Before I start, I wish to make something clear about this series. I am not claiming this is definitively what the Bible teaches. I do not believe there is sufficient evidence for such a statement. I do believe this concept is more accurate at explaining why and what certain numbers represent in Scripture based on the principle that we are using the Scriptures to understand Scripture instead of other sources. I say all this because as we look at four and five, both numbers will be examined in light of the previous explanations for one, two, and three. When we get to six, we will see a more firm Scriptural backing return.
If one represents self-existence, two represents the witness and three represents completeness, then four is where we find absolute completeness. Four is where there is no excuse, no doubt left anymore. As such, four is the number that features in government, rulership and judgement in Scripture. Four is the number that represents all-encompassing. Supremacy if you please, and by inference, government.
I believe the fourth day highlights this idea with what is created on that day:
Gen 1:18-19 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Before we look at places where four relates to judgement/government, let’s continue with the logic of the number sequence. If every matter is established in the mouth of two or more witnesses, then four is the ‘more witnesses’. Consider, the number two is one witness. Number three is two witnesses. Number four is three witnesses. If number three completes the witness, then the number four validates the judgement because there has been sufficient witness.
There are two numbers that have generally excepted meanings in the Bible that are both multiples of four: twelve and forty. Twelve is generally understood to be the number of God’s government (the twelve tribes and twelve apostles). Forty is understood to be the number of testing/trial. Hence, the forty days on the mount, forty years in the wilderness, and forty days in the wilderness. Both twelve and forty are multiples of four – and in fact, when we look at the multiples of both numbers, I believe they offer a very good explanation for the meaning of the numbers.
Twelve is three times four. If three is completeness and four is rulership/government/judgement, then twelve (three fours) is complete government.
Forty is ten times four. If ten represents the Law (ten will be covered another time) and four is rulership/government/judgement, then forty (ten fours) is the law judging/ruling over.
I will cut short the examination of these numbers for now as I have not the time or space to expand on my thoughts, but Lord willing, I will in the future. Suffice to say, I believe it is demonstrable that this concept works, though as I stated earlier, this is not a dogmatic truth of Scripture.
Four is seen in association with heaven in the following ways:
– the four creatures of Ezekiel and Revelation
– the holiest of holies is a square
– the New Jerusalem is four-square
Four is seen as all-encompassing in these references:
– four corners of the earth
– four winds of heaven
– four rivers in Eden which appear to encompass much if not all the land
Finally, four is used as the ‘final word’ in two places in Scripture:
– Proverbs 30:15-29 constantly refers to ‘three things, yea four’. Which in context of this reasoning, would be complete, and all-encompassing
– Amos 1:3-2:6 sees the Lord pronounce judgements on multiple nations with the phrase, ‘For three transgressions, and for four I will not turn away’.
These examples from Scripture are provided as proof that the reasoning of understanding the numbers of Genesis in light of the days of Creation and what happens on them harmonizes with the rest of Scripture, indeed, explains why certain numbers are being used.
When we look at the places where four is being used in a symbolic sense, it fits with what is being said when we understand it in the context of Genesis 1. That is: if three represents ‘completeness’, then four represents ‘supremacy’ and by injunction, government/judgement/absolute completeness.
The last argument I wish to present for four’s meaning, is that of what happens on day four. If day six is the day man is made, and thus, six is the number of man (which we will look at soon enough), then it’s particularly interesting that on day four we see the establishment of seasons, days, and years. No matter how man tries, he is bound by these times. The sun and moon do what they will, no matter what we try, they rule.
For centuries man has worshipped the celestial bodies as gods, but if the record of the Bible is true, then they all came into existence at the mere mention of a word from the God of all gods. We are privileged to live in a time and age when we know His name: Jesus.
No matter what comes your way, if you know Jesus, then you know the one who spoke the stars into existence. While they might seem immovable, they have nothing on Him. If you’re right with Him, then you have nothing to fear.
Talking Bible 