The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 55
One meaning of number 55 is linked to King Manasseh of Judah. He was the longest reigning monarch of either the Kingdom of Judah or Israel at 55 years (2Kings 21:1, 2Chronicles 33:1). He first co-ruled with his father, the righteous Hezekiah, from 696 to 686 B.C. He then became sole king from 686 until his death in 642.
Manasseh's reign of 55 years marked one of the most evil and violent periods in the history of God's people. The king indulged in various forms of evil, such as rebuilding the pagan altars torn down by his father (2Kings 21:3). This rebuilding even included erecting idolatrous altars within the confines of Jerusalem's temple (verses 4 - 5)! He also willingly burned one of his sons alive as a sacrifice to a pagan deity (verses 6).
Manasseh was so unique in his bloodiness that God's word states the following.
"Manasseh also shed very much innocent blood until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin with which he made Judah to sin in doing the evil in the sight of the Lord" (2Kings 21:16).
Psalms and number fifty-five
Psalm 55 is a heartfelt chapter written by King David. In it, he cries out to God to save him from his enemies who are oppressing him.
Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and answer me; I am distraught in my trouble and moan in my complaint because of the voice of the enemy; because of the oppression of the wicked - for they cast mischief upon me, and in anger they hate me (Psalm 55:1 - 3, HBFV).
Isaiah 55 is a prophetic chapter that alludes to not only Jesus' ministry and his reign during the Millennium, but also to his words at the Last Great Day festival held in Jerusalem.
Now in the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink . . ." (John 7:37).
Apostle Paul and number 55
In 55 A.D., the Apostle Paul is staying in Ephesus preaching the gospel during his third missionary journey. He will be chased out of the metropolis in late 57 when a pagan silversmith stirs up worshippers of Diana to riot against the apostle and what he teaches (Acts 19). Paul's destination after fleeing Ephesus is Macedonia (Acts 20:1 - 3).
The Apostle Paul wrote 100 chapters in his fourteen Biblical books. The last eleven of these (Galatians - 6, Ephesians - 6, Philippians - 4, Colossians - 4, 1 and 2Thessalonians - 8 total, 1 and 2Timothy - 10 total, Titus - 3, Philemon - 1 and Hebrews - 13) adds up to 55 chapters.
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 55
The only books to number 55 or more chapters are the Psalms and the book of Isaiah. The book of Malachi, a minor prophet whose writing is the last Old Testament book in most translations, has four chapters and fifty-five verses.
The fifty-fifth book found in most modern Bible translations is 2Timothy, the last writing of the Apostle Paul before dying a martyr's death.
Verse 55 of Matthew 13 undeniably reveals that Mary, through Joseph, had several children after Christ was born. This verse names four half-brothers of Christ (James, Joses, Simon and Judas (or Jude)). Verse 56 reveals that he had at least two half-sisters. Altogether, the family of Mary of Joseph was composed of at least seven children!
Only the chapters of Genesis 31, Leviticus 25 and 1Chronicles 2 have exactly 55 verses.