In biblical studies, numerology plays a significant role in understanding the deeper meanings and spiritual symbolism behind specific numbers found throughout the scriptures. Numbers often carry symbolic meaning, revealing hidden truths or serving as keys to prophetic understanding. The number 71 is one of these numbers that appears infrequently in the Bible but still holds unique significance when examined closely.
In this article, we’ll explore what the number 71 symbolizes in the Bible, its spiritual and symbolic meanings, and how it can be interpreted within the broader biblical context.
The Biblical Significance of the Number 71
A Rare Occurrence in Scripture
The number 71 is not as common as other numbers like 7, 12, or 40 in the Bible, but it does hold particular significance when it appears. It is important to understand that in biblical numerology, the meaning of a number is often connected to the context in which it appears.
One of the key references to the number 71 is found in the Old Testament. It appears in the book of Judges when the elders of Israel sought leadership guidance and wisdom.
The Reference in Judges 20:1
In Judges 20:1, the number 71 appears as part of a gathering of the tribes of Israel to seek justice and resolve a crisis:
“Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came together as one and assembled before the Lord in Mizpah.”
This verse refers to the assembly of the Israelites, with the “elders” of Israel present. The number 71 specifically is mentioned because it represents the number of leaders that came together to discuss the troubling matter regarding the tribe of Benjamin. The number 71 here may symbolize unity and the importance of collective decision-making for the kingdom of God.
The Significance of 70 and 1
The number 71 is particularly interesting because it is one more than 70. In biblical numerology, the number 70 often signifies completeness, maturity, or fulfillment. For instance, there were 70 elders who went with Moses to the mountain in Exodus 24:1. When the number 71 is introduced, it could be interpreted as a symbolic extension or a new level of completeness.
One possible interpretation is that the 71 elders represent an ideal balance between the fulfillment of divine order (70) and the added sense of grace or wisdom that one additional number (71) brings. This could reflect how God’s plans often go beyond human expectations, bringing additional blessings or understanding when least expected.
Symbolic and Spiritual Meaning of 71 in the Bible
Spiritual Completeness
The number 71 could be seen as a symbol of spiritual completeness or the fulfillment of God’s purpose. Since 70 often represents the fullness of God’s plan, the addition of 1 to make 71 may symbolize the extension of that plan into something new. It could also signify a moment when God’s will is executed with precision and perfect timing.
A Divine Act of Gathering
In the context of Judges 20:1, the number 71 can be seen as an act of divine gathering, where all Israel comes together to address a pressing matter. The assembly signifies that when God’s people unite, especially in times of crisis or decision, it’s an act of divine cooperation to achieve His will on Earth. In this sense, 71 could be viewed as a reminder of the importance of community in fulfilling God’s work.
A Call to Leadership and Wisdom
The number 71 is also linked to the idea of leadership and wisdom. The elders gathered to resolve disputes, showing that leadership is crucial in times of conflict or confusion. In biblical times, wisdom and righteous judgment were highly valued, and leaders played a significant role in guiding the people according to God’s law. The number 71, in this case, could symbolize the necessary combination of both leadership and divine wisdom to bring about godly resolution.
The Number 71 in the New Testament
Though the number 71 does not appear frequently in the New Testament, its symbolism is consistent with the values of unity, leadership, and spiritual completeness.
The Seventy-Two Disciples in Luke 10:1-17
In the New Testament, there is a reference to a group of seventy-two disciples whom Jesus sent out to proclaim the Kingdom of God. While this group does not directly refer to the number 71, it is related in that it represents an organized group working toward a common divine purpose. Jesus instructed these disciples with authority and wisdom, much like the elders in the Old Testament who gathered for guidance. This serves to reinforce the significance of the number 71 when connected to the unity and leadership of God’s people.
The Connection Between 71 and Other Numbers in the Bible
Number 7 and Number 10
The number 71 can be seen as a compound number made up of 7 and 1. The number 7 is often seen as the number of perfection, completion, and divine order in the Bible. The addition of 1, representing unity and singular purpose, could amplify the sense of divine authority and purpose. This gives the number 71 a deep resonance, symbolizing both completeness and the ongoing work of God’s will.
Number 12
Another connection can be made with the number 12, which symbolizes divine government and authority. Since 71 is a multiple of 12 (5 times 12 plus 11), it may represent an extension of God’s authority and leadership, with an emphasis on wisdom and completeness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 71 in the Bible holds significant symbolic meaning. It represents unity, completeness, leadership, and divine guidance. It is a number that calls attention to the importance of collective decision-making in fulfilling God’s will, as seen in the gathering of the 71 elders in the book of Judges.
Through its combination of the symbolic numbers 70 and 1, 71 can be interpreted as an extension of divine order or the fulfillment of God’s plan in a more expansive sense. Whether it is connected to wisdom, spiritual completeness, or leadership, the number 71 offers valuable insight into how God’s people are called to work together in harmony to accomplish His purpose on Earth.
The number 71 encourages believers to recognize the importance of divine wisdom and leadership, particularly when coming together in unity to fulfill God’s will.
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