Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Significance:The number 72 holds various significances in biblical texts and traditions, often symbolizing completeness or a divinely ordained structure. It appears in different contexts, both directly and indirectly, throughout the Bible and related literature. Old Testament Context: 1. Genealogy of Nations: In Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—are listed. Traditionally, these descendants are understood to represent 70 or 72 nations, depending on the textual tradition (Masoretic Text vs. Septuagint). This enumeration symbolizes the fullness of the world's nations as understood in the ancient Near Eastern context. 2. Elders of Israel: In Numbers 11:16-25, God instructs Moses to gather 70 elders of Israel to assist him. While the text specifically mentions 70, Jewish tradition sometimes includes Moses and Aaron in this count, bringing the total to 72. This assembly represents a complete and divinely sanctioned leadership structure. New Testament Context: 1. The Sending of the Seventy-Two: In Luke 10:1, Jesus appoints 72 disciples and sends them out in pairs to preach and heal in His name. The Berean Standard Bible states: "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit." This mission signifies the spreading of the Gospel to all nations, echoing the completeness of the number 72. 2. Symbolism in Parables and Teachings: While not directly mentioned, the number 72 can be seen as a symbol of divine order and mission in the teachings of Jesus, reflecting the comprehensive nature of His ministry and the call to evangelize. Apocryphal and Extrabiblical References: 1. Septuagint Translation: According to the Letter of Aristeas, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, known as the Septuagint, was completed by 72 Jewish scholars. This translation was commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelphus for the Library of Alexandria, and the number 72 here signifies the divine inspiration and authority of the translation process. 2. Jewish Mysticism: In Kabbalistic tradition, the number 72 is significant in the context of the 72 names of God, derived from a specific interpretation of Exodus 14:19-21. These names are considered to hold mystical power and represent the divine attributes. Cultural and Historical Context: The number 72 has been used throughout history in various religious and cultural contexts to denote completeness, divine authority, and cosmic order. Its recurrence in biblical and extrabiblical texts underscores its symbolic importance in conveying theological and spiritual truths. Concordance 72 (1 Occurrence)Numbers 31:38 Thesaurus 72 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 72 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 31:38 The cattle were thirty-six thousand; of which Yahweh's tribute was seventy-two. (See NAS NIV). ... /num/72.htm - 6k Utensils (72 Occurrences) Waited (72 Occurrences) Dominion (72 Occurrences) Keeper (72 Occurrences) Lower (72 Occurrences) Loins (72 Occurrences) Green (72 Occurrences) Israel's (72 Occurrences) Falsely (72 Occurrences) Resources Who were the 70 (or 72) disciples in Luke 10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sign of Jonah? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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