Numbers in the Bible: A Look at Biblical Numerology
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the biblical numerology. More and more websites have appeared with lists of what different numbers in the Bible might represent.
We need to be very careful when attempting to draw meaning from numbers in the Bible. There are a lot of books and materials that claim to reveal a "hidden code" or mystery within the Bible's numbers. While many of these materials are quite convincing in their arguments and even attempt to use numerology to defend the Bible, the whole premise of finding some sort of "hidden" revelation is very dangerous.
God’s truth is available to all, not just those who can crack a special code. There’s a harmful elitism and mysticism in saying we need some sort of special knowledge to understand part of God’s message to us. God warns that He has hidden things from the wise and revealed them to babes (Luke 10:21). We’re to use the Bible to help us understand math, not use math to unlock the mysteries of the Bible. God has given us His Spirit, note a code, to help us understand His Word.
However, the Bible does give us principles through which we we're to base our understanding of the world around us--including numbers. We'll get to that in just a minute, but first, let's take a closer look at biblical numerology.
Taking a Closer Look at Biblical Numerology
If you’ve ever been intrigued by any sort of “biblical numerical code,” I’d encourage you to read this article by James Nickel on the Bible Code. I found this article incredibly helpful in understanding why I felt such a caution and uneasiness in my spirit every time I read anything about these hidden codes. Mr. Nickel explains how these “hidden” codes really have Gnostic roots and are a distortion of the gospel of Christ and the Word of God.
Gotquestions.org also has a helpful caution regarding putting too much into the meaning of numbers in the Bible.
Understanding How to View Numbers Biblically
While we need to be careful about looking for a mystery or significance in biblical numbers, that hardly means the Bible doesn't have anything to say about numbers! The Bible gives us principles that impact the way we view and approach all aspects of life, including numbers.
When you think about it, numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) are really just symbols we use to represent quantities. And who created quantities? God did!
God is the one who created the quantities we use numerals to record. He's also the one who gave man the ability to recognize and record quantities in the first place!
Consider how the following biblical principles transform the way we see numbers, and math in general.
- God is the creator and sustainer of all things and is a consistent, faithful God; hence, we can expect the universe to be consistent.
- Man is created in the image of God; hence, we’re able to observe the consistent way God governs all things and record that using math.
- Man is fallen; hence, we are prone to error and cannot place our faith in our own reason.
- God gave us the responsibility to work and “subdue” the earth; hence, God has given us math as a useful tool to help us with the tasks He has given us.
The above statements are just a few (and are simplified for the sake of space) of the ways the Bible’s principles should impact the way we approach numbers and math. When we take these and other principles and build our approach to math off of them, it completely transforms math from a meaningless exercise to something both meaningful and useful—and something that, above all, points us to the Creator.
FIND OUT MORE!
Beyond Numbers: A Practical Guide to Teaching Math Biblically
Learn how to see and teach math from a biblical worldview with this easy-to-read guidebook!
A great, general-purpose introduction for a typical parent.
- James D. Nickel, author of Mathematics: Is God Silent?
This small gem discusses the general topic of thinking biblically as it applies to math. It gives examples from history, is illustrated with thought-provoking cartoons, and provides samples of practical application of thinking biblically as you teach math.
- Joyce Herzog, Choosing & Using Curriculum
Features:
- Concise enough to read in one sitting.
You won't have to spend hours reading! - Written by a homeschool graduate with the homeschool parent in mind.
- Written in every-day language.
This is one math book you don't have to fear! In fact, you may find that it takes the fear out of math. - Integratable with the curriculum of your choice
This book walks you through how to both select and modify a curriculum for your child. Includes reviews of a few common curriculums, and guidelines for finding a good math curriculum.
This Book Will Help You :
- Get invigorated about math as you see how math's very existence reminds us of God's faithfulness.
- Teach your child to view the world through a Christian perspective. You just may find that he is better able to understand and apply math. Things make so much more sense when we approach them correctly!
As I made my way through the pages I was captivated by the fresh perspective brought to the entire world of mathematics. Every homeschooling parent ought to read this book.
- Sandra A. Lovelace, homeschool pioneer, speaker and author, and International Consultant with HSLDA
So, if you are like me and avoid math, read this book to bring a glimmer of hope and purpose. If you delight in numbers, this book will bring a new depth to that delight. If you are teaching anyone math or thinking math is neutral, you have to read this book to protect the hearts and minds of yourself and those you love.
- Carolyn (View entire review.)
New edition! The 2011 edition has a new cover, an expanded curriculum section, and miscellaneous updates throughout.
Available as a printed copy for $8.99 or an e-book for $5.99.
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