Apocalypse Explained # 257
257. Since in this prophetical book numbers are often mentioned, and no one can know the spiritual sense of the things contained therein unless it is known what the particular numbers signify (for all numbers in the Word, like all names, signify spiritual things), and since the number "seven" is often mentioned among others, I will here show that "seven" signifies all persons and all things, likewise fullness and totality; for that which signifies all persons and all things signifies also fullness and totality, for fullness and totality are predicated of the magnitude of a thing, and all persons and all things are predicated of multitude. That "seven" has such a signification can be seen from the following passages. In Ezekiel:
They that dwell in the cities of Israel shall set fire to and burn the arms, and the shield, and the buckler, with the bow and with the arrows, and the hand-staff, and the spear; and they shall make a fire with them seven years. And they shall bury Gog and all his multitude, and they shall cleanse the earth seven months (Ezekiel 39:9, 11-12).
Here the desolation of all things in the church is treated of: "those that dwell in the cities of Israel" signify all goods of truth; "to set fire" signifies to consume by evils. "The arms, the shield, the buckler, the bow, the arrows, the hand-staff, the spear," are all things pertaining to doctrine; "to make a fire with them seven years" means to consume them all and fully by evils. "Gog" signifies those who are in external worship and in no internal worship; "to bury them and cleanse the earth" means to destroy all such, and completely purge the church of them.
[2] In Jeremiah:
The widows shall be multiplied more than the sand of the seas, and I will bring to them upon the mother of the youths the waster at noonday. She that hath borne seven shall languish, she shall breathe out her soul (Jeremiah 15:8-9).
"The widows," that shall be multiplied, signify those who are in good and who long for truths, and in a contrary sense, as here, those who are in evil and desire falsities; "the mother of the youths" signifies the church; "the waster at noonday" signifies the vastation of that church, however much it may be in truths from the Word; "she that hath borne seven shall languish, she shall breathe out her soul," signifies that the church, to which all truths were given because the Word was given to it, is to perish; for "she that hath borne seven" signifies to whom all truths were given. This was particularly said of the Jews.
[3] Likewise in the first book of Samuel:
They that were hungry have ceased; the barren hath borne seven, and she that hath many children hath failed (1 Samuel 2:5).
"They that were hungry," who have ceased, are those who long for the truths and goods of the church; "the barren bearing seven" signifies those who are outside of the church, and are ignorant of truths, because they have not the Word, thus the Gentiles, to whom all things will be given; "she that hath many children failing" signifies those who have, from whom will be taken away. In David:
Render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom (Psalms 79:12).
And in Moses:
That the Jews should be punished seven times for their sins (Leviticus 26:18, 21, 24, 28);
"seven times" here signifying fully.
[4] In Luke:
If thy brother sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times in the day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him (Luke 17:4).
"To forgive seven times, if he should turn again seven times," means to forgive as often as he turns, thus every time. But lest it should be understood to mean seven times, the Lord explained his meaning to Peter, who supposed seven times to be meant, in Matthew:
Peter said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times, but until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).
"Seventy times seven" means always, without counting.
In David:
Seven times a day do I praise thee for the judgments of righteousness (Psalms 119:164).
"Seven times a day" means always, or at all times.
[5] In the same:
The sayings of Jehovah are pure sayings, as silver refined in a crucible purified seven times (Psalms 12:6).
"Silver" signifies truth from the Divine; "purified seven times" means wholly and fully pure.
[6] in Isaiah:
The light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days (Isaiah 30:26).
"The light of the sun" signifies Divine truth from Divine good; that "this light shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days," signifies that Divine truth in heaven shall be without any falsity, thus altogether and fully pure.
[7] In Matthew:
The unclean spirit shall take seven other spirits more evil than himself, and shall dwell there (Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:26).
Here profanation is treated of, and "the seven unclean spirits" with which the unclean spirit would return, signify all the falsities of evil, thus a complete destruction of good and truth.
[8] The "seven times" that were to pass over the king of Babylon have a like meaning, in Daniel:
His heart shall be changed from man, and a beast's heart shall be given unto him, while seven times shall pass over him (Daniel 4:16, 25, 32).
"The king of Babylon" signifies those who profane the goods and truths of the Word; that "his heart should be changed from man, and a beast's heart be given him," means that nothing spiritual, which is the truly human, should remain, but instead there should be the diabolical; "the seven times which were to pass over him" signify profanation, which is the complete destruction of truth and good.
[9] Because "seven" and "seven times" signified all things and fullness, the following commands were given:
Seven days the hands [of Aaron and his sons] should be filled (Exodus 29:35).
Seven days [the altar] should be sanctified (Exodus 29:37).
Seven days Aaron should be clothed with the garments when he was to be initiated (Exodus 29:30).
For seven days Aaron and his sons were not to go out of the tabernacle when they were to initiated into the priesthood (Leviticus 8:33, 34).
Seven times was the altar to be sprinkled for expiation upon its horns (Leviticus 16:18, 19).
Seven times was the altar to be sanctified with oil (Leviticus 8:11).
Seven times was the blood to be sprinkled towards the veil (Leviticus 4:16, 17).
Seven times was the blood to be sprinkled with the fingers eastward, when Aaron went towards the mercy-seat (Leviticus 16:12-15).
Seven times was the water of separation to be sprinkled towards the tent (Numbers 19:4).
Seven times the blood was to be sprinkled in the cleansing of leprosy (Leviticus 14:7, 8, 27, 38, 51).
The lampstand was to have seven lamps (Exodus 25:32, 37; 37:18-25).
For seven days were the feasts to be kept (Exodus 34:18, Leviticus 23:4-9, 39-44; Deuteronomy 16:3, 4, 8).
For the seven days of the feast there was to be a burnt-offering of seven bullocks, and seven rams daily (Ezekiel 45:23).
Balaam built seven altars, and sacrificed seven oxen and seven rams (Numbers 23:1-7, 15-18, 29, 30).
They numbered seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, and then they were to cause the trumpet of the jubilee to be sounded in the seventh month (Leviticus 25:8, 9).
From the signification of the number "seven" it can be seen what is signified:
By the seven days of creation (Genesis 1);
Also by the fact that four thousand men were satisfied by seven loaves and that seven basketful remained (Matthew 15:34-38; Mark 8:5-9).
From this then it is evident what is signified in Revelation:
By the seven churches (Revelation 1:4, 11);
By the seven golden lampstands, in the midst of which was the Son of man (Revelation 1:13);
By the seven stars in His right hand (Revelation 1:16, 20);
By the seven spirits of God (Revelation 3:1);
By the seven lamps of fire before the throne (Revelation 4:5);
By the book sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1);
By the seven angels to whom were given seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2);
By the seven thunders which uttered their voices (Revelation 10:3, 4);
By the seven angels having the seven last plagues (Revelation 16:1, 6);
And by the seven vials full of the seven last plagues (Revelation 16:1; 21:9);
and elsewhere in the Word, where "seven" is mentioned.
Psalms 119
1
Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh's law.
2
Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.
3
Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.
4
You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.
5
Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!
6
Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.
7
I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.
8
I will observe your statutes. Don't utterly forsake me. BET
9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10
With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don't let me wander from your commandments.
11
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12
Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.
13
With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14
I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15
I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.
16
I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word. GIMEL
17
Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word.
18
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
19
I am a stranger on the earth. Don't hide your commandments from me.
20
My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
21
You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
22
Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.
23
Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24
Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors. DALED
25
My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!
26
I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.
27
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28
My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.
29
Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!
30
I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.
31
I cling to your statutes, Yahweh. Don't let me be disappointed.
32
I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free. HEY
33
Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.
34
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
35
Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.
36
Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.
37
Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.
38
Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.
39
Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40
Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness. WAW
41
Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh, your salvation, according to your word.
42
So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.
43
Don't snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.
44
So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever.
45
I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
46
I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.
47
I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.
48
I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes. ZAYIN
49
Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.
50
This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
51
The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don't swerve from your law.
52
I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself.
53
Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54
Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live.
55
I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law.
56
This is my way, that I keep your precepts. CHET
57
Yahweh is my portion. I promised to obey your words.
58
I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.
59
I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.
60
I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.
61
The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won't forget your law.
62
At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.
63
I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.
64
The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes. TET
65
Do good to your servant, according to your word, Yahweh.
66
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67
Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.
68
You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.
69
The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
70
Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.
71
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.
72
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. YUD
73
Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74
Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.
75
Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76
Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.
77
Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
78
Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.
79
Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.
80
Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed. KAF
81
My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.
82
My eyes fail for your word. I say, "When will you comfort me?"
83
For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don't forget your statutes.
84
How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85
The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.
86
All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!
87
They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn't forsake your precepts.
88
Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth. LAMED
89
Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever.
90
Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
91
Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.
92
Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93
I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.
94
I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95
The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.
96
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless. MEM
97
How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.
98
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.
99
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
100
I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.
101
I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.
102
I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me.
103
How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!
104
Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. NUN
105
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
106
I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.
107
I am afflicted very much. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word.
108
Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances.
109
My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won't forget your law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts.
111
I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
112
I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end. SAMEKH
113
I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.
114
You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.
115
Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116
Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117
Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.
118
You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.
119
You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies.
120
My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments. AYIN
121
I have done what is just and righteous. Don't leave me to my oppressors.
122
Ensure your servant's well-being. Don't let the proud oppress me.
123
My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.
124
Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.
125
I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
126
It is time to act, Yahweh, for they break your law.
127
Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
128
Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way. PEY
129
Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.
130
The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.
131
I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.
132
Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
133
Establish my footsteps in your word. Don't let any iniquity have dominion over me.
134
Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.
135
Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.
136
Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don't observe your law. TZADI
137
You are righteous, Yahweh. Your judgments are upright.
138
You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.
139
My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.
140
Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
141
I am small and despised. I don't forget your precepts.
142
Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.
143
Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.
144
Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live. KUF
145
I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes.
146
I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.
147
I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.
148
My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.
149
Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.
150
They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.
151
You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth.
152
Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever. RESH
153
Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don't forget your law.
154
Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.
155
Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don't seek your statutes.
156
Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh. Revive me according to your ordinances.
157
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies.
158
I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don't observe your word.
159
Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.
160
All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever. SIN AND SHIN
161
Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162
I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil.
163
I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.
164
Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.
165
Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.
166
I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh. I have done your commandments.
167
My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.
168
I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you. TAV
169
Let my cry come before you, Yahweh. Give me understanding according to your word.
170
Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.
171
Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.
172
Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.
173
Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174
I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight.
175
Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.
176
I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments. A Song of Ascents.
