Number in Scripture

Number in Scripture

Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance

By

E. W. Bullinger

(1837-1913)

Fourth Edition, Revised London

Eyre & Spottiswoode (Bible Warehouse) Ltd. 33. Paternoster Row, E.C. 1921

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Table of Contents

Preface

PART I SUPERNATURAL DESIGN

CHAPTER 1 THE WORKS OF GOD

The Heavens Chronology

Nature The Vegetable Kingdom

Physiology Chemistry Sound and Music

Colour

CHAPTER II THE WORD OF GOD

The Books of the Bible The Writers

Occurrences of Words in Old Testament

Occurrences of Words in New Testament

Occurrences of Words in the Apocalypse

Occurrences of Phrases Evidence as to Authorship of

Hebrews and 2 Peter Occurrences of Words and

Phrases in Old and New Testaments combined

PART II SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Introduction One Two Three Four Five Six Seven

Six and Seven together Seven by itself Eight

Eight and Seven together Eight by itself

Eight and Thirteen together Nine Ten Eleven

Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Seventeen Nineteen Twenty Twenty-one Twenty-two Twenty-four

Twenty-five Twenty-seven Twenty-eight Twenty-nine

Thirty Thirty-one

Forty Forty-two

Fifty Fifty-one Sixty-five Seventy One hundred and twenty One hundred and fifty and

three Two hundred Three hundred and ninety Four hundred Four hundred and thirty Four hundred and ninety Six hundred and sixty-six Conclusion

Preface

Many writers, from the earliest times, have called attention to the importance of the great subject of Number in Scripture. It has been dealt with, for the most part, in a fragmentary way. One has dealt with some particular number, such as "seven"; another has been content with a view of the primary numbers, and even when defining their significance, has given only one or two examples by way of illustration; another has confined himself to "symbolical numbers," such as 10, 40, 666, etc.; another has taken up such symbolical numbers in their relation to chronology or to prophecy; another has collected examples, but has dealt little with their meaning.

There seemed, therefore, to be room, and indeed a call, for a work which would be more complete, embrace a larger area, and at the same time be free from the many fancies which all, more or less, indulge in when the mind is occupied too much with one subject. Anyone who values the importance of a particular principle will be tempted to see it where it does not exist, and if it be not there will force it in, in spite sometimes of the original text. Especially is this the case when chronology is dealt with, the greater uncertainty of dates lending itself more readily to the author's fancy.

The greatest work on this subject, both chronological and numerical, is not free from these defects. But its value is nevertheless very great. It is by the late Dr. Milo Mahan, of New York. His work Palmoni*, which was republished among his collected works, has long been out of print. It greatly increased my interest in this subject, and led me to further study, besides furnishing a number of valuable illustrations.

* Not the anonymous Palmoni by an English author, published in London.

It is too much to hope that the present work should be free from these defects, which are inseparable from human infirmity. From one point of view it is a subject which must prove disappointing, at any rate to the author, for illustrations are continually being discovered; and yet, from another point of view, it would be blasphemy to suppose that such a work could be complete; for it would assume that the wonders of this mine could be exhausted, and that its treasures could be all explored!

I must, therefore, be content with the setting forth of general principles, and with giving a few examples from God's Word which illustrate them, leaving others to extend the application of these principles and search out illustrations of them for themselves.

May the result of this contribution to a great subject be to stimulate the labours of Bible students; to strengthen believers in their most holy faith; and to convince doubters of the Divine perfection and inspiration of the Book of Books, to the praise and glory of God.

E.W. BULLINGER

17 North End Road, Golders Green, N.W.

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PART I ITS SUPERNATURAL DESIGN

Chapter I DESIGN SHOWN IN THE WORKS OF GOD

"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand; And meted out heaven with a span; And comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, And weighed the mountains in scales, And the hills in a balance?" (Isa 40:12)

"The works of the LORD are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." (Psa 111:2)

There can be neither works nor words without number. We can understand how man can act and speak without design or significance, but we cannot imagine that the great and infinite Creator and Redeemer could either work or speak without both His words and His works being absolutely perfect in every particular.

"As for God His WAY is perfect" (Psa 18:30). "The Law of the LORD is perfect" (Psa 19:7). They are both perfect in power, perfect in holiness and righteousness, perfect in design, perfect in execution, perfect in their object and end, and, may we not say, perfect in number.

"The LORD is righteous in all His ways: and holy in all His works" (Psa 145:17).

All His works were (and are) done, and all His words were spoken and written, in the right way, at the right time, in the right order, and in the right number. "He telleth the number of the stars" (Psa 147:4). He "bringeth out their host by number" (Isa 40:26). "He weigheth the waters by measure" (Job 28:25).

We may, therefore, say with David: "I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands" (Psa 143:5).

In all the works of God we find not only what we call "Law," and a Law-maker, but we observe a Law enforcer. We speak of laws, but they are nothing in themselves. They have no being; they possess no power; they cannot make themselves, or carry themselves out. What we mean when we speak of law in nature is simply this: God in action; God not merely giving or making laws, but carrying them out and enforcing them.

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