The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 81
The possible meaning of the number 81 is derived from both Scripture and secular history.
Roman Emperor Titus began his rule in 79 with the death of his father Emperor Vespasian. Titus, as General in 70 A.D., led the Roman army to capture and destroy both Jerusalem and its Temple. This complete destruction was predicted twice by Jesus (Matthew 24:1 - 2, Luke 19:41 - 44). He dies in 81 A.D. with his younger brother Domitian replacing him as Emperor.
It was also in 81 A.D. that the new emperor instituted Rome's second official state persecution of Christians. This policy led, near the end of Domitian's reign, to the Apostle John being banished to the island of Patmos in 95. John would not be set free until the following year.
Rome's famous Arch of Titus, which graphically depicted the spoiling of Jerusalem and her temple, was begun in 81 after the death of the Emperor. The menorah pictured in the middle of the relief was used as the inspiration for modern Israel's emblem of state (Israel National Symbols).
Appearances of the number eighty-one
Scripture mentions at least eighty-one distinct animals, including bats, cranes, crocodiles, dragons, eagles, fleas, leopards, owls, peacocks, pelicans, ravens, spiders, unicorns, weasels, whales, wolfs and worms!
Number 81 and the Psalms
Psalm 81 is one of twelve songs written by or for Asaph. He served as one of Kind David's chief musicians who played instruments and sung at the temple (1Chronicles 15:17, 19).
The book of Psalms, in the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament, is divided into five sections. Psalm 81 is in the third section that contains chapters 73 to 89. The general theme of the third section is the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
This song is one of rejoicing for God's deliverance out of the bondage of Egypt.
Sing aloud unto God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. Take up a melody, and strike the drum, the pleasant lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, also at the full moon, on our solemn feast day . . . I am the Lord your God Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it . . . (verses 1 - 3, 10, HBFV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 81
According to the Complete Book of Bible Lists, there are 81 animals mentioned in Scripture. These include sheep, ox (bullocks), horses, lions, goats, fish, serpents and dogs. Surprisingly, no cats are mentioned in God's word.
1Chronicles 6 is the only chapter that contains exactly 81 verses. The only chapters that have more verses are Numbers 7 and Psalms 119.
Moses was eighty years old when he confronted Pharaoh in Egypt (Exodus 7:7). He was 81 when the Israelites kept their second Passover in the wilderness of Sinai (Num. 9:1). He was also this age when, due to a lack of faith, the Israelites were punished with wandering the wilderness for forty total years (chapters 13, 14).