Numbers Talk

Numbers in the Bible usually have more than just one meaning.
For example, the number 7 also can indicate fullness, completion besides being a literal number.

So too the numbers in the Bible book Revelation tell a story the form of a code.
Let’s take a look at passages which refer to certain numbers.

Revelation 1 starts out with the letters to the 7 congregations in Asia.
In these letters Yahshua outlines his praise and criticism of the seven congregations.
As ‘7’ stands for fullness, in essence the content of the letters dictated to John carries a message not just specifically to the seven congregations in Asia, but also to the entire congregation of believers of all times about what Yahshua will and will not accept, and the pitfalls to watch out for.

The first chapter describes how the 7 lampstands (the 7 congregations in Asia as well as all the Israelite congregations of all times) and their angels stand before Yahshua and are weighed by Him.

We also see the number 7 pop up in context of the judgment: seven seals which are broken, next the seven trumpets (shofars) each one announcing a judgment, the seven thunders (their revelation is sealed and remains sealed to this day), and the seven bowls from which judgment is poured out on this world.

In other words, each of the sevens describes a fullness of the measure of judgment which will be brought upon this world.

In chapter 4 of Revelation we find a description of 7 torches of fire before the throne of YHWH which symbolize the seven spirits of YHWH, and 24 thrones around the throne of YHWH, with 24 elders upon the 24 thrones.
24 = 2*12 tribes, and whereas the ‘12’ stands for all of Israel, the ‘2’ carries the deeper meaning of the two houses of Israel, or the Israel of the old and the new covenant (the 12 tribes and the 12 disciples).
So, in essence this description of the first verses of chapter 4 express a vision where all of Israel in its purified, cleansed state, represented by their respected elders abiding in the presence of the fullness of YHWH, having received authority from Him.

Around the throne there also are 4 living creatures.

Now, ‘4’ is an interesting number which takes us back to Deuteronomy 28.
In this chapter we read the blessing which will come upon those who give heed to YHWH’s instructions, and the curse which will come upon those who will rebel against YHWH and become His enemy.
We can divide this chapter in 4 sections, where the passage containing the curse is approximately 3 times as long as the passage with the blessing, 1 + 3.

In other words: if we rebel. we forfeit the ‘1’ which then becomes the ‘3’, and the result will be exile to the ‘4’ corners of the earth, 1 -> 3 -> 4.
If we in our exile cry out to YHWH and repent by heeding His instructions out of love and respect and trust, then the curse turns into a blessing, 3 ->1, and the Israelites in exile will be brought back to the land, 4 -> 3 -> 1.

We find these numbers back in the context of judgment (expressed in quarters or thirds), just read Revelation 6:6: ¼ of wheat for a day’s wages (hyperinflation), ¾ of barley for a denarius, or Revelation 6:8 where ¼ of the earth will be subjected to Death.
In chapter 8 which details the judgments announced by the shofars, we can also read about how 1/3 of the earth will be burnt up, 1/3 of the creatures in the sea will die, 1/3 of the sun is struck.
Now these descriptions containing thirds and fourths may be literal, but first and foremost the context of judgment is made apparent in the mentioning of the 1/3, 1/4 and 3/4.

It is not the first time in the Bible we find these codes for judgment, just turn to the book of Amos, first chapter, where you will read in the announcement of the judgments to come: “for three transgressions of Damascus, and for four I will not revoke punishment”, and the same phrase is used for judgments upon Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah and Israel.
It is not a coincidence that Amos phrases his prophecies like that: YHWH makes it clear that He judges by the standard of His instructions.

Remember the 4 horns in the prophecy of Zechariah 1:18-20?
The number 4 does not refer just to the wind directions, but they imply the judgment as announced in Deuteronomy 28, where the blessing (1) gave way to the curse (3) resulting in exile (4, as in the 4 corners of the earth).

We also see in Revelation the 4 elements bringing the fullness of judgment (7 seals opened, 7 trumpets sounding, 7 thunders speaking, 7 bowls poured out).

In chapter 7 and 14 of Revelation another number pops up: 144,000, or, 12*12*10*10*10.
Twice the number of 12 (Israel) is mentioned, indicating either both houses of Israel (united in one 144,000), or the Israel of both covenants.

The number 10 can be seen as the symbol for the Torah, the instructions of YHWH.
It is mentioned 3 times to express walking in the instructions of the written Torah brought about through faith in the living Torah, Yahshua, our King and Mediator, and the renewal of the heart where the written and living Torah are the foundation for the new man through the Ruach HaKodesh, the Set Apart Spirit of YHWH Who testifies to both the living and the written Torah.

So, what can we read then in the compound 12*12*10*10*10?
That all of Israel (both houses and those joined to them) will be united in their walk in YHWH's instructions through faith in YHWH's Son inspired by the Holy Spirit testifying to both the written and living Torah.
They are the ones who will carry that special seal in their spirits (foreheads).

The opposite would mean a reversal of 12*12*10*10*10 -> 144,000, namely the unity (indicated by the ‘*’, the multiplication sign) of the 144,000 -> (would break down in) 12 / 12 (two houses of Israel) / 10 / 10 / 10: the kingdom of Israel split in two houses hating each other because they would not obey YHWH’s instructions, rejecting the living Torah and therefore unable to receive the Spirit Who puts perfect ('3' tens) obedience to the living and written Torah in the hearts of man.

We find in chapter 21 of Revelation a description of the new Jerusalem with 12 gates (twelve tribes of all of Israel) and 12 foundations (12 disciples).
The twelve tribes are united in their foundation of faith, '2' (gates and foundations) part of '1' city of holiness.

There are three gates on the four sides, so here we find again 4 -> 3, and since they are united into one city of holiness this becones 4 -> 3 -> 1: blessing.

The length, breadth and height (‘3’) of the city are equal: 12,000 stadia (12*10*10*10, indicating a unified Israel perfected in faith and love).

So, this description in chapter 21 tells us in the numbers of a renewed Israel brought back from the nations (4 ->3, ‘exile as the result of the curse brought about through rebellion’) now experiencing the blessing (4 -> 3 -> 1, ‘the curse is reversed and turned into a blessing’) in unity through faith in and love for YHWH as expressed in loving and trusting obedience to YHWH’s instructions (10*10*10).

Mind you, the fact that the numbers tell a story on a different layer does not mean that they must be interpreted ONLY as having a symbolical meaning.
In YHWH’s masterplan very often He intermingles the literal with the symbolical meaning of numbers, and sometimes the numbers do not have a symbolical meaning.

It’s His pleasure to hide things and reveal them to whom He pleases.