These days it seems the world has been convinced by skeptics that the birth of Jesus could not have occurred on December 25th. One reason for this conclusion is that a census would never be conducted in the dead of winter. I won't argue the date of Jesus birth but do contend December 25th is the proper, and maybe even God ordained date, for celebrating the coming of the Messiah. Across the scriptures number 25 is found associated with physical appearances of Jesus the redeemer or Jesus type individuals on earth. I suspect that at one time we may have celebrated the comming of the Lord on December 25 and this celebration then somehow evolved to a thinking it was about the actual birth of Jesus. The remainder of this article gives evidence and descriptions about biblical text that demonstrate the symbolism for the number 25.
The strong relationship of the number 25 with Jesus the Kinsman redeemer's coming to redeem his father's property suggests that maybe Christmas being on the 25th of December is a God chosen yearly event. It may not imply Jesus is born on the 25th but certainly can imply Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of the Kinsman redeemer into the world.
Luke 2:25-32 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
v26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
v27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
v28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
v29 "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;
v30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
v31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
v32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."
Chapter Evidence for 25 – (Bible has 17 chapter 25s)
Bible chapter numbers are related to a major themes found in their text. As we can see in the examples I've analyzed below, having an idea of a theme for a numbers helps guide our understanding of the text. I think many will be surprised at the consistency of the theme of the appearance of the Kinsman redeemer found in these chapters. Individual studies of Bible chapters often misses the overall intended chapter theme but when you examine like numbered chapters together the common theme is more easily seen. Below I've described how I think the text in these chapters fits the pattern or directly relates to the role and appearance of the Kinsman redeemer.
Genesis 25 – As the firstborn Esau had the birthrights of his father Isaac property's but despised these birthrights (v34) and thus was abandoning the property which was Legally his. In a similar way that a kinsman redeemer purchases the rights to a widow whose husband is no longer alive, Jacob redeemed these birthrights with the price of some bread and red bean stew (body and blood of Christ). Gen 25:33 And Jacob said, "First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Exodus 25 -- God (Jesus) gives instructions to Moses for preparing the Arc and the Mercy Seat for Jesus Return --Exo 25:22 "There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat…I will speak to you about all that I will give you…
Leviticus 25 -- God (Jesus) speaks to Moses at Mt. Sinai instructing him on the year of restoration (Jubilee) 25:25 speaks of the Kinsman Redeemer which we know is a pattern of Jesus return - Lev 25:25 'If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.
Numbers 25 - God declares all the leaders of the people are to be hung before the sun God of Moab because they have turned away from him, but then a Medianite man and women were brought to the sight of Moses and the congregation and were pierced through together and killed stopping the plague that killed 24,000 (24=the day of the Lord). So the killing of this man and woman stopped the plagued and saved (redeemed) the leaders of Israel -- Num 25:8 and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and pierced both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman, through the body. So the plague on the sons of Israel was checked.
Deuteronomy 25 --The rules of redemption for the Kinsman Redeemer over a widow -- Deu 25:5 "When brothers live together and one of them dies...Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her.
1Samuel 25 – Evil Nabal ignored King David's requests and David's set out with 400 men to take Vengeance on him and his people. But Nabal's wife Abigail when out to meet David and fell at his feet offering him gifts she had brought on her donkey to save (redeem) the people from David's wrath. -- 1Sam 25:32 Then David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me—Abigail's actions saved the people and turned away David's wrath and David later married Abigail.
2Kings 25 – Because God's people had turned away from him Jerusalem had been besieged, leaders killed and treasures taken- God's precious city had become abandoned. After 37 years the King of Babylon came and freed King Jehoiachin from prison, changed his clothes and was restored all the days of his life (redeemed) -- 2Kin 25:27 Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah...Evil-merodach king of Babylon...released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison;
1Chronicles 25 – 288 people selected by lot (asking God) to serve and prophesy under the direction of the King and others to give thanks to God (sing) exalt God. – (I'm sure there is a tie to the theme of 25 here somewhere, but it is not apparent to me at this time)
2Chronicles 25—In this chapter we find the negative side of the number 25 as it shows the consequences to those what are turned away from God and the redeemer when Jesus returns. Amaziah King of Judah turned from the Lord and refused his prophets. When the King of Israel came to him for battle, Judah fell and Amaziah was taken prisoner. 2Chr 25:21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh, which belonged to Judah. Fits the theme of 25 in that when the redeemer came he turned away those that had turned away from God.
Job 25—In a response to Job's comments in the previous chapter asking why times of judgment are not kept by God and recognizing that justice will come later as determined by God, Bildad says that no man can ever stand justified before God (in his presence). Although not obvious, the text refers to when Justice will finally come with the redeemer (dominion and fear are with God v2-Other numbers associated with this verse seem to confirm this is a reference to Jesus) in the time when God chooses.– Job 25:3 "Is there any number to His troops? And upon whom does His light not rise?
Psalms 25—The Psalmist sings about how he waits for the Lord return and save him--Psa 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. v22 Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.
Proverbs 25—Warns of proper actions upon the Lord's Return—Verses 5,6 and 7 all speak of being in the presence of the king. when the King comes not to go out and argue our case with him or his reproach will be on us--Prov 25:6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men;
Isaiah 25—Isaiah speaks of the future appearance of the Lord--Isa 25:9 And it will be said in that day, "Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."
Jerimiah 25—Tells of the coming Day of the Lord when Jesus appears from heaven--Jer 25:30 …'The LORD will roar from on high And utter His voice from His holy habitation…
Ezekiel 25—Speaks of the coming Day of the Lord and judgments of God against nations--Eze 25:17 "I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they will know that I am the LORD when I lay My vengeance on them.'"
Matthew 25—Parables speaking of Jesus 2nd Return-- The Ten Virgins that went out to meet the Bridegroom --Matt 25:19 "Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them.
Acts 25—Chief priests and leaders were seeking Pauls condemnation and death and he is brought before Festus and appeals to Rome. Festus finds no fault in him and sends him "up" to Rome thus in this chapter we see a parallel to appearing before a redeemer and being saved and sent up as if unto heaven. Act 25:24-25 …the people of the Jews appealed…loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. v25 "But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death; and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.MOST OBVIOUS EXAMPLES
In addition to the chapter theme support for number 25 there are many related textual and verse references supporting the theme as well. Following examples are selected examples. (Don't be surprised when you see a 2:5 verse being counted as 25—I explain how these number references work in my book.Exo 25:1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (Jesus with Moses?)
Lev 25:1 The LORD then spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai, saying, (Jesus with Moses?)
Lev 25:25 'If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.
1Sam 1:25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and brought the boy to Eli. (The boy dedicated to God is brought before the priest)
Eze 1:25 And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings. (events occurring as Jesus returns)
Joel 2:5 With a noise as of chariots They leap on the tops of the mountains,…Like a mighty people arranged for battle. (events occurring as Jesus returns)
Matt 1:25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. (A reference to Jesus, God's Son, physical return to earth).
Matt 2:5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: (where will Jesus return?-Bethlehem)
Matt 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (meeting Jesus upon his return)
Matt 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. (referring to those standing before Jesus—Note that 5*5=25. not a coincidence)
Mrk 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" (events associated with appearances of Jesus)
Luke 2:5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. (A reference to Jesus physical return).
Luke 12:40 "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." -- (A reference to Jesusphysical return).
John 5:25 "… an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. -- (A reference to Jesus physical return).
Rev 2:5 '…I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent. (A reference to Jesus, God's Son, physical return to earth).
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Biblical number symbolism patterns reveal number 25 is about the appearances of Jesus (the kinsman redeemer) who comes to earth to redeem his people who are captive. After reading the passages it would appear they show a pattern where Lucifer was originally given the rights by God to the earth and all it contains but he abused them and abandoned and killed the people God loved. So God sent a kinsman redeemer to redeem the property of which price was the Death of Jesus on the Cross. The theme for 25 often is revealed in the scriptures as it directly relates to the physical appearance of Jesus on earth to redeem the abandoned. We see 25 not only related to what we commonly refer to as the first and second coming of Jesus but also to previous appearances in the Old Testament such as God's visit with Moses on Mt. Siani—25 would suggest it was Jesus who met with Moses.The strong relationship of the number 25 with Jesus the Kinsman redeemer's coming to redeem his father's property suggests that maybe Christmas being on the 25th of December is a God chosen yearly event. It may not imply Jesus is born on the 25th but certainly can imply Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of the Kinsman redeemer into the world.
The strongest Redemption Pattern number associated with #25 is the 25,000th and surrounding verses of the Bible where Jesus is presented at the temple—his first appearance as the consolidation of Israel. Luke 2:26 is the 25,000th verse which identifies Jesus as the "Lord's Christ".To see it in context, below are the 24,999th-25,006th verses that speak of Jesus appearance at the temple. Notice how verse 25 speaks of the coming appearance of the Messiah and in the 26th and 25,000th verse the Messiah appears. All these verses are strong evidence for the themes found constantly related in the scriptures with number 25.
Luke 2:25-32 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
v26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
v27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
v28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
v29 "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;
v30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
v31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
v32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."
Chapter Evidence for 25 – (Bible has 17 chapter 25s)
Bible chapter numbers are related to a major themes found in their text. As we can see in the examples I've analyzed below, having an idea of a theme for a numbers helps guide our understanding of the text. I think many will be surprised at the consistency of the theme of the appearance of the Kinsman redeemer found in these chapters. Individual studies of Bible chapters often misses the overall intended chapter theme but when you examine like numbered chapters together the common theme is more easily seen. Below I've described how I think the text in these chapters fits the pattern or directly relates to the role and appearance of the Kinsman redeemer.
Genesis 25 – As the firstborn Esau had the birthrights of his father Isaac property's but despised these birthrights (v34) and thus was abandoning the property which was Legally his. In a similar way that a kinsman redeemer purchases the rights to a widow whose husband is no longer alive, Jacob redeemed these birthrights with the price of some bread and red bean stew (body and blood of Christ). Gen 25:33 And Jacob said, "First swear to me"; so he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Exodus 25 -- God (Jesus) gives instructions to Moses for preparing the Arc and the Mercy Seat for Jesus Return --Exo 25:22 "There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat…I will speak to you about all that I will give you…
Leviticus 25 -- God (Jesus) speaks to Moses at Mt. Sinai instructing him on the year of restoration (Jubilee) 25:25 speaks of the Kinsman Redeemer which we know is a pattern of Jesus return - Lev 25:25 'If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.
Numbers 25 - God declares all the leaders of the people are to be hung before the sun God of Moab because they have turned away from him, but then a Medianite man and women were brought to the sight of Moses and the congregation and were pierced through together and killed stopping the plague that killed 24,000 (24=the day of the Lord). So the killing of this man and woman stopped the plagued and saved (redeemed) the leaders of Israel -- Num 25:8 and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and pierced both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman, through the body. So the plague on the sons of Israel was checked.
Deuteronomy 25 --The rules of redemption for the Kinsman Redeemer over a widow -- Deu 25:5 "When brothers live together and one of them dies...Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her.
1Samuel 25 – Evil Nabal ignored King David's requests and David's set out with 400 men to take Vengeance on him and his people. But Nabal's wife Abigail when out to meet David and fell at his feet offering him gifts she had brought on her donkey to save (redeem) the people from David's wrath. -- 1Sam 25:32 Then David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me—Abigail's actions saved the people and turned away David's wrath and David later married Abigail.
2Kings 25 – Because God's people had turned away from him Jerusalem had been besieged, leaders killed and treasures taken- God's precious city had become abandoned. After 37 years the King of Babylon came and freed King Jehoiachin from prison, changed his clothes and was restored all the days of his life (redeemed) -- 2Kin 25:27 Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah...Evil-merodach king of Babylon...released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison;
1Chronicles 25 – 288 people selected by lot (asking God) to serve and prophesy under the direction of the King and others to give thanks to God (sing) exalt God. – (I'm sure there is a tie to the theme of 25 here somewhere, but it is not apparent to me at this time)
2Chronicles 25—In this chapter we find the negative side of the number 25 as it shows the consequences to those what are turned away from God and the redeemer when Jesus returns. Amaziah King of Judah turned from the Lord and refused his prophets. When the King of Israel came to him for battle, Judah fell and Amaziah was taken prisoner. 2Chr 25:21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh, which belonged to Judah. Fits the theme of 25 in that when the redeemer came he turned away those that had turned away from God.
Job 25—In a response to Job's comments in the previous chapter asking why times of judgment are not kept by God and recognizing that justice will come later as determined by God, Bildad says that no man can ever stand justified before God (in his presence). Although not obvious, the text refers to when Justice will finally come with the redeemer (dominion and fear are with God v2-Other numbers associated with this verse seem to confirm this is a reference to Jesus) in the time when God chooses.– Job 25:3 "Is there any number to His troops? And upon whom does His light not rise?
Psalms 25—The Psalmist sings about how he waits for the Lord return and save him--Psa 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. v22 Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.
Proverbs 25—Warns of proper actions upon the Lord's Return—Verses 5,6 and 7 all speak of being in the presence of the king. when the King comes not to go out and argue our case with him or his reproach will be on us--Prov 25:6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men;
Isaiah 25—Isaiah speaks of the future appearance of the Lord--Isa 25:9 And it will be said in that day, "Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."
Jerimiah 25—Tells of the coming Day of the Lord when Jesus appears from heaven--Jer 25:30 …'The LORD will roar from on high And utter His voice from His holy habitation…
Ezekiel 25—Speaks of the coming Day of the Lord and judgments of God against nations--Eze 25:17 "I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they will know that I am the LORD when I lay My vengeance on them.'"
Matthew 25—Parables speaking of Jesus 2nd Return-- The Ten Virgins that went out to meet the Bridegroom --Matt 25:19 "Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them.
Acts 25—Chief priests and leaders were seeking Pauls condemnation and death and he is brought before Festus and appeals to Rome. Festus finds no fault in him and sends him "up" to Rome thus in this chapter we see a parallel to appearing before a redeemer and being saved and sent up as if unto heaven. Act 25:24-25 …the people of the Jews appealed…loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. v25 "But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death; and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.MOST OBVIOUS EXAMPLES
In addition to the chapter theme support for number 25 there are many related textual and verse references supporting the theme as well. Following examples are selected examples. (Don't be surprised when you see a 2:5 verse being counted as 25—I explain how these number references work in my book.Exo 25:1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (Jesus with Moses?)
Lev 25:1 The LORD then spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai, saying, (Jesus with Moses?)
Lev 25:25 'If a fellow countryman of yours becomes so poor he has to sell part of his property, then his nearest kinsman is to come and buy back what his relative has sold.
1Sam 1:25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and brought the boy to Eli. (The boy dedicated to God is brought before the priest)
Eze 1:25 And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings. (events occurring as Jesus returns)
Joel 2:5 With a noise as of chariots They leap on the tops of the mountains,…Like a mighty people arranged for battle. (events occurring as Jesus returns)
Matt 1:25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. (A reference to Jesus, God's Son, physical return to earth).
Matt 2:5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: (where will Jesus return?-Bethlehem)
Matt 25:1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (meeting Jesus upon his return)
Matt 25:2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. (referring to those standing before Jesus—Note that 5*5=25. not a coincidence)
Mrk 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" (events associated with appearances of Jesus)
Luke 2:5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. (A reference to Jesus physical return).
Luke 12:40 "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." -- (A reference to Jesusphysical return).
John 5:25 "… an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. -- (A reference to Jesus physical return).
Rev 2:5 '…I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent. (A reference to Jesus, God's Son, physical return to earth).
