When we encounter a number, especially one that pops up in significant contexts, it's natural to wonder if it holds a deeper meaning. The number 85, for instance, isn't just a quantity; it carries echoes of leadership, faith, and even stark warnings from ancient texts.
In biblical narratives, the phrase "fourscore and five" – our modern 85 – appears a handful of times, often tied to pivotal moments. Think of Joshua, the successor to Moses. He was an astonishing 85 years old when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Imagine that! Not only did he guide them into this new territory, but he also fought alongside them for nearly seven years, a testament to his enduring strength and divine calling. After the conquest, he was instrumental in dividing the land among the tribes and served as the nation's first Judge until his death at 110. His story at 85 is one of immense responsibility and continued service.
Then there's Caleb, another remarkable figure. Like Joshua, he was one of the few from his generation permitted to enter the Promised Land after the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. At that same age, 85, Caleb, remembering Moses' promise, boldly requested the very land he had walked upon as his inheritance. This wasn't just a passive request; it was a claim rooted in faith and the promise of God, a promise that sustained him through decades of hardship. The scripture records his words: "And now, lo, I am eighty-five (85) years old today." It’s a powerful declaration of a life lived in anticipation and faithfulness.
Interestingly, the number 85 also finds its place within the structure of the Psalms. Psalm 85, part of the third section of the Hebrew Psalter, sits within a collection of songs whose themes often touch upon the destruction and restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple. This particular psalm is a prayer for revival and forgiveness, a plea for God's favor and a turning away from wrath. It's a song composed for the sons of Korah, a group known for their musical and spiritual contributions.
Before these narratives, we see Abraham at 85 years old. It was at this age that God established His first covenant with him. This wasn't just a casual agreement; it was a profound promise that would shape the future of nations. God assured Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and that through his lineage, the entire world would be blessed. This covenant, initiated when Abraham was 85, laid the foundation for a vast inheritance and a global impact.
However, the number 85 isn't always associated with positive outcomes. In a darker chapter, King Saul, consumed by suspicion, ordered the execution of Ahimelech the High Priest and his entire household. When no Israelite dared to carry out the command, Doeg the Edomite stepped in, brutally murdering all 85 priests present. This act of bloodshed was a grim precursor to further violence.
In another instance, the Assyrian King Sennacherib, in his arrogance, sent his commanders to surround Jerusalem and mock the God of Israel. His forces boasted of their power and questioned the ability of the Lord to protect the city. God's response was swift and devastating. An angel of the Lord struck down "a hundred fourscore and five (85) thousand" soldiers in a single night, a staggering display of divine power against blasphemy.
Beyond these specific events, the number 85 also appears in the New Testament, though perhaps less directly tied to a singular event. The Greek word 'meter', meaning 'mother', appears 85 times in the New Testament. It's used both literally and figuratively, reminding us of the foundational role of motherhood and nurturing in spiritual and familial contexts.
So, when you see the number 85, it's more than just a numerical value. It's a marker in time, a symbol of leadership, faith, covenant, and even divine judgment. It’s a reminder that numbers in ancient texts often carry layers of meaning, inviting us to look closer at the stories they tell.
