Meaning of Numbers: The Number 71
The possible meaning of the number 71 is derived from events within Scripture.
Gideon was mightily used by God to overthrow the Midianite domination of the Israelites. After securing victory over his enemies he settles down to marry many wives (polygamy) and become one of Israel's Judges. He ultimately produces 71 sons, seventy of which are through wives and one of which is through his concubine who lived in Shechem (Judges 8:30 - 31).
Gideon named son number 71 Abimelech, a person who would grow up to be a vain and violent individual. His desire to rule over the people led him to have 69 of his 70 brothers murdered in cold blood (Judges 9). His many sins, however, would soon catch up to him. After ruling like a tyrant for three years, he is severely injured when an unknown woman, from the top of a tower, drops a millstone on his head! He orders, after the large stone injuries his head, that his armor bearer kill him (Judges 9:53 - 54).
Appearances of Number Seventy-One
The Hebrew word eliyah (Strong's Concordance #H452) occurs 71 times in the Old Testament's original language. It is recorded the most in 1Kings (42 times) followed by 2Kings (24). The word, which means "God of Jehovah," is translated as "Elijah" in the King James Bible. Elijah's ministry as a powerful prophet took place during the rule of Kings Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram. In Jesus transfiguration vision he represents the prophets while Moses represents God's law
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah (eliyah), that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? (1Kings 18:17, KJV).
John 6 is the longest of twenty-one chapters written in the apostle's gospel account. The last verse of the chapter records Jesus revealing he knew all along which of his twelve disciples would betray him.
Jesus answered them (the disciples), "Did I not choose you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" Now He spoke of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son; for he was about to betray Him, being one of the twelve (verses 70 - 71 of John 6, HBFV).
Jesus actually had two trials before he was finally condemned to die by Pontius Pilate. The first trial, carried out at the High Priest's palace, was after his arrest (Matthew 26:59 - 68, Mark 14:55 - 65, Luke 22:63 - 65). The second trial, held around 6 am, was before the entire Sanhedrin. Verse 71 of Luke 22 records their decision concerning Jesus' guilt.
And they (the Sanhedrin) all said, "Then You are the Son of God?" And He (Jesus) said to them, "I am that One, as you say." Then they said, "What need do we have of any other witness? For we ourselves have heard from His own mouth" (verses 70 - 71 of Luke 22).
Number 71 and the Psalms
The book of Psalms, in the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament, is divided into five sections. Psalm 71 is the next to last chapter in section two. This section focuses on the land of Israel and foreshadows the creation of the New Testament Church.
Psalm 71, written by King David, prays for deliverance against his enemies.
Deliver me in Your righteousness and cause me to escape; incline Your ear unto me, and save me. Be my strong Rock of refuge to which I may always go; You have commanded to save me; for You are my Rock and my Fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and ruthless man, for You are my hope, O Lord God, my trust from my youth (verses 2 - 5).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 71
71 is the 20th prime number. Those that come before it include 59, 61 and 67, and those that come immediately after it include 73, 79 and 83.
The Hebrew word chebron (Strong's #H2275) is recorded 71 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. The word is written the most in 2Samuel (23 times) followed by 1Chronicles (17). It is translated as "Hebron" in the King James, which is the name of two individuals and, more importantly, the name of a significant Old Testament city.
Hebron is where Abraham buried his beloved wife Sarah (Genesis 23), and where he and other family members would be buried. In ancient Israel's early history in the Promised Land, it was designated not only as a Levitical city but also as one of only six cities of refuge (Joshua 20:7). Hebron was where David was anointed king over Judah (2Samuel 2) and later as king over all of Israel (2Samuel 5).
The only chapters in the King James Bible that contain 71 verses are John 6 and Luke 22.
The only book in Scripture that has more than 71 chapters is the Psalms.
The word "Israel" appears in 47 out of 66 King James translation books or close to 71 percent of all Bible books. Other words such as "Lord" show up in 92% of them (61 of 66) while "God" appears in 97% (64 of 66).