The Number Four holds a mysterious and significant place in the Bible and ancient Jewish texts, being connected to the number of spiritual entities or heavenly creatures, as well as symbols of justice, holiness and order. In the Bible’s Old Testament, the number four is linked to multiple passages, through various interpretations and explanations. Every time it appears, it is associated with some symbolic meaning, which sheds light on the intended spiritual message.
From the Creation account in Genesis to the grand Covenant with Abraham, the number four has been important for understanding the grand schemes of divine power. In Genesis, God creates the planets and the stars in four days, followed by the creation of life on the fifth day. To understand more clearly the concept of Creation, a closer look at the number four is needed. According to Jewish rabbis, the number four stands for the four cardinal directions, of the Earth – north, south, east and west. Creation is brought about by divine will, which is the moral compass that orders human life. It is also seen in the four creatures that appeared at the foot of God’s heavenly throne – four symbolising the whole Creation.
The symbolism of the number four follows Abraham and his descendants, who each had four sons. Abraham himself was considered as the provider of God’s Law to the children of Israel, through his four sons. God sealed his Covenant with Abraham’s four sons Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and Esau. He also established another Covenant with Moses on Mount Sinai for the four generations of Israel. In addition, the number four can be found in the sacrificial system initiated by Moses, which prescribed four types of offerings.
The number four is also associated with the Tabernacle or Temple in Jerusalem, which was an architectural masterpiece containing four sections, as ordered by God. It was also divided into four courts, leading to the holy place of the Ark of the Covenant, at its central point. Similarly, the number four features in a number of ritual requirements, such as consecration of the people, which involved four ritual purification ceremonies.
Another important connection between the number four and the Bible comes in the form of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. These four figures are taken to represent the end times, which are often linked to the four cardinal directions. These four horsemen serve as a warning and reminder of God’s ultimate authority, and of the coming final judgement.
It is clear that the number four permeates throughout the Bible, and has a deep spiritual significance. It is used to illustrate powerful spiritual truths, and to convey the majesty and power of God. By understanding the symbolism of the number four, we can gain a deeper insight into spiritual matters.
Four Dimensions
The Number Four can also be seen as an allusion to the four-dimensional universe, with four cardinal points. These cardinal points have always been the source of a great debate, with theologians and scientists trying to understand the divine power that governs the physical and spiritual realms. Many ancient scholars believed that the four corners of the universe, as symbolised by the number four, are the manifestation of God’s power.
The number four can also be seen as a symbol of eternity and infinity. This is because four is the only number which if you draw in a square, will create a perfect circle, a symbol associated with infinity. In Jewish and Christian thinking, four is seen as representing God’s perfection and infinity, as symbolised by the four seasons, cardinal points, and the historical covenants.
To the Jewish mind, four symbolised the idea of truth, justice, holiness and law. The rabbis believed that the four cardinal directions represented the four aspects of God’s character, as revealed in the Ten Commandments. By understanding the four cardinal points, we can gain insight into how to live our lives according to God’s will. The rabbis also said that understanding the four cardinal points leads us closer to God.
The concept of the number four has also been linked to the idea of the four aspects of the world. The ancient rabbis believed that there are four aspects to the world: physical, psychological, spiritual and mental. These four aspects have a profound effect on our behaviour and relationships, and by understanding and utilising them, we can experience a richer, more soulful life.
The Cosmic Connection
The concept of the number four can also be seen as being linked to the idea of the cosmic forces that guide the universe. Ancient texts describe these forces as arising from the four corners of the universe, and all living beings as part of a single cosmic whole. By understanding the role of the cosmic forces, we can develop more meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others.
The connection between the number four and the cosmic forces is also related to the idea of karma and the law of cause and effect, which teaches that every action has an effect. This understanding of the role of the universe in our lives can change the way we interact with our environment, and with other people. By understanding the way the cosmic forces interact, we can strive to align our lives with a more positive direction.
Ultimately, understanding the meaning of the number four in the Bible is important to developing an understanding of God, his revelation and the way in which he works in this world. It reveals the mystery of divine power, and its grand purpose for humanity. From the grand covenants with Abraham and Moses, to the cosmic connection, it is clear that the number four is closely linked to our quest for spiritual knowledge.
The Four Gospels
The number four can also be seen in the writings of the four Gospels, which tell the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each contribute unique perspectives, which together form the complete story of Jesus’ ministry. The four Gospels represent four different ways in which we can conceive of Jesus’ mission, each offering valuable insights into his nature, mission, and teachings.
In addition, the four Gospels provide a unique insight into the divine life of Jesus Christ. Through their combined narrative, we can see how Jesus sought to serve and bring salvation to the world through his teachings, healings and miracles. This is especially evident in the four discourses that make up the heart of Jesus’ ministry: in the Sermon on the Mount, the Parable of the Sower, the Sermon on the Plain, and the Olivet Discourse.
By studying the four Gospels, we can gain a much clearer understanding of Jesus’ work and mission. We can also begin to understand his relationship to his Father in Heaven, as portrayed in the Gospels. By opening our hearts and minds to the four Gospels, we can begin to see the power of Jesus’ actions, and his desire to open the way for us to live a life of grace and mercy.
The Four Living Creatures
The four living creatures are also closely associated with the number four in the Bible, being described as the four creatures that surround and attend to the throne of God. The four creatures represent the four faces of the Messiah, known as the four Mashiach. These four creatures symbolise different types of divine service that are dedicated to the service of God. The four creatures also represent the four faces of the supernatural world: angelic, heavenly, spiritual, and divine.
The four living creatures are closely associated with the cherubim, an angelic order that is said to guard the divine presence. The cherubim are seen as a manifestation of God’s divine power and authority, and the four living creatures thus symbolise this power. The angels that follow the four living creatures serve to show us the power of God, and remind us of his constant presence in our lives.
By connecting the four living creatures to the four cherubim, we can also see the connection between humanity and the divine nature of God. We are always surrounded by the presence of God and the supernatural forces that work through him, and the four cherubim represent the four aspects of human existence – physical, spiritual, emotional and mental.
Conclusion
It is clear that the Number Four has an important place in the Bible, with its symbolism being closely connected to the divine power of God, and the four-dimensional universe. From the Creation account to the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, the number four serves to reveal powerful spiritual truths, and to help us better understand the grand schemes of God’s divine power. By understanding the symbolism of the number four, we gain a deeper insight into spiritual matters and our relationship with God.
