The 12 months and the 12 signs of the zodiac probably suggested to the old Babylonians the use of 12 as a symbolic or semi-sacred number, but its frequent employment by the Israelites with special meaning cannot at present be proved to have originated in that way, although the idea was favored by both Josephus and Philo. So far as we know, Israelite predilection for 12 was entirely due to the traditional belief that the nation consisted of 12 tribes, a belief, it is true, entertained also by the Arabs or some of them, but with much less intensity and persistence. In Israel the belief was universal and ineradicable. Hence, the 12 pillars set up by Moses (Exodus 24:4); the 12 jewels in the high priest’s breast-plate (Exodus 28:21); the 12 cakes of showbread (Leviticus 24:5); the 12 rods (Numbers 17:2); the 12 spies (Numbers 13); the 12 stones placed by Joshua in the bed of Jordan (Joshua 4:9); the 12 officers of Solomon (1 Kings 4:7); the 12 stones of Elijah’s altar (1 Kings 18:31); the 12 disciples or apostles (26 t), and several details of apocalyptic imagery (Revelation 7:5 ff; 12:1; 21:12, 21:14, 21:16, 21:21; 22:2; compare also Matthew 14:20 parallel Matthew 19:28 parallel Matthew 26:53; Acts 26:7). The number pointed in the first instance at unity and completeness which had been sanctioned by Divine election, and it retained this significance when applied to the spiritual Israel. Philo indeed calls it a perfect number. Its double in Revelation 4:4, etc., is probably also significant.
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Author: International Std. Bible Encyclopedia
Keywords: Significant Numbers Twelve, twelve, 12, twelve disciples, 12 disciples, numbers, numeric symbolism
Bible reference(s): 1 Kings 18:31, 1 Kings 4:7, Acts 26:7, Exodus 24:4, Exodus 28:21, Joshua 4:9, Leviticus 24:5, Matthew 14:20, Matthew 19:28, Matthew 26:53, Numbers 17:2, Revelation 12:1, Revelation 7:5
Source: James Orr (editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 5 volume set.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.