The Biblical Significance of Number 15: Decoding its Hidden Meaning

The Bible is filled with numbers that hold significant meaning. One such number is 15. In this article, we will explore the biblical significance of number 15 and decode its hidden meaning.

What Does the Number 15 Mean in the Bible?

The number 15 is mentioned several times in the Bible, and each time it holds a unique meaning. Here are some of the significant meanings of the number 15 in the Bible:

Fifteenth Day of the First Month

One of the most significant mentions of the number 15 in the Bible is in Exodus 12:15 which says, "Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you. And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever. In the first month, from the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. For seven days no leaven is to be found in your houses. If anyone eats what is leavened, that person will be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a sojourner or a native of the land."

In this verse, the fifteenth day of the first month is when the Israelites began to eat unleavened bread, which is a symbol of purity and holiness. This day marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is a celebration of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

15 Cubits High

In Genesis 7:20-24, it says, "The waters prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Everything on the dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens. They were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those who were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days."

In this verse, the number 15 refers to the height of the floodwaters which covered the mountains. This event was a judgment from God on the wickedness of mankind, but it also represents God's mercy in saving Noah and his family.

15 Steps to the Temple

In the book of Psalms, it says, "I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David." (Psalm 122:1-5)

This passage describes the pilgrims' journey to the temple in Jerusalem, which had 15 steps leading up to the entrance. These steps represent the journey of the believer towards God, as they ascend towards His presence.

The Hidden Meaning of Number 15

While the number 15 has specific meanings in the Bible, it also holds a hidden meaning that can be decoded by examining its components. The number 15 is made up of the numbers 1 and 5. In numerology, the number 1 represents unity, new beginnings, and creation. The number 5 represents grace, goodness, and favor.

When these two numbers are combined to form the number 15, it represents the perfect balance between God's grace and man's efforts. It is a reminder that while salvation is a gift from God, we must also do our part by living a life that is pleasing to Him.

Additionally, the number 15 is also associated with the fruit of the Spirit, which is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. This passage says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Each of these characteristics is essential in the life of a believer, and when they are present in our lives, they bear fruit that brings glory to God.

Conclusion

The number 15 holds significant meaning in the Bible, and by understanding its hidden meaning, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for our lives. It reminds us of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God while also acknowledging that our salvation is a gift from Him.

As believers, we should strive to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, allowing it to bear fruit that brings glory to God.