The Characteristics Of The Number Four
The numerical value of the number four in the Bible relates to the creation of the physical universe, the presence of God and the mystery of evil. Four represents order, established and dependable, representing God’s physical creation.
In the Bible, God commanded four diverse creatures to bring earth into existence, on the fourth day of Creation. They completed their task in four different ways: behemoth, reptiles, birds, and fish.
The number four is symbolised by an earthly quadrilateral, which is defined by four points representing four sides or cardinal values. The four points form a square, which suggests completeness, or the perfect state of being.
The number four also represents measurements that were accurately measured and identified for God’s creation. Man was broadly divided into four classes (slaves, artificers, priests and men of war). Four distinct kinds of birds were set apart to be offerings, and the number of gospels and epistles was fixed at four.
Lastly, the number four in the Bible suggests the mystery of evil, which stands in opposition to God’s will. Four elements of evil are mentioned in the book of Isaiah: fire, wind, water, and dust. The four were used by the Lord to bring judgement upon entire cities, indicating the power and wrath of God.
The Power Of The Number Four
The number four is a powerful symbol in the Bible because it is linked to Creation, judgement and the strength of God’s will. Various mentions of the number four in the Bible show God’s commitment and adherence to His instructions, during the creation of the earth, and in the judgement of sinners.
The number four also demonstrates the providence of God, who is always in control of the situation. When provoked, the Lord makes it known to every creature on earth that He is the Creator, ruler, judge and avenger of all. This is made evident by various events found in the Bible, such as God’s judgement on Pharaoh and his people, the descendants of Jacob, and the defeat of Goliath.
The number four is also an indication of divine completeness, meaning that God is present in all four corners of the world. In the Gospels, Jesus exhorts people to ‘go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’ (Mark 16:15). This is both a spiritual and geographical undertaking, as it encompasses the four points of the compass – north, south, east and west.
The Biblical number four also symbolizes the four essential components of the universe: the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land. Additionally, the four living creatures in Revelations 4:6-8, which are the symbols of God’s power, suggest the same thing. Ultimately, the number four signifies God’s presence everywhere – in the spiritual realm, in the physical realm, and in the heavenly realm.
The Different Symbolic Meaning Of Four
Apart from the symbolic meaning associated with the number four, the number also conveys different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In the book of Leviticus, for example, four refers to cleanness, emphasis and order. The text says that sacrifices should be offered four times a day. This emphasizes the importance of God’s decrees and commandments, as well as the ever-present order of God in the universe.
In the book of Numbers, four also stands for certainty and truth. Jacob and his twelve sons convened to testify the truth of their meeting, to which they multiplied the number of four. This indicates the truthfulness, steadfastness, and dependability associated with God’s promises.
Lastly, in the book of Exodus, four symbolises faithfulness and covenant. In chapter 16, Moses spoke to the four sons of Aaron about the covenant between God and mankind. Through such covenants, four signifies faithfulness, mercy and remembrance of God’s commands.
The Significance Of The Number Four
In summary, the value of the number four in the Bible stands for God’s orderly and dependable creation, His perfect nature and His willingness to uphold His promises to mankind. The four sides of a square are symbolic of the physical world, and the four representatives of evil signify the power of judgement.
Additionally, the number four symbolises the contrast between the physical realm and the spiritual realm; between what is of God and what is of Satan. The number also supports God’s exhortations to preach the gospel, follow His decrees, and be faithful to His covenants.
As can be seen, the number four has a powerful symbolic meaning in the Bible, testifying to God’s sovereignty, goodness, mercy and judgement. Therefore, when interpreting the Bible, it is important to pay attention to the different meanings assigned to the number four, as this offers insights into the will of God in the universe.
The Biblical Use Of Four
The Bible makes frequent references to the number four. Apart from the uses mentioned above, it is also associated with other symbols such as the four corners of the altar, the four geographical directions, the four river sources in Eden, and the four Gospels. All of these are symbolic of the omnipresence of God in creation and the universe.
Additionally, the four elements of the Apocalypse – fire, wind, water, and dust – attest to the Lord’s willingness to protect His people. The angelic creatures in the first and last books state this clearly: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
The four beasts in Daniel’s vision symbolize the authority of God over mankind’s iniquity and lawlessness. Similarly, in the book of Numbers, four stands for God’s mercy and Exodus refers to four baskets representing the covenant between God and mankind.
In conclusion, the number four is a recurrent theme in the Bible, symbolizing the power of God over the physical universe, His mercy and faithfulness, and His perfect will for mankind. Therefore, when interpreting the Bible, it is important to pay attention to the references to four, as this holds the key to understanding God’s omnipresence and will for mankind.
The Biblical Attributes Of The Number Four
The number four in the Bible represents several attributes. In the book of Genesis,four stands for order and completeness, as God commanded four diverse creatures to bring earth into being. This attribute is further reiterated in the four classes of man, the four kinds of birds set apart, and the four cardinal points.
In the book of Exodus, four symbolises faithfulness and covenant, while Numbers stresses the truthfulness of God’s promises.The four living creatures in Revelations 4:6-8 indicate omnipresence, and the four elements of evil in Isaiah announced God’s judgement upon the wicked.
Ultimately, the recurrence of the number four in the Bible testifies to God’s perfect nature and His adherence to His laws and commandments. Not only does the number represent the magnificence of Creation, but also the mercifulness and faithfulness of the Lord towards His people.
Four As A Number Of Perfection
The number four has long been associated with perfection in the Bible. In the Creation story, the fourth day of Creation marks the glory of the Lord. On this day, He created the sun and the stars, creatures of the land, birds in the sky and fish in the sea.
This day is a symbol of God’s completeness, as the universe is now complete and ready for life. Furthermore, the four points of the compass represent the omniscience of God, as He presides over the four corners of the earth. Similarly, the number four stands for the completeness of the Gospels and the four holy books.
In the book of Jeremiah, four stands for God’s sovereignty and omnipresence. He reigns even in the toughest of times, as becomes clear when the Lord says: “You have seen all that I have done, and all that I have done is according to the four winds of heaven.” (Jeremiah 49:36).
The same attribute is further demonstrated in the symbols of the four living creatures, the four directions of the earth, and the four elements of evil. Ultimately, the number four stands for the perfect will of God, as He sets the boundaries, rules and promises that define the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Biblical number four is associated with Creation, covenant, judgement, mercy, perfection and the Lord’s omnipresence. The recurrence of four in the Bible calls to mind the power and will of God, and serves to remind us of His faithfulness and mercy towards mankind.
