Meaning of Numbers: The Number 4
The number 4 derives its Bible meaning from creation. On the fourth day of what is called "creation week" God completed the material universe. On this day he brought into existence our sun, the moon, and all the stars (Genesis 1:14 - 19). Their purpose was not only to give off light, but also to divide the day from the night on earth, thus becoming a basic demarcation of time. They were also made to be a type of signal that would mark off the days, years and seasons (of which there are 4).
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for "seasons" (of which there are 4) in Genesis 1:14 is moed (Strong's Concordance #H4150), which literally translated is "appointed times" (divine appointments) in reference to God's festivals. This is the earliest known allusion to what would later be called the Holy (or Feast) days (periods) of worship.
The fourth Commandment God gave to Israel commands we remember and keep God's holy Sabbath day (Exodus 20:9 - 11). The Sabbath day is tied directly to the creation week. God himself made the period between Friday sunset and Saturday sunset extra special when he rested on it after bringing everything into existence the previous six days (Genesis 2:1 - 3, Exodus 20:11).
Appearances of the Number Four
One of the top ten most frequently mentioned women in the Bible, Eve, is only referenced 4 times (Genesis 3:20, 4:1, 2Corinthians 11:3 and 1Timothy 2:13).
Psalm 107 is the only section or chapter in God's word that contains the exact same phrase 4 times. The phrase, "Oh that men would praise the Lord" is found in the King James translation of Psalm 107 in verses 8, 15, 21 and 31.
The apostle Paul was a man familiar with 4 major first century cultures. He was a Roman citizen, he was a Jew who spoke Greek as well as Hebrew, and he was a Christian.
The Garden of Eden had a river that parted into the headwaters of four other rivers. These rivers were the Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel and the Euphrates (Genesis 2:10 - 14).
After Jesus was nailed and hung on a cross, Roman soldiers divided his clothes into four parts (one for each soldier - John 19:23).
The 4 witnesses of God on earth are miracles, wonders, signs and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2).
Lazarus had been dead and in his tomb for 4 days before Jesus came to Bethany to resurrect him from the dead (John 11:39). Why did the Lord wait this long? He waited so that there would be no doubt, especially among his harshest critics, that Lazarus was undeniably dead. He also did it to maximize the glory God would receive from the incredibly rare miracle (John 11:4, 40).
The number of times rainbows are referenced in scripture are four (Genesis 9, Ezekiel 1, Revelation 4 and 10).
What is called the Tetragrammaton (from the Greek meaning "four letters") is composed of consonants used to designate God's name in the Hebrew Old Testament. These letters "YHWH" (or more likely "YHVH") are the most common proper name of God in Scripture. It is recorded the most in the book of Psalms.
The Number 4 and Prophecy
In Ezekiel's well-known and awesome "wheel in the middle of a wheel" vision (Ezekiel 1, 10) he sees 4 living creatures transporting God's throne.
Also out of its midst came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And each had four faces, and each had four wings.
And the likeness of their faces was this: the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side of the four of them; and the face of a bull on the left side of the four of them; and the face of an eagle toward the rear of the four of them (Ezekiel 1:5 - 6, 10, HBFV).
Ezekiel, later in his book, is told to proclaim to Israel that an end is coming upon "the four corners of the land" (Ezekiel 7:2). The prophet is told by the Eternal to ask Israel's unrepentant elders to repent or else 4 sore judgments will come upon Jerusalem. They are the sword, famine, wild beasts or animals, and pestilence (14:21).
Revelation's four horsemen of the apocalypse symbolize global calamities to come upon the earth in the near future (Revelation 6). They will be unleased on mankind when Jesus, in heaven, opens the first 4 of 7 prophetic seals which will ultimately lead to his return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 4
Jesus appeared alive on nine separate occasions after he was resurrected from the dead. He appeared 4 times to one or more individuals and 5 times to various groupings of his apostles.
The Biblical books of Ruth, Jonah, Malachi, Philippians, Colossians and 2Timothy each number four chapters. Psalm 123 is the only chapter that contains 4 verses.
The 4 main types of sacrifices made to God in the Old Testament were burnt, sin, trespass and peace offerings (Leviticus 1, 3, 5 - 7). The first offering specifically called such in Scripture took place after Noah left the ark (Genesis 8:20).
There are 4 gospel accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. Each of these emphasizes a unique aspect of his sacrifice and ministry. Matthew's focus is on Christ being the son of David and a King. Mark highlights the suffering servant aspect of his ministry. John proclaims Jesus is the One and Only begotten Son of God while Luke presents him as the Perfect Man.