Topical Encyclopedia The term "numbereth" is an archaic form of the verb "number," which means to count or to assign a numerical value to something. In the context of the Bible, numbering often carries significant theological and symbolic meanings, reflecting God's order, sovereignty, and the importance of individuals within His divine plan.Biblical References: 1. Census and Counting: The act of numbering is prominently featured in the context of censuses, particularly in the Old Testament. One of the most notable instances is found in the Book of Numbers, where God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelites. This census was not merely for administrative purposes but was a divine directive to organize the people according to their tribes and families. Numbers 1:2-3 states, "Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army." 2. David's Census: Another significant instance of numbering is King David's census of Israel, which is recounted in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21. Unlike the census in Numbers, David's act of numbering the people was not commanded by God and was seen as an act of pride and lack of trust in God's provision. As a result, God sent a plague upon Israel as a judgment. 2 Samuel 24:10 records David's remorse: "After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken, and he said to the LORD, 'I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.'" 3. Symbolic Use: In a symbolic sense, numbering can also represent God's intimate knowledge and care for His creation. Jesus speaks to this in the New Testament, emphasizing God's detailed attention to His people. In Matthew 10:30 , Jesus says, "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." This illustrates God's omniscience and the value He places on each individual. 4. Prophetic and Apocalyptic Contexts: In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, numbers often carry symbolic meanings. The Book of Revelation, for example, uses numbers to convey spiritual truths and divine mysteries. Revelation 7:4 mentions the sealing of 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel, a number symbolizing completeness and divine protection. Theological Implications: The act of numbering in the Bible underscores God's sovereignty and the orderliness of His creation. It reflects the importance of each individual within the community of faith and God's meticulous care for His people. While human attempts to number can sometimes reflect pride or a lack of faith, as seen in David's census, God's numbering is always purposeful and redemptive. In summary, "numbereth" in the biblical context is more than a mere counting; it is an expression of divine order, care, and the unfolding of God's plan for His people. Library Psalm CXLVII. John iv. 21, 22 Careful Treatment Required. The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness. On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ... God's Providence Psalm CXXXII. Here Followeth the History of Tobit Psalm CIV. Thesaurus Numbereth (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Numbereth (9 Occurrences). Numbers 1:19 as Jehovah hath commanded Moses; and he numbereth them in the wilderness of Sinai. (YLT). ... /n/numbereth.htm - 9k Numbering (35 Occurrences) Numberest (3 Occurrences) Poureth (28 Occurrences) Hewing (6 Occurrences) Community (77 Occurrences) Hill-country (85 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Numbereth (9 Occurrences)Numbers 1:19 Numbers 3:16 Numbers 3:42 Numbers 4:34 2 Chronicles 2:2 2 Chronicles 2:17 Ezra 1:8 Job 38:37 Jeremiah 33:13 Subtopics Related Terms Commandments (181 Occurrences) |