The Number Nine in Scripture

The number nine in many respects is a most remarkable number. Nine is the number of judgment, and it stands connected with final things. It marks the end and issue of things in relation to man — the judgment of man and all his works. There are not many occurrences of the number nine in the Scriptures; however, the significance of the number is unmistakable.

The judgments of God are enumerated in nine particulars in Haggai 1:11:

1. "And I called for a drought upon the land"

2. "And upon mountains"

3. "And upon corn"

4. "And upon new wine"

5. "And upon oil"

6. "And upon that which the ground bringelh forth"

7. "And upon men"

8. "And upon cattle"

9. "And upon all the labor of the hands"

It is no mere accident that NINE particulars are indicated in this prophecy of judgment. That the judgment is ninefold, seems to indicate that it is thorough and complete.

In the days of the Judges when Israel sinned against God, He turned them over to the Canaanites to be judged for their sin. Sisera was the captain of the Canaanites, and he came upon the Israelites with NINE hundred chariots of iron (Judg. 4:3).

Hosea reigned over Israel NINE years. In the NINTH year the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away captive (II Kings 17: 1, 6; 18:10).

It is also significant that in the NINTH year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar came to lay siege upon Jerusalem (11 Kings 25:1). Thus, the judgment of both Israel and Judah took place in the ninth years of their respective kings. Is this a mere accident that NINE is connected with the judgment of both Israel and Judah? Did it just happen that way, or does nine really have significance of judgment? We believe that this number as it is used in Scripture really stands connected with judgment.

Among the feasts observed in Israel was the Day of Atonement. This commemorated the Passover, and it was observed on the tenth day of the seventh month. It was an unusual festival in that the sins of the whole year were expiated. The children of Israel were commanded to "afflict" themselves — that is, to practice self-examination and self-judgment preparatory to this day in which their sins would be atoned. On the ninth day, or the day preceding the atonement, they were commanded to "afflict," or judge themselves (Lev. 23:32).

The word "abusses" (translated bottomless pit, abyss, deep) occurs NINE times in the New Testament. This will be the place of final judgment, the final abode of the wicked.

There is a ninefold description of Christ's second coming to judgment (Rev. 19:11-16):

1. He is seated on a white horse (vs. 11)

2. His eyes as a flame of fire (vs. 12)

3. On His head many crowns (vs. 12)

4. His threefold name Faithful and True (vs. 11) The Word of God (vs. 13) KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (vs. 16)

5. His vesture is dipped in blood (vs. 13)

6. The armies of heaven follow Him (vs. 14)

7. A sharp sword out of His mouth (vs. 15)

8. He shall rule with a rod of iron (vs. 15)

9. He treads the winepress of the wrath of God (vs. 15)

In the judgment scene which follows there is a ninefold classification of things which will be judged. It is called the supper of the great God (Rev. 19:17-18). The fowls of the heavens are bidden to come and feast. Those to be feasted upon are as follows: (1) kings, (2) captains, (3) mighty men, (4) horses, (5) riders, (6) free, (7) bond, (8) small, and (9) great.

Thus it is seen that the number NINE holds its significance in both Testaments, and that significance is JUDGMENT.

When our Lord Jesus hung upon the Cross, darkness came over the world from the sixth hour until the NINTH hour. At about the ninth hour He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me" (Matt. 27:46). This cry of isolation and desolation was unanswered, but we know the answer to it. Christ was receiving and bearing to the full judgment that was due our sin and sins. Standing by the Cross, we hear His answer, "It is finished." Eternity only will suffice to explain the mystery of His passion, but this we know: He suffered in our stead. The pains of hell that were our portion got hold upon Him. Because He passed through the darkness, we pass into the light of heaven. He dealt with all that which had separated man from God. His death was a judgment-death. He took our position and the consequence of our sin. He was cast out of God's fellowship momentarily in order that we might be received into God's fellowship. He endured the hiding of God's face in order that we might bask in the light of His face forever. He was forsaken for a time in order that we might be accepted in the Beloved and made nigh unto God forever. And this stroke of judgment — this divine forsaking — was at about the ninth hour.