The number seven (John uses it 54 times in Rev): theoretically symbolizing completeness through the reunion of God with his people and earth, as the number '3' symbolizes God, '4' for earth (or all creation, Brighton, 1999), 3+4 = 7. We'll run across this again: the four winds, for example. Seven is often used when God is dealing with men (Poellot, 1962). This book is a letter to seven churches in the Roman province called Asia (western Asia Minor; in what is present–day Turkey). So:
- The Holy Spirit? Poellot points out that indeed, Pentecost is not the first time in the Bible the Spirit shows up. From Isaiah 11:2: Spirit of the Lord 1) wisdom 2) understanding 3) counsel 4) power 5) knowledge 6) piety 7) fear (reverent respect) of the Lord. And, of course, seven was a number that indicated perfection/completeness. Isaiah 11:2 “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;” (ESV) It's interesting that one of my favorite translations, NET, boils the list down to wisdom, execute plans, and loyalty. That is, unless you read the translation notes, then it becomes: wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, and knowledge and fear of the Lord. Maybe we're still missing one?
- Could it be an allusion to the seven archangels? There were 7 archangels (or presences) in Judaic tradition, they were the most illustrious servants of God, referred to as “the seven first white ones” (Enoch 90:21). However, Barclay (1976) points out that these are created beings, not God.
- What do YOU think?
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