According to Biblical numerologist E.W. Bullinger, the number 12 in the Bible signifies perfect government. It’s the product of 3, the Trinity, and 4, the number of the Earth; thus symbolizing the perfect order that exists when God is working through His people to direct human affairs, i.e. 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of the Church. Whenever Jesus does return to rule the earth, maybe it will be on a twelfth.
Of course the 12th is followed by the 13th!! Significantly, Bullinger says the number 13 speaks of human effort and self-will. One Old Testament example of the number 13 is quite revealing. In Genesis 16, the son that God has promised to Abraham, Isaac, was born thirteen years after Ishmael’s birth by Hagar. What better picture of failed human effort and the grace of God’s promises.
It seems to me these numbers symbolize two ways of living. We can either live each day as if it were the twelfth—under God’s direction. Or we can make our own way, hoping each day will be a lucky 13th. Hmmm…Might that be what it means to “number our days?” (Ps. 90:12).
Good morning Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteI believe the Mayan date is approximated at 12/21/2012. I know the restaurants and bars are taking advantage of that date being a Friday!
As I was talking with a friend, the question is not, "Do you think the world will end on the 21st?" but rather, "Are you ready if it ends, whenever it ends for you?"
Godspeed!
Larry
You are so right. When I first published this post, I incorrectly wrote that it was the day aftet the Mayan prediction (12/21, not 12/12). So, as you can, see I changed the post the next day to emphasize that 12/12/12 had significance to a lot of people as a special number. My point on the number 12 was still valid! :)
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