One of the more fascinating extra-Biblical studies is derived from esoteric Judaism, namely, the Cabbala. This involves assigning numerical symbolism to the 22 consonantal letters which comprise the Jewish alphabet [aleph-bet]. Without going into more of the metaphysical aspects of this branch of occult science it is the intention here to use this method to reveal an underlying message hidden within the Scriptural text.
Revelation 13: 18
Here is wisdom. Let him who has the understanding “calculate” the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.
NOTE: Before getting into a breakdown of that mysterious number, the first thing to wonder is whether the number is triple 6 or if it is actually six hundred and sixty-six. Usually with Holy Writ if a number were in the hundreds it would specify it as such [450 years], or in some sort of multiple like seventy sevens or fourscore and thirty years, etc. It appears that all Bible translations use six hundred sixty-six but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the right one. Another aspect is the curious inclusion of the word ‘calculate’ because since the number is already supplied it would seem redundant and unnecessary to then attempt to calculate this number to reveal this beast-man when we are not given any further information, instructions or formula how to “arithmetize” this arcane 666. Be that as it may, Jewish Gematria does reveal an interesting image or picture nonetheless, as in the following below.
Matthew 27: 37, 38
And they put over His head the sign [inscription] written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then two robbers were crucified [nailed up] with Him, one on the right and another on the left.
John 19:17-19
And He, bearing His cross [prop], went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha, where they crucified [nailed up] Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus [Yeshua] in the center. Now Pilate wrote a sign [title] and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS.
NOTE: Using Gematria of the Jewish alphabet corresponding for the numerical value of six hundred sixty-six is Tav [400] + Resh [200] + Samekh [60] + Vav [6] = 666.
Tav means “sign”; Resh means “Man’s head”; Samekh means “prop/cross?” and Vav means “nail.”
John 20: 25
The other disciples therefore said to him [Thomas], “We have seen the LORD.” So he said, to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my finger into His side I will not believe.”
Luke 24: 36, 39a
Now as they said these things, Jesus [Yeshua] Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “peace [shalom] to you.” “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself.”
NOTE: Using Gematria of the Jewish alphabet corresponding for the numerical value of triple 6 (666) is Vav [6] - Vav [6] - Vav [6] = triple 6 (666). Remember that ‘Vav’ means “nail” and since it is mentioned three times this would seem to correspond to the three nails or spikes driven through the two hands and the third one through Jesus’ feet.
COMMENTARY: Now what does all of this mean, and how is this symbolism in the Book of Revelation and the beast-man related in an uncannily eerie way to the crucifixion of our LORD and Savior Jesus [Yeshua]? Remember that the LORD Himself said that at the End of the Age individuals will come forth in His name saying I am the Christ [Moshiach] and thereby deceive many (Cp. Matthew 24: 4-5; Mark 13: 21-22). The one thing that must be corrected is this image or portrayal of the Antichrist because he is not a being who distinguishes himself from Christ but rather the opposite. He wants to appear like the very LORD and Savior Himself and doubtless in His guise to deceive even the “elect” he may very well make Himself look as though he bears the pierced hands and feet of Jesus [Yeshua], with all kinds of lying wonders, power, and signs after the working of Satan (Cp. 2 Thessalonians 2: 9). Lastly, the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2: 14 –And no wonder! For Satan Himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 25, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
