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In the Bible covenants
are a very important element of our faith and hope, because God is one of the
parties to the covenant. Biblical covenants have three parts:
·
a statement about God’s saving act (what God
brings to the agreement);
·
a statement about what God expects from humanity
in response.
·
and a sign or symbol as a reminder of the
covenant.
The Symbolism of Three in the Bible
The number 3 is often associated with completeness and
perfection in the Bible. This symbolism is evident in various biblical stories
and parables, such as:
- The
three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus
- The
three days that Jesus spent in the tomb before his resurrection
- The
three temptations of Jesus in the wilderness
These examples demonstrate the significance of the number 3
in biblical literature, representing completeness and perfection in God's plan.
The Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity stands as a foundational
principle in Christian theology, articulating the belief in one God existing as
three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This
theological concept is substantiated by numerous biblical references, including
the following:
- Matthew
28:19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
- 2
Corinthians 13:14 - "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love
of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all"
The significance of the Trinity in Christian theology cannot
be overstated, representing the unity and diversity of God's nature.
Threefold Patterns in the Bible
Threefold patterns are a frequently employed literary device
within biblical literature, symbolising notions of completeness and perfection.
Notable examples of such patterns in the Bible include:
- The
three denials of Peter
- The
three temptations of Jesus
- The
threefold repetition of "holy" in Isaiah 6:3
These patterns serve to reinforce the significance of the
number 3 in biblical interpretation, representing completeness and perfection
in God's plan.
The number 3 holds significant symbolism in the Bible,
representing completeness and perfection in God's plan. This symbolism is
evident in various contexts, including the doctrine of the Trinity and
threefold patterns in biblical literature. As Christians, we can draw strength
and comfort from the power of three in our interpretation of the Bible and our
understanding of God's nature.
Is there symbolism in the Hebrew meanings of the green
poplar, almond and chestnut rods that Jacob peeled? Gen 30:37
Other examples
- The
nation had to travel three days away from Egypt to bring sacrifices to
God. Ex 5:3
- Noah
had three sons Genisis 6:10
- The
males must appear three times a year in the temple Deut 16:16
- Genesis
40: The cup bearer and baker’s dream
- Moses
was hidden for three months Ex 2:2
- Three
cities of refuge Deut 19:1
- Three
characters were prominent in 1 Samuel: the prophet Samuel, Saul and the
first Kind of Israel, David
Summary and Closing
In summary, the number three is a recurring symbol of
completeness and divine order throughout the Bible. From the Trinity to the
three days’ journey from Egypt, the three sons of Noah, the triannual temple
appearances, and the three central figures in Israel’s early monarchy, this
pattern reinforces the idea of wholeness in God’s design. Even in seemingly
minor details, such as the three types of sticks Jacob used, the motif of three
points to a deeper spiritual significance. Reflecting on these examples, we are
reminded of the strength, comfort, and meaning that biblical patterns offer to
believers seeking to understand God’s nature and purpose.
