THE 153 FISH---A STAMP OF DIVINITY

[not an echo]

Hello everyone,

Over the past week, I took a break from the forum, in hopes that all the "bugs" that were not letting my posts save would be exterminated.  In this time, I did some research.  I had just finished reading John's account of the Gospel, and something that had engaged my curiosity in the past, engaged it again.  Because it would take me forever to work this up as a common post---not to mention my fear of losing it---I thought I would see if I could share it by a link from my word processor (so far, so good).  This, and other thoughts related to it, is what I shared with my church family this last Sunday (July 25, 2021/my wife's birthday).  Hope you enjoy.     

Link to my study titled THE 153 FISH---A STAMP OF DIVINITY (https://1drv.ms/w/s!ArzwbOv8DFfNgyD9siswHyWxQOgy?e=j0fRWp).

When I link to it from here, it takes just a couple of seconds to load.  See what you think...

Edited July 28, 2021 by not an echo

[not an echo]

4 minutes ago, Chicken coop2 said:

The number 153 is the numerical total for the Hebrew phrase Ani Elohim, which means "I am God".

Hey C c2,

Now my curiosity has doubled!!  Or, may even tripled!!!

[Justin Adams]

12 minutes ago, Chicken coop2 said:

The number 153 is the numerical total for the Hebrew phrase Ani Elohim, which means "I am God".

I also think that the "DOVE" that descended on Yeshua is the gematria equivalent to ALPHA & OMEGA.

When you read John with eyes open, you will see much. Hyperbole (Revelation) and allusion and generally 'prophet speak'. Somewhat like Daniel, which was also partly Aramaic and of course Yeshua Whos Aramaic jokes and banter are quite revealing. Check out the Aramaic for Camel and camel hair and many other things that translations have obscured.

Edited July 28, 2021 by Justin Adams

[Waggles]

I do recommend that you purchase the classic Bible study book

NUMBER IN SCRIPTURE by E.W. Bullinger 

A perennial bestseller and the definitive guide to the study of Bible numerics. Over 150,000 in print. Bullinger's two-fold approach to the subject of biblical numbers first examines the supernatural design of the Bible. He notes the patterns and numerical features of the Scriptures that are evidence of their Designer. The second section highlights the spiritual significance and symbolic connotations of numbers that are repeated in different contexts throughout the Bible. A balanced, biblically solid examination of the numbers throughout Scripture Widely referenced, monumental work
-Publisher

[Waggles]

Bullinger has six pages on this number - so I will just gives some notes on this

"The one lesson that remains is true, namely, that the whole number of the redeemed are saved by the power of the Triune God. We may condense all of this by calling 153 simply,

THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF GOD !

The expression  בני האלהים (Beni Ha-Elohim) "Sons of God" occurs seven times!

Now the gematria for this expression is exactly 153."  [Bullinger then lists the individual Hebrew letters from above and their arithmetic values which add up to 153]

... It is very remarkable in connection with this, that in Job ii. we have "Beni Ha-Elohim with satan among them." The gematria of this phrase is 1989, and two factors of this number are 153 and 13 (153 x 13 = 1989).

... The word συγκληρονόμος  (sugklēronomos) "joint-heirs" (Romans viii 17) amounts to 1071, the factors of which are 153 and 7 (153 x 7 =1071)

Bullinger lists 153 verses in the gospels that refer to 153 distinct persons of note. 

[not an echo]

On 7/28/2021 at 1:48 PM, Chicken coop2 said:

The number 153 is the numerical total for the Hebrew phrase Ani Elohim, which means "I am God".

Hello C c2,

At the time of your post, I couldn't remember what all I've seen in the past on this, but I didn't recall seeing anything about the numerical total equaling Ani Elohim.  But, I like it!   Annnyway, in my research since then, I have seen this (over and over) and other things too.  Some interesting things to consider.  Thanks for calling my attention to what you did.  Whatever is said, pro or con, I still like it!

I've told my church family that I can't say that what I found in my personal quest is THE solution, but I think it certainly goes into the category of A solution.  What I found has become a blessing to me, especially in the area of devotional thoughts.  An example is the following...

After I finished working up what I provided for the church (https://1drv.ms/w/s!ArzwbOv8DFfNgyD9siswHyWxQOgy?e=j0fRWp), I was sitting in reflection, looking at all of John chapter 21.  Around this time, my mind went to a thought that I had had along my journey, that the 153 words/sayings/teachings of Jesus that I had just catalogued would make for 153 seed thoughts for messages.  My eyes were then drawn to the other side of my open Bible, to the word "Mary" (Jn. 20:16).  This is #136 on my list.  My first thought was, "What kind of message would there be with one word---a name???"  My second thought came immediately, and tears began to well up in my eyes.  My second thought was this, "WRRRONG QUESTION!!!"  Immediately, my mind was flooded with thoughts of how that when Jesus calls our name, there's no mistaking it!!!  We haven't ever had anyone to call our name like Jesus can call our name!  Talk about a "seed" thought!  For you, C c2, it might resonate better to think of thoughts like this being an "egg" thought, because when an egg hatches, watch out!

I thought of how Mary Magdalene's world had came crashing down going into that week.  Jesus had delivered her from seven demons.  I submit that if Jesus casts just one devil out of someone's life, that person's life was a bad mess.  He cast seven out of Mary.  And now, she is standing at that tomb, trying to wrap her head around what all is going on.  Part of the account from chapter 20:11 reads, "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping..."  No wonder that when she initially saw Jesus, she didn't know it was Him (Jn. 20:14).  Sunday morning during my message---when I was trying to read this---I couldn't hardly make out the words through my tears!  And then, He called her name.  I can't help the tears welling up in my eyes even now...

I'll never forget the first time Jesus called my name!!!  With that, I could just go on and on.  Hope you (and everyone else) understand what that's like.  I'm betting that you do.

I sure hope this post saves!  I have a "stringer" of 'em if it does!   Got to go for now.

Edited July 30, 2021 by not an echo
add link/glad post saved!

[not an echo]

Hello all,

Jesus told His disciples, "BRING of the fish which ye have now caught" (Jn. 21:10).  Here's another one of them "great" (vs. 11) ones that I have on my "stringer" now (note my previous post).  I'm thinking that it will probably do if I keep it short, kinda like the kids do with "Show-and-Tell."  This is from #91 on my list.

Jesus called to Lazarus by name.  He said to him, "Lazarus, come forth" (Jn. 11:43).   Now, He had spoken concerning Lazarus before this and had mentioned his name (vss. 11 and 14).  But now, He is calling to him by name!  AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD.  Let me just say that when Jesus calls your name, I don't care if you've been four days dead (vs. 17), you are gonna hear His voice!  He certainly is "The Resurrection, and The Life" (vs. 25)!!!

And, let me say, much more can be said...

[Alive]

20 minutes ago, not an echo said:

Hello all,

Jesus told His disciples, "BRING of the fish which ye have now caught" (Jn. 21:10).  Here's another one of them "great" (vs. 11) ones that I have on my "stringer" now (note my previous post).  I'm thinking that it will probably do if I keep it short, kinda like the kids do with "Show-and-Tell."  This is from #91 on my list.

Jesus called to Lazarus by name.  He said to him, "Lazarus, come forth" (Jn. 11:43).   Now, He had spoken concerning Lazarus before this and had mentioned his name (vss. 11 and 14).  But now, He is calling to him by name!  AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD.  Let me just say that when Jesus calls your name, I don't care if you've been four days dead (vs. 17), you are gonna hear His voice!  He certainly is "The Resurrection, and The Life" (vs. 25)!!!

And, let me say, much more can be said...

In order to make a point, I have often asked folks "did Lazarus have a choice"?

One of my favorite sections of scripture.

[not an echo]

10 minutes ago, Alive said:

32 minutes ago, not an echo said:

Hello all,

Jesus told His disciples, "BRING of the fish which ye have now caught" (Jn. 21:10).  Here's another one of them "great" (vs. 11) ones that I have on my "stringer" now (note my previous post).  I'm thinking that it will probably do if I keep it short, kinda like the kids do with "Show-and-Tell."  This is from #91 on my list.

Jesus called to Lazarus by name.  He said to him, "Lazarus, come forth" (Jn. 11:43).   Now, He had spoken concerning Lazarus before this and had mentioned his name (vss. 11 and 14).  But now, He is calling to him by name!  AND LAZARUS WAS DEAD.  Let me just say that when Jesus calls your name, I don't care if you've been four days dead (vs. 17), you are gonna hear His voice!  He certainly is "The Resurrection, and The Life" (vs. 25)!!!

And, let me say, much more can be said...

In order to make a point, I have often asked folks "did Lazarus have a choice"?

One of my favorite sections of scripture.

Hey Alive,

I'm setting in my desk chair kinda chuckling.  Annnyway, my first thought is that I don't know why Lazarus would have chosen to disobey Jesus.  My second thought is that most others who are dead do.  I just stopped chuckling...

[Alive]

13 minutes ago, not an echo said:

Hey Alive,

I'm setting in my desk chair kinda chuckling.  Annnyway, my first thought is that I don't know why Lazarus would have chosen to disobey Jesus.  My second thought is that most others who are dead do.  I just stopped chuckling...

Irresistable Grace, brother. A very good topic for a message. I think Lazarus is a type of all of us that were drawn, called and made alive. Very edifying, indeed.

:-)