Numbers in Revelation
Introduction to Numbers
The subject of numbers in the Bible could lead us to an exhaustive study in itself, but for the purpose of this study, we will briefly examine a few numbers that have symbolic or spiritual meaning throughout the book's of the Bible. We will come to these conclusions strictly by comparing scripture with scripture to come up with probable meanings to these numbers. In this study we will examine the following numbers:
NUMBER 2
The number 2 is used frequently to describe those who witness or testify of the Gospel. Jesus sent the 70 out “two by two” (Luke 10:1). In Acts Chapter 13, Paul and Barnabas were sent out together as the first missionaries. In the Law, the testimony of two men is true (John 8:17). Jesus, who is the essence of the Gospel, is the second person of the Triune God (Matthew 28:19) (1 John 5:7). Also note the Ten Commandments were written on 2 tablets of stone (Exodus 34:1-4), and the New Testament commandments are 2 (Matthew 22:40). The scriptures, which testify of Jesus are in 2 covenants (Galatians 4:24). Thus, we can conclude that the number 2 identifies with those whowitness or are caretakers of the Gospel.
NUMBER 3
First thing that comes to mind with the number 3 is the Triune God
(Matthew 28:19). Sometimes God will use a
number in connection with the accounts of certain events. For instance,
the number 3 has an obvious connection to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,
which shows it was altogether in accordance with God’s unmistakable purpose and
sovereign will. For example, there were 3 groups of men that took
council to kill Him (Matthew 26:59). He was
betrayed for 30 pieces of silver
(Matthew 26:15).
Jesus took 3 apostles aside with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane
(Mark 14:33). Jesus said 3 prayers in the
Garden
(Mark 14:41). Peter denied the Lord
3 times (Mark 14:72).There were 3 crosses on Calvary
(Mark 15:27). On the cross of Christ it was written
“JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS” in 3 languages
(John 19:19-20).
There was 3 hours of darkness while Jesus was upon the cross, from the sixth hour to the ninth
(Matthew 27:45), and the Lord’s resurrection was on
the 3rd day (Luke 24:46).
Thus, we can conclude that the number 3 identifies with God’s purpose and sovereign will.
NUMBER 4
The number 4 identifies with the whole world. The Bible speaks of east,
west, north, and south (Psalm 107:3).It speaks
of 4 winds
(Matthew 24:31) and 4 corners of the
land (Ezekiel 7:2).
Thus, we can conclude that the number 4 identifies with worldwide universality.
NUMBER 5
The number 5 very frequently identifies with salvation or judgment. Jesus had to experience judgment to bring salvation so we are not surprised that both judgment and salvation identify with the number 5. The number 5 appears in the Bible both as ½ which is 0.5 and as 5, 50, 500, or 5000 etc. The temple tax was 0.5 shekel (Exodus 30:13). The number that Jesus fed was 5000 (John 6:10). There were 5 wise virgins and 5 foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-2). Thus, we can conclude the number 5 identifies with salvation or judgment.
NUMBER 6
The number 6 seems to identify with man. God created man on the 6th day (Genesis 1:27-31). The number 7 we find to relate to complete perfection and relates to God’s sovereignty, so 6 being mans number identifies with less than perfection, or rather imperfection. Also, the number 6 identifies with work. Jesus worked 6 days to create the universe (Exodus 20:11). Thus, the number 6 identifies with the number of man and or work.
note: The number 666 seems to be the most controversial topic in Revelation. Since this study is a work in progress, I will briefly discuss the mark of the beast. A more thorough study will be provided
in Chapter 13. In short, this number represents the cursed. You are either born again and sealed in Christ, or you are not. We have already established that the number 6 identifies with works,
those who are under a false gospel of works to obtain salvation are cursed (Galatians 3:10). This study has a spiritual focus, and later in the study we will show how buying and selling is a phrase used for giving and receiving
the Gospel without the use of money (Isaiah 55:1-3). During the tribulation, the corporate churches will be so corrupt, unless you are cursed and "buying and selling" a false gospel under the influence of the beast "Satan", you will be unable to proclaim the
true Gospel there. Already we see many churches getting further and further away from truth, and more and more corrupt. Later in Chapter 8, we will be looking at examples from scripture of the two thirds, and the one
third (Zechariah 13:8-9). The two thirds represent the cursed in the Scriptures, and the one third the believers. Interestingly, the decimal equivalent of two thirds is .666
Since salvation is a Spiritual miracle of the birth of a new soul,
any form of a tattoo, mark, or implant of some sort, does not have any eternal factor. If you are truly born again, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) (2 Corinthians 1:22). We will also discuss how the gospel has been perverted
into giving certain ministries money to receive promises that God is going to do this or do that in your favour, and when it doesn't come to pass, it was your lack of faith, "buying and selling" if you will. A sad teaching that misinterprets the Biblical
reason for giving and teaches selfish motivations and desires.
NUMBER 7
The number 7 is very significant in the book of Revelation. 7 spirits, 7 seals,
7 trumpets, 7 vials, etc. The number 7 is used 53 times in Revelation, and 670
total times throughout the entire canon of the Holy Scriptures. A few examples
of the number 7 include the 7 days of the creation account (Genesis 2:3),
in which we get our 7 day calendar week. A week in the Bible sometimes refers to
a period of 7 years
(Genesis 29:27)
(Daniel 9:24).
We have the 70 x 7 for forgiveness in (Matthew 18:22).
The use of “sevens” in the fall of Jericho
(Joshua 6:4).
The 70 disciples sent forth in (Luke 10:1).
There are 7 sayings of Jesus from the cross
(Luke 23:34-46)
(John 19:26-30)
(Matthew 27:46).
In summary, we can conclude the number 7 is God’s number which represents His
Sovereign plan of perfect completeness.
NUMBER 10
Like the numbers 100, 1000, 10,000 etc. 10 signifies completeness. The Bible speaks of 10 coins (Luke15:8), 100 sheep (Luke 15:4), 1000 years (2 Peter 3:8), 1,000 generations (Deuteronomy 7:9), etc… Thus, we can conclude the number 10 identifies with completeness.
NUMBER 12
The number 12 is used frequently to signify the fullness of whatever is in view. There were 12 tribes and 12 apostles, the Holy City is spoken of as 12,000 furlongs by 12,000 furlongs (Revelation 21:16), etc. Thus, we can conclude that the number 12 identifies with the fullness of whatever is in view.
