Many sevens in Revelation
One cannot help but note the numerous sevens throughout the book of Revelation. There are 59 in total, and several sets of seven serve as the framework for the entire book. According to Revelation 1:4, John writes to the seven churches in Asia. Seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2), seven bowls (Revelation 15:7), and seven seals (Revelation 5:1) serve as the preface to the visions that John receives. Revelation 17:2 describes a beast with seven horns, yet Revelation 5:6 describes the Lamb of God as having seven horns as well.
Seven refers to fullness and completion
Why are there so many sevens here? Of fact, the number seven appears frequently in other books of the Bible than Revelation. The account of God creating the earth in six days and resting on the seventh is found right at the beginning of the Bible. This first example teaches us how the number seven is frequently employed in the Bible: it alludes to God, to completion and fullness.
According to God’s plan
These implications are evoked by the numerous ways that the number seven is used in Revelation. The number of God is seven. It demonstrates how God’s plan is guiding historical events rather than human agency. The number of completion and fullness is seven. God’s plan for this world is completed by the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls, just as the creation week was concluded by the seventh day. It is time for the new heaven and the new earth because this world is over.
All sevens in Revelation serve as a reminder that our all-powerful God is in charge of our world’s history. We share hands when it comes to our personal life. He is trustworthy!
