Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Significance and Symbolism:The number eighty holds various significances in the Bible, often symbolizing a period of strength, maturity, or completion. It is a number that appears in contexts related to age, duration, and the fulfillment of divine purposes. Occurrences in Scripture: 1. Moses' Age: One of the most notable mentions of the number eighty is in relation to Moses. According to the Bible, Moses was eighty years old when he confronted Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of Egypt. This is recorded in Exodus 7:7: "Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh." This age signifies a period of maturity and readiness for the monumental task of leading the Israelites to freedom. 2. Duration of Life: The number eighty is also mentioned in the context of human lifespan. In Psalm 90:10, attributed to Moses, it is written: "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." Here, eighty years is considered a full and strong life, emphasizing the brevity and toil of human existence. 3. King David's Servants: In 2 Samuel 19:32, Barzillai the Gileadite is described as being eighty years old when he provided for King David during Absalom's rebellion. His age is highlighted to show his wisdom and the respect he commanded, despite his advanced years. 4. Levites' Service: In Numbers 4, the Levites were counted for service in the tabernacle from the age of thirty to fifty. However, in later Jewish tradition, the age of eighty came to be seen as a time of retirement from active service, marking a transition to a role of advisory and teaching responsibilities. Symbolic Interpretations: · Strength and Maturity: The number eighty often symbolizes strength and maturity, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Moses and Barzillai. It represents a time when individuals are fully equipped to fulfill God's purposes. · Completion and Fulfillment: In the context of human lifespan, eighty years is seen as a complete and fulfilling life, suggesting a sense of divine completion and the fulfillment of one's earthly journey. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, reaching the age of eighty was considered a significant milestone, often associated with wisdom and experience. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where eighty is frequently linked to leadership, service, and the culmination of one's life work. Conclusion: The number eighty in the Bible is rich with meaning, often associated with strength, maturity, and the fulfillment of divine purposes. It serves as a reminder of the wisdom and experience that come with age, as well as the brevity and toil of human life. Concordance 80 (2 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 15:9 Ezra 8:8 Thesaurus 80 (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance 80 (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 15:9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and his brothers eighty; (See NAS NIV). ... /num/80.htm - 6k Nature (80 Occurrences) Leaving (80 Occurrences) Instructed (80 Occurrences) Fulfill (80 Occurrences) Turns (80 Occurrences) Tested (80 Occurrences) Mankind (80 Occurrences) Practices (80 Occurrences) Polluted (80 Occurrences) Resources What are the most common denominations of Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgHow is an eternity in hell a just punishment for only a human lifetime of sin? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ehud? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |