I heard an interesting sermon on Sunday. Near the beginning of the sermon, the minister said that there are numbers in the Bible which represent various things. I had noticed that when I read my Bible that certain numbers like 1,3,7,12, and 40 were re-stated quite frequently.

I also understand that there is a philosophy of theology called numerology. However, this minister stated rather emphatically that the number 4 represents the earth. He said that it represents the four seasons, the four corners of its foundation,etc. He then went on to say that since we are in the year 2004 that God is going to give the earth to his people this year. I am not sure but he might also have said that this is the third millenium since Jesus came to earth or the seventh millenium since the earth was created.

I was particularly intrigued by his statement and the confidence in which he made it that God was going to give the earth to his people in 2004. Next time I see him, I am going to ask him what he meant by that statement.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2004

Answers

T have some additional information that may be helpful. Four: Represents the number for God, 3 + 1, the number of beginning, thus 4 is the symbol of creation. FOUR is the number of the world system (cosmos). Thus, we have the FOUR winds, the FOUR seasons, the FOUR corners of the earth, and the FOUR living creatures (angels) around the throne of God. Four also denotes Earth, World, Creation, Foresquare, Place, Space, Reality. FOUR - Denotes creative works (3+1), and always has reference to the material creation, as pertaining to the earth, and things "under the sun", and things terrestrial. Four If its peculiar usage in connection with the divine Name gives mystical significance to the number three, and entitles it to be called "the number of God," the use of the number four in the Scriptures would in like manner entitle it to be called "the number of the world," or of the visible creation. Thus we have the four winds of heaven (Jer. xlix, 36; Ezek. xxxvii, 9; Dan. vii, 2; viii, 8; Zech. ii, 6; vi, 5; Matt. xxiv, 31; Mark xiii, 27; Rev. vii, 1). The four corners of extremities of the earth (Isa. xi, 12; Ezek. vii, 2; Rev. vii, 1; xx, 8), corresponding, doubtless, with the four points of the compass, east, west, north, and south (1 Chron. ix, 24; Psa. cvii, 3; Luke xiii, 29), and the four seasons. Noticeable also are the four living creatures in Ezek. i, 5, each with four faces, four wings, four hands, and connected with four wheels; and in Zechariah the four horns (i, 18), the four smiths (i, 20), and the four chariots (vi, 1).

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2004

Rev. Brown:

Can you explain the following furhter: "Four: Represents the number for God, 3 + 1, the number of beginning, thus 4 is the symbol of creation."

Thank you.

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2004

Since the Bible deals with spiritual themes, we must always look for a spiritual interpretation of the terms it uses. I believe that the “four corners of the earth” as found in Holy Scripture most likely refers to the four powers which should have authority over God-fearing people. These are the following: 1. Parents and teachers: Eph. 6:2,3; Prov. 5:12,13; 1 Pet. 5:5 2. Employers: Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Tim. 6:1,2; 1 Pet. 2:18-20 3. Political or government leaders: Rom. 13:1-3, 6-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17 4. God and religious leaders: Rom 13:1; 1 Pet. 5:5; Matt. 23:8- 12; 1 Pet. 2:17; Jas. 4:6-10; Isa 58:13,14; 1 Pet. 5:5

The four corners, quarters, extremities, or “wings” [Hebrew “Kanaph”, “Qatsah”, and “Peah”], create the four winds of the earth (See Jer 49:36). The four winds are the forces which control earthly society. They are the following influences: 1. Educational, including schooling systems and the “media” 2. Economic, including industries, corporations, banks, financial institutions 3. Political, including nations and governments 4. Religious, including churches and ideologies

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2004