Sunday, April 6, 2014

6. Numbers and Meanings (Overview, pt. 1)

The Significance And Symbolism Of Numbers
In The Book Of The Revelation

A portrait of the Apostle John over the entrance
of the monastery, dedicated to John, atop the highest mountain
on the Island of Patmos.

What the significance of numbers in Revelation is a matter of interpretation, but that the numbers have significance is not in dispute. Revelation 19:10 says “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” According to The Complete Biblical Library, one of the purposes of prophecy “is to bear witness to Jesus, to exalt Him and to reveal His redemptive work.” (Revelation, pg. 295). Studying the amazing detail in numbers and symbolism in the book of Revelation is a testimony to how marvelous Jesus is and how powerful prophetic books like the Revelation is.
It is incorrect to call the study of numbers in the Bible “numerology.” Such a name conjures up practices in the occult which are inconsistent with the Bible. However, to ignore or fail to study the repeated use of numbers, especially three, six, seven, and twelve, and multiples of those, would be a disservice to the Scriptures and an incomplete study of the book. This study is by no means exhaustive, but it will delve into the most significant elements of numbers and their symbolisms. The practical relevance of the study is to affirm the divinity and wonder of the Scriptures, to alert us to the corresponding significance (for instance, upon seeing a theme of the number three, we should look for the holiness or heavenly significance of the passage), and to help in interpreting the objects corresponding to the numbers.
Perhaps the most discussed number in the book of Revelation comes from Rev. 13:18: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” The speculation that this number refers to Nero Caesar is a forced and false interpretation, since Nero had been dead for nearly 30 years by the writing of Revelation and also because the number is only arrived if you spell Nero as “Neron Kaisar”. More recent false designations have been Ronald Wilson Reagan (six letters in each name), Henry Kissinger, Hitler, Mussolini, the Pope, you name it.
The most repeated number in Revelation is seven and its multiples and divided in half, it is 3 ½ or sometimes seen as 42 months or 1260 days (a Jewish month is exactly 30 days). The number seven is used 31 times in the Greek, and represents a holy completion by God. With the Tribulation period existing for seven years in length, it is the final pouring out of wrath from God upon the earth, but it is also the time when an almost innumerable amount of persons will possibly come to Christ from every part of the earth.
Of all the significant words used in the book of Revelation, the singular and plural form of “angel” is one of the most recurring. From the Greek word aggelos, the word literally means messenger. It is likely that the angels of the seven churches are in fact the pastors, or messengers of the church, since the Lord Jesus would not need to communicate with them via a letter from John. The following study will show that the word angel is used exactly 72 times in the Greek, a holy number signifying three times 24, or the number of representatives from the Old Testament tribes of Israel and New Testament Apostles.
When the angels are not grouped together, there are exactly:
7 angels who stand alone
3 groups of angels which are in threes (the number of heaven and holiness)
2 groups of angels grouped in fours (the number of the earth)
3 groups of angels which are in sevens (including the seven “angels” of the churches)
7 groups of numerous angels which are only mentioned once in Revelation.
If this seems confusing, realize that this is merely one study of numbers as it relates to one group: angels. Volumes could be written on other divine numberings within the book of Revelation.
At the end of this study, we will see that Revelation also contains three signs in heaven, three voices from the throne in heaven, seven voices from heaven, and exactly 21 “great” (Greek: mega) voices from heaven (21 is the heavenly number of 3 times the completed by God number of 7).
We would be wise to listen to what the voices say…

Generally accepted applications of significant numbers are as follows:



7. Numbers and Angels (Overview, pt. 2)

A Numerical Study of Angels
(mentioned 72 times in Greek)
Truly a breath-taking view of the bay from in front of the cave at Patmos

Seven Individual Angels
1. JESUS’ ANGEL
Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John. 22:16 - "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

2. A STRONG (MIGHTY) ANGEL
Revelation 5:2 - Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"

3. AN ANGEL ASCENDING FROM THE EAST
Revelation 7:2 - Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

4. AN ANGEL WITH THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS
Revelation 8:3 - Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 - And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. 5 - Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

5. THE DEMONIC ANGEL
Revelation 9:11 - And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon (Destruction), but in Greek he has the name Apollyon (Destroyer). (Note Rev. 9:1b - And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.)

6. AN ANGEL STANDING IN THE SUN
Revelation 19:17 - Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,

7. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD GOD
Revelation 22:6 - Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

A TRIO OF THREE ANGELS RELATED TO HEAVEN
THREE ANGELS FLYING IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN
1.      Revelation 8:13 - And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" Revelation 14:6 - Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people--
2.      Revelation 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
3.      Revelation 14:9 - Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,

THREE ANGELS COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN
1.      Revelation 10:1 - I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven…8 - Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth." 9 - So I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth." 10 - Then I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.
2.      Revelation 18:1 - After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 - And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.  21 - Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.
3.      Revelation 20:1 - Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 - He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 - and he cast him into the bottomless pit...

THREE ANGELS OUT OF THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE (FROM THE ALTAR)
1.      Revelation 14:15 - And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
2.      Revelation 14:17 - Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 19 - So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  
3.      Revelation 14:18 - And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe."

TWO SETS OF FOUR ANGELS RELATED TO EARTH
FOUR ANGELS AT FOUR CORNERS
Revelation 7:1 - After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 - Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

FOUR ANGELS BOUND AT EUPHRATES
Revelation 9:14 - saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." 15 - So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.

A TRIO OF SEVEN ANGELS RELATED TO JUDGMENT
SEVEN ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA
1.      Revelation 2:1 - To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
2.      Revelation 2:8 - And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
3.      Revelation 2:12 - And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
4.      Revelation 2:18 - And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
5.      Revelation 3:1 - And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
6.      Revelation 3:7 - And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
7.      Revelation 3:14 - And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

SEVEN ANGELS WITH TRUMPETS
Revelation 8:2 - And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.
Revelation 8:6 - So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
Revelation 8:7 - The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
Revelation 8:8 - Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.
Revelation 8:10 - Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.
Revelation 8:12 - Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
Revelation 9:1 - Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.
Revelation 9:13 - Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
Revelation 9:14 - saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates."
Revelation 10:7 - but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.
Revelation 11:15 - Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"

SEVEN ANGELS WITH SEVEN PLAGUES
Revelation 15:6 - And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 - Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 - The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
Revelation 16:1 - Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls* of the wrath of God on the earth." 2 - So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
Revelation 16:3 - Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.
Revelation 16:4 - Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 - And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things.
Revelation 16:8 - Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.
Revelation 16:10 - Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.
Revelation 16:12 - Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.
Revelation 16:17 - Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"

SEVEN GROUPINGS OF NUMEROUS ANGELS
THE FATHER’S ANGELS
Revelation 3:5 – He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

MANY ANGELS AROUND THE THRONE
Revelation 5:11 - Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,

ALL THE ANGELS AROUND THE THRONE
Revelation 7:11 - All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,

FIGHTING ANGELS (WITH MICHAEL)
Revelation 12:7 - And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,

HOLY ANGELS
Revelation 14:9-10 - Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

DEMONIC ANGELS
Revelation 12:9 - So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

TWELVE ANGELS AT THE GATES
Revelation 21:12 - Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:


8. Numbers and Voices (Overview, pt. 3)


A Numerical Study Of Voices
From The Revelation of Jesus Christ

THREE VOICES FROM THE TEMPLE/THRONE
One of the paintings of John located at the monastery of John on Patmos

Revelation 16:1 - Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls* of the wrath of God on the earth."
Revelation 16:17 - And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 
Revelation 19:5 - And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.  

SEVEN VOICES FROM HEAVEN

1.      Revelation 10:4 - And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. Revelation 10:8 - Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth."
2.      Revelation 11:12 - And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
3.      Revelation 12:10 - And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 
4.      Revelation 14:2 - And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 
5.      Revelation 14:13 - And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 
6.      Revelation 18:4 - And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 
7.      Revelation 21:3 - And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  


TWENTY ONE GREAT (Greek: MEGA) VOICES

1.      Revelation 1:10 - I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet
2.      Revelation 5:2 - And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 
3.      Revelation 5:12 - Saying with a LOUD VOICE, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 
4.      Revelation 6:10 - And they cried with a LOUD VOICE, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 
5.      Revelation 7:2 - And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a LOUD VOICE to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 
6.      Revelation 7:10 - And cried with a LOUD VOICE, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 
7.      Revelation 8:13 - And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! 
8.      Revelation 10:3 - And cried with a LOUD VOICE, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 
9.      Revelation 11:12 - And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 
10.       Revelation 11:15 - And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. 
11.  Revelation 12:10 - And I heard a LOUD VOICE saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 
12.  Revelation 14:7 - Saying with a LOUD VOICE, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 
13.  Revelation 14:9 - And the third angel followed them, saying with a LOUD VOICE, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 
14.  Revelation 14:15 - And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a LOUD VOICE to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 
15.  Revelation 14:18 - And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 
16.  Revelation 16:1 - And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. 
17.  Revelation 16:17 - And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. 
18.       Revelation 18:2 - And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 
19.  Revelation 19:1 - And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: 
20.  Revelation 19:17 - And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a LOUD VOICE, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 

21.       Revelation 21:3 - And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.