Since fourteen is a multiple of seven, let us first examine the number seven before delving into the significance of the number fourteen in the Bible. Sheba (shibah) is the Hebrew word for seven, but it may also refer to a covenant, pledge, or vow.
We see God swearing to Abraham in Genesis 22:15–16 that, as long as he remained steadfast in his trust in the Lord and was prepared to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, God would greatly multiply his offspring and bless all the families on earth.
Comparably, in Genesis 21:29–31, Abraham promises Abimelech seven ewes in exchange for an oath, which is why he named the location Beersheba: “There the two of them took an oath.” They, therefore, established a covenant in Beersheba.
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Contents
The Spiritual Significance of the Number 14
1. Perfection and completeness
The number 14 is seen as a double multiple of 7, which is frequently connected to perfection and completeness in the Bible. The sense of completion and the accomplishment of God’s purposes is reinforced by the number 7’s frequent appearance in genealogical records and other noteworthy occurrences.
2. Spiritual regeneration and Restoration
The number 14 may also stand for spiritual regeneration and restoration. It represents a period of self-preparation, purging, and synchronization with God’s will.
As the Israelites were commanded to purge leaven from their dwellings, so too are we to search our souls, confess our transgressions, and pursue spiritual rejuvenation.
3. Salvation and Redemption
The number 14 alludes to the last act of salvation and redemption by Jesus Christ via the significance of the Passover sacrifice. During the Passover season, He offered himself as a sacrifice on the cross, signifying the ultimate freedom from sin and the possibility of eternal life.
4. Divine order and timeliness
The divine order and timeliness of God’s purpose are emphasized by the number 14’s frequent appearance in genealogy records. It serves as a reminder that God works through generations, revealing His plans gradually. It inspires us to have confidence that He is completing His plan for our lives and to trust in His timing.
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Occurrences and the Bible’s meaning of the number 14
- Generations & Genealogies: The number 14 is frequently used in genealogical records in the Bible to denote generations or the passage of time. For instance, the Gospel of Matthew cites fourteen generations from Abraham to David and an additional fourteen generations from David to the exile in Babylon. The focus on the 14 generations highlights important junctures in Israel’s history.
- Redemption and Deliverance: Another meaning for the number 14 comes from the Old Testament holiday of Passover. The Israelites were instructed in Exodus 12 to choose and offer a lamb for sacrifice on the fourteenth day of the first month. To anticipate Jesus Christ, the ultimate Lamb of God, who would present Himself as a sacrifice for humanity’s sins, this sacrifice functioned as a symbol of liberation and redemption.
- The Preparation Period: The Feast of Unleavened Bread also held special significance on the fourteenth day of the first month. Leaven had to be removed from homes for this feast, which was celebrated for seven days after Passover. The time spent getting ready for the feast is a reminder of how crucial it is to purify and cleanse oneself spiritually before coming before God.
- David’s Reign: Known for his legendary status in biblical narratives, King David ruled over Israel for 14 generations, marking a momentous occasion and forging God’s covenant with the people. God’s promises were realized during David’s reign, and there was wealth and harmony.
- The Fourteenth Generation: The Gospel of Matthew, in which the author details the lineage of Jesus Christ, has one of the most notable references to the number 14. By grouping the 14 generations into three sets from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to the birth of Christ Matthew emphasizes the significance of these 14 generations. This divide in structure represents the completion of God’s plan and the coming of the Messiah.
- King Solomon’s Temple: The building of King Solomon’s temple is another place the number 14 appears. The temple, renowned for its majesty and heavenly importance, took seven years to finish, or fourteen years if you include the symbolic completion that corresponds with the number seven.
- David Getting Ready for the Temple: Renowned for his unwavering dedication to God, King David meticulously planned out the construction of the temple. According to 1 Chronicles 22:5, David amassed many supplies, such as gold, money, and priceless stones, so his son Solomon could construct the temple. The focus on David’s temple preparations and wealth symbolizes the fulfillment and significance of the number 14.