND MEASURED REALITY, A MATHEMATICAL FORMULA CREATED BY THE GREATEST MATHEMATICIAN AND DESIGNER WHO EVER LIVED?”

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the wonderful world of numbers in the Bible …

… Well it’s that time again to introduce my topic for today’s talk, and following this delightful upbeat moment of music, I’ll return with today’s message entitled NUMBERS IN THE BIBLE…

…Those today that enjoy some of the recent new TV programs, have come to appreciate the new CBS hit drama called “NUMB3RS,” which premiered January 1, 2005 . This show took a new twist in drama which features a brilliant mathematician who uses his expertise and knowledge of Mathematics to help the FBI crack crime cases.  “Numb3rs,” is an interesting blend of the esoteric world of high-level mathematics with the more pragmatic world of crime and punishment.  The show is claimed to be inspired by actual crime cases and experiences. The writers of this new television drama series that has become a hit, draw their theme from the idea that mathematics plays an ever present role in all things we do in and around us in our world.

Is this nothing more than far fetched Hollywood fantasy? Well the answer is no, because reality proves it, and also so does the “created” universe we live in. Is it possible that everything around us was designed and formed by a designer mathematician? Well after another moment of music, I’ll tell you all about it in my message entitled: “NUMBERS IN THE BIBLE”…

…As amazing as it is, when studying the Bible, one can come to appreciate the fact that in addition to God the Creator inerrantly inspiring the writings of the Judeo-Christian Bible, He has also put within its pages His fantastic ability to reveal to us the deeper aspects and knowledge of revelation through the use of “numbers.” From as far back as when men began to count, people have been fascinated by numbers. For within the depth of them is a world of curiosities and treasures that can unfold deeper meaning to life itself. Sir James Jean, the famous British mathematician once declared that the Creator of the Universe Himself is “a pure mathematician.”

I believe he is right, for as one studies the bible and the creation itself, one can see that “numbers” play an important part of their makeup and continued existence.

For instance, one can easily discover God has stamped numbers on all His creative acts. Botanists have long understood the recurring patterns of numbers in plant biology that follow a strict numerical sequence that cannot be explained by chance evolution; The same is true in music. The notes on the musical scale are caused by the carefully sequenced number of vibrations in each note. As a note in music climbs its way up the scale, the number of vibrations increase by the number eleven.  Indeed, everywhere we look God has marked His handiwork by the mathematical use of numbers. In fact, we can also discover God has also woven the sequence of numbers into His Word, the Bible. So today, I want to explore the use of  “Numbers in the Bible.”

Now to begin we need to set some ground rules. Today in exploring the Bible we have those who reach far beyond reality to try to establish some great mystical implantation of numbers in Scripture that they claim   -- do all sorts of things from predicting the future, to telling us and specific events in human history yet to come. This is called “GEMATRIA,” and even  “OCCULTIC NUMEROLOGY.”  Traditionally, conservative Christians have been suspicious of numerology because of its unwise use by groups of bible students who see theological symbolism in every number in the Old Testament, even the most factual. This view was inherited from mystical, pre-Christian Jewish groups, and later carried to extremes by the Kabbalists.

No, I’m not concerned or fascinated by these extra biblical mystical, and even satanic fabrications and usage of numbers to “crystal ball,” new biblical revelations. There are many unbiblical “extremes” in studying the place numbers play in the Bible, which I do not accept or advocate exploring or believing. Much of this is also found in today’s “BIBLE CODES” theories of biblical interpretation. However, nonetheless, one can find that God has used and placed numbers in the Bible that go beyond their natural usage. So let’s explore and catalog the proper usage of “numbers” in the Bible. In so doing we discover four concepts…

I. The conventional use of numbers – The most common and natural discovery of numbers is the simple mathematical value of a number. For instance, “addition” is used in (Gen 5:3–31 and Num 1:20 –46); Subtraction is found in (Gen 18:28 ); multiplication in (Lev 25:8 and Num 3:46 ); and division in (Num 31:25–41). The Bible demonstrates that the majority of times one finds numbers, they are there to represent exactly what it says, a numerical description or commodity. But in addition to a literal usage of numbers we also discover…

2. The rhetorical use of numbers. A very important use in the Bible is for rhetorical or poetic effect. Whenever numbers are so used, they are not intended to be taken either literally or symbolically. The intention of the writer is to express concepts such as a “few,”  or “many,” or perhaps just to intensify or emphasize a thought. The arrangement of a numeral with its sequel within the same clause is a common literary device in Semitic poetry. Thus, the actual value of such numbers is not significant. An excellent example of this phenomenon is found in

Amos 1:9 (NIV)  “This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Tyre , even for four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom , disregarding a treaty of brotherhood,”

Prov 30:18 (NIV)  "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:

It is evident that the writers were not attempting to total the sins of Tyrus, or limit ignorance but to emphasize the seriousness of sin and ignorance. So poetry, which is found in the Bible, uses numbers in this rhetorical way. Now the Bible gives us a third usage seen in…

3. The symbolic use of numbers.  Number symbolism is found throughout the Bible although in limited forms. As one searches the Scriptures, they will find a few numbers stand out for their repetition and significance of usage. For example, it is quite clear that some numbers are used symbolically in the Bible; notably, the number seven. Some scholars have argued that all numbers are used symbolically and have theological values associated with them. However, one encounters a serious problem at this point, for with every writer there are major differences of opinion as to the theological intention of the numbers. This is the case because the Bible nowhere ascribes symbolical or theological values to any number. Nonetheless, one can easily extrapolate that the Bible does reveal numbers symbolically to represent certain ideas and meaning, but always in harmony with the subject matter presented. Now in addition to these three usages of numbers, we can discover a forth use, that today is highly abused.

4. The mystical use of numbers. The theory of mystical numbers is that system of interpretation which endeavors to seek out hidden truths by means of numerical phenomena. “Gematria,” I mentioned before, is at system of Bible numerics, operating on two basic assumptions: (1) there is design in the use of numbers in Scripture, and (2) there is theological significance connected with the numerical patterns found in the Bible. In this system letters of the Greek and Hebrew alphabets are given numerical value which enables the interpreter to “discover” hidden meanings in the biblical text which would otherwise be obscure. I totally reject this concept except to say the mystical use of numbers can legitimately be found in Scripture, but only in one specific area. The only authentic example of a mystical number in the Bible is the number of the name of the Beast, 666 found in Rev 13:17 –18. It is obvious that the apostle John knew it had a hidden meaning, for he wrote,

Rev 13:17-18 (NIV)  so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.

By Gematria, the number 666 has been identified with the numerical values of the names of various prominent persons from the Roman emperors Caligula, Nero, and Trajan onward to Henry Kissinger. So to go beyond this one verse, and try to discover mystical meanings is to violate the proper interpretation of God’s Word.

Now saying all that, one can interestingly discover patterns and significance to the use of numbers symbolically in their placement in Scripture. As a believer in the absolute inerrancy and infallibility of the verbal inspiration of Scripture, I believe God has carefully placed not only His thoughts in the Bible’s writings, but God has also carefully ordered the actual grammatical and historical use of words to tell us His full revelation. So then, words, even punctuation and “numbers can tell us much about a passage of Scripture. Now Bible scholars have generally discovered that numbers in the Bible symbolically are used with great precision and display supernatural design bringing deeper significance to the plain meaning of any text. As we examine this, keep in mind we do not formulate doctrine from them, or us them to support the same.  They simply become interesting curios for our continued fascination with God’s Word. Let’s look at some of these interesting but not infallible or inerrant concepts. We see in the Bible that the following numbers seem to give significance to the following:

The Number One (Exo. 20:3; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 19:6; Rev. 1:11,17) – is a cardinal number and in all languages it is the symbol of unity. It is used in the Bible always in symbolizing God Himself, as the first cause of all existence. The number one excludes all difference. Next we see …

The Number Two (Gen. 1:27; 1 Kin. 18:21 ; Matt. 7:13 , 14) – This denotes the truth of God’s Word as measured by “difference,” which can be seen in Scripture as good and evil. Two is the first number that can be divided. In the Bible itself, we have the division of  the Old and New Testaments. In addition we divisionally see: (1) two great lights of creation, Gen. 1:16; (2) two angels at Sodom , Gen. 19:1; (3) two cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, Exod. 25:22;  (4) the Ten Commandments written on two tablets of stone, etc. The number two is also used twenty-one times in the Books of Daniel and Revelation.

THE NUMBER THREE (Matt. 28:19; Luke 13:32 ; 1 Cor. 13:13.2 Cor. 13:14 ) – The number three is first geometrical figure. It seems to denote “divine completeness, and resurrection,” and most often represents the Godhead, the triune nature of God’s existence. Three is evidently an important number. All things that are complete are stamped with the number three. We see Christ has three offices: Prophet, Priest and King; there are three enemies of mankind, the world, the flesh and the devil; there are three cardinal gifts of grace: faith, hope and love, etc. Next we see,

THE NUMBER FOUR (Matt. 13:4–8; John 4:35 ) – represents universal truth and has special relation to things earthly or terrestrial. It is the world number as there are four cardinal points to the compass: north, south, east and west; four divisions to the day: morning, noon , evening, and night. In Acts 10:11 Peter the apostle saw a sheet coming down from Heaven that had four corners which symbolized the gospel going to all the Gentiles. Then comes,

THE NUMBER FIVE (Matt. 25:2; Matt. 25:15–20) -  This is often called the number of “grace” and “revelatory teaching.” First, it is the number four plus one, God adding His gracious gifts and blessings to the works of His hand (the Creation). Moreover, there are five books of Moses; and God has given five gifts to His Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Admittedly these are interesting concepts that surround numbers, but we give them nothing more than our attention to be fascinated by them. Still there is more as we see,

THE NUMBER SIX (Gen. 1:27, 31; Rev. 13:18) – this seems to represent “incompleteness,” that is the number of “man.” Man was created on the sixth day; the hours of our days and the months of the year are multiples of six. Since man by nature is sinful, the number 6 is frequently connected with our sin, signifying our falling short of God’s perfection (number 7) and our rebellion, imperfection, sinful works and disobedience. Next we see,

 THE NUMBER SEVEN (Ex. 20:10 ; Josh. 6:4; Rev. 1:4)-  this is a number linked to God and His perfection, for it is a perfect number! It is also the sign of God, divine worship, obedience and the rest of completion in creation itself. Often this number is called the “prince”” of bible numbers, for 7 is used 562 times in these specific ways. Continuing on we see,

THE NUMBER EIGHT (Ezek. 43:27; 1 Pet. 3:20) – In the Hebrew the number eight means to “make fat,” or to increase in strength, which associates it with “new beginnings,” and for the Christian our coming resurrection. In music, the eighth note is the same as the first, just lifted an octave higher to begin a new scale. The Lord made eight covenants with Abraham, and the 8^th was concerned with resurrection; Eight people emerged from the Ark of Noah into a new world; Christ rose from the dead literally on the first day of the week, the day after the Sabbath which of course, was an eighth day. In addition to all these numbers we come to,

THE NUMBER TEN (Exo. 20; Dan. 7:7; Gen. 14:20; Mal. 3:10 ) – This is one of the perfect numbers of Scripture. It is the basis in mathematics of the decimal system. It marks completeness or perfection of divine order, the full round of anything. As such it represents God’s perfect and complete Law (i.e., the Ten commandments); Noah completed the antediluvian age in the 10^th generation of God; The Lord’s Prayer is completed in 10 clauses;  The Ten plagues of Egypt signify God’s complete judgment on Egypt , etcetera. Next is,

THE NUMBER TWELVE (John 11:9; Rev. 21:12–17) – This number seems to represent God’s governmental purpose, and is another perfect number. It is found in multiples with all that has to do with rulership. Jesus had 12 apostles; there were 12 tribes of Israel ; the New Jerusalem has 12 foundations, 12 gates and trees with twelve kinds of fruit, eaten 12 times a year. This is an interesting number indeed. Thus, it seems to stand for governmental perfection and rulership. Next comes the infamous,

THE NUMBER THIRTEEN (Gen. 14:4; 2 Chron 26:3,21) – This number has been held in ill repute by mankind for centuries. In the Bible it frequently stands for rebellion and apostasy.

Next we see the frequent use of,

THE NUMBER FORTY (Jon. 3:4; Matt. 4:2; Jer. 25:11; Dan. 9:24 ; Num. 14:33 ; Ps. 95:10) – this seems to represent times of testing, probation and God’s judgments. It rained 40 days during the Flood; Moses spent 40 days in the desert; Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years; Jesus fasted 40 days, and ministered to His disciples for 40 days following His resurrection, etc. Next, we see,

THE NUMBER SEVENTY (Exo. 24:1; Luke 10:1) - This seems to represent human leadership and God’s completed purpose. Moses, by God’s direction, appointed 70 elders. The Jewish law court, the Sanhedrin, was made up of seventy men; Jesus chose 70 disciples and told Peter to forgive 70 times 7. Last but not least is

THE NUMBER 666 (1 Kings 10:14 ; Rev. 13:18) – The number 666 is of course the most ominous number in the Bible as it represents all that defies and challenges God. The significance of this number is shielded from us today, only to be revealed in the Tribulation period coming. Thus unknown to us, this number will play an important part in the identification of the Anti chris t in a future day. In Revelation 13 it clearly depicts the coming Anti chris t, who will oppose all that God is and desires. Note 666, is composed of three 6’s, and remembering the number six is the number of man in his fallen state. Here then is a trinity of sixes, corresponding to Satan, the beast out of the sea, and the beast out of the earth (Rev 13:1-10, 11-17), an unholy trinity of ultimate evil.

Well there you have it, the amazing symbolism of numbers in the Bible that seemingly give us a greater depth of meaning to already revealed revelation. Without a doubt it seems the Bible does use numbers beyond their natural meaning to signify even deeper truth. However, the truth is, too many people place an inordinate significance on “Numbers in the Bible.” Many attempt to find new hidden revelations which God has secretly placed in Scriptures only to be found by the “initiated” ones. The truth is, a number is most often just that, a number. So don’t get caught up in the fascination of BIBLE CODES and BIBLICAL NUMEROLOGY. God wrote the Bible to be understood in the plain language it was written. Friend, there is no mystery to God’s Word, it plainly tells us we are sinners who come from a fallen race begun by two individuals, Adam and Eve. As such, we are under condemnation and judgment, and unless we can find a way to be freed from it we shall die in our sins!

But, herein is the Good News of the Bible! God in His love and grace, has provided a way for all fallen mankind to be freed from the penalty of sin that waits us, and to be reconciled to God.

The Bad News of Scripture is we are sinners (Rom 3:23 ) and God’s holiness has decreed a penalty for any and all sin in His creation. (Rom 6:23 ). This wage of sin is physical and eternal death and separation from God to come. But the GOOD NEWS of the Bible is God in His justice paid our penalty for sin in sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ for us all ( Rom 5:8)

Rom 5:8 (NIV)  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

The message goes out – You can be saved from your sin and the penalty coming, through faith in Jesus Christ by surrendering your life to Him, and crowning Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Rom 10:9 (NIV)  That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

The truth is,  God is the “great mathematician” of the universe. Everything that exists can be found to fit mathematical equations or sequences. Do you know there are two great equations found in the universe? One is negative and the other positive. We see these greatest equations as follows:

MAN + SIN = JUDGMENT (Negative)

MAN + CHRIST= SALVATION (Positive)

Which one fits you? Remember, the last and greatest mathematical equation to be found in the Bible is the positive one,

Rev 22:17-20 (NIV)  The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life... 20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

May the power of the Spirit of God, open your eyes to this great equation of life and eternity, and may Jesus Christ the Creator and Sustainer of all things be found as your God and Savior.