The number four is a very significant number in the Bible. In addition to referring to the physical number “four” as used in chronology and mathematics, it also refers to several other concepts. The Hebrew word for “four” is arba’, which is equivalent to the English word forty. So when people speak of the “forty days” of Lent, they are referring to one of the most important symbols in the Christian Scriptures: the forty years that Moses spent on Mount Sinai. Note that this is not just a coincidence; Scripture often uses numbers as symbolism or symbolism in numbers.
The number 4 derives its Bible meaning from creation. On the fourth day of what is called ‘creation week’ God completed the material universe. On this day he brought into existence our sun, the moon, and all the stars (Genesis 1:14 – 19). Their purpose was not only to give off light, but also to divide the day from the night on earth, thus becoming a basic demarcation of time. They were also made to be a type of signal that would mark off the days, years and seasons (of which there are 4).
Who Wrote The Book of Psalms
According to Jewish tradition, the Book of Psalms was composed by the First Man (Adam), Melchizedek, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Heman, Jeduthun, Asaph, and the three sons of Korah. According to Abraham ibn Ezra, the final redaction of the book was made by the Men of the Great Assembly.
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for ‘seasons’ (of which there are 4) in Genesis 1:14 is moed (Strong’s Concordance #H4150), which literally translated is “appointed times” (divine appointments) in reference to God’s festivals. This is the earliest known allusion to what would later be called the Holy (or Feast) days (periods) of worship.
The fourth Commandment God gave to Israel commands we remember and keep God’s holy Sabbath day (Exodus 20:9 – 11). The Sabbath day is tied directly to the creation week. God himself made the period between Friday sunset and Saturday sunset extra special when he rested on it after bringing everything into existence the previous six days (Genesis 2:1 – 3, Exodus 20:11).
Who Wrote Most of The Psalms
Appearances of the book of psalms
One of the top ten most frequently mentioned women in the Bible, Eve, is only referenced four times (Genesis 3:20, 4:1, 2Corinthians 11:3 and 1Timothy 2:13).
Psalm 107 is the only section or chapter in God’s word that contains the exact same phrase 4 times (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21 and 31).
The apostle Paul was a man familiar with 4 major first century cultures. He was a Roman citizen, he was a Jew who spoke Greek as well as Hebrew, and he was a Christian.
The Garden of Eden had a river that parted into the headwaters of four other rivers. These rivers were the Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel and the Euphrates (Genesis 2:10 – 14).
After Jesus was nailed and hung on a cross, Roman soldiers divided his clothes into four parts (one for each soldier – John 19:23).
The 4 witnesses of God on earth are miracles, wonders, signs and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2).
The number of times rainbows are referenced in scripture are four (Genesis 9, Ezekiel 1, Revelation 4 and 10).
Ezekiel, prophecy and number 4
In Ezekiel’s well-known ‘wheel in the middle of a wheel’ vision (Ezekiel 1, 10) he sees 4 living creatures transporting a throne with four sides and four wheels. Each of the living creatures (likely Cherubim, a class of angels) has four faces (the face of a man, lion, ox and eagle) and four wings (1:6).
Ezekiel, later in his book, is told to proclaim to Israel that an end is coming upon ‘the four corners of the land’ (Ezekiel 7:2). The prophet is told by the Eternal to ask Israel’s unrepentant elders to repent or else four sore judgments will come upon Jerusalem. They are the sword, famine, wild beasts or animals, and pestilence (14:21).
Studying the Bible is essential because of how important God is.
We should give our full attention to the Bible since it contains God’s message to humanity. We need to get in touch with him. Since we aim to take his words to heart, we will be giving them our full and undivided attention.
What a priceless piece of advice! A biblical passage describes them as “more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; also sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10). More than the biggest joys that our world wants—money and food—the Bible satisfies us.
Paul told young pastor Timothy that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). As you speak, God “breathes out” each individual word in the Bible. It is absolutely original in this respect. That statement is true of the Bible but not of any other literature.
Reading the Bible is not the same as studying it.
The Bible is just another document, therefore we read it as quickly as possible. In contrast, we don’t rush through Bible study. We search for answers to the world’s mysteries as we attempt to make sense of it. What they say is given serious consideration.
Ephesians 1:1-14 can be read in 30 seconds, yet the lessons it contains will last you a lifetime. The Gospel of John can be read in its entirety in roughly two hours. But its complexity ensures that you’ll never get bored exploring it.
The reward of maturing in God’s word will be ours for as long as we live.
It’s important to devote a lot of time to Bible study and have faith in what you’re reading.
We put in the time and effort necessary since we value education highly. However, relying on God also calls for us to ask for wisdom.
Paul urged Timothy to “think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7). God endows us with wit, but we have to put it to use.
The evangelist George Whitefield began devoting himself to reading the Bible on a regular basis once he became a Christian. Author says, “I began to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other books and praying over, if possible, every line and word… I daily received fresh life, light, and power from above.” Take note of how modest he is.1
Whether or not we choose to get on our knees to study, that’s where our focus ought to be.
Additional info on Biblical Meaning of 4
The books of Ruth, Jonah, Malachi, Philippians, Colossians and 2Timothy have only 4 chapters.
There are four gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry. Each of these emphasizes a unique aspect of his sacrifice and ministry. Matthew’s focus is on Christ being the son of David and a King. Mark highlights the suffering servant aspect of his ministry. John proclaims Jesus is the One and Only begotten Son of God while Luke presents him as the Perfect Man.
