Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
70 (Seventy)

Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
Number 70 (Seventy)

is another combination of two of the perfect numbers, seven and ten. We have seen something of the significance of their sum under the number Seventeen; their product is no less significant.

As compared with the sum of two numbers, the product exhibits the significance of each in an intensified form.

Hence 7 x 10 signifies perfect spiritual order carried out with all spiritual power and significance. Both spirit and order are greatly emphasised.

The Seventy Nations

which peopled the earth are set forth with a particularity which shows the importance of the fact (see Gen 10).

The Seventy Souls of Genesis 46

are marked not only by the perfection of spiritual truth, as seen by the multiple of 7, but by the perfection of Divine order, as seen in the multiple of 10, seventy being 7 x 10.

We stop not to notice the number given in Acts 7:14, which is different because it refers to a different classification, viz., "all his kindred," which amounted to 75. In Genesis 46:26, God is speaking of another class, viz., only those "which came out of his loins"; these were seventy in number.

This number is made up in a remarkable manner, distinguishing the descendants of Leah and her maid from Rachel and her maid,* the latter being a more marked multiple of 7:—

* The gematria of their names is just as remarkable. See note for number 8.

* The gematria of her name is 42 (6x7), for though of Divine calling she was very human.

These seventy built up the nation of Israel. See Genesis 46:27; Exodus 1:5 and Ruth 4:11.

Seventy elders furnished Israel's great Tribunal, Exodus 24:1; Numbers 11:16, afterwards called the Sanhedrim. See below, under the next number (120).

Seventy disciples sent out by the Lord prefigure the mighty host which followed them (Luke 10:1,17) in spirit and in power.

It is the number specially connected with

Jerusalem

for the city kept its sabbaths seventy years, while Judah was in Babylon, Jeremiah 35:11.

And seventy sevens were determined upon it to complete its transgression, and bring in everlasting righteousness for it, Daniel 9:24 (see note from chapter one).