We know that the number 12 was an important number for Jesus. This number features regularly in his parables please could you name some to help with homework?If you can quote where to find them in the bible, we can look them up. Many thanks ~ Collette
Various numbers are employed in the Bible in a symbolic way. “The numbers which are unmistakably used with more or less symbolic meaning are 7 and its multiplies, and 3, 4, 10 and 12” (International). However, there is a common tendency to make too much of numbers through speculation beyond what is certainly revealed in Scripture.
Some Bible students have devised intricate systems for foretelling the future which revolve around symbolic usages of numbers. Some uses of the number seven in the Bible itself fall into this category. Many times seven is important as a symbol rather than a number. It is used almost 600 times in the Bible. Often it expresses the idea of completeness or perfection. To identify any other number as a symbol leaves the interpreter on very shaky ground. The number 12 may be a primary number on which numbers or decimals were built, and the number 40 may have some significance as a round number. (Nelson’s)
On the whole, then, it appears that among the Israelites, as in other ancient nations, certain numbers assumed very early a peculiar significance, especially in religious service; but it is in vain to seek for a numerical symbolism, based on speculation, and worked out into a system. (McClintock and Strong)
Extreme caution, therefore, is appropriate regarding appreciation of numbers in the Bible that may be used symbolically or figuratively. First, “[s]o far as we know, Israelitish predilection for 12 was entirely due to the traditional belief that the nation consisted of 12 tribes…” (International). Following are some citations that note instances where the number 12 appears in the Bible.
Hence, the 12 pillars set up by Moses (Ex 24:4); the 12 jewels in the high priest’s breast-plate (Ex 28:21); the 12 cakes of shewbread (Lev 24:5); the 12 rods (Num 17:2); the 12 spies (Num 13); the 12 stones placed by Joshua in the bed of Jordan (Josh 4:9); the 12 officers of Solomon (1 Kings 4:7); the 12 stones of Elijah’s altar (1 Kings 18:31); the 12 disciples or apostles (26 t), and several details of apocalyptic imagery (Rev 7:5 ff; 12:1; 21:12,14,16,21; 22:2; compare also Matt 14:20 parallel 19:28 parallel 26:53; 26:7). The number pointed in the first instance at unity and completeness which had been sanctioned by Divine election, and it retained this significance when applied to the spiritual Israel. (International)
Twelve is the church number. The 12 tribes; 12 Elim wells; 12 stones in the high priest’s breastplate; 12 shewbread loaves; 12 patriarchs; 12 apostles; 12 foundation stones; 12 gates; 12,000 furlongs of New Jerusalem; 12 angels (Rev 21:16-21; 12:1). (Fausett’s)
The Heb. year was divided into 12 months, the day into 12 hours (Jn. 11:9). Israel had 12 sons (Gn. 35:22-27; 42:13, 32) and there were 12 tribes of Israel, the people of God (Gn. 49:28). Christ chose 12 apostles (Mt. 10:1ff.). Twelve is therefore linked with the elective purposes of God. (New Bible Dictionary)
Works Cited
Fausset’s Bible Dictionary. CD-ROM. Seattle: Biblesoft, 1998.
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. CD-ROM. Seattle: Biblesoft, 1996.
McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Seattle: Biblesoft, 2000.
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary. CD-ROM. Nashville: Nelson, 1986.
The New Bible Dictionary. CD-ROM. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House, 1962.
