What Is The Biblical Significance Of The Number 818?

What is the meaning of the number 818 in the Bible?

Introduction

Numbers typically have symbolic meanings in the Bible.

They help us better understand the meaning of the biblical narrative.

Today, we will look at the meaning of the number 818.

While the number 818 isn’t mentioned many times in the Bible, we can explore the significance of the numbers 800 and 18 individually within a biblical context.

Meanings of the Number 818 in the Bible:

Strength

2 Chronicles 13:3 says, “Abijah set the battle in order with an army of valiant warriors, four hundred thousand choice men. Jeroboam also drew up in battle formation against him with eight hundred thousand choice men, mighty men of valor.”

In the Bible, we can read about the battle between Abijah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel.

We can also see the symbolism of the number 800.

This battle is described in 2 Chronicles 13:3-17.

In this passage, Abijah leads an army of 400,000 warriors while Jeroboam confronts him with 800,000 mighty warriors.

The symbolism lies in the sharp contrast between the number of soldiers on each side, showing the dynamics of power and the overwhelming superiority that Abijah faced.

The number 800, compared to the smaller army of Abijah, shows the vastness and power of Jeroboam’s army. It conveys a sense of superiority, strength, and abundance. This number also shows us the massive problem that the troops of Abijah had to face.

Symbolically, the number 800 may represent forces opposing the righteous or the people of God.

This illustrates the opposition faced by those who seek to defend their faith and obey God’s commandments.

It shows that the battles we face in life can seem insurmountable, and the seemingly insurmountable odds are stacked against us.

This number displays us the importance of trusting God and not relying solely on human strength.

Abijah, in his speech to Jeroboam before the battle, attributed God as the main source of strength and victory.

He claims they are fighting for the Lord, who has chosen Judea as His people. In the following battle, Abijah’s small army defeats Jeroboam’s larger forces, despite the disparity of forces. This result shows that the power of God can overcome numerical superiority and human power.

Thus, the number 800 in this context reflects the strength and greatness of Jeroboam’s army, but the true meaning lies in faith and trust in God, which are emphasized in the narrative. This acts as a recall that God’s power and intervention can surpass any numerical or physical advantage.

Spiritual Life

Nehemiah 11:12 also mentions number 800: “Their brethren who did the work of the house were eight hundred and twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah.”

This verse contains detailed information about people who were making housework, particularly those who worked in the temple.

The number 800, in this case, represents a significant number of people who have devoted themselves to housework, that is, service and maintenance of the temple.

It symbolizes a significant workforce, and the number shows the dedication and effort required to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the sacred space.

The number 800 symbolically accentuates the importance of collective participation and social responsibility in maintaining the spiritual life of the community; that is, it illustrates the importance of joint work and devotion to the service of God.

Also, this verse provides a genealogical line tracing the lineage, showing the people who participated in the temple service. Although the genealogy itself isn’t related to the symbolism of the number 800, it shows the importance of heritage, lineage, and continuity in the service of God.

This means the transfer of faith, traditions, and responsibilities from one generation to another. This verse also demonstrates the importance of having a dedicated group of people willing to participate in housework, supporting the spiritual life of the community, and ensuring the proper functioning of the temple.

Their commitment to serving God and maintaining a sacred place is essential for the overall spiritual well-being of people.

The Power Of Community

Nehemiah 7:11 has the only mention of the number 818 in the Bible: “the sons of Pahath-Moab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen.”

This verse is part of the list of people who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

In this chapter, Nehemiah examines the genealogical records of people who returned to this land.

In particular, Nehemiah 7:11 focuses on the descendants of Pahath-Moab, a group of people who were part of the return from exile.

The number 818 represents the number of people who were also descendants of Yeshua and Joab. This verse helps to get an idea of the size and composition of the returning community.

In this verse, the number 818 serves as a reminder of the people who participated in the restoration of Jerusalem after exile. It shows the historical and genealogical details of the returning community, shedding light on the efforts to rebuild and repopulate the city.

Symbolically, this verse emphasizes the importance of preserving identity, heritage, and continuity in the community of God’s people. This verse demonstrates the inclusive nature of the community, embracing people from different backgrounds and ancestry.

Pahath-Moab refers to a group of people who were Moabites by origin, but they were incorporated into the community of Israel through marriage and integration. This shows that God’s people are determined not only by their biological or ethnic origin but also by their faith and devotion to God.

In a broader sense, the number 818 in this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, diversity, and involvement in the community of believers who contribute to a collective identity and purpose.

Thus, the symbolism of the number 818 in this verse is that it represents a certain group of descendants in a broader community. This shows us the importance of heritage and unity.

Reconciliation with God

Luke 13:4 says, “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?”

In this verse, Jesus refers to the tragic incident when the tower in Siloam fell, resulting in the death of eighteen people.

The mention of the number eighteen doesn’t carry its inherent symbolism, but the meaning of this verse is significant.

Jesus uses this event to show the importance of repentance and the unpredictability of life. It proves that tragic events can happen to anyone, regardless of their moral standing.

This verse calls for an urgent search for reconciliation with God and righteous life. At the same time, the number 18 can show us that this truth applies to all people, not a specific person.

Wisdom

2 Kings 24:8 says, “Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.”

The verse mentions Jehoiachin’s age when he became king.

He was eighteen years old back then.

The significance of this lies in his youth and inexperience, showing his short and ineffective reign. This verse details that age doesn’t guarantee wisdom or success; we should always consider the importance of maturity, wisdom, and righteous leadership.

Victory

1 Chronicles 18:12 mentions number 18: “Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah killed eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt”

This verse highlights the military prowess and strength of Abishai, who played an outstanding role as a warrior in the army of King David.

The large number of Edomites killed by him shows the scale of his military achievements and the power of the Israeli forces under David’s leadership.

This verse in 1 Chronicles 18:12 highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Israelites.

Throughout earlier biblical accounts, God had promised that the land of Edom would be under the authority of the descendants of Israel.

The victory of Abishai over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt represents the realization of those promises and the establishment of Israeli sovereignty over the Edomite territory.

Furthermore, this verse symbolizes the concept of victory through strength and the fulfillment of God’s plans. Also, the number 18 in this context confirms that success can be achieved with God’s help, highlighting the significance of divine intervention in achieving victories. Still, without God’s help, nothing will happen.

Overall, 1 Chronicles 18:12 demonstrates the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of seeking His guidance and strength in all endeavors. It reminds us that true success comes through reliance on God’s mercy and the dedication of individuals who trust His guidance.

Final Thoughts About the Symbolism of the Number 818

Numbers commonly have cultural and symbolic significance in various ancient contexts, including the Bible.

Although the number 818 is partially mentioned only once, the biblical meaning of this number is more related to topics related to the individual numbers 800 and 18, such as completion, self-realization, God’s help, our life’s dependence on God, life, and the passage of time.

Analyzing the symbolism of the numbers 800, 18, and 818 that are found in the Bible, we can conclude that the number 800 symbolizes completion, completeness, and divine intervention.

It symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s plans, the presence of His power, and the establishment of a new beginning. On the other hand, the number 18 symbolizes a time of trials or a challenge, emphasizing the need for perseverance, reliance on God’s power, and fulfillment of His promises.

At the same time, the singular number 818 in the Bible was used in a context where it was about the importance of unity and involvement in the community of believers.

Considering the symbolism of the numbers 800 and 18 separately, we can conclude that the number 818, which is a combination of these two numbers, means the completion and completeness of God’s promises and plans in the face of challenges and trials. The number represents divine intervention and the power needed to overcome obstacles and fulfill God’s plans.

The number 818 symbolically means that even during trials and tribulations, God’s presence and power are available to His people and believers to experience His fulfillment and blessings.

In general, the symbolism of 818 suggests a message of hope, perseverance, and confidence in God’s faithfulness. This encourages people to trust His leadership, recognizing that He will achieve completion and self-fulfillment in His ideal time, even during difficult circumstances.

The symbolism of the number 818 can also be understood in the context of the specific verses and themes mentioned earlier. In Nehemiah 7:11, where the number 818 is mentioned, it means a particular number of people who were descendants of Yeshua and Joab, belonging to the Pahath-Moab family.

It can seem that the number only conveys some information about the number of people, but this also shows the importance of lineage, heritage, and community.

Combining the symbolism of the numbers 800 and 18, we can see that 818 symbolizes the completion and completeness of God’s plans and promises, even when we face trials.

Many cases of using these numbers show us a situation of trials or God’s blessing. These numbers make us understand that only with God’s help we can come to some result and easily endure suffering and difficulties.

Therefore, the symbolism of the 818 presupposes the completeness of God’s plans and promises in the face of challenges and trials.

It represents God’s faithfulness and His divine intervention. This stresses the need to trust in His guidance, persevere in times of suffering, and hope for the ultimate fulfillment of His blessings.