Posts Tagged With: Hebrew numbers

Hebrew Numbers 11-30

Posted on September 27, 2015 by K. Gallagher

This is another reference post to help with Bible study, symbolism, dream interpretation, etc. Related articles can be found on the Misparim page. For numbers 1-10, click here. Studying Dr. Hollisa Alewine’s The Creation Gospel has been extremely helpful in making many of these determinations. I hope you will take the time to learn her material for yourself. You will see her work reflected in numbers 1-7 in regard to the seven creation days, seven Spirits of Adonai, seven Feast days, seven Churches, and in the seven abominations.

Eleven achat esre [f.] echad asar [m.] Eleven is a tricky number, and the one in which I receive the most questions. People have a tendency to notice the clock when it is 11:11, and wonder what it means. If one feels plagued by seeing the number eleven, I suggest a careful read of Deuteronomy 1. From Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land was an eleven day journey, but due to Israel’s rebellion, they were in the wilderness for a total forty years. This message was reiterated to them in the eleventh month, Shevat, in the fortieth year. Hence, the full redemption and entry into the “Land” is connected to the number eleven, but also what prevents it.

So, eleven requires one to discern between the spirit of anti-messiah and the Messiah – remaining in rebellion or submitting to the King of kings. For example, Joseph was the eleventh son born to Jacob, and is a type of the Messiah – the Redeemer. Joseph was called the “master of dreams,” or mysteries/secrets. His life depicts many aspects of Yeshua with the number eleven playing a role in his prophetic dreams. (The sheaves and stars that bowed to Joseph were eleven. – Gen. 37) In the life of Yeshua, eleven disciples witnessed and revered the resurrected Messiah. Judas betrayed Him and then killed himself before the resurrection, making the disciples number eleven. (Mt. 28:16, Mark 16:14, Luke 24:9,23)

Most often, eleven has negative connotations. Stories with this number often revolve around rebellion, disorder, judgment, betrayal, idolatry, bribery, lack of trust in YHWH, being incomplete, and false authority/government. For example, lack in (12-1) or excess (10+1), both signify imperfection. There is an eleven day difference between the lunar and solar year (cycles). The lunar year is eleven days shorter and the solar year is eleven days longer. Interesting, considering the Jewish calendar favors neither, as it lunisolar. Esau produced eleven chieftains. He is characterized by the excess of eleven as he ruled by his appetite for more than he needs. One driven to amass wealth or excess of any kind needs to recognize that this beast/fleshly behavior actually achieves less, not more in the spiritual realm. Poor in the natural is akin to being rich in the spiritual realm; and being rich in the natural figures being poor in the spiritual realm. Messages of prosperity are dangerous for the Body as it leads to the spiritual depravity and lack of Esau, who is willing to sell his birthright for a bowl of “red stuff.” This concept is emphasized in the brother’s views:

Genesis 33:9-11 And Esau said, I have plenty, my brother. Let what you have be to yourself. [10] And Jacob said, No, please, if I now have found favor in your eyes, take my present from my hands. For I have seen your face, like seeing the face of God; and you are pleased with me. [11] Please take my blessing which has been brought to you, because God has favored me, and because I have everything. And he urged him; and he accepted.

Most translations use the same English word (typically: enough) in the bolded phrases in the above passage. But, Esau and Jacob use two different words to express their abundance. Esau says, “I have rav.” Whereas, Jacob attributes his wealth to God’s blessing and favor and says, “I have kol.” Having abundance, much or plenty alludes to the conclusion that there is still more to be gained. That was Esau’s choice of words. Whereas Jacob declared he had everything. This implies he had no lack and no need to strive for more due to God’s blessing and favor. There is a world of a difference between these two perspectives and ideologies. Again, which one describes you?

Eleven can also figure transition (moving back to 10 or ahead to 12). Consider the curtains that covered the Holy and Most Holy Place. There were FOUR curtains. The first (innermost) was made of linen, the second of goats’ hair, the third of rams’ skins, and the fourth of badgers’ (KJV) or marine animal skins. The second (goat’a hair) layer had eleven total curtains. (See Exodus 26.)

Exodus 36:14-16 (NASB) Then he made curtains of goats’ hair for a tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains in all. [15] The length of each curtain was thirty cubits and four cubits the width of each curtain; the eleven curtains had the same measurements. [16] He joined five curtains by themselves and the other six curtains by themselves.

These four coverings were over the Holy and Most Holy Place of the Mishkan (Taberncale). What is the significance of the second layer having eleven curtains? The extra (excess) curtain in this case (the linen underneath had ten curtains) was doubled so it hung down and over the front and back of the Tabernacles. In this way, it concealed in the inner linen curtains. Linen figures holiness, righteousness, and purity. The covering of goat’s hair is reminiscent of one’s flesh, something that conceals the former. When a hairy Esau and his eleven chieftains submit themselves to Adonai, it is a very beautiful thing. The old nature must die for this this occur, like the goat’s that became part of the Mishkan.

Hence, eleven can figure the prophetic realm, but also its counterfeit, divination. Eleven often signals that one is doing what is “right in your own eyes,” the extreme opposite of the Holy Place. It’s action based on “I feel,” not “It is written.” It is ego and power driven to get one’s way. The Tabernacle teaches the opposite: dying to self.

In Daniel 7, a “little horn” arises from the ten horns of the terrible fourth beast, making it the 11th horn. This horn was epitomized in evil Antiochus Epiphanes, which is a type of the beast and antichrist, and the abomination that makes desolation. According to Daniel, this man and the spirit of the anti-christ seeks to CHANGE the times and law, that is the Torah and the Feast Days.

‘He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. (Dan 7:25)

These are the “changes” that Antiochus decreed for Israel:

You shall profane the Sabbath.
You shall profane the festivals and holy days.
You shall set up idols.
You shall eat unclean animals.
You shall not circumcise your sons.
You shall forget the Torah.

Thus, if the “prophetic” word one receives mirrors the actions of Antiochus and seeks to abrogate God’s Holy Law or His Holy Feast Days… run! It is not a Word from the LORD. It is a message for itching ears that seeks to please the appetites and lusts of the flesh. (A hairy Esau.)

Eleventh Hebrew Letter: Khaf Numerical value of twenty. Pictograph meaning an open hand or container, like a cup or a spoon. As a suffix, it shows possession or ownership. An open hand is one that receives, kabbalah. It’s interesting that Jewish mysticism or kabbalah depicts both sides of the number eleven. There are true prophetic things in kabbalistic teachings, but there is also a much more popular form that is mere divination. The number/letter also can mean similar. Our job is to discern the difference between two similar, yet different ideologies. Keter, the Hebrew word for crown, begins with the letter khaf, hinting at the place of authority. Who is the authority/crown of your life? Messiah or anti-messiah? The root of the Hebrew word for spoon is kafaf, which means to bend. Who are we bending/bowing to? In this sense, khaf has to do with submission.

Jacob had to face Esau while his family was incomplete with 11 sons (Benjamin wasn’t yet born). He had to fight an “Angel of the LORD” all night long.
Esau’s chieftains were eleven (Gen. 36:40-43) compared to Jacob’s twelve. Just reviewing the history of Esau’s lineage (Edom) makes it abundantly clear that he is associated with rebellion and living by the nephesh (beast/flesh).
The wilderness journey was only eleven days, but rebellion cost Israel forty more years in the desert. Moses recounted this punishment to them on the first day of the eleventh month (Dt. 1).
Eleven disciples were incomplete until a twelfth was chosen. (Acts 1:21-26)
Story of rebellion in building the Tower of Babel occurs in Genesis 11, which resulted in the confusion of tongues/languages – babble.
Delilah betrayed the judge Samson by taking the bribe of 5 lords of the Philistines. Each offered her 1100 pieces of silver. (Jud. 16:6, 3:3)
Right after Samson’s story in Judges, the remaining chapters (17-21) depict the moral and political decay of Israel. All of it is contrary to God’s order. And amazingly, it all begins with a story about another 1100 pieces of silver. Here are the highlights and I believe they are indicative of the number 11:

The word to describe the state of affairs in these chapters is “confusion“: Stolen money is used for idols, the Lord is invoked to bless the thief, individual shrines replace worship at the tabernacle, Levites and common people are consecrated as priests, idols are used in the worship of Jehovah. And Micah supposed the Lord would bless him in all of this! Moreover, as the story continues, A Levite’s concubine is raped to death, a civil war ensues, and the tribe of Benjamin is almost wiped out. This verse begins and ends the entire series of chapters: In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Jdg. 17:6 & 21:25)

5 + 6 = 11. Look back at the meaning of numbers five and six. If power and strength (5) is added to man and beast (6), a twisted counterfeit emerges unless that man (or woman) is ruled by the Spirit of Adonai. In the case of the latter, eleven can symbolize a place of godly transition. Sadly, many believe that Adonai rules them, but it is their nephesh/flesh that really has the upper hand. Where this is true, their life will be characterized by confusion, disorder, an extreme of lack or excess, duplicity, corruption, divination, and the like.
Messiah was “cut off” (crucified) because of our rebellion (sins) when He was about 33 years old (3 x 11). (Dan. 9:26) In His case, this was obviously a godly “transition” as He overcame the grave!
There are 22 Hebrew letters in the alephbet. (2×11). Overcoming and proper discernment come from the Word of Adonai, which is composed of 2×11 letter in the Holy Language of Hebrew.

Twelve shtayim esre [f.] shnayim asar [m.] perfect government, order, organization, united, perfect subdivisions of time (12 hours in day, 12 months in a year, 12 primary constellations) and of people (12 tribes of Israel, 12 Disciples/Apostles). This demonstrates a holy people serving a holy God based on the Creator’s clock and calendar.

Twelfth Hebrew Letter: Lamed Numerical value of thirty. Pictographic meaning shepherd’s hook/staff, teaching, learning, goading, protection, yoke, bind. Infinitive prefix for verbs, meaning to or for or belonging to.
12 foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem
12 Gates
12 Pearls
At age 12, Yeshua first appears in public and engages with the teachers in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:42, He was at Bar Mitzvah age.)
In Luke 8, a woman that had an issue of blood for 12 years touches Yeshua’s tzit-tzyiot (tassels/fringes) and she is healed. This occurred while He was on His way to heal a 12 year girl.
2×10= 12. If we look at the ideal for numbers two and ten, then we can see that 12 is about a united (2) and perfect congregation (10).
3×4=12. Again, looking at the ideal for numbers three and four, we can see that when the seed is ripened (3) with the Holy Spirit (4), it produces resurrection life (3) that is powered by divine government (4).
2×6=12. If we review numbers two and six, twelve will ideally picture a unified relationship (2) that is serving in the image of Elohim (6). The beast is being ruled by the two in one flesh of restored Adam (mankind).
Multiples of twelve, such as 24 or 144,000 will carry these same ideas.

Thirteen shlosh esre [f.] shlosha asar [m.] Thirteen is associated with covenant, love, unity, and eternity. It is the 6^th prime number, so it will have some of the same meanings as the number six. Thirteen has the stigma of being an “unlucky” number. I don’t believe in luck, nor do I believe that thirteen ONLY has negative connotations. The idea that the number 13 is bad luck comes from pagan influences. The Hebrew word for love (ahavah) and oneness (echad) share the numerical value of 13. Thus, one would expect to see 13 linked with love and unity. However, on the negative side, there are connections to the opposite of love, which is not hate, but apathy, indifference, and fear.

Thirteenth Hebrew Letter: Mem Numerical value of forty. Pictographic meaning of water, chaos, immersion, womb, blood. Mem is the “center” of the Hebrew alefbet. Mem has two forms: the open and closed (final/sofit), depending on where it appears in a word. Mystically, mem is associated with Moses and Messiah (both begin with the letter mem), and the revelation of God’s instructions (Torah). As such, Moses is represented by the open mem, as the revelation is open or revealed; whereas, Messiah represents the closed mem or the revelation of that which is concealed. This is mirrored in the imagery of the womb: it is both open and closed, depending on the stage of a child’s development. In grammar, mem shows the masculine plural for nouns. As a prefix, is the preposition from, out of, or the means by which.
God expresses His glory with 13 attributes. (Ex. 34:6-7, Micah 7:18-20)[1]
In Hebrew, the combined letters in the names of the 3 patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) reduce to 13.
In Hebrew, the combined letters in the names of the 4 matriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah) reduce to 13.
13 is considered the age of a youth for becoming a Bar and Bat Mitzvah (son and daughter of the commandments).
There are 13 rules of Torah interpretation in Jewish hermeneutics.

There are 12 tribes of Israel, yet there are 13 if one counts Ephraim and Manasseh instead of Joseph.
There are 12 Hebrew months, but occasionally there is an added 13th month to keep the lunar-solar Hebrew calendar in sync.
There are 613 Torah commandments. (600 + 13). Six is the number of a man made in the image of Elohim and 13 is the number of love. Truly, all the commandments hang on one: LOVE – ahavah = 13 (First God, and then your neighbor as yourself, because we are truly to be One – echad = 13).
The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians teaches about LOVE.
6+7=13. The ideal for the number 6 (man expressing the image of God and sacrificial love) added to the number 7 (divine rest, completeness, and reverence), produces both love and unity.
The negative side of 6 (man following the image of the beast) added to 7 (one who separates or causes strife between brothers), produces rebellion, destruction, and apathy. It is fear based, rather than being rooted in perfect love. This is best depicted by the seventh church of Revelation: Laodicea (The people lack love; they are apathetic, indifferent, or “lukewarm.”)

Fourteen arbah esre (f) arba’ah asar (m) Multiple of SEVEN, a double measure. The number of the Messiah. To reproduce, recreate, disciple, servant, bond-servant. The moon is nearly full on the fourteenth day of each Hebrew month, symbolizing fullness, revelation, and increased (spiritual) light.

Fourteenth Hebrew Letter: Nun Numerical value of 50. Pictographic meaning life, fish, seed, heir, productiveness, continuity, permanence, prophetic, multiplication.
Jacob served Laban for fourteen years to marry Leah and Rachel. (Gen. 31:41)
After the rebellion of Korah, the people accused Moses of killing the LORD’s people. A plague then consumed 14,700 of them. (Notice the 7s). (Num. 16:49)
Every day of Sukkot (Tabernacles), a 7-day feast, 14 lambs were offered. (Num. 29)
Solomon celebrated Sukkot for fourteen days when he dedicated the first Temple of YHWH. (1 Kings 8)
The genealogy of the Messiah is divided up and given in two sets of fourteen (Mt. 1). David’s name has a numeric value of 14 (dalet, vav, dalet). This is one way that Matthew connected Messiah with David in his gospel.
Paul says that he waited fourteen years to go up to Jerusalem a second time to meet with the Jerusalem council in Acts 15. (Gal. 2:1) This speaks to one being patient and gaining wisdom and experience before pushing ahead with an agenda — even if it is from Elohim!

Fifteen chamesh esre (f) chamish’a asar (m) A multiple of FIVE. The short or poetic form of God’s most holy Name (Yah – yohd, hey) has a numerical value of fifteen. Because of this, the number fifteen is not written out in its most straight forward form (yohd [10] + hey [5] = 15) in order to not desecrate a holy Name of Adonai. Instead, it is written as tet [9] + vav [6] = 15.

Fifteen implies salvation, healing, redemption, prolonging, stepping up, ascending, and fullness (like the LIGHT of the full moon). The number fifteen also represents the elevation from the physical to the spiritual. For example, the Pesach Seder has fifteen steps, and there are fifteen stanzas of Dayenu. The Aaronic Benediction (Priestly Blessing) consists of fifteen Hebrew words. (Num. 6:24-26) One had to ascend fifteen steps to enter the Temple. There are fifteen Shir Haamalot (Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120-134)

Fifteenth Hebrew Letter: Samech Numerical value of 60. Pictographic meaning thorn, to surround, support, protect, wheel, snake.
There are fifteen Psalms of Ascent. (Ps. 120-134) These Psalms were sung as travelers made their way to the three pilgrimage festivals in Jerusalem. In the Holy Temple courtyard, there was an ultra wide stairway that consisted of fifteen large, semi-circular steps that “ascended” into the inner section of the courtyard. The Levites would play music on these steps and sing these fifteen Psalms.
YHWH prolonged the life of King Hezekiah by healing him and adding fifteen years to his life. (2 Kings 20, Is. 38:5)
Hosea redeemed his wife with fifteen shekels of silver. (Hos. 3)
The fifteenth day of (biblical lunar) months always falls on the full moon. The most LIGHT in the night sky occurs when the moon is full. The first day of Unleavened Bread, and the first day of Sukkot, both begin when the moon is full. (See more on this in Moonbeams and the Moedim.)
When a man (ish) becomes one with a woman (ishsha), Yah is (should be) at the heart of their marriage. Thus, fifteen (Yah -15) is the bond between a man and wife in holy matrimony. Without Yah, they are left with fire. (See the linked article.)

Sixteen shesh esre (f) shisha asar (m) Multiple of eight. Without boundaries or limits. New beginning. Olam Olam. Outside of time as we know it. Lingering with the Father. Can also picture the completeness of seven (16= 1+6=7) that leads to new beginnings. Covenant. (See eight for more information.)

Sixteenth Hebrew Letter: Ayin Numerical value 70. (70 is the number of the nations.) Pictographic meaning eye, well (of water), vision (literal and prophetic), perception, seven Spirits of God (as eyes roaming to and fro).

Seventeen shva esre (f) shiv’a asar (m) Seventeen is the 7^th prime number, thus some meanings will mirror seven. 7+10=17 indicates the meaning of the number ten will also inform seventeen. While completeness, divine order, and a congregation are related to this number, the Scriptures also reveal that even those that are called to walk in these attributes can act presumptuously in their immaturity. Joseph was seventeen when he brought the evil report about his brothers to his father Jacob. (Gen. 37:2) Seventeen is close to adulthood (age 20), but not quite. Thus, immaturity, childishness, underdevelopment, and naivety can be indicative of seventeen as pictured in young Joseph and King Rehoboam.

Seventeenth Hebrew Letter: Peh Numerical value of 80. Pictographic meaning of mouth, opening, speech, blow, scatter. Thus, the mouth reveals whether one is mature or immature.
Jacob lived in Egypt for seventeen years, at the end of his life, reunited with his son Joseph. In this case, things had come full circle, a restoration (maturity).
The Flood of Noah’s day (judgment): fountains of the great deep and the floodgates of the sky opened up on the 17th of the second month. This a judgement from above and below, a complete cycle. The restoration began in like fashion: on the 17th of the 7th month, the Ark rested on Mt. Ararat, but the mountaintops couldn’t be seen until the 10th month.
King Rehoboam reigned for 17 years in Jerusalem as the first king over the southern kingdom of Judah. His immature, selfish actions resulted in rebellion and the split of the united Israel.
The 17th of Tammuz begins the mourning period for the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples, ending on the 9th of Av. This three week period is called the “Dire Straits.”

Gen. 47:27-28 (LITV) And Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they owned in it, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly. 28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. And the days of Jacob, the years of his life were a hundred and forty seven years.

This shows the full circle of completion that seventeen implies. When the immature grows to maturity, reunification and restoration (7) are figured. It results in the use of the “peh” or mouth for a promise:

Gen. 47:29-31 (LITV) And the days of Israel to die drew near. And he called to his son Joseph and said to him, Now if I have found favor in your eyes, please put your hand under my thigh, and do kindness (chesed) and truth (emet) with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt; 30 but let me lie with my fathers, and carry me from Egypt, and bury me in their burying place. And he said, I will do according to your words. 31 And he said, Swear to me. And he swore to him. And Israel bowed on the head of the bed.

Eighteen shmoneh esre (f) shmonah asar (m) In Hebrew, the word for LIFE, chai (chet, yohd) is also the number eighteen. Both prayer and Temple worship are related to the number eighteen. Meanings are related to life, prayer, worship, devotion, offerings, charity, being loosed or freed, and sacrifice. Conversely, when one is rebellious to YHWH, it can relate to the opposite of life: judgment, destruction, captivity, and bondage.

Eighteenth Hebrew Letter: Tzaddi Numerical value of 90. Pictographic meaning trail, journey, hunt, righteous (upright) one, justice.
In Jewish law, Matzah (Unleavened Bread) is baked for no more than eighteen minutes to be considered Kosher for Pesach (Passover).
The Amidah or the Shemoneh Esrei is a standing prayer with eighteen benedictions. These prayers were formulated to correspond to the daily (continual) offerings at the Temple. These are the “calves of our lips.” (Hosea 14:2)
The future New Jerusalem (from Ezekiel’s vision) will be 18,000 cubits: “The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD is there.'” (Ezek. 48:35)
In Luke 13:4, the Tower of Siloam fell on eighteen people in judgement.
Yeshua healed a woman bound with an infirmity that caused her to be bent over for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17). Someone “bent over” with an infirmity is figuratively the opposite of someone “upright” or righteous. Yeshua released (loosed) this woman from the bondage of the enemy. Whatever was preventing her from walking uprightly for 18 long years was removed.
The Israelites were punished for periods of eighteen years for idolatry and rebellion in the time of the Judges. (Judges 3:14; 10:8; 20:44)

Nineteen tsha esre (f) tish’a asar (m) 10+9=19, meanings of ten and nine will inform the number nineteen. Divine order, judgment, truth revealed or concealed. Nineteen is the 8^th prime number, which also indicates links to the number eight.

Nineteenth Hebrew Letter: Koof Numerical value of one hundred. Pictographic meaning sun on the horizon, time, imitation (of God or enemy), circle.
Chavah or Eve has a Gematria value of 19. (See how the woman is associated with the number nine here.)
The Jewish calendar follows a 19 year (Metonic) Cycle. 19 solar years are equivalent to 235 lunar months.

Twenty esrim (n) Manhood. The age of accountability for those counted among the people for service, war, and worship. (Ex. 30:14; 38:26, Lev. 27:3, Num. 1, 1 Chron. 23:24; 27:23. Doubling of the number ten. Maturity, accountability, being counted, expectation.

Twentieth Hebrew Letter: Reish Numerical value of two hundred. Pictographic meaning a man’s head, authority, beginning, first, top.
Humans have 10 fingers and ten toes, which together are 20 and symbolize a person’s deeds and walk (lifestyle/where they go).
1 shekel is equal to 20 gerahs. (Ex. 30:13)

Twenty-One esrim v’achat (f) esrim v’echad (m) Can denote a tripling of seven (3×7=21). This can be good as in a multiplication of rest, holiness, or the seven Spirits of God, but can also depict judgment and the spirit of anti-messiah as seen in the triplets of sevens from the Book of Revelation. Can also represent delay or to stand against as seen in Daniel below.

Twenty First Hebrew Letter: Shin Numerical value of three hundred. Pictographic meaning of teeth, to devour, chew on, destroy, think about, ponder, fire, tongues of fire, sharpen, press, eat, consume.
The Prince of Persia delayed the message Daniel had prayed about for twenty-one days. Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:12-13) The message was about the latter or end days (vs. 14).

Twenty-Two esrim v’shtayim (f) esrim v’shnayim (m) There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet; hence this encompasses the whole of the Word of God, the beginning and the end, the aleph and the tav, and the alpha and the omega. It also represents the LaShon HaKodesh (Holy Tongue). On the negative side, it can picture something wholly wicked as the doubling of eleven (disorganization, doing what is right in your own eyes, anti-christ). Likewise, 22 can picture something highly prophetic or something divined by sorcery. Either way, positive or negative, sacred or profane, it involves WORDS. Other positive meanings: totality, creation, life, and order. Other negative meanings: disorder, destruction or break down, missing components, distress, banishment.

Twenty Second Hebrew Letter: Tav Numerical value of four hundred. Pictographic meaning the seal (of God) or the mark of the enemy, completion, signal, symbol, monument. As a multiple of four, government and authority (whether holy or wicked) are also insinuated.
YHWH spoke the Universe into existence. He used Words and words are made from letters. Thus, the Hebrew letters are the building blocks to all life.
The 22 letters are like human DNA. Each cell has Twenty-two pairs of chromosomes, called autosomes, with an additional pair of sex chromosomes. The sex chromosomes are the only difference between males and females. Females have XX, while males have XY.
David used an acrostic featuring all 22 Hebrew letters when he penned Psalm 119. Eight verses are devoted to each of the Hebrew letters to praise YHWH for His Torah, commandments, and precepts. It’s as if he were “counting the ways” of his love for YHWH and His WORD.

Twenty-Three esrim v’shalosh (f) esrim v’shlosha (m) Based on the few Biblical passages that refer to this number, it appears that twenty-three has much to do with immorality, stubbornness, grumbling, complaining, wickedness, idolatry, etc.

Jeremiah preached repentance to an obstinate people for 23 years as the Word of YHWH came to him. (Jer. 25:3, Read this passage for context)
Paul reminds about the fall of 23,000 in the wilderness: Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. (1 Cor. 10:6-10)

Twenty-Four esrim v’arba (f) esrim v’arba’a (m) Multiple of twelve. Heavenly government and worship, dividing of time (24hrs in a day), priesthood, watchmen, all parts working together in service to YHWH. On the negative end are those that oppose the government, authority, and worship of the true God. The giant with 24 fingers and toes described below best depicts this.

The priests were divided into 24 courses to perform their service in the Tabernacle/Temple. (1 Chron. 24)
There are 24 elders around the heavenly throne in John’s vision in the Book of Revelation. (Doubling of 12)
Time is daily divided into 24 hour periods.
Watchmen (Levites, but not priests) were divided into 24 orders to guard the sanctity of the Holy Mount.
The Holy Land was divided into 24 districts.
The word shalom (peace) is found 24 times in the Torah.
There are 24 books in the Tanakh (Old Testament). [Christians divide the same books differently to form 39. For example, Jews lump all twelve of the Minor Prophets together into one “book”.]
24,000 died by plague for playing the harlot with the daughters of Moab before Pinchas intervened. (Num. 25)
In tradition, 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students died of plague during the Omer Count for not honoring and respecting one another.
David’s nephew, Jonathan, killed a giant with 24 fingers and toes. This meant that the giant had 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot. Since this giant opposed YHWH and His anointed, it’s safe to assume that he followed the image of the beast (6) both inside and out. Again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot; and he also was descended from the giants. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him. (1 Chron. 20:6-7)

Twenty-Five esrim v’chamesh (f) esrim v’chamisha (m) Related to five, as in 5 squared or 5×5. Has to do with strength and power to go the distance to spread the Seed or the Good News. This is demonstrated by the age of the priesthood apprenticeship beginning at age 25. Negatively, it is multiplied feet set to do evil and give wicked counsel. Ezekiel’s vision below is an example of this.

Chanukah (Feast of Dedication & Light) is on Kislev 25th. The 25th word in the Hebrew Bible is אור “ohr” which is LIGHT. Light & Seed are equivalent expressions.
Levites began to apprentice or learn their service to YHWH at the age of twenty-five. (Num. 8:24) [Their ministry doesn’t officially begin until age thirty.]
Ezekiel saw 25 men in a vision with their backs toward the Temple and faces toward the sun (false worship). Later, Ezekiel discovers who these men are and what their judgment will be. (Ezek. 8:16; 11:1-13)

Twenty-Six esrim v’shesh (f) esrim v’shisha (m) The numerical value of the Divine and Most Holy Name: YHWH (yohd, hey, vav, hey) is twenty-six. The Torah was given on Mt. Sinai in the 26^th generation of mankind. (There were 10 generations from Adam to Noach, 10 generations from Noach to Abraham, and another 6 generations from Abraham to Moses.) Means oneness (YHWH is One [Dt. 6:4]), but also carries ideas associated with the number four (The most holy Name has four letters): dominion, authority, fullness, giving of Torah and Holy Spirit.

2×13=26, denoting that 26 is related to thirteen. Thirteen means covenant, love, and unity.
Mankind is created in the image of YHWH (26). Not coincidently, the Bible begins to describe the creation of mankind in the 26^th verse on the Torah scroll in Hebrew. This is true even in English Bibles: Gen. 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Twenty-Seven esrim v’sheva (f) esrim v’shiv’a (m) Three cubed equals twenty-seven. Thus, review the number three for more details as to how 27 is an exponential picture of this. To gather, resurrect, seeds, trees, fruit, counsel, dry land, chaos adverted, firstfruits, harmony, and balance. 3 x 9 = 27, thus the significance of the number nine reveals traits of twenty-seven. Based on the Scripture references below, it appears that 27 is linked also to things hidden being revealed and the Seed of the Woman, which is the mystery of the Gospel (nations being coheirs with Israel).

Sarah lived 127 years (Gen. 23:1). She is the “mother of nations.”
The Persian King Ahasuerus and Esther the Jewess ruled 127 provinces [nations] (Esther 1:1). As a descendant of Sarah, Esther was truly a “mother of nations.”

Twenty-Eight esrim v’shmoneh (f) esrim v’shmonah (m) 4×7=28, indicating that twenty-eight is linked to both four and seven. As mentioned in Hebrew Numbers 1-10, four and seven are indeed connected and picture many of the same things. 14+14 equals 28, linking Messiah to this number as well. A full lunar month can occur in only 28 days. Jewish thought associates 28 with seasons as seen below. Thus, 28 has to do with holy time and the calendar.

King Solomon enumerated 28 times, seasons, or purposes for everything under Heaven (Ecc. 3:1-8).

Twenty-Nine esrim ve tesha (f) esrim ve tish’a (m)  The number of accountability and expectation (20) plus the number of judgment, fruitfulness, and multiplication (9). It also has connotations of potential.

Thirty shloshim (n) Represents the life cycle in miniature. Perfect order (3 x10), maturity for official ministry or service, price of bondservant, time of mourning a life.

Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46).
King David began to reign when he was thirty years old (2 Sam. 5:4).
Messiah was thirty years old when His ministry began (Luke 3:23).
Aaron was mourned for thirty days (Num. 20:29).
Moses was mourned for thirty days (Dt. 34:8).
Priests that handled the most holy things began their official service at age thirty. (Num. 4)
The redemption price for a bondservant gored by an ox is 30 shekels of silver (Ex. 21:32).
Zechariah prophetically asks Judah to estimate his value. He is valued at 30 shekels of silver (Zech 11:12-13).
Judas betrays Messiah for 30 shekels of silver. (Mt. 26:15)
Samson had thirty Philistine companions when he went to marry his wife. He put a riddle to them, offering them thirty changes of clothes if they could figure it out. But his new bride tricked Samson into revealing the riddle, so Samson slew thirty men to fulfill his wager. (Judges 14 — multiples of 3 reign in Samson’s story.)

[1] Ex. 34:6-7 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

For more references, see the footnotes under the page Misparim.

Categories: Biblical Symbols, Study Helps | Tags: dreams, Hebrew, Hebrew letters, Hebrew numbers, misparim, numbers | 41 Comments

Hebrew Numbers 1-10

Posted on June 15, 2015 by K. Gallagher

This is a reference post about the symbolism of Hebrew numbers/letters that are derived from my personal notes. Thus, they are not written in a formal format. You will be able to see related articles and reference information under the new menu heading Misparim — of which I will be adding to as I have time. Studying Dr. Hollisa Alewine’s The Creation Gospel has been extremely helpful in making many of these determinations. I hope you will take the time to learn her material for yourself. You will see her work reflected in numbers 1-7 in regard to the seven creation days, seven Spirits of Adonai, seven Feast days, seven Churches, and in the seven abominations.

Zero

Efes (modern Hebrew). Ancient/Biblical Hebrew doesn’t have a representation for the number zero. The closest words would be no or nothing. In English, one typically thinks of zero as nothing, but in Hebrew, this idea isn’t so simple. “No” in Hebrew is “lo,” and is spelled lamed, aleph. (See picture) If one reverses these two letters, it spells “El” or God. Thus, zero indicates what is hidden or unknowable or uncertain. It can represent what is eternal and limitless or something that has great potential, and it also signifies something unquantifiable and uncontainable such as the Mighty Elohim (God).

Although zero doesn’t have a value by itself, when placed behind another number it multiples or elevates the quantity. For example, 70 is the number 7 followed by a zero. In a case like this, zero has increased or “elevated” the number seven. When studying higher numbers, zero should be viewed with this in mind.

The negative connotations of zero imply a lack of harvest, reward, or effort. Since there are many idioms in English that represent zero or nothing, sometimes zero will be just that. For example, one might say, “I received a big, fat goose egg,” to indicate a lack of success or reward for work/effort. In this sense, a dream with such idioms or an actual zero could imply uselessness or wasted efforts.

One

Achat [f.], echad [m.] Oneness, Unity, Primacy, First, Beginning. Single and not plural, not subject to multiplicity or division. (1×1=1) One remains one, it does not change. God is One. (Dt. 6:4) There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, one Father. (Eph. 4:4-6)

First Hebrew letter: Aleph Numerical value of one. Pictographic meaning strength, ox, chief, prince, leader, first. Marks singular future tense “I will.”
On Day One of creation (lit. One Day – Yom Echad), light is separated from darkness. Instead of indicating division, this demonstrates the set-apartness of God and His Light. This day is called tov or good. It is akin to being called out.
Also on Day One, the first mention of the Holy Spirit occurs in association with movement. “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Gen. 1:2b) Hovering in Hebrew is merachefet (present tense, feminine, singular), which is the action of a mother bird brooding, fluttering, or hovering over her nest. In this case, the Spirit of God is performing this action over the primordial waters of creation. (See Ex. 19:4, Dt. 11:32; 32:10-11, Pro. 8, Is. 49:15; 66: 12-13, Mt. 3:16, Jn. 3:5) The dark, watery Yom Echad is like the womb before “Let light be!” is uttered forth.
The first day of creation is called “One Day” rather than the “first day,” insinuating the wholeness and perfection of the day and a prophetic future return to Yom Echad (One Day). In other words, the first day of creation is described with the cardinal number “one” in Hebrew; whereas, the remaining days are described with ordinal numbers (2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.).
Echad (one) and ahavah (love) are linked, because their Hebrew numerical value is the same: 13. (For more on 13 and other words that equal 13, click here.)
First Feast: Pesach (Passover) Lev. 23
First Spirit of God: Chokhmah (Wisdom) Is. 11:2
First Church of Revelation: Ephesus (Meaning First, Desirable, or Permitted)
Negative side: Pride, Haughty Eyes (1st wicked abomination Pr. 6:16-19)

Echad (one) is the watchword of Israel. The Shema (Dt.6:4): “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one (echad)!” These words are the first declaration taught to Jewish children and the last words on the lips of the dying. Praying the Shema affirms God’s authority over heaven and earth. He is the Eternal One and the Source of all creation. But even more than that, it is a declaration that His people accept and reverence His lofty position over mankind. One Day is a return to the beginning, a return to Eden. (Is. 46:10, Rev. 21: 6; 22:13) One Day, there will be a restoration of all things. (Acts 3:21) One Day, God will be all in all. (1 Cor. 15:28) One Day, every tear will be wiped away. (Rev. 7:17) One Day, YHWH will dwell permanently among men. (Rev. 21:3) One Day there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain. (Rev. 21:4)

It shall be one day Which is known to the LORD Neither day nor night. But at evening time it shall happen that it will be light. And in that day it shall be—That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be “The LORD is one,” and His name one. (Zech. 14:7-9 NKJV)

Two

Shtayim [f.], shnayim [m.] Divide, difference, oppose, judge, discern, witness, conflict, blessing, abundance, building, couple, dying to self. It is also related to the Hebrew word shanah, meaning change or repeat. Context determines meaning (as with all numbers). Ideally, two should mirror one, as in the “two shall become one (echad) flesh.” Thus, making a true “pair” that works together like one’s ears, eyes, nostrils, hands, and feet.

There are two great commandments (love God/love neighbor), two houses of Israel, two sticks, two sisters, two olive branches, two silver trumpets, two leavened loaves on Shavuot, two cherubim guard Ark of the Covenant and the entrance to Eden, two good spies (Joshua and Caleb), and two witnesses mentioned in the Bible. What is opposite is meant to complement for a blessing, not bring division and conflict. There were two pillars that protected and watched over Israel in the wilderness: a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, yet they were one. These watery fire pillars reflect the earthly waters and the heavenly fire waters of day two of creation.

In the sense above, two (ideally) is meant to bring a blessing, barukh/berakhah, which begins with the letter beht. To bless, in simple understanding, is to multiply something or someone. With the number two, multiplication becomes possible.

When two isn’t reflecting the positive side of one (unity), it denotes division rather than multiplication (blessing) in the Bible. For example, the second day of creation DIVIDES the upper and lower waters. The second sentence in scripture speaks of chaos, and the second chapter reveals two trees representing life and death. The Apostolic Writings (N.T.) also confirms two’s pattern of division or separation. Consider the second books of Corinthians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Peter, and 2 John; they each speak either about the enemy/antichrist or the assembly in ruin/apostasy. Two presents one with a choice, and hopefully that choice will lead to life and blessing, a positive change that repeats through each new cycle or shanah (year).

Second Hebrew letter: Beht Numerical value of two. Pictographic meaning house, tent, sons/daughters (ben/bat), to build, and division. As a preposition, it means “in” or “with.”
1st letter of the Bible is an enlarged Hebrew beht. This implies that God’s intent from the very beginning of creation was to expand/build His House.
The two (male & female) are meant to join together to form one (echad) flesh, bringing unity.
On day two of creation, the heavenly and earthly waters are separated; this creation day is not called tov (good). Heaven and earth are meant to reflect (mirror) one another in oneness. Creation becomes good again when the separation of the waters of day two are gathered together in one place on day three. Separation that does not lead to gathering is not good.
Second Feast: Matzah (Unleavened Bread) Lev. 23
Second Spirit of God: Binah (Understanding- a building, discerning Spirit) Is. 11:2
Second Church of Revelation: Smyrna (Meaning Myrrh – a burial spice)
Negative side: Lying (forked) tongue, division, separating unto death. (Second wicked abomination Pr. 6:16-19)

Mankind has two natures. They mirror the TWO trees in the Garden, the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Christians might liken these to the Christ-nature and the sin-nature. Jews, however, refer to the two natures of man as the yetzer hara and the yetzer hatov. Literally this is the evil inclination and the good inclination. I prefer the latter designation as it doesn’t completely demonize the lower, earthly nature. The Bible declares that the second tree produces both good and evil, a mixture. The lower nature, the evil inclination, is simply the flesh (mind, will, emotions, intellect, instincts, appetites, and desires). Man and animals share this earthly nature, thus it is not wicked or evil. Humans are told to master or rule these impulses, not deny that they exist or that one can live a human life without them. (Gen.4:6-7) Two requires one to discern this difference. It also requires one to look inward at the heart to see which nature sits on the throne, the shamayim (heavenly waters) or the mayim (earthly waters). For example, see the entire Book of Proverbs (Parables), which personifies the two natures in woman folly and woman wisdom. There is wisdom from above and wisdom from below. Actions, deeds, and especially one’s words will reveal which one is operating in the heart of man. (James 3)

The separation on day two divides between the earthly and heavenly waters, the second feast (Matzah) separates one from leaven, and the second Spirit of God (Binah) separates materials in order to build. Since this day is not called tov or good, we must be very careful in how and what we separate. Division is only truly good if it leads to building and gathering (multiplication), not tearing down and isolation (reducing/division). “A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” (Pr. 14:1)

Three

Shelosh [f.], sheloshah [m.] Seeds, trees, fruit. Revelation, resurrection, gathering balance, equilibrium, pattern, counsel, witness, and strength. New life, sprouting, resurrection, fruitfulness, words of life (counsel), unity, and the foundation of the Temple/House are all signified by the number three. Three brings harmony and unity to opposites like one and two. Three creates a solid or a foundation and makes the first geometric shape (triangle). The sequence of three makes a chain of continuity: three patriarchs, three pilgrimage festivals, third day, three primary manifestations of the Godhead, three ply cord, three witnesses, three kings of united Israel, three primary missionary journeys of Shaul (Paul), three woes of judgement (Book of Revelation). In tradition, Moses ascended and descended Mount Sinai three times.

Moses was the third child in his family, and his name is often an idiom for the Torah (Law), which was given in month three or Sivan. (Ex. 19) When Moses was born, his mother saw that he was “tov,” and hid him for three months (Ex. 2:2). There were three servant leaders of Israel: Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Micah 6:4), who were also siblings. God gave the Israelites three days to prepare themselves to receive the Torah (Ex. 19). The Tree of Life is an idiom for the Torah in Judaism. (Pr. 3:8 – God’s instructions/laws are His wisdom – Dt. 4:5-6) The spindles that hold the sacred scroll are called trees of life and each parchment is called a leave; trees were created on day three of creation. (Ps. 119:1-9; 119:92-94; 119:174-176, Pr. 3:18, Mt. 19:16-17, John 1;1-5; 5:46, 1 John 2:3-5 ) Messiah was in the grave for three days and three nights after dying on a tree (a day three creation. Sign of Jonah/resurrection). Seeds were also created on day three of creation. The natural function of seeds teaches death, burial, and resurrection to new life. Mashiach is the “Seed of the Woman” that will overcome the seed of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). The Word of God is likened to a “Seed” (Luke 8:11).

Third Hebrew letter: Gimel Numerical value of three. Pictographic meaning to ripen, reward, nourish, mature, recompense, benefit, foot, and camel. Camels were highly prized in the ancient world. They enabled one to make an otherwise dangerous and deadly journey across the desert or wilderness through their pregnant like hump filled with “water” reserves. In this sense, they enabled life to continue.
There are 3 pilgrimage festivals (shalosh regalim), which are literally FOOT festivals. (Matzah, Shavuot, Sukkot)
On day 3 of creation, the waters are gathered together, dry land appears, and the first seeds, plants, and trees spring to life.
the first mention of mikveh (a gathering of waters) for baptism is on day three of creation.
Third Feast: Yom HaBikkurim (Early Firstfruits of Barley) Lev. 23
Third Spirit of God: Etzah (Counsel) Is. 11:2 (Root for etzah is etz, a tree.)
Third Church of Revelation: Pergamum (Meaning height or elevation)
Negative side: Hands that shed innocent blood, deeds that tear down instead of ones that gather and build, sowing seeds of death and discord. (Pr. 6:16-19) It’s important to note that “hands shedding innocent blood” is also figurative. When we speak slander or even the truth in anger, our words can cause major destruction and damage. Words have the power to shed innocent blood and strangle the life out of another person. This is the antitheses to the 3rd Spirit of God, Counsel (Etzah). Hence, wicked counsel is hands that shed innocent blood. The fruit and seeds from our lips (pens & keyboards) should be pure, not poison. For example, “Life and death are in the power (lit. yad – hand) of the tongue (Pr.18:21).”

Waters are gathered and dry land appears on day three. With the dry land, seeds, trees, and fruit spring forth. Thus, the dividing and separating of day two is ideally to promote the gathering, stability, and growth of day three. Just as trees put down roots deep into the soil for strength, nourishment, and stability, so we, too, anchor ourselves in three. One way that this manifests is in our Hope. Because Messiah was resurrected on the third day, we have hope for our own future resurrection. Because He is the early first fruits (3rd feast) unto God, we also have hope to be counted as His first fruits in resurrection. (1 Cor. 15:12-28)

The House/Tabernacle/Temple has three primary sections: the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. Thus, the number three teaches about three levels of holiness in which YHWH dwells among His people, each more intimate than the other. Within the Holy Place, there are three pieces of furniture: the Menorah, the Table of Shewbread (Presence), and the Altar of Incense. On a daily basis, this is as intimate as one can be.

The menorah is a figure of the Light and the Tree of Life. It is fueled by the precious oil of the Holy Spirit. The Table of Presence (literally the bread of “faces”) has twelve loaves, one for each tribe of Israel. They remain in YHWH’s presence all week and are refreshed every Shabbat. Clearly, these loaves (which come from the grains created on day three) are the ground seeds of Torah that live in all Israel, making them one loaf. (1 Cor. 10:17) They are a memorial of His Word to His people. They also recall the double portion of manna (heavenly bread) given on day six, so one can rest on the seventh day as God commanded. The Altar of Incense is the closest piece of furniture to the Most Holy Place. Its fragrance and covering cloud of sweet smelling smoke is indicative of prayers continually ascending to the Throne of Adonai. Notice that all three pieces of furniture in the Holy Place involve food stuffs or fuel that are derived from PLANT life created on the third day.

Peter sees a vision in Acts 10 of a sheet that descends from heaven three times (heavenly witness). He would soon meet three Gentile men, and Peter wasn’t to think of them as something unfit (common). Peter explained his own vision, which had nothing to do with food or God changing His Law or Holy Word. (Acts 10:28, Mal. 3:6, Mat. 5:17-20) In the natural, Peter was “hungry” when he had this heavenly vision. The men that were coming to him were spiritually “hungry” for the message that Peter had for them. (Acts 10:33-48) In his discourse to those hungry for the Words Life, he mentions that he is a witness to the third day resurrection. For a more in depth Hebraic understanding of Peter’s vision, see Peter’s Vision: Beacon or Bacon? by Dr. Robin Gould.

Four

Arbah [f.], arbahah [m.] Authority, government, rule, dominion, calendar, time, creation, kingdom, fullness, giving of the Torah (Law) and Holy Spirit. The most holy Name of G-d has four Hebrew letters (yohd, heh, vav, heh – YHWH). Judah was the fourth born son and has the scepter of rule. Pictures completeness much like seven. Four matriarchs, four corners of the earth, four horns on altar, four tassles (tzit-tziyot) are to be worn on one’s garment/robe, four living creatures, four horsemen, Four rivers of Eden, four winds, four gospels, etc.

On the negative side there are four beasts (Dan. 7:3). The fourth one is diverse from the others and has ten horns (see info for the number ten below). Then, an eleventh horn emerges (see info on eleven here) that seeks to change times (appointed seasons/feast days) and law (God’s Torah). (Dan. 7:25) This is in direct opposition to the calendar/clock/seasons/law that YHWH gave on day four of creation.

Fourth Hebrew letter: Dalet Numerical value of four. Pictographic meaning door, draw out or in, knock, path, way, portal to heaven, dominion, control, bough, and branch.
Priests wore four garments: a linen tunic, linen breeches, a linen turban, and a long sash. High priests wore an additional four garments (see number eight): the ephod, breastplate, a cloak of blue wool with bells and pomegranates, and a golden plate on their forehead inscribed with, “Holy to YHWH.”
The Mishkan (Tabernacle) had four coverings: badger/porpoise skin, ram skin dyed red, goat’s hair, and embroidered linen.
The Passover Seder is structured around fours: the Four Questions, the Four Sons, and Four Cups of Wine.
Seven loaves fed four thousand with seven baskets leftover. (Mt. 15:32-39)
On day four of creation, the sun, moon, and stars are placed in the sky (natural light) to govern the moedim (feast days). They mark time and give signs. Their natural light separates from the darkness for those on the earth.
God’s calendar and prophetic clock were established on Day Four of Creation.
The Jerusalem Council gave FOUR basic requirements for Gentiles to enter the assembly; from that point they would learn Torah/Moses. (Acts 15:19-21)
Four fasts will one day become cheerful moedim. (Zech. 8:19)
Fourth Feast: Shavuot (Pentecost) Lev. 23
Fourth Spirit of God: Ruach Adonai (fullness of Holy Spirit) Is. 11:2
Fourth Church of Revelation: Thyatira (Meaning perfume, odor of affliction, sacrifice of labor, or castle Thya)
Negative side: A heart that devises wicked imaginations, becoming full of false light. (Pr. 6:16-19) Giving authority to the beast and appetites of desire. Four also results in judgment, as in the four horsemen and the four altar judgments. When the Word is tested in an individual, it will produce life (davar) or pestilence (dever).

Ezekiel 14:21 (NASB) For thus says the Lord GOD, “How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to cut off man and beast from it!

Four is indicative of AUTHORITY. The fourth branch on the Menorah is the center, main shaft. It is the source for the other six branches. Yeshua stands in the midst of the menorah. (Rev. 1:12-13) On the fourth day of creation, YHWH declared His GOVERNMENT of the earth and all who dwell in it by creating the sun, moon, and stars. These celestial bodies faithfully keep and proclaim His calendar, His months, His weeks, and His holy days to the world. Only the Creator of the Universe has the ability to define and regulate a man’s clock and calendar. Our life (time) is limited and decreed by the King of all Creation. Every second of our lives is in the palm of His hands whether we recognize His authority or not. Thus, TIME and AUTHORITY are intrinsically linked with day four.

The fourth feast day, Shavuot, the Feast of weeks (time), or Pentecost arrives after one counts fifty days and seven times seven weeks of TIME. It is the fullness of all the feast days as it commemorates Adonai giving His people His Torah (Covenant) and His Spirit (Seal). Again, this is about TIME and AUTHORITY, which declares Adonai’s GOVERNMENT of the Universe (this is mirrored by the Sabbath day – a weekly feast day that is also about Time and Authority). See more about the fourth feast, Pentecost here. Moreover, the Sabbath is the “oht” or sign Between YHWH and His people for all generations, as is keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread. (Ex. 13:9, 31:13, 17) The “oht” were given on day four of creation.

The fourth piece of furniture in the covered place of the Tabernacle/Temple/House is the Ark of the Covenant, but if one counts from the courtyard, it is the seventh. The Most Holy Place could only be entered ONCE in a YEAR. One must know the Creator’s calendar given on day four in order to live and not die in this sacred space. The mercy seat is a type of Throne, another picture of Authority and Government. Four Living Creatures surround the Throne of Elohim, always declaring, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” (Is. 6:3, Rev. 4:8)

Four and seven have many common factors. They depict holy places in both SPACE and TIME. (For more on this see Rivers of Eden.) Fullness and completeness are characteristics of Abba’s House. As the door (delet), four shows one the Way into the Throne room of Adonai, the place of Authority/Kingship. Yeshua is the door for the sheep. (John 10:7-9) It is impossible to get this close and personal with YHWH by entering another door or way. Thus, intimacy and authority are linked.

Five

Chamesh [f.], chameeshah [m.] Power, strength, alertness (wake-up!), Torah, grace, ministry, service, gospel, fruitfulness, going forth, fast movement, anointed, prayers, and protection. The holy anointing oil had five ingredients: four spices mixed with olive oil. (Ex. 30:23-25.) The holy incense also had five ingredients: four spices mixed with salt. (Ex. 30:34-35 – though tradition says there were eleven ingredients.) We are empowered by the Word (Torah) and the Spirit. All is given by God’s mercy and grace. There are five Books of Torah (Moses/Law), the five-fold ministry (Eph. 4:11), David’s 5 smooth stones, fruit from trees is fit to eat in the fifth year.

Fifth Hebrew letter: Hey Numerical value of five. Pictographic meaning breath, air, spirit, femininity, and behold (to make known). As a prefix, it is the definite article “the.”
Five loaves fed five thousand, leaving twelve baskets leftover. (Mt. 14:16-21, a story in all four gospels)
On day five of creation, the birds and fish were created. They move fast and carry seed throughout the whole earth in their migrations. Like them, we are anointed and filled with the Spirit to carry God’s Seed, the Gospel throughout the earth. These creatures move in unity.
There are five divisions to the Psalms.
Zelophehad had FIVE daughters and no sons. The daughters brought a case before Moses asking to receive an inheritance as sons. YHWH tells Moses that the women are right and they get an inheritance. (Num. 27:7)
Fifth Feast: Rosh Hashanah/ Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) Lev. 23
Fifth Spirit of God: Gvurah (Power/Strength) Is. 11:2
Fifth Church of Revelation: Sardis (Meaning Red Ones, prince of joy, escaping ones, or those who come out)
Negative side: Feet that run swiftly to evil, walking toward darkness, trampling the holy with one’s feet, being ruled by the power of the nephesh/flesh instead of the power of the Holy Spirit. (Pr. 6:16-19)

Five is indicative of being filled, prepared, and empowered to go forth on whatever mission YHWH has given one to do. Five books of Moses completes YHWH’s instructions to His people. It’s not a coincidence that grace is also associated with the number five. Grace and Torah are not in opposition to one another; rather they work in harmony with one another. The Torah is the Seed carried throughout the earth by the spiritual birds and fish. The five books of Torah are the five loaves that feed thousand with plenty leftover for those that come later, all Israel – twelve loaves – like the Bread of Presence. Women have just as much inheritance in the Torah and spreading its message as men, which is pictured in Zelophehad’s daughters.

Five is associated with prayers and being anointed, as both the incense and the anointing oil had five ingredients. This indicates that anointment and prayer are POWERFUL. Both define and declare YHWH’s authority, gifts, callings, favor, direction, purpose, and will. They release a sweet fragrance. Both can be a hedge of protection like the clouds, the seal, and the “hiddenness” of Yom Teruah. Five also indicates maturity and unity. Notice how perfectly synchronized the movements of flocks of birds and schools of fish are in the mayim (waters) and shamayim (heavens). Though they are many, they flow as one fluid Body. This is the Spirit of Power, which cannot be accomplished if there isn’t a love for the brethren. Without love, there is no unity or gathering.

Six

Shesh [f.], sheeshah [m.] Connection, image, man, beast, flesh, work, sacrifice, intimacy, knowledge, sacrificial love (da’at – knowledge), number of man and beast, antichrist, idol, Adam, relationship, and judgment. Six often refers to the works of man, but ideally represents sacrificial love and intimate knowledge with the Creator (Da’at). When the latter is forsaken, only idolatry and flesh remain. One is ALWAYS either projecting the image of God or the image of the beast (flesh) to the world, which is represented by the number six and Day Six of Creation.

Above all, the letter/number vav is about connection and relationship. The Talmud says that wherever the vav appears, it also serves to “add” something that is not obvious – something that goes beyond the simple meaning of the text. To whom or what are you connected with? Mankind is a relational being meant for connection. With whom or what shall we attach ourselves? That is the question of Day Six, and the answer to the “mark of the beast.”

On the Torah scroll, each column of text begins with the letter vav (the conjunction “and”), which joins each section to the next in a continual untied flow.[1] Thus, the Word of Adonai in man connects him/her with God. Without the Words of Life, one is disconnected or disjointed from God, because one has chosen to join with the words of “another,” such as self or other falsehoods (idolatry).

The purposeful alignment to start each Torah column with a vav is based on the construction of the Tabernacle. Like the Mishkan, the Torah is meant to contain the Spirit or Presence of Adonai. And like man, if the Ruach HaKodesh is not present, it is just letters on parchment, lifeless and incapable of projecting His image to the world.

Exodus 27:9-10 (NKJV) You shall also make the court of the tabernacle. For the south side there shall be hangings for the court made of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long for one side. 10 And its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets shall be bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their bands shall be silver.

The Hebrew word for curtains/hangings is the same word for the parchment of the Torah scroll. Likewise, the Hebrew word for pillars is the same word for the columns on the Torah scroll. In the Tabernacle, the curtains were held up by vavim (plural of vav), hooks that hold two things together.[2] Just as the vavim held the court curtains in place and connected them one to another, firm to the pillars, the Torah connects and stabilizes earth (beings) with the heavenly realm.

“Six is the revealed creation of the physical world… seven or Shabbat reveals the spiritual within the physical.” (Alewine)

Sixth Hebrew letter: Vav Numerical value of six. Pictographic meaning of hook, nail, to connect, tent peg, add to, attach. As a conjunction prefix, it means “and.” The number six reveals whether we are connected to Adonai or the beast/flesh.
On Day Six of Creation, beasts of the field (land creatures) and mankind (male and female) were created. Mankind is designed to rule over the beasts of the field. Spiritually, he/she must rule over their own beast/flesh empowered by the Torah – His instructions for this purpose.
The world (all of creation) was created in six days. Hence, six is connected to creation and the work by God and of man as His image bearers.
The first word in the Bible is Bereishit (In the beginning), which in Hebrew consists of six letters, בראשית.
The sixth word in the Bible (ואת) begins with vav, connecting “heaven and earth.”
In Bava Batra 14a, the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of Testimony) were cube shaped sapphire stones, and they measured 6x6x6 handbreadths.[3] (For more information, see the pdf entitled Counting the Omer 2018.)
The Tefillin or phylacteries and the Mezuzah have the letter shin engraved
Mezuzah
on the outside, which represents Shaddai (God Almighty). A shin is made of three vavim or 666. In this case, the number is positive as the tefillin and the mezuzah represent binding the Word of God as a sign on one’s hand, forehead, and doorposts. Dt. 6:8-9 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
There are six sedarim (orders) in the Mishnah.[4]
Seraphim have six wings, with a head in the center, making a fiery menorah. (Is. 6:2)
Four Living Creatures have six appendages/wings with a head, also making a menorah. (Ezek. 1:5-8, Rev. 4:8)
Magen David (Star/Shield of David) has six points or wings.
Man is to work for six days and then rest on the seventh day, Shabbat. (Ex. 16:23-30; 20:8-11
Noah was 600 years old when the flood waters came upon the earth. (Gen. 7:6)
Isaac was sixty years old when Rebecca gave birth to Esau and Jacob. (Gen. 25:26)
Leah bore Jacob six sons. (Gen. 30:20)
Jacob served Laban fourteen years for his wives, and six years for his flock. (Gen. 31:41)
66 of Jacob’s descendants went down to Egypt. (Gen. 46:26-27 with Joseph and his sons, totaling 70.)
600,000 men on foot (and their families) were redeemed from Egypt. (Ex. 12:37)
Pharaoh chose 600 choice chariots to chase after Israel. (Ex. 14:7)
Goliath’s spear head weighed 600 shekels of iron. (1 Sam. 17:7)
In the story of Saul and David, each are said to have 600 men with them in multiple places.
The length of the House of Adonai that King Solomon built was 60 cubits. (1 Kings 6:2)
There were six steps that led up to King Solomon’s ivory throne. (1 Kings 10:19)
The King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, built a golden image with a height of 60 cubits and a width of 6 cubits. (Dan. 3:1)
The number of the beast IS the number of man, 666. Let him who has understanding calculate the number. (Rev. 13:18 – see also The Mark of the Beast.)
Seed that falls on GOOD soil yields 100, 60, or 30 fold. (Mt. 13:23)
Sixth Feast: Yom HaKippurim (Day of Atonements) Lev. 23
Sixth Spirit of God: Da’at (Knowledge; sacrificial love) Is. 11:2
Sixth Church of Revelation: Philadelphia (Meaning: brotherly love)
Negative side: A false witness that speaks lies, being a witness for the enemy or for the lusts of the flesh. (Pr. 6:16-19) See the number 24 for a giant that followed this image of the beast (6) that actually had six fingers on each hand and six toes each foot. The sixth abomination of Pr. 6:16-19, marks a change from body parts to a whole person, a false witness.

Peter had a vision of a sheet with unclean beasts at the sixth hour. (Acts 10:9) The vision was a parable; the beasts represented people (men), not food. Peter saw the sheet three times and three Gentile men (3+3=6) came to see him. (Acts 10:28-29) This story is a great example of how to discern between the Spirit of Adonai and the desires of the flesh, or the number six. How do you view Peter’s vision? A flesh ruled person (6) can and usually will twist this encounter to condone the appetites of the flesh; that is, eating unclean animals that YHWH calls an abomination. (Lev. 11) This is a false witness. To their credit, most have been taught by misinformed teachers to view Peter’s encounter as a license to indulge in the desires of the flesh. In other words, they’ve been deceived and are not in outright rebellion, but still a false witness.

On the other hand, one that knows and loves God’s Word and commandments will not be looking for a loophole to disobey what is written and will immediately discern the context of Acts chapter 10. Peter clearly interprets his own vision in the text; it’s better to take his word for it. The unclean animals symbolize men, and have nothing to do with food or eating what God has forbidden. We must have the mind of Messiah, not a mind set on appeasing the wants, desires, and appetites of the flesh, which is the image of a beast. The beauty and depth of Peter’s vision has been tainted by the desire to consume swine’s flesh for far too long. Peter’s vision is about God’s love and acceptance of people from all nations, tribes, and tongues. You must decide which interpretation is spiritual and which one is from the appetite of a beast. This decision is made in the sixth hour (noon) when the sunlight is at its peak in the sky. In other words, there should be no ambiguity or darkness to blind one to truth. See also Dr. Robin Gould’s book, Peter’s Vision: Beacon or Bacon.

Song of Solomon 3:6-8 (NASB) What is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all scented powders of the merchant? 7 Behold, it is the traveling couch of Solomon; sixty mighty men around it, of the mighty men of Israel. 8 All of them are wielders of the sword, expert in war; each man has his sword at his side, guarding against the terrors of the night.

Seven

Shvah [f.], sheevah [m.] Rest, cessation from work, wholeness, completeness, being ripe, order, stability, and holiness. Also, the number of the Temple, Adonai’s House. We rest (7) in the finished work (6) of the Messiah. There are seven days of creation, seven days for Temple dedication, seven Spirits of God, seven feasts of God, seven churches or assemblies in Revelation, seven stars in Yeshua’s hand, seven golden lampstands, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls, seven thunders that speak, seven eyes of the Lord, seven horns & eyes on the Lamb, seven abominations (wicked lamp spirits Pr. 6:16-19), the priest of Midian (Moses’ father-in-law) had seven daughters, Joshua had the people along with seven priests march around Jericho before the Ark for seven days. On the 7th day, seven priests blowing seven shofarot along with the people circled the city seven times. On the 7th circuit, the shofars sounded long and the people shouted and the walls fell. Sampson had seven locks of hair in which were the source of his strength (Holy Spirit). Elijah sent his servant to look for the indication of rain seven times. Elisha had Naaman wash in the Jordan seven times to be cured of his leprosy. Elisha laid upon a dead boy; he sneezed seven times and rose. King Joash began to reign at age seven; and he began to rebuild the Temple of YHWH. King Hezekiah reinstated the observance of Passover (1st feast) and Unleavened Bread (seven day festival). The people were so excited they celebrated an additional seven days. Pure, white light refracts into seven colors (iris, prism, rainbow).

On day seven of creation, God rested from His work. He set the seventh day apart as holy, and gave it a name: Shabbat. Seven transcends the natural and moves into the supernatural. We begin every week (and even every day as the day begins at sunset) by RESTING. First, we rest in the finished work of God, then we go to work (perform good deeds). This has been G-d’s pattern from the very beginning. Rest, then work. Any other pattern proclaims mankind’s desire to rest in the work of his own hands.

“Six is the revealed creation of the physical world… seven or Shabbat reveals the spiritual within the physical. The Sabbath seven exposes the spirit that moves inside the physical garment of the six.” (Alewine)

According to the ancient near eastern (ANE) culture and understanding of the cosmos (this includes ancient Israel), seven was the normal operation and order of G-d’s House/Temple. Thus, all the seven’s in the Bible have to do with Temple building, inauguration, and dedication. (Obviously, the negative side of this is wickedness that destroys this imagery.) For example, the seven days of creation are the seven days of Temple dedication, with Shabbat being the inauguration or rest. In this case, the Shabbat signifies the Creator’s rule of heaven and earth and His Temple/presence being the ultimate means of stability and order in the world. In other words, the completeness pictured in the number seven is qualified in ANE thought by TEMPLE building/dedication/inauguration. Without the Temple (G-d’s rule), there is chaos and a lack of order in the world. Knowing this should broaden our perspective on the spiritual implication of the number seven. (For more information, see Dr. Dinah Dye’s book, The Temple Revealed in Creation.)

Seventh Hebrew letter: Zayin Numerical value of seven. Pictographic meaning plowshare, weapon, sword, to arm, to adorn, to cut, to feed, completion.
The first verse of the Bible has seven Hebrew words with twenty-eight (4×7) letters.
Blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat seven times on Yom Kippur. (Lev. 16:14) Blood of the chatat (sin) offering was sprinkled before the veil seven times (Lev. 9:17)
It takes seven days to atone for the altar and to purify it. (Ex. 29:37, Ezek. 43:26)
Seven of the Ten Commandments are negative and begin with the Hebrew loh, or no/not, as in “Thou shall not.”
Seven weeks (7 x 7) are counted to get to Shavuot (Pentecost). Likewise, 7 x 7 years are counted to reach a Yovel (Jubilee) year. Each of these seven year bundles are a Shemittah year or a year of release. (See future post on the number fifty.)
Wisdom has seven pillars. (Pr. 9:1)
Seven loaves fed four thousand with seven baskets leftover. (Mt. 15:32-39)
We must forgive our brothers/sisters 7 x 7 times. (Mt. 18:21; Luke 17:4)
Mary Magdalene had seven evil spirits cast from her. (Mar. 16:9, Pr. 6:16-19)
Seventh Feast: Sukkot (Tabernacles) Lev. 23
Seventh Spirit of God: Yirat Adonai (Fear/Reverence of God) Is. 11:2
Seventh Church of Revelation: Laodicea (Meaning justice or vengence of the people)
Negative side: One who sows discord or strife among brothers, tearing down the house. The opposite of restoration and rest. Chaos in the house and in relationships. Becoming wholly wicked. (Pr. 6:16-19) Destroying G-d’s Temple or House. Destroying creation, order, stability, and life. Rejecting the Kingdom and YHWH/Yeshua as King. Cup of iniquity, abominations, and wickedness becoming full, which results in destruction.

The harlot in the Book of Revelation rides a scarlet beast (see number 6) that has SEVEN heads. She is the epitome of one ruled by the image of the beast created on day six and the lusts of the flesh (the beast is red like Esau). The beast has ten horns (see 10 below), which denotes a completely wicked assembly. Instead of holding the holy Shabbat (7) Kiddush cup, she has a cup full of abominations. (Pr. 6:16-19)

Eight

Shemoni [f.], shemonah [m.] Literally to “make fat.” New beginnings, not just complete (like seven), but satiated. Becoming “fat” is having more than enough. Full to overflowing. Moves from natural to supernatural. Transcends natural time and space to supernatural realm. Figuratively, eight takes one through a full cycle of seven, and begins anew – the One Day – Yom Echad – of creation. But, it also alludes to greater authority (doubled 4), accountability, and holiness (set apartness).

Torah Portion Shemini – “Eighth” (Lev. 9:1-11:47) describes what occurs “on the eighth day” after the inauguration of the Tabernacle. Aaron’s sons brought an esh zarah, a strange fire, before Adonai and His fire consumed them. There is a connection between the brazen altar and the incense altar (the latter being the offering of Aaron’s sons). Both discern between the spirit and the nephesh. While some nephesh might remain after passing through the brazen altar, none can be present at the golden altar, which is closer to the Presence of the Holy One. For YHWH our God is a consuming fire; He is a jealous God. (Dt. 4:24) His priests are required to teach the people the difference between the holy and the profane. (Lev. 10:10-11)

While “new beginnings” sound wonderful to the soul, it is imperative that one considers the cost for this to occur. All new life, new births, and new beginnings require a death (at least figuratively). The old must die in order for new life or for a new beginning to occur. The nephesh hates this message, because it does not want to relinquish the power of the soul, the power of sin, to God’s holy fire/altar. The ego wars against letting go, to submission, and obedience, because it cannot see past the natural, earthy realm. It doesn’t understand that the smoke rising up from its demise IS the Way to the heavenly realm, and true life. The sign of the covenant, circumcision, which is performed on the “eighth” day, teaches this same message. Saul and David are figures of the desires of the nephesh and the spirit, respectively. It’s not a coincidence that David was an “Eighth” son.

There is a distinction, a division, a set-apartness involved with “eight.” Holiness is, in a sense, a boundary – or rather, a set of boundaries. There are levels of holiness explained in intricate detail in the Torah (Instructions) of God. Even at Mt. Sinai, the children of Israel were told not to cross the boundary set by Adonai, even in their zeal to gaze upon Him, or they would die. (Ex. 19) In our current state, God’s holiness would consume us. Until the final redemption, the redemption of our bodies (resurrection/change), we will suffer the same fate as Nadab and Abihu if we try to zealously cross a holiness boundary beyond what Adonai has prescribed for us. (Rom. 8:18-30, Eph. 4:30-32)

The priesthood had to live by stricter standards than average Israelites. Their boundaries were not as “loose,” because they were mediators and drew closer to the Holy One. Aside from this most holy duty, they were to teach the people the difference between the holy and the profane, and the clean and the unclean. These were/are God’s standards, not man’s. Carnal man is deeply opposed to such laws and standards, because these things are Holy and Spiritual, and man is not. (Rom. 7:12-24) The holiness of Adonai and His Torah are spiritually discerned, a carnal man cannot know them. (1 Cor. 2:14) Failing to teach these spiritual instructions to Adonai’s people does “violence” to His Torah, and profanes His Name.

Ezekiel 22:26 (NASB) “Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.”

It is important to read the entirety of portion Shemini. The last half explains the distinctions between clean and unclean animals. This is not disconnected from what happened on the “eighth day” with Nadab and Abihu. The Christian world has mostly ignored or explained these laws away to conform to the desires of the nephesh (flesh). But, it is in this section that Adonai twice declares, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (Lev. 11:45-46) Food, what one “eats,” is deeply intimate. We are to make distinctions, based on what the Word of God says, between the creatures we eat, because they become a part of us (physical body). The spiritual counterpart is even more vital. We are to “eat” the Bread of God, the heavenly bread, which is His Word and Messiah, so it/He becomes a part of us too. This is what sustains, preserves, and allows life to continue in us in both the natural and spiritual realms.

Be holy, be set apart, live by the boundaries declared from the mouth of Adonai in regard to food. Then, consider that only some “clean” creatures were fit to be placed on God’s holy altar – another, tighter boundary (holiness). These animals represented the offerer. Closely consider their natural aspects. Cows, goats, and sheep have “cloven hoofs” or feet. They are divided or separated in two, a distinction, akin to holiness and discernment. They also chew the cud. Study that process and relate to the Word of God, the word of His ministers, and the things you “consume.” What does this teach us, spiritually? The swine or pigs have feet that look “clean,” but they do not chew the cud. They are a figure of deception, hypocrisy, rebellion, and “strangeness.” Many years of my life, I could say that I resembled this unclean creature, because while I might have had cloven hoofs, I did not “chew the cud.” I ate anything – in both the physical and spiritual sense. I did not ruminate, meditate, or cut, divide, and separate what I was consuming (physically and spiritually), which means the desirable and undesirable both mixed together in my being to became one with me. I ate whatever came my way, just as the swine does. God’s people are to make a distinction between such things, even spiritual things, like the Bereans. (Acts 17:10-12)

Want a New Beginning? Make distinctions between the holy and profane, the clean and the unclean. Let those things that war against “it is written” in you DIE by the Letter, so the Spirit can quicken you to Life.

Eighth Hebrew letter: Chet Numerical value of eight. Pictographic meaning wall, fence, protect, new beginning, separation, sin, outside, olam haba.
Covenant (pictured in circumcision on the 8^th day).
The Tabernacle was dedicated in an eight-day ceremony.
High Priests wore eight garments: a linen tunic, linen breeches, a linen turban, and a long sash, the ephod, breastplate, a cloak of blue wool with bells and pomegranates, and a golden plate on their forehead inscribed with, “Holy to YHWH.”
Righteous King Josiah began his rule of Judah at the age of eight. (2 Kings 22:1-2) In the eighth year of his reign, while still a boy, he sought YHWH and began to purge Judah of high places and Asherim. (2 Chr. 34:3) He repaired the Temple, discovered the Torah, repented, and cleansed Judah further in the eighteenth year of his reign. (2 Kings 22:3 – 23:20) Also in his eighteenth year, he restored YHWH’s Passover (1st feast – see one). With Unleavened Bread, Passover week is EIGHT days, which mirrors the eight day festival of Sukkot plus Shemini Atzeret. (2 Kings 23: 21-25)
Eight days after His resurrection, Yeshua appeared to the disciples and spoke to (doubting) Thomas. Thomas proclaimed Yeshua “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:26-29)
The Transfiguration occurred on the eighth day (Luke 9:28); and Peter wanted to build three sukkot (tabernacles) for Yeshua, Moses, and Elijah. This is a direct reference to the season of the transfiguration: Sukkot – the eight-day feast of YHWH. It also reveals the realm outside of natural time and space – the future One Day – Yom Echad.
Torah (Law) is elevated to the spiritual realm in Ps. 119 by following an 8 verse alphabetical sequence. (See also Ps. 19:7) Paul says, “the Law is Spiritual” in Romans 7:14, indicating that it is spiritually discerned to the natural realm of carnal flesh.
Elijah performed eight miracles; and Elisha doubled that with sixteen (8 + 8).
Eight souls were saved from the flood in Noah’s day, a new beginning.
Chanukah (a late Sukkot festival) is eight days long. Its themes are overcoming darkness with LIGHT, heavenly miracles, supernatural oil, cleansing the Temple, defeating the enemy and idol worship, etc.
Shemini Atzeret, the last great 8th day of Sukkot asks one to linger (add to over flowing) one more day with YHWH.
King David, a prefigure of Messiah Yeshua, was the eighth son of Jesse (a multiple of four [number for scepter, government, authority, and rule]). (1 Sam. 17: 12-14)

Eight is passes the completed work of seven and moves one into the realm of the supernatural or the world to come. It also depicts new beginnings as Hebraic thought sees time and the calendar as cyclical, rather than linear. It is a doubling of four or authority and government. Thus, eight is a re-creation of the House/Tabernacle/Temple of YHWH. Coupled with the letter “yohd” (also the symbol for 10), creates the Hebrew word chai or LIFE. It is impossible to get to this level of closeness with Adonai without complete submission and obedience, as demonstrated by Yeshua.

Nine

Tehshah [f.], teeshah [m.] Last and largest single digit. Signifies finality, judgment, harvest, fruitfulness, the womb, duality (good/evil), concealment, truth, loving-kindness, fruit of the Spirit, turning to look upon/gaze, hour of prayer, etc. When nine reveals what it conceals inside, there is fruitfulness, multiplication, and the building of the House.

Ninth Hebrew letter: Tet Numerical value of nine. Pictographic meaning basket, good/evil, snake, surround, knot, twist, spiral, fruitfulness, repentance, judgment.
There are nine fruit and gifts of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23, 1 Cor. 12:8-10)
Human gestation lasts nine months, linking the number nine to birth, fruit, and life.
Feast cycle covers nine months, again linking nine to birth (salvation), fruit, and life.
Chanukah (Feast of Dedication) falls in the ninth Hebrew month (Kislev).
The chanukiah menorah has nine branches, which represents the normal seven branched menorah that in tradition, miraculously stayed lit for eight days with only enough oil for one day. The ninth branch is the shamash or servant candle that lights the eight days.
Ninth hour is the hour of prayer in Acts 3:1; 10:30.
Yeshua gave up His Spirit at the ninth hour, securing life for the world. (Mt. 27:46)
Cornelius saw an angel of God in a vision at the ninth hour. (Acts 10:3, 30)
Nine has mathematical properties unlike any other number. (See this article)
The first recorded biblical war involved four kings against five kings, which equals nine (4+5=9).
Abram was 99 when YHWH changed his name to Abraham, gave him the covenant of circumcision, and predicted Isaac’s birth. (Gen. 17)
Sarai was 90 when YHWH changed her name to Sarah and was promised a son (Isaac). (Gen. 17)
Yeshua will leave the 99 sheep to go after one. (Mt. 18:12)
Out of ten cleansed lepers, nine do not give praise to God. (Luke 17, one foreigner does give praise!)
End time harvest is marked by wars and rumors of war and great judgment. A harvest cannot be made without separating the wheat from the chaff or without putting a sickle to the heads of grain. (Hence, nine’s association with judgment.)
The last Nine Days of the Three Weeks, culminating with Tisha B’Av mark an intensified time of mourning for sin and rebellion, which resulted in the destruction of the first and second Temple on the 9th of Av.

For much more on nine, click here.

Ten

Esehr [f.], ahsahrah [m.] Divine order, completed cycle, measure, or group (congregation) whether for good or evil, blessing or judgment. A tenth part represents the whole in a tithe. Thus, ten represents a complete congregation, body, or kingdom, whether good or evil.

The orig. meaning of this base prob. was ‘gathering, collection, union’. cp. Arab. ‘ashara (= he formed a community), ‘ashirah ( = tribe), ma’ashar (=a group of ten men). Accordingly, Heb. עשר (eser), Arab. ‘ashr, etc. prob. meant orig. ‘a group collection’, whence ‘a group of ten’, and ultimately ‘ten’.

Tenth Hebrew letter: Yohd Numerical value of ten. Pictographic meaning hand, work, worship, deeds, fist, power, congregation. Shows the possessive singular and past singular.
Ten Commandments or Ten Words
Ten Plagues
Abraham endured ten trials.
For the sake of ten righteous people, YHWH would have spared Sodom. (Gen. 18)
Abraham’s servant brought ten camels as gifts to Rebecca. He knew she was the one because she watered them. (Gen, 24) Her brother (Laban) and her mother wanted her tarry with them for ten days. Could these represent the Ten Words and what helps the Bride to endure the wilderness until she meets her Groom?
Laban changed Jacob’s wages ten times. (Gen. 31:7)
Ten of Joseph’s brothers had to go down to Egypt to buy grain because of famine. (Gen. 42:3) Joseph sent them back with ten donkeys loaded with goods and ten female donkeys loaded with grain. (Gen, 45:23)
On the tenth of the month of Aviv (Nisan), lambs were set-apart for each household and inspected for the Passover sacrifice. (Ex. 12) This was mirrored by Yeshua’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the tenth of Aviv as the sacrificial Lamb of G-d. He was also “inspected” in the four days before Passover as the Lamb of God. (Mt. 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12)
Israel rebelled ten times in the wilderness. (Num. 14:22)
Israelites gathered at least ten homers of quail in the wilderness. Those that ate it died with the meat between their teeth. (Num. 11:32)
There were 10 of 12 spies that gave a bad report to Israel, costing them forty more years (4 x 10) in the wilderness.
Foundation of Tabernacle was made from 10 x 10 silver sockets.
Fire came down from heaven ten times (six were in judgment).
Boaz sat before TEN men (elders/rulers) at the city gate to redeem the field of Naomi (Elimelech) and also to take Ruth as his wife to carry on the name of his deceased relative (Levirate marriage), Mahlon. (Ruth 4)
Ten Virgins (5 wise, 5 foolish).
Ten lost tribes of Israel.
Wicked Haman had TEN sons. (Esther 9:12)
Tenth generation represented whole. (Dt. 23:3)
Ten generations from Adam to Noah.
Minyan is made complete with ten men for prayer.
Ten Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Day of Atonement falls on tenth day of Tishrei.
In the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10), the woman has a total of TEN silver coins. (Silver is the metal/color of redemption.) When she loses one, she lights a LAMP and sweeps the HOUSE, until she finds the lost coin. Then, she and the entire community rejoices at finding the “lost” coin.
The beast that the harlot rides in Revelation has seven heads and TEN horns, as does the fourth beast in Daniel’s night visions (Dan.7). The horns represent wicked kings or rulers (authority and power).

Thus says the LORD of hosts, “In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'” (Zec. 8:23 NASB)

[1] There are only five exceptions to this: Genesis 1:1 starts with bet (ב); and the other four start with the letters י (Genesis 49:8), ה (Exodus 14:28), ש (Leviticus 18:8), and מ (Numbers 24:5).

[2] Luton, Grant. In His Own Words: Messianic Insights into the Hebrew Alphabet. Beth Tikkun Publishing, 2018. p. 84

[3] The baraita continues: And as for the tablets, their length was six handbreadths, their width was six handbreadths, and their thickness was three handbreadths. The tablets were placed along the length of the Ark, one next to the other. If so, how much space did the tablets occupy along the length of the Ark? Twelve handbreadths, as each tablet was six handbreadths long. Three handbreadths were left there along the length of the Ark, for a total of fifteen handbreadths. Deduct a handbreadth from them: One-half a handbreadth for this wall, namely, the thickness of the wooden Ark itself, and one-half a handbreadth for the other wall. Accordingly, two handbreadths were left there, in which the Torah scroll written by Moses lay. (Bava Batra 14a)

[4] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/mishnah

For Hebrew numbers 11-30, click here.

For references, please see footnotes on this page: Misparim

Alewine, Hollisa. The Creation Gospel Workbook 2: The Seven Abominations of the Wicked Lamp. The Creation Gospel, 2020.

Categories: Biblical Symbols, Creation Gospel | Tags: aleph, bet, biblical symbolism, chet, dalet, gimel, Hebrew letters, Hebrew numbers, hey, misparim, tet, vav, yohd, zayin | 121 Comments

Posts Tagged With: Hebrew numbers

Hebrew Numbers 11-30

Hebrew Numbers 1-10

Zero

One