How should we approach the symbolism of numbers in the Bible?
Discussion question for June 4, 2010.
The Bible is full of accounts and prophesies that include numbers of years, people and things. Those numbers have a cultural symbolism apparent to the original audience, such as the number 7 representing perfection 0r completion. How should we study the Bible in respect to these symbols? What impact does it have on our current life? Why do you think God communicates in this way? How deeply should a person immerse themselves in the study of numbers?
Here’s my summary of our discussion.
There are a couple of interesting angles to the symbolism and importance of numbers in the Bible. First, there is cultural significance behind the numbers that bring additional meaning and depth to the words that are given. Much of this cultural meaning is lost on us in the Western world because it has not been part of our world view. We can learn that 7 means completion, but the connotation of that is limited. This does not diminish the value of the Scriptures to us, however. Since the Word of God is given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and received through that inspiration as well, then the message that is intended to each of us individually will come through.
Another interesting angle is demonstrated through the book: “The Signature of God” by Grant Jeffrey. He documents tests and results of numeric patterns in the original Hebrew that has meaning well beyond coincidence. Since Hebrew script can be used for both alpha and numeric value, each letter has a number value. Testing for “equi-distant patterns”, conversion of numbers to letters, combining concepts in various positions and frequencies, are all tools used to demonstrate that the way the Torah was written is like no other book. It is not happenstance, but shows intelligent design at a level well beyond the “simple use of words” to convey meaning.
This can be used to support a person’s faith, assuming they already believe. We agreed that it is unlikely to change someone’s faith by itself.
Finally, we discussed the value of potentially studying the symbolism and how that could influence our life today. The Bible commands Sabbath rest, science confirms that the human heart normally seeks a slower pace every seven days. The Bible describes the Year of Jubilee, economic models indicate that if this were implemented it would have a huge effect against greed in the market place, inflation, and other ways in which wealth is transferred today. The book “The Power of Full Engagement” by Jim Loehr suggests that the human construct benefits from working “with all your heart” for a period of time and then taking a rest. This is similar to Biblical examples of periods or phases, such as Moses spending 40 years learning, 40 years running, and 40 years leading.
Our conclusion is that there could be a wealth of additional information available to us in the written Word. Just because we don’t have a cultural understanding of the symbolism doesn’t mean it isn’t true or effective. We could possibly arrange our lives more closely according to God’s specifications by understanding numerics better.
Thanks for the summary – you wrapped it up well. I look forward to spending over 2 weeks in Israel in July exploring, among other things, the difference that culture viewpoint makes. I have another book – “Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes” by Kenneth E Bailey, that is on my reading list. How many aspects of the Bible, and therefore of truth, are for us shrouded behind cultural nuances… Maybe our Western mindset has more to learn than we thought?