Theology in Five

Numbers in the Bible have great significance beyond the modern sense of a physical count. One of the most significant numbers in both the Old and New Testaments is the number 70. It frequently represents a larger group or a complete set of something. Here are some examples of the number 70 in the Bible:

1. Jacob’s Family: In Genesis 46:27, it is mentioned that 70 members of Jacob’s family went down to Egypt. This number signifies the totality of the Israelite nation at that time, originating from the 12 sons of Jacob.
2. Elders of Israel: In Exodus 24:1 and Numbers 11:16-17, God instructed Moses to gather 70 elders of Israel to help him govern the people. These elders represented the whole nation and were chosen to assist Moses in leading the Israelites.
3. Babylonian Exile: According to the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10), the Israelites were to be exiled in Babylon for 70 years as a divine punishment for their disobedience. This period of exile symbolized a time of judgment and purification for the nation.
4. Daniel’s Prophecy: In the book of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27), the prophecy of “Seventy Weeks” is given, which outlines a timeline of significant events related to the Jewish people and the coming of the Messiah. The number 70 here is used in a symbolic manner to represent a complete and predetermined period.
5. Jesus and Forgiveness: In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive his brother not just seven times, but seventy times seven (490 times). This number is used to emphasize the boundless nature of forgiveness and the importance of mercy in the Christian faith.
6. The number 70 (or 72) has symbolic meaning, connecting this event to the 70 elders of Israel appointed by Moses in the Old Testament, as well as to the idea of representing all nations. According to Genesis 10, there were 70 (or 72) nations descended from Noah’s sons, which may symbolize the universality of Jesus’ message.

The number 70, like other significant numbers in the Bible and the Ancient Near East, was used to convey a sense of completeness and wholeness, as well as to illustrate divine intervention and guidance in the lives of the people. So the next time you see the number 70 when you are reading scripture, stop and think about the extra meaning that is being conveyed by the Biblical authors.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the use of the number 70 in various biblical contexts, such as the 70 members of Jacob’s family, the 70 elders of Israel appointed by Moses, and the 70 disciples sent out by Jesus, contribute to our understanding of the themes of completeness, divine guidance, and universality in the Bible? How do these examples help us see connections between the Old and New Testaments?
2. Considering the symbolism of the number 70, how does the sending of the 70 disciples by Jesus reflect the expansion of his ministry and the idea that the Gospel message is intended for all nations? How does this event foreshadow the Great Commission and the future growth of the Christian Church?
3. In what ways can believers today apply the lessons learned from the biblical stories involving the number 70, such as relying on God’s provision, seeking divine guidance, and sharing the Gospel message with others? How can these themes inspire modern Christians to be more active and committed in their faith communities and in their interactions with the wider world?

Want to Know More?

1. “Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance” by E. W. Bullinger. This book provides an in-depth look at the various numbers used in the Bible and their meanings. The author discusses how these numbers were used and their implications in biblical contexts, including the number 70.
2. “Biblical Mathematics: Keys to Scripture Numerics” by Evangelist Ed F. Vallowe. In this book, Vallowe examines the significance of numbers in the Scriptures, including the number 70, and how understanding their symbolic meanings can deepen one’s interpretation of biblical texts.
3. “The Mystery of Numbers” by Annemarie Schimmel. Although not exclusively about biblical numerology, Schimmel’s book delves into the cultural, religious, and philosophical significance of numbers in various traditions, including Judaism and Christianity. This provides a broader context for understanding the significance of the number 70 in the Bible.