I want to learn more about numbers in the Bible, how they were used, when they are literal and when they are figurative, but I am having a hard time finding information. Can you please direct me to some literature to help me with this? -- Kelly Hunter (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Response from Joseph Harris (Augusta, Georgia):
Try the following: John James Davis, Biblical Numerology: A Basic Study of the Use of Numbers in the Bible (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1982), ISBN 0-8010-2813-2.
Unfortunately, most of the books out there are really about mystical numerology, "Bible codes," supposed prophetic understandings of numbers, occult uses of numbers, and the like.
There are not many sound books on this topic. The Davis book recommended above is a scholarly book and may be a bit advanced for the average reader, but it sounds like you are someone who would be willing to put in the effort to work your way through it.
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