In the Bible, numbers are not just used for counting or measuring but carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. Biblical numerology explores these meanings, showing how numbers can be linked to God’s divine plan. One such number, 72, appears in several significant contexts throughout scripture and holds important spiritual symbolism.
In this article, we will examine the meaning of the number 72 in the Bible, its spiritual significance, and its relevance in various biblical narratives.
The Biblical Significance of the Number 72
The Seventy-Two Disciples in the Gospel of Luke
The most notable and well-known reference to the number 72 is found in the New Testament. In Luke 10:1-17, Jesus appoints 72 disciples to go ahead of Him into various towns and places where He was about to visit. These disciples were tasked with spreading the message of God’s Kingdom, healing the sick, and proclaiming peace. The scripture states:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”
This passage marks a crucial moment in the ministry of Jesus, as He delegates authority to a group of disciples beyond the Twelve Apostles. The number 72 is significant because it represents the expansion of Jesus’ ministry to a broader group of followers, symbolizing the outreach of God’s kingdom to all people.
Why Seventy-Two?
The choice of 72 disciples is believed to have been symbolic of the 72 nations mentioned in Genesis 10, which are traditionally thought to represent all the nations of the world. By sending out 72 disciples, Jesus was sending a message that His message was not limited to Israel but was intended for the entire world. In this sense, the number 72 signifies the universality of the Gospel and the global reach of God’s kingdom.
The Sending of the Seventy-Two: A Call for Global Evangelism
The number 72 emphasizes the importance of global evangelism. Just as the 72 disciples were sent out in pairs to spread the message of Jesus, it can be interpreted that Christians are called to spread the Gospel to all corners of the Earth. The mission of these 72 disciples is a symbol of how God’s love and message should reach every person, regardless of their background, culture, or location.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Number 72 in the Bible
Divine Mission and Empowerment
The number 72 symbolizes divine mission and empowerment. Jesus did not send the disciples out unprepared; He gave them specific instructions and authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. This shows that 72 represents the empowerment of God’s people to carry out His divine work. Just as the 72 were given the power to heal and proclaim peace, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue Jesus’ work on Earth.
Completeness and Fullness of the Kingdom of God
Another interpretation of the number 72 is that it reflects the completeness and fullness of the Kingdom of God. While the number 12 is often seen as the number of perfect government or divine authority (as seen with the 12 Apostles and the 12 tribes of Israel), the number 72 could be seen as an extension or multiplication of this concept, symbolizing a more expansive and inclusive kingdom.
The number 72 also reflects the idea of fullness, as it is a multiple of 12 (6 times 12). In this sense, 72 can symbolize a complete, abundant outpouring of God’s purpose and authority in the world.
A Call for Unity in Evangelism
The sending of 72 disciples also highlights the importance of unity in the mission of evangelism. Jesus sent the disciples out “two by two,” underscoring the importance of partnership and cooperation in fulfilling God’s work. The number 72, therefore, symbolizes the importance of working together as a unified body to bring about God’s kingdom on Earth.
Other Instances of the Number 72 in the Bible
While the most prominent reference to 72 comes from Luke 10, there are a few other instances where the number or its multiples appear.
The Seventy-Two Nations in Genesis 10
In Genesis 10, also known as the Table of Nations, there is a list of the descendants of Noah‘s three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. This chapter is often understood as representing the various nations of the world. The number 72 is significant here because the descendants listed in this chapter are traditionally understood to represent 72 nations, signifying the total number of nations in the world at that time.
“These are the sons of Shem by their clans and languages, in their territories and nations.” (Genesis 10:31)
The number 72, in this case, represents the diversity of humanity, illustrating how God’s plan for the world encompasses all nations and peoples, not just a select few.
Symbolism of 72 in the Old Testament
While the number 72 does not appear as prominently in other Old Testament stories, it is often connected to the broader themes of divine order, completeness, and the inclusion of all people in God’s plan. The number 72 can be seen as a representation of the whole of humanity, with the Gospel and God’s message reaching beyond Israel to every nation.
The Number 72 and its Connection to Other Biblical Numbers
Number 7 and Number 12
The number 72 is closely connected to the numbers 7 and 12. In biblical numerology, the number 7 often represents divine perfection, while 12 signifies divine authority and governance. The number 72, being a multiple of 12, could represent an extension or multiplication of these divine qualities, symbolizing the widespread influence of God’s kingdom.
Number 10 and Number 70
In addition to 12, the number 72 is closely related to 10 and 70, which appear in the context of God’s sending of messengers. In the Old Testament, 70 elders were appointed to assist Moses (Numbers 11:16), and 70 years was the length of the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:11). The number 72 may symbolize the fulfillment and expansion of God’s plan, as well as His provision for leadership and guidance through His appointed messengers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 72 in the Bible carries significant spiritual and symbolic meaning. Most prominently, it is associated with the sending of the 72 disciples in the Gospel of Luke, signifying the worldwide mission of evangelism and the spreading of the Gospel message. The number 72 symbolizes the expansion of God’s kingdom to all nations and peoples, showing the inclusiveness of God’s divine plan.
Furthermore, the number 72 embodies divine mission, empowerment, and the fullness of God’s plan for humanity. It encourages believers to participate in the global work of spreading God’s message of peace, healing, and salvation, demonstrating unity, cooperation, and divine authority.
Whether linked to the 72 nations of Genesis or the sending of disciples, the number 72 highlights God’s ongoing work in the world and His desire for all people to experience His love and salvation.
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