Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
8 (Eight) and 7 (Seven)

Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
Numbers 8 (Eight) and 7 (Seven)

EIGHT AND SEVEN TOGETHER

Just as we saw the connection between the numbers six and seven together ( see section on number seven), so we must note the remarkable connection between seven and eight when used together.

Seven means, as we have seen, according to its etymology, that which is spiritually complete or satisfying; while eight denotes that which is superabundant or satiating. Hence we often find these two numbers associated with these distinctions.

JEHOVAH'S COVENANTS WITH ABRAHAM

Jehovah's covenants with Abraham were eight in number; seven before Isaac was offered up, and the eighth when he had been received "in a figure" from the dead.

1. Gen 12:1-3, sovereignty.
2. Gen 12:7, the seed.
3. Gen 13:14-17, Divine assurance, rising and walking on resurrection ground.
4. Gen 15:13-21, the limits of the land; the 400 years; the 4th generation.
5. Gen 17:1-22, invincible grace.
6. Gen 18:9-15, human failure and imperfection.
7. Gen 21:12, Spiritual blessing headed up in the seed.
8. Gen 22:15-18, resurrection blessing.

The first three are marked off from the others by the words "after these things," 15:1. The next four are marked off from the eighth by similar separating words, repeated in 22:1.

It will be noted that each covenant blessing is stamped with the character of its numerical significance.

JOSEPH'S TYPICAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH HIS BRETHREN

were eight in number. Seven times before Jacob's death, and an eighth time after.

1. In Genesis 37:6, he tells his dream about the sheaves of wheat (earthly glory).
2. His second dream about the sun, moon, and stars (heavenly glory, completing the double witness of John 3:12).
3. His message of love to them from his father, when he is rejected and cast into the pit, but raised (unknown to them) to the right hand of power.
4. They are compelled to go to Joseph, Genesis 42.
5. Again they go, Genesis 43:15.
6. A third time (Gen 44:13), when Joseph proclaims himself. Three times they had denied him. Three times they have to go to him; and the third time, after deep exercise of heart, reach the place of blessing. But it is (like the No. 6) incomplete.
7. "And Israel [no longer Jacob] took his journey with all that he had" (Gen 46). Nothing more is to be desired, so he says, "Now let me die, since I have seen thy face," etc. (v 30). The history is spiritually complete; but there remains another communication.
8. Jacob has passed away, and they are face to face with Joseph, a type of Christ in resurrection glory (Gen 50:15, etc.).

EXODUS 21:23-25

There are eight particulars in connection with punishment; but seven stand in a different category, not being possible if the eighth were inflicted, viz., "Life for life."

EXODUS 40

Seven times we have the phrase "As the LORD commanded Moses,"* and once (v 16), "according to all that the LORD commanded him."

* Verse 23, "had commanded," is the same as the other six in the Hebrew.

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES

was the only feast which was kept eight days. The eighth is distinguished from the seventh. See Leviticus 23:39, and compare verses 34-36; Numbers 29:39, and Nehemiah 8:18.

2 CHRONICLES 6

Eight appeals of Solomon for his prayer to be heard. Seven times, "Hear Thou from heaven," and once (v 21), "Hear Thou from thy dwelling-place, from heaven." Similarly in 1 Kings 8, the parallel passage.

ISAIAH 5:1, 2

There are eight sentences describing the vineyard, but seven give the characteristics, and one the result.

THE STEPS IN EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE

Seven led into the outer court (40:22,26), and eight led from the outer to the inner (40:31,34,37).*

* How many led into the Temple the Hebrew Text does not say. The Septuagint says there were ten. See verse 49, RV text and margin.

The seven led from labour to rest, the eight from rest to worship.

THE LORD JESUS WAS ON A MOUNTAIN

eight times.* Seven times were before the cross, but the eighth time after He rose from the dead.

* Omitting of course the scene in the Temptation.

EPHESIANS 4:4-6

Seven unities, but the seventh is two-fold—"God and Father"—making eight in all.

COLOSSIANS 3:12, 13

There are seven graces, but (v 14) over all these there is "love," which is the bond of perfectness, the upper garment which completes and unites the others.

JAMES 3:17

"The wisdom that is from above" is enumerated in seven particulars, but the fifth is double, making eight in all ("full of mercy and good fruits").

ABRAHAM'S SONS

were eight in number; but seven were "born after the flesh," while one, the eighth, was "by promise."

THE CONSECRATION OF AARON AND HIS SONS

was on the eighth day, after abiding "at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation day and night seven days" (Lev 8:35, 9:1).

IN SOLOMON'S TEMPLE

there were eight classes of furniture, while in the Tabernacle there were seven:—

THE SABBATH TO BE KEPT HOLY

There were eight commands in all. Seven by Jehovah (Exo 20:8; Deut 5:12, repetition; 23:12, 31:13, 34:21; Lev 19:3,30, 23:3: one by Moses, Exo 35:2).

DAVID WAS THE EIGHTH SON OF JESSE

according to 1 Samuel 16:6, etc., and 1 Samuel 17:12; but owing doubtless to the death of one son without issue, and hence excluded from the genealogies, David would be called in 1 Chronicles 2:15 "the seventh."

These will suffice to show the connection between the numbers seven and eight. Let us now consider the number