The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 108
The possible meaning of the number 108 is derived primarily from the book of Psalm and Bible history.
The patriarch Jacob, in 1692 B.C., is 108 years old. He and his family of twelve sons finally reach Hebron (Mamre) in order to be with Isaac who is 168 (Genesis 35). Jacob will live near his father for the next twelve years until his dad's death at 180. Isaac will end up living longer than either his father Abraham or his son Jacob.
The English word "worship" is recorded 108 times in the King James. It appears the most both in the book of Psalms and Revelation with 15 appearances each.
Appearances of Number One Hundred Eight
The Hebrew yitschaq, Strong's #H3327, is recorded 108 times in the Old Testament's original language. 80 of these occurrences are written in the book of Genesis. The word is always translated as the name Isaac in the King James.
Sarah, prior to Isaac's birth, was unable to bear children. God's promise to enable Abraham and Sarah to conceive a physical descendent came to pass when he was 99 (Genesis 17:1) and she was 89 or 90. The Lord had to heal Sarah's womb, and give her body the ability to bear a child after menopause (Genesis 18:11), in order for her to produce Isaac. God also had to give Abraham the desire and stamina for him to procreate in his old age (see Genesis 17:17)!
Sheliyshiy, Strong's #H7992, is also recorded 108 times in the Old Testament. In the King James it is usually translated as "third," or "third part" as in the first chapter of Genesis.
And the evening and the morning were the third (sheliyshiy) day (Genesis 1:13, KJV).
Parakaleo, Strong's #G3870, is found 108 times in the original language Greek of the New Testament. It means to call near, invoke, exhort, or even to comfort as found in the beatitudes.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (parakaleo, Matthew 5:4, KJV).
Hora, Strong's #G5610, occurs 108 times in the New Testament. It is usually translated as "time" or "hour" in the King James as in Jesus' healing of a centurion's servant.
And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour (hora, Matthew 8:13, KJV).
Number 108 and the Psalms
Psalm 108 mentions two of several musical instruments used anciently to praise God. The first, called a psaltery in the King James, may have had as many as ten strings. The second, translated as "harp," was another string instrument. Although it is sometimes referred to as David's harp, its creator was a man named Jubal (Genesis 4:16 - 21).
Awake, psaltery (nebel, Strong's #H5035) and harp (kinnor, #H3658): I myself will awake early (Verse 2 of Psalm 108, KJV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 108
The New Testament book of James, produced between 40 and 41 A.D., is the second earliest Biblical writing. It contains 5 chapters and 108 verses total.
108 is equal to 2 x 2 (2 squared) x 3 x 3 x 3 (3 cubed). This number also represents 9 dozens.