Patterns in the Patriarchs

In the pages that follow, you will discover some remarkable patterns that are encoded within the ages and names of the Patriarchs. These patterns exist, and they are quite startling. Many bible scholars are aware of these patterns, yet they attribute the patterns to human invention rather than allow that God may arrange and order physical events so that patterns are formed.

Reference:

Biblical Horizons Newsletter
No. 133: 153 Large Fish
by James B. Jordan
September, 2000

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of large ﬁsh, a hundred and ﬁfty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

This is one of those texts in the Bible that many people puzzle over. It is not a puzzle for some. They say this just happens to be the record of the number of ﬁsh that were caught, evidence of a true ﬁsherman’s recounting (e.g., Leon Morris; William Hendriksen). It is true that there were exactly 153 ﬁsh caught, but that is not the reason the precise number is given. It does not occur to such non-literary interpreters that the Holy Spirit often does not give precise numbers, and that if the precise number were not important, the text would only say “many ﬁsh” or “about 150 ﬁsh.”

Other commentators rightly notice that John’s gospel is full of signs and of allusions to Biblical symbols, such as those associated with the tabernacle, temple, feasts, sacriﬁces, days of creation, and so forth. Thus, they admit that the number must have some meaning; but what? A considerable number of proposals have been advanced over the centuries, and these are often listed in various commentaries (e.g., Beasley-Murray; Raymond Brown). Some are bizarre and arbitrary, and many have little to do with the actual event and context.

Raymond Brown contends that what argues against all such interpretations is that we have no reason to think the initial readers of John’s gospel would have caught any of them. I take up this objection below.

The number 153 can be factored as 3 x 3 x 17. We can examine the number 17 in the Bible, and we will ﬁnd that it does occur in some important places. Of course, the numbers 7 and 10 are both numbers of completeness or totality. They are related to each other as 2 + 5 and 2 x 5. (Compare the relationship of 7 and 12: 3 + 4 and 3 x 4.) Both Book 3 and Book 4 of the Psalter contain 17 psalms. Also, notice the following:

Now, since both 7 and 10 are numbers of completeness and totality, their presence here would indicate a complete catch of large ﬁsh, of the nations of the world (see below). Multiplied twice by 3 this might indicate God’s total permeation of this redeemed world. I believe, however, that there is an even better understanding available.

Long ago, Augustine of Hippo pointed out that 153 is the triangular of 17. This means that if we add 17 + 16 + 15 + 14 … + 1, we come up with 153. This number can be expressed as a triangle.

We in the modern world do not usually study triangular numbers, but they were known in the ancient world and thus formed part of the education of scholars like John, who, as the sophistication of his writings shows, was highly educated. Accordingly, I don’t think Brown is correct in assuming no ancient readers would have caught on to this. And since the Bible is ancient literature, we should investigate the possibility that the number 153 is intended as a triangular of 17. (There is in fact one other signiﬁcant triangular number in the Bible: 666, which is the triangular of 36, itself the product of 6 x 6.)

Unfortunately, Augustine ignores the context of the passage in explaining the meaning of 7 and 10. Seven, he says, is for the seven-fold Spirit of God, and 10 is for the Ten Commandments. Commentators disposed to ridicule “allegorical interpretions” are thus able to dismiss his suggestion. My purpose is to rehabilitate it.

Let us look back at the event recorded in John 21. To begin with, we have to remember that in Biblical symbolism the land represents Israel and the sea represents the gentiles. The land is above the sea, with mountains on it reaching up toward heaven. The land is a “priestly” territory between God’s heaven and the rest of the world. Throughout the Old Testament the gentiles are often spoken of in terms of the sea, or are reached by crossing waters of one sort or another. This land-sea symbolism is applied consistently in the book of Revelation to distinguish the Jews and Judaizers from the gentiles.

Corresponding to this, the priestly people are symbolized as sheep, goats, and oxen, while the gentiles are symbolized by ﬁsh. Jonah, for instance, is swallowed by a big ﬁsh and then spat out again. This symbolized Israel’s going into Assyrian exile and then being returned to the land. Thus, the ﬁsh was Assyria, a place where Israel would be protected while dwelling in the gentile sea.

None of the priests, prophets, and kings of the Old Testament were ﬁshermen. They were all farmers or animal husbandmen. By way of contrast, none of Jesus’ disciples was either a farmer or a husbandman. The most prominent of the disciples were ﬁshermen. Nobody is shown eating fish in the Old Testament, but Jesus feeds the 5000 with ﬁsh, not with beef jerky. After His resurrection He eats a ﬁsh, not a piece of lamb. The disciples are almost never spoken of as shepherds; they are ﬁshers of men. This shift in imagery indicates that Jesus’ new kingdom is going to go to the whole world, to the gentiles. (Signiﬁcantly, Jesus combines shepherding and ﬁshing right here in John 21, as Peter is told to “feed My sheep.”)

And now, in John 21, Peter catches 153 large ﬁsh. Clearly, these large ﬁsh speak of the nations of the world who are going to be caught in the net. The net is the kingdom of God, focussed in the Church. The net does not break, despite the large number of big ﬁsh. The Church will not be destroyed by the nations she converts, but will hold them and bring them to Jesus, as Peter does. As the net draws the ﬁsh, so Jesus draws all men to Himself.

The big ﬁsh as the gentile nations provides us with an explanation of the number 153 as the triangular of 17. The number of nations in the world in the Old Covenant, according to Genesis 10, was 70 (7 x 10). The next number that combines these two factors is 153. Notice:

Having discovered a mathematical pattern embedded within the life spans of the Patriarchs, we shouldn't be so surprised to find mathematical patterns also embedded within the names of the Patriarchs. Jacob, who later changed his name to Israel, had 12 sons. The names of each of these 12 sons (in Hebrew) has a numerical value, and it is these numerical values that form an intriguing mathematical pattern - as you will see shortly...

Part 1: The Numerical Values of the 12 Sons

Reference
Stephen Coneglan BA
Vernon Jenkins MSc
2004-11-20

Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, fathered 12 sons by four women: his wives, Leah and Rachel; and his concubines - maidservants of Leah and Rachel - and surrogate mothers, Zilpah and Bilhah (Genesis 29:31-35; 30:1-24; 35:16-18). The following table lists the names of the sons, in order of birth, with their respective mothers.

A careful study of this list reveals a secondary birth order, this time along matriarchal lines. Such an interpretation receives support from the Scriptural record, where the struggle between the sisters - Leah and Rachel - for the affections of their husband is recounted at Genesis 29 and 30. Consequently, we may reconfigure the birth order after the houses of the two wives, Leah and Rachel. In so doing, precedence is given to the house of Leah: her own six sons first, then her two surrogate sons by Zilpah. Subsequently we have the house of Rachel: her two surrogate sons by Bilhah - given precedence as they were the first to be born into Rachel's house - followed finally by Rachel's own two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. An amended table listing the sons of Israel, after the matriarchal birth order, is as follows:

Many centuries after the advent of Israel it became the practice to use Hebrew letters as numerals. All written words and names have since become fairly interpretable as numbers. Details of the Hebrew alphabetic numbering scheme are given in Appendix 2. The names engraved on the jewels of the breastplate, in their matriarchal birth order, and with their full numerical interpretations, are listed in the table below along with their Strong's reference number bracketed. [Note: to verify these Hebrew spellings you may access www.blueletterbible.org using the relevant reference number.]

* In contrast to the other 11, the Hebrew rendering of the name Zebulun occurs in different ways - as detailed below:

Observe that the column headed 'Freq(uency)' records the number of times each variation occurs in the Old Testament text; and that headed 'CV', the numerical values to be associated with these. For the purposes of the current exercise, it is clear that latter may be read either as 101 or 95. The first is preferred here because, (a) even though the associated variation occurs only once, it alone represents the complete spelling of the name and, (b) it is this value that raises the total of the 'Sons of Israel' to a significant multiple of 37, and the one which establishes many of the internal MS breastplate characteristics.

The birth order, above, resembles very nearly that found at Genesis 46, the only difference being in Rachel's house where Joseph and Benjamin precede Dan and Naphtali. Observe the colour scheme: Leah's house rendered pink, and Rachel's blue.

From these data, the breastplate grid - termed the Mother Set (MS) - may now be prepared for analysis as a 4 x 3 matrix of CV names:

At this juncture a few points need to be addressed concerning the breastplate. In a previous page, 'An Oracle Restored', the breastplate grid was overlaid with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel - not quite the same thing as the 12 sons of Israel (see 'An Oracle Restored'). Surprisingly, neither the MS nor the grid as per 'An Oracle Restored' can lay claim to being the original breastplate order. In spite of this fact, however, they both fulfill the Scriptural condition concerning the breastplate, that it be representative of birth order! Below is the true breastplate grid (a), with the MS (b) and 'Oracle' (c) grids alongside.

Note also at (a) and (b) that Zebulun has a CV of 101, the full spelling of the name. In Scripture Zebulun appears with three different spellings, two of which produce a CV of 95, as at (c). On the true breastplate, the full spelling would undoubtedly have applied.

Here, we continue our study of the breastplate grid in which the names of the sons of Israel appear in Mother Set (MS) order, viz Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun (children of Leah), Gad and Asher (children of Leah's handmaid, Zilpah), Dan and Naphtali (children of Rachel's handmaid, Bilhah), Joseph and Benjamin (children of Rachel).

The 4 rows

The last row sums to 888, the gematria for "Jesus".

Interestingly, the first three rows sum to 1480 + 814, cyclic permutations of "Christ".

SO the breastplate bears the signature of Jesus Christ

It is interesting that the first three rows should divide along row boundaries - into 31 x 31 (row 2) and 31 x 43 (rows 1 and 3)

31 is the gematria for El (God) and 2 x 43 is the gematria for Elohim (God)

SO the breastplate bears the signature of God

The total sum for all 12 squares comes to 37 x 73 + 13 x 37

37 x 73 is the gematria for Genesis 1 v 1 and takes the form of a hexagram of 37 inside a hexagram of 73. 13 is the hexagram inside a hexagram of 37.

SO the breastplate bears the signature of the Creator

Squares 1, 2, 7, and 11 sum to 888 , once again the signature of Jesus

The remaining 8 squares, divide neatly into 2 groups of 4 squares each -

Squares 10, 8, 4, 3 sum to 31 x 37, once again the signature of the Creator

Squares 6, 5, 9, 12 sum to 31 x 37, once again the signature of the Creator

At (a), we depict the MS grid, and at (b), the sums of the elements in each of the rows. Now observe the following:

Row 2 yields 961, or 31^2

The sum of rows 1 and 3 is 1333, or 31x43

The sum of rows 1, 2 and 3 is 2294, or 31x74

The sum of rows 2 and 4 is 1849, or 43^2

The sum of all 4 rows is 43x74

Clearly, we have a 'full house' for both 31 and 43; and to add to this elegant simplicity we find that 31+43=74!

One further observation concerns the sum 1333. Being fashioned from rows 1 and 3, the number 1333 consists of one 1 and three 3s. As with features touched on elsewhere, the nature of this 4 digit string bespeaks the Triune character of the Lord.

3. Multiples of 61 and the Cross

Columns 1 and 3 interact to display 3 paired CVs that are multiples of 61, thus:

As before, at (a) we depict the MS grid, and now the Cross with its flanking pairs at (b). The sums of these pairs - all multiples of 61 - occupy rows 1, 3 and 4 of the central column: in row 1, 305 = 5 x 61; in row 3, 61 = 1 x 61; and in row 4, 732 = 12 x 61. The sum of the 3 pairs is 1098, or 18 x 61. It will be observed that the remaining 6 CVs delineate the form of a Cross on the MS. Furthermore, this same sum of 1098 depicts the form of a halo on the Cross, thus:

At (b), we observe the sum of 466, 30, 101 and 501 to be 1098 - as before.

4. The axes of the Cross

On the MS the highest CV of 830 is found at the centre of the two axes of the Cross. It therefore partakes in the sums of both axes. The sums of the axes contain striking numero-geometrical features that are found to be related.

The following observations reveal:

The sum of the horizontal axis CVs is 961 = 31 x 31 = 31st rhombus/square.
The sum of the vertical axis CVs is 1953 = 31 x 63; and 1953 is the 62nd triangle.
Intriguingly, these figures are found combined in the following representation of the 62nd triangle within which the central triangle of order 30 (= 465) is embraced by a trio of triangles of order 31 (=496 = 3rd perfect number). Combining the inner triangle with any one of the outer triangles generates a rhombus of order 31 (= 31 x 31 = 961). Importantly, 496 is the sum of the leading CVs for each of the axes of the Cross, i.e. 466 + 30 = 496.
Incredibly, the order numbers of both square and triangle are revealed as their sums descend to the sixth level via the midpoint structure, thus:

961 / 481 / 241 / 121 / 61 / 31

1953 / 977 / 489 / 245 / 123 / 62

We further observe that 62 = 31 x 2. Clearly, the number 31 is the key signifier of the Cross. 31 is the gematria of the fundamental Hebrew word for God, , El. Its digits also represent the Triune God of the Christian Scriptures, an appropriate truth symbolised here on the MS by the Cross. These matters are given even greater depth when we examine the figure of the Lord on the Cross.

5. The Lord on the Cross

Having found the form of the Cross to be a function of multiples of 61, we then observed the axes of the Cross to be a function of the number 31 and its multiples. Remarkably, the centre of the vertical axis is found to be a multiple of 121, the third member in the midpoint set starting at 31. This feature is observed as we make recourse to the figure of the Lord on the Cross.

Several numerical features are worth considering:

As stated, the sum of the vertical axis is 1331, the cube of 11 that also factorises as 11 x 121. Figuratively, this value represents the Lord's head and body on the Cross.
The remaining CVs sum to 131, and depict the Lord's hands nailed to the Cross.
Both 1331 and 131 are palindromes, their digits representing the Trinity stretched out in both directions. The allusion to the features of the number 31 - of which the axes of the Cross are a function - is unmistakeable.
The value of all 3 CVs forming the Lord's hands and head is 961 = 31 x 31. Comparing this to the vertical sum of 1331 = 11^3, we see the digits representing the Trinity persisting to a remarkable degree in the figure of the Lord crucified. Note that 11, index of the cubic number 1331, is also the prime index of 31.
The sum of the 4 CVs depicting the Lord crucified is 1462. Characteristically, the factors of this number are themselves palindromic, the pair 34 x 43 adding to the self-reflexive properties of the numbers featured above. As if to emphasise the connection we observe that the pair 34 and 43 concatenate as 3443, which itself factorises as 11 x 313.
The factor of 43 is one of the prime factors of both the breastplate matrix and of the name of God, Elohim. The 4 CVs therefore split to represent the name of Elohim:

(i) 30 + 830 = 860 = 10 x 86

(ii) 101 + 501 = 602 = 7 x 86
Deletion of the zero in the above sums reveals a further aspect of numerical integration:

(i) 860 becomes 86 = 2 x 43

(ii) 602 becomes 62 = 2 x 31
As observed earlier, the rows of the MS are functions of the numbers 31 and 43.
A final feature of the 4 CVs depicting our Lord on the Cross refers back to the palindromic pair of 131 and 1331. Remarkably, their respective midpoints are the triangle numbers 66 and 666. This property means that both are able to be represented as hour-glass figures, thus:

The improbable persistence of the digits 3 and 1, and the self-reflexive properties of the numbers featured in the analysis of the Lord on the Cross, suggest a fundamental and symbolic integration of number and form as witnessed on the MS. The numbers 31, 43, 61 and 121 are so tightly interlocked that there can be little doubt that they are indexical of purposeful design.

6. The Cross and the hexagram

Already found to be a function of multiples of 31, the Cross displays further symmetrical symbolism around this same factor. Previously we observed the sum of rows 1 and 3 to be 1333 = 31 x 43. These rows sit astride the horizontal axis of the Cross, whose sum was observed to be 961 = 31 x 31. As a matter of interest, the two rows summing to 1333 further divide by a factor of 31, with symmetrical consequences, as below:

From the figure, above, the following may be observed:

The sum of the blue tiles is 527 = 31 x 17

The sum of the yellow tiles is 806 = 31 x 26.

This latter sum has some interesting permutations.

- Deleting the zero reduces the sum to 86, the CV of Elohim.

- Meanwhile, the factors of 31 and 26 are the CVs of El and YHWH respectively, thus perpetuating the references to the names of God.

- Curiously, the factors of 806 may be inverted without affecting the product, thus: 31 x 26 = 62 x 13 = 806

The features of rows 1 and 3, above, may be redrawn to depict a stylised hexagram - symbol of Israel - on the Cross.

7. The Cross - some further observations

The Cross may be further subdivided into the upper CV of 466 (symbolising the superscription posted above our Lord as He suffered upon the Cross), and the remaining 5 CVs - summing to 1618 - which depict the Cross itself in the form of a Tau (letter T). Here is the relevant diagram:

In a previous page, we saw how the combined CVs of the six sons of Leah - constituting the first two rows of the MS - gave a scaled approximation of . In like manner, using the same scaling factor of 10^-3, and applying it to the sum of the 5 CVs forming the T-shaped Cross, we are able to extract yet another close approximation to a mathematical constant, viz the golden ratio, known also as the Divine Proportion. As a number this ratio is termed phi in the United States, and tau, T, in the United Kingdom. The actual value of T is 1.6180339... As can readily be seen, the approximation depicted on the MS is as exact as allowable within the constraint of the parameters available. Perhaps more uncanny is the resemblance of the mathematical term T to the actual shape of the Cross depicting its scaled value of 1618. Ultimately, this mathematical symbol T comes to us as an abbreviation for the Greek word, temnw, meaning 'to cut'; which word we find incorporated in, peritomh, meaning 'circumcision'. Intriguingly, the Cross depicts this truth through the cutting off of Christ, as evidenced at Colossians 2:11,14.
A well-known convergent for T is the Fibonacci series of numbers. Starting at 0 and 1, each new member of the series is the sum of the two previous numbers. The number 0 counting as the zero term in the series, the first 15 members of the series proper are:
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610

Taking any term from the series, and dividing it by its predecessor, gives an approximation to T. For example, 377 / 233 = 1.6180257... As the series increments, the convergence to T becomes ever more exact. What is less known is that this feature applies to any number of consecutive terms in the series, providing the second set includes the term immediately preceding that with which the first set begins, whilst simultaneously omitting the concluding term of that first set. For example:

(F13 to F15)/(F12 to F14) = (233+377+610)/(144+233+377) = 1220/754 = 1.6180371...
From the Fibonacci series we get another absorbing aspect of the Cross as per the MS. Having obtained our approximation to T from the 5 CVs which form a T-shaped Cross, we observe that the remaining CV of 466 surmounting this Cross is the sum of three consecutive terms from the Fibonacci series, thus:

(F11 to F13) = (89+144+233) = 466

It follows that the matching term for an approximation to T would be:

(F12 to F14) = (144+233+377) = 754

The MS confirms this, as evidenced by:

1.618 x 466 754.

Amazingly, 754 is the value of the Lord's name in Hebrew: = Jesus Christ. Adding to the mystery, if we multiply this sum of 754 by another mathematical absolute, p, the product is 2368.76... Removing the decimal appendage leaves the integer 2368 = Jesus Christ in Greek, IhsouV CristoV.

There remains yet one more feature of the Cross on the MS; this time the revelation relates to an artefact within the breastplate itself.

8. The Urim and Thummim

At Exodus 28 we read that the breastplate was to be a repository for the mysterious Urim and Thummim. Little is known of the identity of this artefact other than its being a recognised medium for judicial enquiry of God, worn and used by the High Priest alone. The Hebrew words mean 'lights and perfections', and are written [aurim v'thummim]. Their CVs are 257 and 496, respectively, and, significantly, these are found at the extremities of the Cross.

Here it may be seen that the CVs of Zebulun and Joseph (contents of the purple cells) total 257 - the CV of 'Urim'; and the CVs of Simeon and Judah (contents of the green cells), 496 - the CV of 'and Thummim'.

Concerning the latter sum, 496 has a mathematical presence as third perfect number. In light of this fact, we observe that the Hebrew word [v'Thummim] has the meaning 'perfections'.

9. Addendum: 31 and 43: complements and related properties

Inseparably linked on the rows of the MS grid, 31 and 43 share further numerical and geometrical properties suggestive of a deeper complementarity, thus:

Deletion of the zero

31 x 13 = 403

43 x 7 = 301

By deleting the zero, the two products complement one another. We note also that the respective factors of 13 and 7 double as first hexagram/hexagon pair.

Triple of 8s

Adding the products above we get 403 + 301 = 704 = 8 x 88.

As per the MS, 43^2 - 31^2 = 1849 - 961 = 888.

Trinity and triangles

a) 31 x 43 = 1333, whose string of 4 digits is composed of one 1 and three 3s

b) The 31st triangle sums to 496, and the 43rd to 946 - a digit permutation of 496.

Midpoint structure

The midpoint structure of each number extended to the 3rd level reveals the following:

31 / 61 / 121

43 / 85 / 169

It will be observed that 121 is the square of 11, and 169 the square of 13.

From this observation a more fundamental relationship is intimated.

Following this lead, we note the interaction of 11 and 13 on the MS.

Cube and centre

a) cubes: the 11th cube, at centre, is supplemented by the first column to produce the 13th cube; and,

b) centre: 1331, the cube of 11, represents the concatenation of 13 and 31.

In this capacity it offers a tantalising reference to John 1:1.

John 1:1

The CV of John 1:1 is 3627. It has the palindromic factors 13 x 3 x 3 x 31, which telescope into the form 1331.

3627 further factorises as 403 x 3 x 3

Finally, 3627 factorises as 39 x 93. Remarkably, concatenating these factors produces the number 3993 = 1331 x 3.

This last feature provides us with an interesting observation.

Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1

Concatenation of the palindromic factors of the premiere creation verses reveals a cubic connection.

a) The factors of Genesis 1:1 concatenate as 3773.

3773 = 343 x 11, with 343 = 7th cube.

b) The factors of John 1:1 concatenate as 3993.

3993 = 1331 x 3, with 1331 = 11th cube.

From the above we observe that 343 depicts 43 reflecting in both directions from the centre.

Similarly, 1331 depicts 31 reflecting in both directions from the centre.

Birthplace of our Lord

A final observation on the pair 31 and 43 reveals the birthplace of our Lord. Bethlehem lies at latitude 31 degrees 43 minutes North. While longitude measures - based on the location of Greenwich, England - can be considered arbitrary, latitude measures are absolute, being founded upon the geometry of the Earth's poles and equator.

(a) The six triangles forming the internal hexagon of the 'Star' sum to 1480 = Christ!

(c) Combining the triangles of (a) and (b) creates a large triangle pointing downwards, the outer three triangles summing to 888 (Jesus), and the inner six triangles forming the hexagon summing to 1480 (Christ)! The amazing thing about this feature is that it relates directly to the MS array. The six triangles of the hexagon represent six consecutive CVs on the MS breastplate, from Simeon to Gad, CV2 through to CV7. Thus the MS has the CV of Christ (1480) represented by consecutive CVs, a feature not previously noted. Moreover, the three outer triangles also represent consecutive CVs on the MS, summing to 888, the CV of Jesus. Remarkable that the MS should capture this feature, and even more remarkable for the beautiful way in which the 'Star' depicts this same feature!

(d) In the 'Star' there are six triangles pointing downwards, and six triangles pointing upwards. The six upward-pointing triangles have CVs of (259 + 830 + 501 + 7 + 54 + 46) = 1697, the CV of the Greek 'ho logos tou theou' = The Word of God! Look at how beautifully this is featured on the 'Star'.

(f) Combining the triangles of the internal hexagon (a) with those of (e) creates a large triangle pointing upwards, the sum of which is 2294. This is, of course, the sum of the Bible's central - and shortest - chapter, Psalm 117. That the value of this large triangle - 2294 - should integrate with that of the other large triangle at (c) - 2368 - informs us clearly that the heart of the Bible - represented by the number 2294 - is none other than Jesus Christ - 2368. He is it's central message!

(g) The four CVs forming the central vertical axis are 259 + 466 + 7 + 156 = 888, the CV of Jesus! It's almost too good to be true, but there it is! Note that these four CVs stand for the four leading tribes enumerated at Ezekiel 48:31-34.

(h) The second axis is diagonal, and is formed from the CVs 162 + 830 + 101 + 54 = 1147 = 31 x 37. The CVs involved are the remainder of the East (the outer values of 162 and 54) and South (the inner values of 830 and 101) gates enounced by Ezekiel. Thus an implicate order is maintained.

(i) The final axis is the second diagonal, formed from the CVs 501 + 30 + 46 + 570 = 1147 = 31 x 37. The CVs involved are the remainder of the West (the outer values of 501 and 570) and North (the inner values of 30 and 46) gates enounced by Ezekiel. Again, implicate order is maintained. Clearly axes (h) and (i) are of the same value, and are featured thus as opposing squares on the NJ cube. Their combined value is 2294, the CV of Psalm 117, and presents a pleasing symmetry on the 'Star', forming two inverting chevron flanks either side of the central axis of 888 = Jesus!

(j) Pertaining to the two chevron flanks either side of the central axis, the first flank is formed from 162 + 830 + 30 + 501 = 1523. The two centre rows of the MS also have a combined sum of 1523. The four CVs forming this flank are the second CVs mentioned for each of the four gate structures at Ezekiel 48:31-34. Yet again, rigid order is maintained.

(k) The second flank is formed from 570 + 46 + 101 + 54 = 771. This is the same as the CV of the first row of the MS. The four CVs involved are those of the last tribes mentioned at the four gates of Ezekiel 48:31-34. As ever, logic and order are maintained. Features (g) through to (k) present remarkable interplay between the MS matrix and Ezekiel 48:31-34, the latter being the key to the NJ cube.

(l) At (c), we observed that the nine triangular segments of the large downward-pointing triangle summed to 2368, the CV of Jesus Christ in Greek. Intriguingly, these same nine triangles contain a symmetrical representation of the full spelling of the name Jesus Christ in Hebrew. In Biblical Hebrew, there are three ways for spelling the equivalent to Jesus. The full spelling has a CV of 397, the second spelling drops a vav for a CV of 391, and the final spelling drops an heh in addition to the vav for a CV of 386 (which CV I like the least of the three!). The CV for Christ is 363, it generally having the article affixed. Thus the full spelling = 397 + 363 = 760, which is found symmetrically embedded in 2368 (Iesous Christos) as 466 + 101 + 7 + 30 + 156 = 760 (Yehoshua haMashiach).

(n) Feature (m) is supplemented by the two opposing outer triangles of 156 + 570 = 726 = CV of 'ho messias', Greek for The Messiah!

(o) The 'Star' contains a remarkable reference to Hebrews 13:8, using Stephen's Textus Receptus as reference (and not the dreadful Wescott and Hort abomination and their ilk, which excise a sizeable portion of the New Testament because they are tied to the two Roman Catholic codices). We read: 'Iesous Christos chthes kai semeron ho autos' - Jesus Christ yesterday and today the same - where 'Iesous' = set (b), 'Christos' = set (a), and 'chthes' = set (e). The first three words of the verse are covered by the 'Star', 888 + 1480 + 814. The other important word is 'semeron', meaning 'today'. This word sums to 473 = 466 + 7, which is at the centre of the central axis of the 'Star'. Thus, Jesus Christ yesterday today. An astonishing witness.

There are further impressive numerical features to be found on the 'Star'. For example, the four tips of a central Cross would be 259 + 162 + 570 + 156 = 1147, yet another symmetrical representation of this very important number.

In the original Greek text, "Jesus Christ" is written IHSOUS XRISTOS. From earliest times these two letters have been combined into a beautiful symbol representing the Christian’s faith that Jesus is "the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the Living God". (Matthew 16:16)

The Monogram of Christ is one of the oldest and most popular Christian symbols. It is formed by superimposing the initials IX of His Name (Ihsous Christos, Jesus Christ). This image comes straight from the Mind of God. The Alpha and Omega on the left and right are inextricably and eternally integrated with the identity of the Lord Jesus Christ through this pair of identities (cf. Revelation 1:8):

Amazingly, the vertical axis has the form of an “I” and has a value of 888. this is the numerical value of Jesus.

The two other axes have the form of an X. They both have exactly the same value, 1147, so they are like equal limbs of a cross X. Their total value is 2294 = 1480 + 814. 1480 is the numerical value of Christ. And 814 is a cyclic permutation of 1480.

The vertical 888 axis has the only multiple of 37 in the star = 259 = “see a son” – the firstborn son of Israel - Reuben. Interestingly, each of the other two axis is made up of 259 and 888 - meaning "see a son - Jesus" - and indicating that Jesus is the Firstborn

The star is formed of two triangles - an upward pointing triangle and a downward pointing triangle. The downward pointing triangle has a value of 888 + 1480, which is the numerical value for Jesus Christ

The upward pointing triangle has a value of 31 x 37 + 31 x 37, and we have seen above that this expression generates cyclic permutations of Christ 1480.

The star also divides naturally into a central hexagon and six surrounding star points. The central hexagon has a value of 1480 - the numerical value of Christ

The six points have a total value of 888 + 814 = Jesus + Christ (cyclic permutation)

So it is quite reasonable to argue that the Star of David, formed of the names of the 12 sons of Israel, embodies the Iota Chi, the signature of Christ.

Genesis begins with the creation of life on Earth. Genesis 1 v 1 embodies a numerical pattern based on 37 x 73, where 37 can be represented as a hexagram inside a hexagram of 73.

Genesis ends with the creation/birth of the sons of Israel. The total sum of all their names comes to 37 x 73 + 13 x 37, and remarkably it so happens that 13 is the hexagram that fits perfectly within the hexagram of 37.

The mathematical patterns found embedded within the life spans and names of the descendants of Abraham indicate that God was active in determining how long each Patriarch lived, and also what names they were to have.

God worked through Abraham's family. Does this mean that Abraham's family unit is a model for others to follow? In the light of other parts of the Bible, which emphasis the importance of family, respect for parents, the sanctity of sexual relations etc, we might conclude that the family is an important unit in God's society, and here we have a clear example of God shaping the family of Abraham.

In the Old Testament, circumcision was never to be regarded as a merely physical act.

The visible was never to be considered apart from an inward reality. Both Old Testament circumcision and New Testament baptism are intended as outward signs of an inward reality. But there was also, just as with baptism, an acknowledgement that not all who bore the sign would be in possession of the reality. To use New Testament terms, there would be tares among the wheat in Israel.

It should be clear that, though the sign of circumcision was administered according to the command of God, it did not signify blessing alone. It signified potential curse or blessing. If those who possessed the sign of the covenant remained covenant breakers, they would eventually be cut off from God’s people.The curse symbolized in the oath sign would become a reality. Where circumcision did not signify the actual removal of sin from an individual because the individual did not act on the promises by faith, circumcision represented that person’s removal from the people of God.

Paul said, "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." (Romans 2:28 - 29 NIV)

Sex is the most potent force on the face of the earth. Physical circumcision is a permanent physical reminder that symbolizes the cutting back, the holding in check of our most basic drives and desires so that God's purposes of a Godly heritage can be fulfilled through us. Unchecked, our lusts and desires can eclipse our ability to hear God's voice, and do God's will.

It's one thing to have a promise and a vision, but that promise and vision will never be a reality unless we heed the call of God to circumcise our hearts. "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer." (Deut 10:16 NIV). " The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live." (De 30:6 NIV)

"Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done-- burn with no one to quench it." (Je 4:4 NIV)

What does it mean to circumcise your hearts? God is saying, I want you to cut away the desires and passions of your heart that are not in keeping with my plan of you becoming a great heritage of righteousness.

The 7 day week was a complete cycle. The 8th day represents a new beginning. In the Bible the number 8 represents a new beginning and a new creation. When we put to death the sinful nature with it's passions and desires we are ready for a new start, we are born again and a new creation in Christ.

Richard McGough provides a clear outline of the meaning of the number 8 in Scripture here - EIGHT - NEW BEGINNING

Perhaps that is also why the names of the 12 sons of Israel form three axes each a manifestation of 888 + 259. 888 stands for "Jesus" - but might also symbolize "a beginning / a new creation". 259 stands for "see a son" - a son is born, and we become "sons of God" (gematria 153). Remember that the life spans of Abraham + Isaac + Jacob + Joseph = 153 + 153 + 153 + 153. They were "sons of God".

Through circumcision of the heart we enter a new beginning, become a new creation - born again as a son of God - and inherit the Promise made to God's people.

Patriarch	Lifespan	Factors	Sum of Factors
Abraham	175 years	7 x 25 = 7 x 5 x 5	7 + 5 + 5 = 17
Isaac	180 years	5 x 36 = 5 x 6 x 6	5 + 6 + 6 = 17
Jacob	147 years	3 x 49 = 3 x 7 x 7	3 + 7 + 7 = 17
Joseph	110 years	1 x (25 + 36 + 49)

Reference:

Biblical Horizons Newsletter No. 133: 153 Large Fish by James B. Jordan September, 2000

Biblical Horizons Newsletter
No. 133: 153 Large Fish
by James B. Jordan
September, 2000