Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. What does the Bible have to say about our labor?

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
Genesis 3:17-19

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.
Ecclesiastes 5:18

The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
1 Corinthians 3:8

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Revelation 14:13

God's Will (a diagram)

I have had many posts about man's will and free will, but it is important also to remember to dicuss God's Will. God's will is very clear in the Bible, but what is interesting is that describing it, topics always come in what I call the law of twos. See here for an explanation of the meaning of the number 2.

Church Discipline

The purpose of the church is to preach and to teach, both to believers and non-believers. This two-fold ministry of edification and evangelism has many parts. One of the parts of edification is church discipline, where the church ministers to those whose life is dominated so thoroughly by a sin, that it is open and unrepentant.  ACELC dispute resolution? Carl Laney states, “Church discipline may be broadly defined as the confronting and correcting measures taken by an individual, church leaders, or the congregation regarding a matter of sin in the life of a believer.”

Discipline in the church is not punishment, but is meant to train and restore. It also brings glory to God and enhance the testimony of the flock, restores, heals, and builds up sinning believers (Matt. 18:15; 2 Thess. 3:14-15; Heb. 12:10-13; Gal. 6:1-2; Jam. 5:20); produces a healthy faith, one sound in doctrine (Tit. 1:13; 1 Tim. 1:19-20); win a soul to Christ, if the sinning person is only a professing Christian (2 Tim. 2:24-26); silences false teachers and their influence in the church (Tit. 1:10-11); sets an example for the rest of the body and promote godly fear (1 Tim. 5:20); protects the church against the destructive consequences that occur when churches fail to carry out church discipline.

The discipline of the church is first patterned after the fact that the Lord Himself disciplines His children (Heb. 12:6) and, as a father delegates part of the discipline of the children to the mother, so the Lord has delegated the discipline of the church family to the church itself (1 Cor. 5:12-13; 2 Cor. 2:6). Discipline is further based on the holy character of God (1 Pet. 1:16; Heb. 12:11). The pattern of God’s holiness—His desire for the church to be holy, set apart unto Him—is an important reason for the necessity of church discipline. The church is therefore to clean out the leaven of malice and wickedness from its ranks (1 Cor. 5:6-8). A failure to exercise discipline in the church evidences a lack of awareness of and concern for the holiness of God. Church discipline is to be patterned after and based on the divine commands of Scripture (1 Cor. 4:6). We have numerous passages of Scripture which both command and give us God’s directives on the how, why, when, and where of church discipline. Again, a failure to exercise this responsibility demonstrates a lack of obedience and belief in the authority of the Bible (1 Cor. 5:1-13; Matt. 18:17-18; Titus 3:10; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:20; Gal. 6:1). Another basis for the necessity of church discipline is the testimony of the church in the world (1 Pet. 4:13-19). The world observes the behavior and life of the church. When the church acts no differently than the world, it loses its credibility and authenticity (1 Pet. 2:11-18; 3:8-16; 4:1-4).

Discipline must be done by those who are spiritual, truly walking by the Holy Spirit and growing in the Lord (Gal. 6:1). Discipline must be done in a spirit of humility, gentleness and patience, looking to ourselves lest we too be tempted (Gal. 6:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:24-25). Discipline must be done without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality (1 Tim. 5:21). Those who walk disorderly are to be admonished, warned, and appealed to in love (1 Thess. 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; Eph. 4:15; 2 Tim. 4:2). This admonishing, is not restricted to church leaders, but may be done by any person in the body with another if that person is Spirit controlled and spiritually minded (cf. 1 Thess. 5:14 with Gal. 6:1). If there is no response in repentance and obedience, then the sinning believer is to be rebuked publicly and members of the body are to withhold intimate. If there is still no response in repentance and obedience, the church is to apply the procedures of excommunication as directed in Matthew 18:17.

Several examples of church discipline are found in Scripture. The Corinthian believers were to be “gathered together” in order to take action against the offending brother (1 Cor. 5:4-5; Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; Phil. 3:17-19). This is defined by Paul as “punishment inflicted by the majority” (2 Cor. 2:6). As a protective measure, we also find that the whole church in Rome and in Thessalonica were to take action with regard to the unruly and schismatic, not just a few (2 Thess. 3:6-15; Rom. 16:17). Finally, discipline in the name of our Lord always includes a readiness to forgive. The many or majority who discipline must also be ready and eager to forgive, comfort, and reaffirm their love to the sinning person (2 Cor. 2:6-8). (See Procedures for Church Discipline below.)

In church discipline we must exercise extreme care. Scripture does not warrant the exercise of discipline for an individual’s or a church’s preferences or traditions. The general causes include disorderly conduct, conduct clearly out of line with the prescribed commands of Scripture and which negatively impacts the testimony and unity of the church (2 Thess. 3:6-15).

Specific Causes

• Difficulties between members (Matt. 18:15-17).
• Divisive or factious people causing divisions in the church (Rom. 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-11).
• Immoral conduct; sins of the type mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5 such as incest, immorality, covetousness, idolatry, abusive speech, drunkenness, swindling, or idle busybodies who refuse to work and run around spreading dissension (1 Cor. 5:1, 11; 2 Thess. 3:10-15).
• False teaching; erroneous teaching and views which concern the fundamentals of the faith and not lesser differences of interpretation (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18; also implied in Rev. 2:14-16; Phil. 3:2-3, 15-19; Rom. 16:17-18).  

The scriptural procedure is clear and specific steps are prescribed as follows:

First, seek private correction and/or reconciliation with the offender (Matt. 18:15). In Matthew 18:15 many manuscripts have “and if your brother sins against you, go and reprove him in private.” There has been no little debate as to whether the words “against you” are part of the original manuscripts. The words “against me” in verse 21 may have led a scribe or copyist to personalize the matter in verse 15. Or, one could argue the omission was deliberate in order to generalize the passage. While some important manuscript tradition lacks the words “against you,” many feel there is good evidence for their originality. First, the words, “reprove him in private,” and second, the question of Peter in verse 21 about forgiving a brother who sins “against me” suggests their inclusion.

Whether the words “against you” were in the original text or not, Galatians 6:1 teaches that believers have a responsibility to confront sin in general in the life of other believers and not just when it is an offense against one’s person. It would seem, then that there is a two-fold application:

(1) When the problem involves one believer sinning against another, there are two problems that need to be taken care of: reconciliation and restoration (Matt. 5:23-24).

(2) When the problem involves a believer overcome in or by some sin, as was the case in Galatians 6:1, the need is restoration.

Matthew 18:16-17 should not be limited to the problem of one believer sinning against another in view of Galatians 6:1. So, the one offended or who recognizes the offense or sin is to go privately and try to rectify the problem.

Please note these guidelines:

(1) Begin by expressing your genuine appreciation for the person and their good qualities to show you are genuinely concerned about their welfare. Then and only then bring up the matter which is of concern.

(2) In some situations the sin is apparent and there is no question, but we must allow for the possibility that we have misjudged or have wrong information. We must listen to the other person’s side of the story and seek the facts in the interest of truth and fairness.

(3) If the person fails to respond, warn them that, according to the instructions of Scripture (Matt. 18:16), you will have to get others as witnesses and return with them to deal with the problem.

If the first step fails, take witnesses to strengthen the effect of the discipline, preferably spiritual leaders, so that if it has to be brought before the whole church it can be firmly proven and established (Matt. 18:16-17; 1 Tim. 5:19). The aid of church leadership should be sought if the problem involves an offense that is against the whole body or if it is a threat to the unity of the body.

These initial contacts, private and with witnesses, provide opportunity for loving admonition, correction, and forgiveness. On the other hand, if these first steps do not produce results, it constitutes a warning that further action will be taken and provides occasion for serious rebuke (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; Titus 2:15; 3:10).

If the second step fails, seek reconciliation and restoration through the whole body. If further action is necessary, it is to be taken before the whole church (2 Thess. 3:14-15; Matt. 18:17; 1 Tim. 5:20).

This action appears to fall into two stages when we combine 2 Thessalonians 3:14 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 with Matthew 18:17.

(1) The body is to exercise group disapproval by way of social ostracism (refusal to have intimate fellowship).

(2) If this doesn’t work, the local body of believers is to exercise excommunication: removal from church membership, loss of voting privileges, and continuation of the loss of intimate fellowship. This must be approved of and done by the entire congregation (2 Cor. 2:6).

This is, in essence, the Lord carrying out discipline through the action of the entire body under the leadership of the elders or the spiritually mature (1 Cor. 5:4). Similar heavenly authority is seen in the ratification of this disciplinary action as spelled out in Matthew 18:18-19.

In keeping with the goal of restoration, the role of the church must change after there is repentance. This means accepting the person and forgetting the past (2 Cor. 2:7a).

But how do we know when repentance is genuine? What is our responsibility when the sinning party acknowledges their wrong and claims repentance? The following two passages answer this for us.

Luke 3:8, when they “. . . bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance.”

Acts 26:20, “. . . that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”

Genuine repentance will make itself evident by its deeds and attitudes. The repentant person will:

(1) Freely acknowledge his sin (1 Jn. 1:9; Prov. 28:13a).

(2) Cease the activity for which he was disciplined or at least seek help if it’s a case of life dominating patterns (Prov. 28:13b; Gal. 6:1f; Jam. 5:19-20).

(3) Make restitution and/or ask for forgiveness from those hurt as it is applicable (Phil. 18-19; Matt. 5:23-24).

(4) He/she will demonstrate a genuine change of heart, a real concern and godly sorrow over his actions, not in order to be forgiven, but because of the harm caused to the glory of God and the hurt caused others (2 Cor. 7:8-11; Ps. 51:17).

(5) He/she will begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit and a concern for the things of Christ (Gal. 5:22f).

Here is a great article on the secular case for church discipline.

Clergy Uniforms and The Army

I just came across this, which is the US Army's regulations on uniforms. I thought it was applicable to clergy as well. I have a previous post on why clergy wear what they wear, and I thought this made the point I was trying to make even better than I did.

The Army is a profession. A Soldier’s appearance measures part of his or her professionalism. Proper wear of the Army uniform is a matter of personal pride for all Soldiers. It is indicative of esprit de corps and morale within a unit. Soldiers have an individual responsibility for ensuring their appearance reflects the highest level of professionalism. Leaders, at all levels, have a responsibility for implementing and applying the standards contained in this regulation to ensure the best interests of the Army, including our shared traditions and customs. This regulation prescribes the authorization for wear, composition, and classification of uniforms, and the occasions for wearing all personal (clothing bag issue), optional, and commonly worn organizational clothing and individual equipment uniforms. It prescribes the uniforms, awards, insignia, and accouterments authorized for wear. It also provides general information on the authorized material and design of uniforms and the uniform quality control system.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 - Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters

I have always like reading Ecclesiastes, but the first two verses of chapter 11 always confused me.  The more research I did into their meaning, the more divergence I found also.

1. Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.
1. Could be referring to commercially shipping goods for a business that returns a profit, to be a good steward (Matthew 25:14-30). Some say that talk here about commercial trade, or investments seems out of place and does not fit the context.
1. Ship commodities on many routes (waters) to diversify in case bad things happen to one ship.
2. Don't be overly cautious in investments, just do it, like sowing. Consistent with not being paralyzed with indecision in farming in vv. 4-6)
2. Could be referring to bread soaking in water, which was an ancient method of brewing beer.
3. Could be referring to a method of sowing seeds that was the practice in Egypt of scattering them during the inundation of the Nile. Consistent with v. 6 saying, just sow your seed and God will take care of you by making it grow.
4. Could be a proverb akin to the Greek proverb Σπείρειν ἐπὶ πόντῳ (which means "to sow in the ocean"), which is a reference to a thankless toil. Basically doing good deeds for their own sake, but good things still comes from them.
5. Could be a reference to fulfilling your vocation, such as the wife who "provides for her family" being "like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from afar." Proverbs 31:14-15. This would be consistent with Ecclesiastes 3:22 message of God's calling to do your work.
6. In context, the previous chapter (10) was about interacting with superiors. This one could be all about interacting with inferiors. Cast your bread on the waters could mean to give generously and spread "bread" (a symbol of necessities of life) out to everyone. Give away what you need and God will give it back, or take care of you.
2. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
1. Be generous in sharing the dividends from those investments and commercial ventures.
2. Drink the beer you make with friends because no one knows when future calamity is coming. Consistent with eat, drink and be merry message in Ecclesiates 2:24.
3. When God takes care of you and gives you more than you need, share it with others, you might not always have excess, and be unable to give to the poor later.
4. The thankless toil is giving to the poor when disasters happen.
5. Serve others in and through your vocation. Love your neighbor as yourself.
6. Give to the poor in good times and in bad.

 Luckily, things get a lot more clear after verse 2, and 3-10 are fairly well agreed upon.

3. If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
• Things happen according to nature and there is nothing we can do about it, so we should not worry about it, like the first line of the Serenity Prayer.

4. He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.
• There is always uncertainty about the future, and always an excuse, or reason why it might not be the right time for an endeavor. We could always put things off to a "better time." However, if you wait for the perfect time, it will never come.

5. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
• Even with our advance science and understanding there are many mysteries in nature. Likewise, we do not understand acts of God, so we should just deal with them.
6. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
• Go about your life and just sow and reap. Don't worry or be paralyzed by indecision. God will take care of your daily needs.
7. Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.
8. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
1. be glad with what life God fives you. May be a long time until the resurrection and new life
2. bad days in life?
9. Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
• Enjoy, but know you will make mistakes and be judged, so repent when necessary.
• Youth here means anywhere from newborns to when married.
10. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity
• This last verse is reiterating and summarizing that worrying won’t do any good and that getting older and dying just happens, so deal with it.

Numerology

Being an Engineer by training, numbers have always been interesting to me. Numbers clearly have meaning in the Bible, so I researched what the numbers meant and have put my notes here for a reference:

1 “Unity”

One clearly represents unity, primacy, the first, the best, the only, it has no divisors, no factors, no components, it is universal, whole and complete. One usually represents God, His sovereign rule, His omnipotence, His supremacy, His unique character. One excludes all differences for there is no second with which it can either harmonize or conflict.

2 “Union or Division”

Two is unity plus another, thus we have a difference or a contrast between the one and the other, or disunity.  However, two can also work together for good.

Night and Day, Light and Darkness

Right and Wrong (Good and Bad), for or against, saved or unsaved, heaven or hell.

Cain and Able; Jacob and Esau; Israel and Judah

Dual nature of Jesus (Man and God)

Bipartite Substance (spiritual and physical or body and soul)

Genders are 2, marriage of 2.

^“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he fall; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?” Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

2 kinds of sin – original and specific

2 kinds of revelation – general and specific

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” Romans 1:20

2 great commandments – love God and love your neighbor

2 testaments/covenants of the Bible
2 kinds of God's will - hidden and revealed
2 kinds of revelation - general and specific
law and gospel,
God's alien and proper work
2 kinds of righteousness - vertical and horizontal
2 kings of justification - objective and subjective
2 kinds of sanctification - wide and narrow

3 “Godly/Divine Perfection or Completeness”

Number of Godly completeness, or divine or spiritual perfection or completeness.

Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Tripartite Nature of Man

Jesus had a 3 year ministry

Jesus rose on the third day

The three divisions of time - past, present and future.
Three parts of the tabernacle/temple
The sum of all human capacity (and sin) is threefold - thought, word and deed.

Temptation from 3 sources: internal, world, and the devil.

4 “Worldly/Creation Perfection or Completeness”

Number of worldly perfection, or the entirety of creation.  Four is three plus one, and it denotes therefore that which follows the revelation of the three in one God, namely His creative works. God is known by the things which he created.

4 directions (N,E,S,W) or corners of the earth.

4 seasons

We read in Genesis 1:10 that the river that flowed out of the Garden of Eden divided into four rivers. “And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.”

5 “Grace”

Five is four plus one, we have seen that there are three persons in the Godhead, four represents their created work. The creation was made subject to corruption, so he next thing, of five, is Grace.

Five kinds of animals were sacrificed under the Old Covenant: goats, sheep, cattle, pigeons, and doves

Jesus bled from 5 wounds on the altar of the Cross.

Daniel proclaimed the Fifth Kingdom to be an Everlasting Kingdom

God sealed his unconditional promises to Abram by the covenant of circumcision and by changing his name to Abraham. In the Hebrew this involved adding one letter to Abram’s name. The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Sarai, Abram's wife also had her name changed to Sarah by the addition of the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Thus God is showing that His covenant with Abraham was through grace and by grace only.

6 “Weakness of Man”

Six is clearly stamped in the bible as the number of man. It was on the sixth day of creation that God created people. Six could be seen as being four - the creation or mankind's world, plus two - division or mankind's separation from God. Alternatively six could be five - the grace of God, plus one leading to the grace of God being made of no effect by mankind's addition to it. Finally six might also be viewed as seven - spiritual perfection minus one, i.e. mankind's coming short of spiritual perfection.  Therefore, three sixes is the imperfect or anti-trinity.

7 “Spiritual Perfection or Completeness”

In the Hebrew, seven is from a root word meaning to be complete or full.  God rests on the 7^th day and gave his seal of approval.  Sabbath.  Old testament forgives debts every 7 years.

Spiritual completeness 3 + worldly completeness 4 = 7.

In Matthew 18:22 Simon Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive a brother who has sinned against him.  Peter asks "As many as seven times?"  Jesus' response is "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times," indicating not a literal 77 times but that Peter's forgiveness is to be given without limit-an abundance of forgiveness using the "perfect" number 7 which represents both covenant and spiritual perfection.

There are multiple sevens in the Book of Revelation including.

seven Spirits of God [ Revelation 4:5].

seven Seals [ Revelation 5:1].

seven Angels with Seven Chalices [Revelation 15:5-7].

8 “New Births, New Beginning”

Eight is seven plus one, and is hence the start of a new order, the beginning of a new era. Eight thus represents regeneration and resurrection. When the flood washed the earth clean, in a type of baptism, eight people were saved in the ark.  Circumcision on the 8^th day symbolizing new man, or belonging to the covenant.  Jesus rose on the first day of the week.

With this in mind it is interesting to note that the Bible records eight individual resurrections other than the Lord Jesus and the saints.

(1) Elija: widow’s son 1 Kings 17:17-24

(2) Elisha: child 2 Kings 4:31-37

(3) :Elisha 2 Kings 13:20-21

(4) Jesus: only son of a widow Luke 7:11-18

(5) Jesus: Jairus’s servant Luke 8:40-42, 49-56

(6) Jesus: Lazarus John 11:39-44

(7) Peter: Tabitha Acts 9:36-43

(8) Paul: Eutychus Acts 20:7-12

Jesus is the 8th covenant

(1) Covenant with Adam [Genesis 1:28-30; 2:15-17; Hosea 6:7].

(2) Noah and the earth [Genesis 6:18; 9:9-17; Sirach 44:17-18].

(3) Abraham [Genesis 12:3; 15:1-18; 18:18; 22:18; Sirach 44:19-20].

(4) Sinai Covenant [Exodus 19-24; 34:10, 27, 28; Deuteronomy 5:2-3].

(5) Aaron and Sons high priestly covenant[Exodus 40:15; Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19; Sirach 45:7; Jeremiah 33:21].

(6) Phinehas: perpetual priesthood [Numbers 25:11-15; Sirach 45:24].

(7) David and descendants [2 Samuel 7:11; 23:5; Sirach 45:25].

(8) Jesus the Priest-King of the New Covenant

9 “Divine completeness from the Father”

Three threes = 3+3+3 = 3*3

Nine fruit of the spirit

“Endings”

Nine is not yet the full or complete, number ten, but it does mark the ending. It is the last of the single digits, in our decimal numbering system. Thus it can represent the conclusion or ending of a matter.

It was in the ninth year of the prophet Hosea that the king of Assyria destroyed the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and carried the people away into exile [2 Kings 17:6].

It was in the ninth year of King Zedekiah's reign that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon conquered the Southern Kingdom of Judah, destroying the city of Jerusalem and the Temple [2 Kings 25:1].

It was the ninth hour, Jewish time (3PM) when Jesus gave up His life on the cross for the sins of the world [Matthew 27:46].

10 “Orderly Perfection or Completeness”

Completeness of order.  The number ten is the start of a whole new order of numbers and the culmination of the numbers that come before it.  Counting basis, 10 fingers, 10 toes.  10 commandments.

10 righteous would be enough to save Sodom and Gomorrah.

Noah was the 10^th generation before the covenant.

11 "Disorder or Judgement"
One more than orderly completeness and one less than perfect completeness.

10+1 or 12-1

12 “Governmental Perfection or Completeness”

Spiritual completeness 3 x worldly completeness 4 = 12

12 tribes of Israel (Old Testament fullness of God's people)

12 disciples (New Testament fullness of God's people)

The city of God in Revelation Chapter 21, symbolic of the church and also called the bride of Christ.

“¹⁰And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, ¹¹Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; ¹²And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: ¹³On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. ¹⁴And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ¹⁵And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. ¹⁶And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. ¹⁷And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.”  Revelation 21:10-17

13 “Apostasy or Rebellion”

12+1 adding to perfect government is rebellion

“Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.” Genesis 14:4.

40 “Trial and testing”

40 day epic periods during the great flood [Gen 7:4, 12, 17,8:6].

40 years was the age of Isaac when he married Rebekah [Gen 25:20].

40 years of Moses in Egypt [Ex 7:7; Dt 34:7; Acts 7:30].

40 years of Moses in Midian before his return to Egypt [Ex 7:7; Acts 7:30].

40 years from the Exodus until Moses' death [Dt 1:3; 34:7]. 

40 years Israel ate manna [Ex 16:35; Dt 29:5].

40 days Moses was on the Mountain to receive the Law of the Sinai Covenant [Ex 24:18].

40 days the children of Israel were tested while Moses was on the mountain [Ex 32:1].

40 days Moses was on the Mountain after the golden calf. [Ex 34:28].

40 days after his birth, according to the Sinai Covenant, a male child of Israel was dedicated to God at the Sanctuary [Lev 12:1-4].

40 days the Israelite spies reconnoitered the land of Canaan [Num 13:25].

40 years was Caleb's age when Moses sent him to reconnoiter Canaan [Josh 14:7].

40 years that Israel spent in the wilderness before they camped by the Jordan River [Num 14:33; Dt 1:1-3; 8:2].

40 years from the giving of the Law at Sinai to the conquest of the Promised land [Josh 5:6].

40 year intervals of peace in the age of the Judges [Judges 3:11; 5:31; 8:28].

40 years Eli judged Israel [1 Sam 4:18].

40 years of war between Israel and the Philistines.

40 years David ruled as King of Israel [2 Sam 5:5; 1 Chr 29:26-27].

40 years of Solomon ruled Israel. [2 Chr 9:30].

40 days Jonah was in the Assyrian city of Nineveh [Jonah 3:4].

40 years Josiah ruled Judah [2 Kng 12:2].

40 days Ezekiel lay on his right side to symbolize the 40 years of Judah's transgressions [Ez 4:6].

40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness before His trial of temptation by Satan [Mt 4:2; Mk 1:13; Lk 4:2].

40 days Jesus taught His disciples after the Resurrection.  On the 40th day He ascended to the Father [Acts 1:3].

40 years from the Resurrection to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD.


1,000 "A very large completeness number, all of a lot"

10*10*10 = 10^3 = 1000
A Very Long Time
God keeps his covenant for a thousand generations (forever) Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 Chronicles 16:15, Psalm 105:8, 
Better is one day in God's courts than a thousand elsewhere, Psalm 84:10
"For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night." -Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8 shows God is eternal
The Millennium in Revelation 20
A lot of money, but the full amount for things
Genesis 20:16, 1 Samuel 25:2, 2 Samuel 18:12, 2 Kings 15:19, 2 Chronicles 1:6, Song of Solomon 8:11, Isaiah 7:23
A Large Distance, but the correct measurement for things
Numbers 35:4, Nehemiah 3:13, Ezekiel 47:3-5
A Large Amount of People, but the right amount, or Everyone that needs to be included
The Israelite Army had 1,000 from each tribe (=12,000), Numbers 31:5-6
Also, Deuteronomy 32:30, Joshua 23:10, Judges 15:16, Judges 20:10, 1 Samuel 13:2, 1 Samuel 18:13, 2 Samuel 19:17, Psalm 91:7, Isaiah 30:17, Daniel 5:1, Daniel 7:10, Amos 5:3, 


144,000 "The entire church triumphant from every age"

The symbolic number who will be saved in Revelation 7 and 14, which incorporates all of the completeness number for both the old and the new covenant.
12x1000 from the Old Testament/before Christ x 12x1000 from after Christ
(3x4x10^3)*(3x4x10^3)