Blog Ten, October 10, 2025

The Numerical Order of Scripture

“Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance” (Alacrity Press, 2014, reprint from 1921), by E.W. Bullinger, is one of the most comprehensive works on number usage in Scripture. The author states his purpose in the Preface:

“May the result of this contribution to a great subject be to stimulate the labors of Bible students; to strengthen believers in their most holy faith; and to convince doubters of the Divine perfection and inspiration of the Book of Books, to the praise and glory of God.”

Scientists marvel at the order of the natural realm, permitting us to measure and calculate movements of matter and energy with tight precision. God’s Word is just as orderly. Here is the example in Bullinger’s book that removed the last vestiges of doubt in my mind concerning number meaning in Scripture (found on page 141):

THE MIRACLES OF ELIJAH were eight in number, marking the Divine character of his mission:

1. The shutting up of heaven, 1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17; Luke 4:25.

2. Multiplying the widow's meal, 2 Kings 17:14-16.

3. Raising the widow's son, verses 17-23.

4. Causing fire to come down from heaven, 1 Kings 18:37, 38.

5. Causing rain to come down from heaven, verses 41-45.

6. Causing fire to come down from heaven, 2 Kings 1:10.

7. The same, verse 12.

8. Dividing the Jordan, 2 Kings 2:8.

THE MIRACLES OF ELISHA were double in number, viz. sixteen, for his request was, "Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me," 2 Kings 2:9:

1. Dividing the Jordan, 2 Kings 2:14.

2. Healing the waters, verse 21.

3. Cursing the young men, verse 24.

4. Procuring water for the three kings, 2 Kings 3:16-20.

5. Multiplying the widow's oil, 2 Kings 4:1-7.

6. Raising the widow's son, 4:37.

7. Healing the deadly pottage, verse 38.

8. Feeding the hundred men, verses 42-44.

9. The healing of Naaman, 2 Kings 5:1-19.

10. The smiting of Gehazi, verses 20-27.

11. Causing the iron to swim, 2 Kings 6:1-7.

12. Opening the eyes of his servant, verse 17.

13. Smiting the Syrian army with blindness, verse 18.

14. Restoring their sight, verse 20.

15. Arresting the king's messenger, verses 30-33.

16. A dead man raised by touching his bones, 2 Kings 13:20, 21.

Investigation of the Earth and its systems reveals a patterned, predictable array of reliable accessibility. Analysis of Scripture yields no less order and faithfulness. Written over a millennium in multiple languages by men of various backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, the Bible is a tight compilation of wisdom and truth laced together with numerical consistency.

My limited knowledge falls far short of understanding many numbers reported in its lists and accounts. Believing in the truth therein, and in the greatness of God, my hunch is that, as in the created realm, no number in Scripture is random. God’s Word is as orderly as God.

D. E.