The number ten holds significant symbolic and literal importance throughout the Bible, often representing completeness, order, and divine authority. This number appears in various contexts, from commandments to plagues, and is frequently associated with God's covenantal relationship with humanity.

The Ten Commandments

One of the most prominent appearances of the number ten in the Bible is the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments are foundational to the moral and spiritual life of the Israelites and are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They encompass duties to God and fellow humans, establishing a covenantal framework for righteous living. The Ten Commandments are seen as a complete and perfect set of laws that reflect God's holiness and justice.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt

In the narrative of the Exodus, God sent ten plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. These plagues, described in Exodus 7-12, demonstrate God's power and judgment against the false gods of Egypt. Each plague systematically dismantled the Egyptian pantheon and showcased the sovereignty of the God of Israel. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, led to the institution of the Passover, a pivotal event in Israelite history.

Tithing: The Tenth Part

The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is rooted in the biblical tradition as an act of worship and obedience to God. The practice is first mentioned in Genesis 14:20, where Abram gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem. The Mosaic Law later formalizes tithing as a requirement for the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 27:30-32 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29. Tithing symbolizes recognition of God's provision and ownership over all creation.

The Ten Virgins

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven and the importance of readiness for His return. The parable contrasts wise and foolish virgins, emphasizing vigilance and preparedness in the Christian life. The number ten here underscores the completeness of the group, while the division between the wise and foolish highlights the necessity of spiritual discernment and perseverance.

The Ten Days of Testing

In Revelation 2:10, the church in Smyrna is warned of impending persecution, described as lasting "ten days." This period symbolizes a complete but limited time of trial, during which believers are called to remain faithful. The number ten here conveys the idea of a divinely appointed period of testing, with the promise of ultimate victory and reward for those who endure.

The Ten Nations

In prophetic literature, the number ten often appears in visions and symbols related to nations and kingdoms. For instance, in Daniel 2:41-42 and Daniel 7:7-24, ten toes and ten horns represent a confederation of kingdoms. Similarly, in Revelation 13:1 and 17:12, ten horns symbolize ten kings who will rise to power. These references to ten nations or rulers highlight the theme of divine sovereignty over human history and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Throughout Scripture, the number ten serves as a reminder of God's order, authority, and the completeness of His plans. Whether in commandments, judgments, or prophetic visions, ten signifies a divine standard that calls believers to faithfulness and trust in God's perfect will.

'Because of his Importunity'
... And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this
once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And He said ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

The Bishop of Durham's Tapestry
... to go away. And God applied that word to many hearts, "I will not destroy
the city for ten's sake" [Gen.18:32]. Monday, 12."About ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the bishop of durhams tapestry.htm

Ten's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ten's (1 Occurrence). ... What if ten are found there?" He
said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/t/ten's.htm - 6k

Tens (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Psalms 144:13 Whose garners are full, affording all manner of store;
whose sheep increase by thousands and ten thousands in our fields; (See NIV). ...
/t/tens.htm - 11k

Oh (164 Occurrences)
... more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for
the ten's sake." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Genesis ...
/o/oh.htm - 34k

Ten-stringed (3 Occurrences)
Ten-stringed. Ten's, Ten-stringed. Tent . Multi-Version Concordance
Ten-stringed (3 Occurrences). Psalms 33:2 Give thanks ...
/t/ten-stringed.htm - 7k

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Genesis 18:32 And he said, Oh let not the LORD be angry,
and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. ...
/p/peradventure.htm - 18k

Suppose (47 Occurrences)
... speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not
destroy it for the ten's sake." (See NAS RSV). Genesis 24:5 ...
/s/suppose.htm - 20k

Perhaps (89 Occurrences)
... yet but this time! Perhaps there may be ten found there. And he said, I
will not destroy it for the ten's sake. (DBY). Genesis 24:5 ...
/p/perhaps.htm - 34k

Angry (269 Occurrences)
... to him. (WEB BBE DBY). Matthew 20:24 And when it came to the ears of the
ten, they were angry with the two brothers. (BBE). Matthew ...
/a/angry.htm - 36k

Destroy (379 Occurrences)
... more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for
the ten's sake." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/destroy.htm - 37k

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