4 – FOUR
(CREATION, ORDER, STABILITY, COMPLETENESS)
The number 4 in the Bible is often associated with creation, order, and stability. It symbolizes the physical world and its structure, representing completeness and wholeness. The significance of this number can be understood through various references and symbols in the Bible.
Creation and the Material Universe
The number 4 derives its biblical meaning from the fourth day of creation when God completed the material universe by creating the sun, moon, and stars (Gen 1:14-19). These heavenly bodies provided light and marked time into days, seasons, and years. This act of creation highlights God’s power and meticulous planning, establishing the foundation for the natural world.
Additionally, the Garden of Eden had a river that parted into four other rivers (Gen 2:10-14), symbolizing the four corners of the earth. The natural world is further divided into four seasons and four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), emphasizing the order and stability inherent in God’s creation.
Completeness and Wholeness
The number 4 represents completeness and wholeness. There are four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that together tell the complete story of Jesus Christ. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective, contributing to a fuller understanding of Jesus’ life and mission.
The apostle Paul embodied four cultures in one person, and God’s “four sore judgments” (Ezek 14:21) represent the totality of His punishment. These instances underscore the number 4’s role in representing totality and divine order.
The Spiritual World
While the number 3 represents the divine triune Godhead, the number 4 follows and represents the natural world. The four witnesses of God on earth are miracles, wonders, signs, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Heb 2:4). These witnesses highlight the integration of the spiritual and natural realms under God’s sovereignty.
Significance in Scripture
The word “four” appears 328 times in the Bible, 274 times in the Old Testament. The number 4 is used significantly in prophetic visions, such as Ezekiel’s vision of four living creatures (Ezek 1) and the four angels holding back the winds in Revelation (Rev 7:1-3). These references illustrate the comprehensive nature of God’s dominion and the global scope of His judgment.
Lazarus was dead for four days before Jesus resurrected him (Jn 11:17), symbolizing the power of Jesus over life and death.
REFLECTION
God’s Orderly Creation
The number 4 reminds Christians of God’s wisdom and meticulous planning in creating the world. It calls believers to reflect on the beauty and order of creation, recognizing God’s hand in everything around them.
Global Perspective
The four corners of the earth represent the universality of God’s reign and the gospel message. The number 4 encourages Christians to embrace the mission of spreading the good news to all parts of the world, praying for missionaries and supporting evangelistic efforts.
Foundation and Completeness
The number 4 signifies a foundation and completeness. It invites Christians to appreciate the order and structure of God’s creation, to find stability in Him, and to embrace a global perspective in their faith.
In essence, the number 4 invites us to appreciate the order and structure of God’s creation, to find stability in Him, and to embrace a global perspective in our faith.