george@watcgl.waterloo.edu (George Reimer) (07/30/90)
Several requests with regards to "Number in Scripture" have been made so
here's the scoop.
title: Number in Scripture
author: E.W.Bullinger
publisher: Kregel Publications
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501
I bought my copy for $12.95 CND.
Much of the book is basic research but makes fascinating reading .
Mr. Bullinger deals with the numbers:
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,6 & 7, 8, 8 & 7, 8 & 13, 9, 10, 11, 12,13,14,
15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 40, 42, 50, 51, 65, 70, 120,
153, 200, 390, 400, 430, 490, and 666
plus chapters on the works of God and the Word of God.
I have heard comments from both sides of the fence regarding the
study of biblical numbers. A balanced approach is best when studing
numbers in the Bible . Regard their significance too lightly and
you miss much devine beauty. For an example, I present these details
taken from page 177 of Mr.Bullinger's book:
-quote-
"The Ten Commandments
These were written with the finger of God, and would,therefore,
be specialy stamped with this symbol [ #7 ] of spiritual perfection.
1. Seven of them commence with the word 'not'
2. the word 'day' , occurs seven times.
3. The preposition 'in' , occurs seven times.
4. The preposition 'to', 14 times
5. 'upon' and 'above' together, seven times.
6. 'serve', 'servant' and 'maidservant' together, seven times
7. The relationship of 'father', 'mother', 'son','daughter',
'wife' together, seven times.
8. The numbers 'third','fourth','six','seventh', and 'thousands',
together, seven times.
9. 'Lord' and 'God' together, 14 times.
10.There are seven different pronounds used, in all 49 times.( 7 x 7 )
11.The 3rd person singular pronoun occurs seven times.
12.The conjuction 'and' , seven times in commandment II.
13.The definite article seven times in command IV.
14. Command IV forbids the doing of any work on the seventh day
to seven persons and things.
15. Command X forbids coveting to seven persons and things.
16. Command III contains 21 ( 7 x 3 ) simple words.
17. Command IX contains 7; and
18. Command X contains 28. ( 4 x 7 )
-end quote -
I find it difficult to imagine someone being able to duplicate this literary
feat. It reminds me so much of how I so often see God's handiwork,
complex, seemingly random at times ( ie. mountains ) yet so carefully
integrated that I know it's His design. Very awesome to contemplate.
On the other hand, one can really get caught up in the hunt for meaning
behind the numbers so as to miss entirely the message of the book, which
is the establishment of His the kingdom. For instance, I once thought
I knew the meaning behind the number 666. Then someone pointed out that
not only does the Pope fit, but so does Adolf Hilter, Ronald Regan,
Billy Graham and who else but Pat Robertson! How far will people go?
Look at this :
Given that the letters of our alphabet have a numerical equivalence,
a = 1, b = 2, .... z = 26 then for
Pat Robertson
P = 16, R = 18, and 16 + 18 = 34
Robertson has nine letters in it so make a grid 9 x 9.
In each square of the grid, beginning with the number 34
and staring in the upper left corner, fill in the grid till #114.
Now circle any number and cross out it's row and column. Continue
circling and crossing till done.
The circle numbers will add up to 666! Now we know....dum da dum dum.
Of course this is wrong because everyone knows that the answer to life,
the universe and everything is 42.
Seriously though, the bottom line is to keep in touch with God while
doing your study. Carefully and intelligently focus on the message that _is_
there. Numbers are just a part of the presentation.
--
"I almost think that in certain cases yes, and in others, no....."
George egroeG
Reimer remieR