The Lord's Number System
Usually we do not think of the Lord having a number rule, but He does. Think about it...
1. 12 tribes of Israel
2. 12 Apostles
3. 12 forms a Deacons Quorum
4. 24 forms a Teachers Quorum
5. 48 forms a Priests Quorum
6. 96 forms an Elders Quorum
7. 3 make up a Presidency
8. The God Head consists of 3
and so on...
Let us look at 144,000 spoken of in the Book of Revelations. Again we deal with a number system. However, in this case the number may not have to be taken literally, but symbolically (D&C 77:11) It does not refer to an exact number in the verse, but explains that this group will be made up of High Priests. Joseph represented these High Priests with the temple. The number 12 represents the Priesthood. 12 x 12 = 144 would show a magnified Priesthood, but if you want to show real power why not multiply that by 1,000 as John the Revelator did. In this way, it would show the 'dominance' of the Priesthood power and its completeness.
Where else have you identified the importance of numbers?
Mormon 3:19
19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall
also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and
they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the
land of Jerusalem.
Seven is a significant number in the scriptures... seven lean years and seven fat years, etc.
Noah was to take of the clean beasts and fowls of the air SEVEN, and not just two
Then there's the Seventies
and we are to forgive offenses 70 X 7 !!
40 is also used often -- it rained 40 days and 40 nights for poor ole Noah and his crew and cargo...
Moses and the Israelites roamed the wilderness for 40 years
Moses was on the mount for 40 days and 40 nights
40 stripes given to the wicked man...
David reigned over Israel 40 years...
I'm sure there are more, but I can't think of them right now...
Roz
There is a book I bought on this subject, and I wish I could make heads or tails of it, it is called, i think, and hope: "Cornerstones of the Restoration" by Cook. Not Gene R. Cook, All I can remember is Cook, I have it packed away in storage. But if anyone can find this book and interpret it for me, I would appreciate it, thanks.
Well you would need to get us an online copy to read or mail it to someone. However, the numeric system in the scriptures is very detailed.
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