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
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.
Of the top five New Testament writings that contain the most material from the Old Testament, the book of Mark has content from 24 books.
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.
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).
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.
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 classical Greek alphabet, from the fourth century B.C. forward, is composed of 24 letters including consonants and vowels (The Universal History of Numbers).
According to the Bible, God's heavenly throne has seated before it 24 elders. Each of these spiritual elders wears a crown and sits on a throne. Their likely tasks is to assist God in governing the universe. Each of the four times they are mentioned in Revelation they are shown falling to their knees worshipping God.
And when He (Jesus Christ symbolized by a slain Lamb) took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8, see also 5:14, 11:16 and 19:4).