Customer Reviews

Biblical Numerology: A Basic Study of the Use of Numbers in the Bible

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John Davis explores the often mysterious realm of biblical numerology without "straining at gnats [and/or] swallowing camels," so to speak. There are many other works available (E. W. Bullinger's "Number in Scripture," Johnston's "Numbers in the Bible," etc.) which are far too unreliable and utilize biblical numerology to explain or teach one's own dogmas. John Davis, however, approaches biblical numerology from a very open, birds-eye-view standpoint, and gives clear, concise examples of usage, history, and even the future of numerological interpretation for the bible student. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever had interest in biblical numerology.

The book itself is small and at a good price; worth every penny.

As I read, I was thinking, "This man approaches this subject like a seminary teacher." (I had not read the back cover.)
His research to write this book was extensive. His conclusions are in accord with his profession,'theological'... [cold, formal, intellectual] leaving no room for revelation, no room for the Holy Ghost teacher; only what the mind can put together from study.
"It is our conclusion" he writes, " that the mystical or symbolical interpretation of numbers has little place in a sound system of hermeneutics. ... the Bible does not use numbers in a mystical sense." (Pages 124 /155)
Jesus comments on this sort of approach in Matthew 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes."
The church is built on revelation from the Father, [and it will match the written Word] not study alone . Matthew 16:13 / John 6:44 - 45

How can we maintain a high view of scripture, especially the OT, while being honest about some of the challenges including all the countings made by a group of people (Israel) who had no numbering system? This readable, scholarly work will help layperson and theologian alike.

There are books, even academic books, which you can read with pleasure - indeed learning can be a pleasurable experience. There are also books which are less pleasurable to read, books which are even irritating to read. This book is one of them.
The author spends so much time trying to prove the inerrancy of a book that is blatantly not inerrant, that he strays too far from the matters at hand. It is patently obvious that the author wants the reader to think like he does.
The sign of a good academic is the he/she presents the facts pro and contra and leaves the student or reader to make up his or her mind. I get the feeling that this book has been written for those who are unable to think or weigh up evidence for themselves.
According to the author, those who do not share his restricted views about numbers in the bible are "liberals". Let that be a warning to all thinkers...

This is a thorough and very readable book and the other rightly defends the perfection of Scripture, God's word, which has changed the world for the better by those who use it for good and even by those who use it for mere personal gain. Once again a follower of God has shown the Bible to be more than just a book penned by man, but the work of an incredible genius. The Bible is the best selling book in the world, most written about, and has been for years for a good reason, because it's God's amazing word, loved by his children and hated by those who are not.