Meaning of Numbers: The Number 24
The number 24 is associated with the priesthood. Since it is composed of a multiple of 12, it takes on some of 12's meaning which is God's power and authority, as well as symbolizing a perfect foundation, except in a higher form. 24 is also connected with the worship of God especially at Jerusalem's temple.
King David divided those responsible for temple music, as well as those who served as priests and the Levites who aided them, into 24 courses (1Chronicles 23 - 24). When a course of priests was serving, they usually divided their work amongst themselves by lot.
The order which the twenty-four courses of priests served in the temple are: 1) Jehoiarib; 2) Jedaiah; 3) Harim; 4) Seorim; 5) Malchijah; 6) Mijamin; 7) Hakkoz; 8) Abijah; 9) Jeshua; 10) Shecaniah; 11) Eliashib; 12) Jakim; 13) Huppah; 14) Jeshebeab; 15) Bilgah; 16) Immer; 17) Hezir; 18) Happizzez; 19) Pethahiah; 20) Jehezkel; 21) Jachin; 22) Gamul; 23) Delaiah; 24) Maaziah (1Chronicles 24).
The New Testament makes reference to one of the priestly courses when it states that the father of John the Baptist was a priest who served in Abia's (Abijah's) course (Luke 1:5). Abijah's course was the eighth one that rotated responsibilities with other priests.
Appearances of Number Twenty-Four
Psalm 24, written by David, is a song extolling the Lord's creation of the earth. It also rejoices that He is the King of glory.
The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it, the world, and those who dwell in it, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters . . Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. (Psalm 24:1 - 2, 10, HBFV).
Baasha, the third king over the Kingdom of Israel, reigned for twenty-four official years (23 actual years). At the time of his rule the nation's capital was at Tirzah (1Kings 15:33) but would sometime later move to Samaria. He was considered a bad ruler over God's people (as all were who ruled over the northern ten tribes).
King Amon, the son of evil King Manasseh, began his rule over the Kingdom of Judah at the young age of twenty-two. He lasted only two years, however, until his death at the age of 24 in 640 B.C. His reign was cut short when his own servants murdered him (2Kings 21:19 - 23)! He was replaced by righteous King Josiah, the last of Judah's good kings until the nation was conquered and taken captive in 586.
Bible by the Numbers
The book of Luke is the largest in the King James Bible New Testament in terms of verses. It has 24 chapters and 1,151 verses. Although Matthew has 28 chapters, it only has 1,071 verses. Acts also has 28 chapters but only has 1,007 verses.
The Gospel of Mark references 24 Old Testament books, the fourth most of any New Testament writing. The Gospel of Luke refers to the most books with 31, followed by the book of John (26) and Acts (25).
The Old Testament chapters Genesis 3, 7, 14, 22, Leviticus 9, 21, Joshua 2, 4, 12, Judges 4, 1Samuel 19, 1Kings 17, 1Chronicles 3, Ezra 4, Job 37, 40, Psalm 31, 71, 139, Proverbs 18, Isaiah 29, 33, 66, Jeremiah 26, 30, Ezekiel 17 and 46 contain 24 verses in the King James Translation.
The New Testament chapters 1Corinthians 16, 2Corinthians 1, 8, Galatians 1, Ephesians 6, 1John 3 and Revelation 18 have 24 verses in the King James.
The books of Joshua, 2Samuel and the gospel of Luke all contain 24 chapters.
The 24th largest King James Bible book, in terms of chapters, is the book of Judges. It contains 21 chapters and 618 verses. Interestingly, Judges is also the 24th largest book in terms of verses!
Number 24 and Christ's Rule
Psalm 72 lists 24 things that Jesus Christ, as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, will do when He sits upon His throne and rules as King and Priest during the Millennium. They are the following.
1) He will righteously judge the people.
2) He will judge, with justice, the poor and needy.
3) Peace will be brought by the mountains.
4) Small hills shall also experience peace.
5) He shall judge the poor.
6) He shall save the children of the needy.
7) Those who oppress will be crushed.
8) He shall rule like rain upon grass.
9) He shall rule like the water that showers the globe.
10) He will cause the righteous to flourish.
11) He will bring the righteous an abundance of peace.
12) He shall rule from sea to sea.
13) He shall rule from the river unto the ends of the earth.
14) When he hears the needy cry out, he will deliver him.
15) The poor and those who have no help will also be delivered.
16) Those who are needy and weak will receive compassion.
17) The lives of those in need will be saved.
18) The needy who are oppressed and experience violence will be redeemed.
19) The blood of those in need will be precious in His sight.
20) He will cause an abundance of grain on the earth.
21) He will bring an abundance of fruit.
22) He will make those of the city flourish like grass.
23) He will make His name to be continued.
24) He will bless all men.
Wilderness Tabernacle
The tabernacle in the wilderness, made to God's specifications, was anointed by Moses on Nisan 1 in Hebrew civil year 2317 (Saturday, March 18 in 1444 B.C.). A twelve day dedication ceremony, shortly after the anointing, was held where a different prince from one of Israel's tribes would offer gifts to the tabernacle (Numbers 7:11 - 83). One of the many gifts each prince gave was two oxen (bulls), for 24 total, to be used for peace offerings.
And all the animals for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty-four (24) bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty and the lambs of the first year sixty. This was the dedication of the altar after it was anointed. (Numbers 7:88, HBFV).
Peace offerings were given to symbolize complete peace with God.
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 24
24 is equal to 2 x 2 x 2 (2 cubed) x 3. Both 2 and 3 are primes. It is also equal to 4! (4 factorial) or 1 x 2 x 3 x 4.
The average numbers of hours in an earth day are 24.
The earliest start ever for the Feast of Trumpets, the fourth of God's annual Feast days, was at sunset on August 24. The feast began this early only in the years 1348, 1405, 1481, 1500 and 1576 A.D.
The classical Greek alphabet, from the fourth century B.C. forward, is composed of 24 letters including consonants and vowels (The Universal History of Numbers).
Goliath was not the only giant among the Philistines who fought against Israel. Scripture records at least four other men of unusual stature and strength who opposed God's people at the time of David. One of these huge men had a genetic defect that gave him 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot for 24 total!
And there was yet again a battle in Gath. And there was a man of stature who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four (24) in number. And he also was born to the giant. And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimeah, the brother of David, killed him (2Samuel 21:20 - 21).
The number 24 is referred to seven times in the King James version of the book of Revelation. Each reference is to spiritual elders sitting around God's throne in heaven (Revelation 4:4, 10, 5:8, 14, 11:16 and 19:4). The job of these crown-wearing elders is possibly to assist God in governing the universe. In five out of the six verses they are found they are shown falling on their knees or faces to worship God.
The four and twenty (24) elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne . . . (Revelation 4:10, KJV).
And the four and twenty (24) elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. (Revelation 19:4, KJV).