Philologos
Bible Prophecy Research
Title: The Lunar Eclipse and Number Patterns in Scripture Declare God's Glory
Submitted by: Susan Kanen (skanen144@yahoo.com)
Date: January 18, 2000
URL: http://philologos.org/bpr/files/sky_signs/ss024.htm
[BPRnote: Susan is a BPR list member, so if you have any comments or questions, I'm sure she would love to hear from you. At the end of this article she refers you to her previous work on numbers in Scripture which will give you further background material on some points she makes in this article, e.g., her suggestion that 7 is associated with maleness, while 12 is associated with femaleness.]
The Lunar Eclipse and Number Patterns in Scripture
Declare God's Glory
by Susan Kanen
By applying number patterns in Scriptures, God's glory can be seen in the eclipse. The interaction between sun (bridegroom) and moon (bride) during an eclipse can be seen to be like a marriage union speaking to us of our coming redemption.
Psalm 19:1-5
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his
handywork. [2] Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. [3]
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. [4] Their line is gone
out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a
tabernacle for the sun, [5] Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and
rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
The sun is like the bridegroom of Psalm 19:4-5 whose daylight is organized into weeks of 7 days. The number seven is associated with maleness. God, Our Father, created in 7 days, His Word is symbolized by the 7 candle menorah in the Temple, and the number 7 is very prominent in the Bible as many authors have written.
The moon is like a bride reflecting the sun's light. The lunar cycle gives rise to 12 months per year and is similar to a woman's reproductive cycle. The Jewish calendar, a lunar calendar, is the pattern for God's people to respond to Him. Tides, mainly caused by the moon's gravitation, rise and fall by 12ths (tides rise by 1/12th of the total change the first hour, 2/12th the second and 3/12th the third and fall the next hour 3/12th, then 2/12th and finally to 1/12th before slack tide). The moon is associated with femaleness and the number 12.
Rev. 12:1
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun,
and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
Life arises from the union of two elements, one male and one female. The number 7 is repeatedly associated with maleness and the number 12 with femaleness. The sun (maleness or 7) travels through the heavens which is divided into 12 signs. Human gestational time is 7X40 days. This pattern for life and redemption is outlined in the numbers (7,12, 40, 50) of the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.
This interpretation using Bible number patterns adds richness to this natural event of an eclipse especially since it lasts 77 minutes. The numbers 7 and 12 also interact in the book of Revelation and point to the Wedding of the Lamb. Often the world views such eclipses as bad omens. Might not God actually be saying good things to us who listen to Him? Bible number patterns speak of redemption and give us reason to look up and celebrate!
Rev. 19:7
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the
Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
Luke 21:25-28
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and
upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; [26]
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on
the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. [27] And then shall they see the Son
of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] And when these things begin to
come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Anna testified of the coming of the baby Jesus, Our Redeemer. She gave thanks to see Him and her life is marked with redemption's number pattern. She lived 7 years with her husband, 77 years without a husband until she saw our infant Bridegroom at her age of 84 (7X12) years.
Luke 2:36-38
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe
of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her
virginity; [37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not
from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. [38] And she
coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them
that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
For further discussion see Number Patterns in Scripture http://philologos.org/bpr/files/Misc_Studies/ms028.htm
by Susan Kanen at skanen144@yahoo.com