First thing this Saturday morning I heard the number 33 mentioned at the start of a sermon. It captured my attention and as much as I tried to focus on the rest of what was said, my mind moved to what the Spirit wanted me to see. This post is about 33.
The phrases "thirty and three" or "three and thirty" appear seven times in the Tenach also know as the Old Testament. The number 33 in the Bible holds significant spiritual meaning related to divine promises, fulfillment, and spiritual maturity. The number 33 relates to the mystery of faith. 33 marks key moments where God's covenant and salvation plan unfold, such as:
- The 33rd time Noah’s name appears in Scripture coincides with God's covenant never to flood the earth again, symbolizing divine faithfulness and restoration. (My calculation may be off.)
- King David, who represented God’s chosen leadership, reigned in Jerusalem for 33-years. He initially reigned in Hebron for 7 years and 6 months before moving to Jerusalem, where he ruled over all Israel and Judah for the remaining 33 years of his 40-year reign.
- Yeshua (Jesus) began his ministry at age 30 and 3 years later at about 33 years old He was crucified. 33 marks the fulfillment of His earthly ministry and the establishment of the New Covenant of grace and redemption for humanity. 33 combines the spiritual completeness of the number 3 (the Trinity).
33 symbolizes the divine intervention that brings about salvation and the unfolding of God’s redemptive purpose in history.
33 in the Hebrew Letters
In Hebrew, numbers are often represented by letters of the Hebrew alphabet, each letter having a numerical value and placement value.
30 is represented by the 12th letter ל (Lamed). 3 is represented by the 3rd letter ג (Gimel). So, the number 33 in Hebrew letters would be written as לג (Lamed-Gimel - Hebrew is right to left.)
The Hebrew letters ל (Lamed) and ג (Gimel), together represent the number 33 (לג), have rich significance in the Old Testament:
- Lamed (ל) is the 12th letter of the Hebrew alphabet with a numerical value of 30. It symbolizes learning, teaching, authority, and guidance, often likened to a shepherd’s staff, representing leadership and spiritual direction. Lamed is associated with maturity and strength, as priests began their service at age 30, and King David began his reign at 30 (Numbers 4:2–3; 2 Samuel 5:4)
- Gimel (ג) is the 3rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet with a numerical value of 3. The Hebrew letter Gimel (ג) is traditionally pictured as a camel or the foot of a camel. It symbolizes movement, journey, and giving. Gimel’s shape and name relate to the Hebrew word gamal (גמל), meaning camel. The camel was valued for its ability to travel long distances through the desert carrying goods, symbolizing endurance and provision on a spiritual journey. This ties to the idea of a believer’s pilgrimage through life, sustained by faith and divine provision
- Giving and Charity: The Talmud teaches that Gimel represents a rich man running after a poor man. The Gimel is running toward the Dalet. The next letter Dalet is the word for and symbol of a door.
Galgal
Job 38.1 -- The Adonia answered Job out of the whirlwind.
The sequence Gimel Lamed Gimel Lamed (גימל למד גימל למד) appears in the Old Testament as the Hebrew name of the "galgal" plant mentioned in Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17, is translated variously as "wheel," "whirlwind," or "tumbleweed," which some interpret prophetically.
In Isaiah 17, the galgal imagery is used in a prophecy about the destruction of Damascus and the judgment of many nations that rage against Israel. It points to a future time when God’s deliverance will cause the enemies to be scattered like tumbleweed, emphasizing God’s sovereignty* and the futility of opposing Him.
(* I'm sure it's just a coincidence that "Sovereignty" won the Kentucky Derby on Shabbat this weekend. LOL)
Isaiah 17:13 -- The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.
The Hebrew word galgal literally means “wheel,” linking the imagery of rolling or being driven away by the wind, reinforcing the idea of instability and judgment.
Isaiah 17.1 -- An oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins.
The galgal starts as an innocuous weed but develops a large, thorny, and impenetrable shrub. Then, suddenly, it dies, detaches from its roots, and is blown away by the wind. This process vividly represents how God will deal with those opposing His purposes-strong and threatening at first but ultimately destroyed and scattered by divine judgment.
Psalm 83:13-14 -- O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind. 14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire
In Psalm 83, the enemies of Israel are prayed against to become like the galgal-scattered and powerless before God’s storm, so that God's name will be glorified through Israel’s deliverance.
Thus, the galgal serves as a powerful prophetic symbol of judgment, defeat, and God's ultimate deliverance of Israel from its enemies.
The Hebrew Word "לג" (Lag) - 33.
The Hebrew word לֹג (log) is a biblical unit of liquid measure of about 10 ounces used in ancient Israel, primarily for oil and other liquids in ritual contexts. It is approximately equal to about 0.3 to 0.5 liters (roughly a third to a half liter, about 0.3 quarts). It's primarily used in the context of the law regarding lepers in Leviticus 14.
Leviticus 14 details the ritual for the cleansing of a person healed from leprosy (tzara’at). This passage is central to the Torah portion known as Metzora (מְּצֹרָע), which covers Leviticus 14:1–15:33. It "happens to be" the Torah portion for this very Shabbat- TODAY!
(Just another coincidence like Sovereignty. LOL!)
During Jesus's ministry, healing lepers represents one of his most significant miracles.
THE 33 DAY OF COUNTING THE OMER
- Balancing Love and Truth: It highlights the paradox of loving others deeply while still striving to correct and improve them. Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students died due to a lack of mutual respect despite their love, teaching us to combine sincere care with humility and tolerance in relationships.
- Integration of Spirituality and the Physical World: Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s emergence from the cave on Lag BaOmer symbolizes the realization that holiness is found not only in Torah study but also in engaging with and elevating the material world. The day teaches that spiritual growth includes transforming everyday life into a dwelling for God.
- Hope and Divine Protection: The cessation of the plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students and the association with Rabbi Shimon’s merit reflect themes of divine mercy, protection, and the power of spiritual merit to bring blessing and renewal.
- Joy Amid Mourning: Lag BaOmer breaks the semi-mourning period of the Omer with celebration, teaching resilience and the importance of joy even during times of hardship and reflection.
- Unity in Diversity: The holiday encourages valuing diverse perspectives within the community, as seen in the varied understandings of Rabbi Akiva’s teachings, fostering respect and harmony despite differences.
- Spiritual Illumination: The bonfires and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai symbolize spreading the light of mystical wisdom and divine secrets, inspiring deeper connection to God and Torah.
In essence, Lag BaOmer teaches us to love and respect other while seeking truth. It teaches us to find holiness in both study and daily life, to celebrate hope and unity, and to illuminate the world with spiritual light. That's 33!
(Coincidently, Lag BaOmer is celebrated in next in about a week.)
Scriptures & teaching on Lag BaOmer.
MAN OF GOD!
In Deuteronomy 33, Moses, described as "the man of God," pronounces a final blessing over the tribes of Israel before his death. This chapter serves as a prophetic and pastoral declaration where Moses calls upon God's favor and protection for each tribe, highlighting their unique strengths and roles within Israel. The blessing emphasizes God's presence, law, and leadership as the foundation for Israel’s future security and prosperity.
Moses is about to see the tribes of Israel off as the journey he lead them on, his life, and the Torah, are coming to a completion. Joshua is about to realize God's promise.
(Coincidentally, Deut. 33, was a point in the sermon I listened to the day after I started this post. There's a lot of 33 coincidences going on. LOL.
Conclusion:
I will simply conclude with the last verse in the Torah.
Amen
Epilogue:
The story of Paul's conversion can be found in the New Testament in the book of Acts on the road to Damascus. Although there is no evidence pinpointing Paul's exact date of birth, most sources date Paul's birth close to the time of Jesus's birth. Sources will list his year of birth between 4-6 AD. Paul's conversion to Christianity and the beginnings of his mission journeys are dated between ~33 AD. Not sure if this qualifies as another 33. 😇
