Appendix B – Scriptures 6:1 ratio Examples

We have thus far considered a number of examples of the 6:1 ratio listed in Scripture, but these have been the more notable that many folks might think of if asked. There are however, others that we have not taken the time to mention with any great detail. We did not want folks to get hung-up on the numbers and miss the point of just what they were pointing too. So here in the Appendix we will list many other examples.
Weekly Cycle – I will re-mention the weekly cycle, not only because it is the first of God’s hints from Scripture of the 6:1 ratio, but because it is referenced on 10 occasions throughout Scripture; Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but THE seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God…(Ex. 20:9-10)
Creation of mankind – This is an interesting illustration of the 6:1 ratio. We aren’t privy to all the anatomic particulars with Adam and Eve, however, in 2 Sam. 21:20 we find a story of a giant fighting in a battle that had 24 digits (6 fingers and 6 toes on each hand and foot). Scripture reveals
that those living before the great flood were giants (Gen. 6:4), even much larger than this warrior in fact in the book of Samuel. Even after 1500 years of sin humanity was still 15-16 feet in height (estimates from Archaeological remains), and living to be over 900 years. The point is it seems that God created mankind originally with a 6:1 ratio on each foot and hand. As humanity degenerated dramatically after the flood event we not only lost tremendous age, but perhaps quite literally, fingers and toes. It appears that sin has depraved and diminished us to about 10 % of what God started with.
Noah’s Ark – constructed using a 6:1 ratio; God’s blueprint demanded 300 cubits in length, 50 in width. This incidentally has been found to be the very best length to width ratio by the US navy for sea-worthiness. The other ratio of 10:1 (length to height-300 long 30 high), would also seem to be related to our previous example of how humanity that was saved through the Ark degenerated so dramatically after the flood. Noah lived to be 950, many today are lucky to see 95.
The Clean animals by sevens – It is Matthew Henry the author of a prominent Bible commentary series
that suggests the 7 clean animals could be a 6:1 ratio example. Commenting on Genesis 7:2, however, others have been more decisive on the matter, suggesting real purpose and reason to the interpretation that there were only seven of every clean kind on the ark. Animal sacrifice to God was practiced during the Patriarchal Age, and it is apparent that the faithful could distinguish between the clean and unclean. Thus, it is suggested that when Noah left the ark and offered a sacrifice to God “of every clean animal” (Genesis 8:20), three pairs (6) were left for domestication by man so that he would have food and clothing.
The pattern, as Matthew Henry noted, then follows that of the working week and Sabbath day (the first 6:1 ratio example), in that “God gives us six for one in earthly things, as in the days of the week,” while the seventh is for devotion to God (n.d., p. 61). The 1599 Geneva Bible also seems to concur: “Which might be offered in sacrifice, of which six were for breeding and the seventh for sacrifice”.
There is concerning this particular example questions as to just what the seven seven implies? Whether this is one group of seven (three females and four males-the odd male out used for sacrifice)
or seven males and seven females (seven equal pairs). We’ll let you decide, either way one animal or even one pair could have been designated for sacrifice still denoting a 6:1 ratio.
During the Jewish Dispensation seven feast – Having lost perhaps from the Adamic dispensation the obvious ratio reminder (6 digits on each hand and foot), it is during the Jewish dispensation that we discover numerous 6:1 ratio considerations being implemented, it is as if God is wanting to make this most obvious again.
Once the Jewish nation developed God instructed 7 main feasts that were rehearsals for what would become the 2nd and 3rd scheduled interventions (His 1st coming as Messiah and His 2nd coming as King of Kings). Three occurred in the spring of the year, and three in the fall. The feast of weeks or Pentecost fell in early summer, May-June between the 3 spring and 3 fall feasts. The feast of weeks not only pointed to the sacrifice of Messiah (burnt offering, sin offering, peace offering etc.), but also symbolized the Jubilee (a 50 year cycle). This feast was performed on the 50th day after the feast of Firstfruits. This feast pointed to the ultimate Jubilee which is the 1,000 year millennium when the land
shall rest from all activity. What makes this a 6:1 ratio is the obvious link to 6,000 years of probationary time and than the 1,000 years of millennial rest, while the remaining 6 point to the 1st and 2nd comings of Christ respectively.
Buying a Hebrew servant – Since the plan of Salvation was designed to set the captives (humanity) free from the bondage of sin over a 7,000 year coarse, a 6:1 ratio (6,000 yrs probation: 1,000 yrs rest), if you were a Hebrew servant/slave this example also applied to you. A slaves contract also ended after 6 years. Ex. 21:2, Deu. 15:12, Jer.34:14 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve 6 years; and in the 7th year he shall go out free and pay nothing.” This is another 6:1 ratio!
The Shemitah year – this was a regulation set up by God to establish and build trust, every seventh year the land was to rest with the last day of that year (Elul 29) voiding out credit and indebtedness. Ex. 23:10-11 states, 6 years to sow and work the land, the 7th year the land would rest, again another 6:1 ratio.
On Mount Sinai – When the Jews were guided to Mt Sinai after their exodus from Egypt, God would
provide specific instructions for them. This would be accomplished primarily through Moses. God calls for Moses to meet Him on the mountain, Ex. 24:16-18 states that God’s glory covered Mt Sinai for 6 days, than on the 7th God calls out to Moses to approach Him. Coming into the presence of God is presented in a 6:1 ratio format. The anti-type of this occurs at the 2nd coming, after 6,000 yrs of earthly probation.
The earth made new – This is also indicated in the earth made new from Is. 66:22-23 we read, “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me, says the Lord, so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the Lord”. Here we discover the 6:1 ratio of the weekly cycle and the Sabbath occurring for all eternity as we come before God to worship Him.
The 7 branched Menorah – (candlestick) was one of the pieces of sacred furniture in the Tabernacle. This rested in the 1st compartment known as the Holy Place. The Menorah was constructed as a 6:1 ratio, with one main central stem and 6 connecting
branches (Ex. 25:32). The typical style of Menorah we see today does not reflect the original from the 1st temple period. The purpose of the candlestick was to provide light for the Holy Place and illustrated Christ (the central stem) the light to all the world. John in the book of Revelation chapter one presents the living version of this 6:1 ratio concept where Jesus is seen in heaven in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Seven candlesticks, Christ the main stem, surrounding Him His church the remaining branches (Rev. 1:12, 20). As ambassadors of the kingdom our mission is to reflect the light of Christ to a darkened world.
The High Priest garments – Even though the Tabernacle itself was laid out in a 2:1 ratio and I might add for a specific reason, many of the implements and furnishings connected with the Tabernacle highlighted the 6:1 ratio. This would include things connected to the High Priest garments. One thing added to the garments was two onyx stones, which was set in a gold frame. These set on each shoulder of the high Priest. A 6:1 ratio is displayed on each of these stones, for on each one are the names of 6 of the 12 tribes of Israel (Ex. 28:9-10). The breastplate as well could
fall into a similar category as it displayed 12 various stones, also representing the 12 tribes, but beneath them rested the Urim and Thummin. In this area we find a 12:2 representation or once again a 6:1 ratio.
The Altar of Incents – If it were not for the numerous 6:1 ratio markers I would think that the cumulative total of cubits for the Altar of Incents was just a coincidence. When adding the construction measurements, we come to 6 cubits for this Altar.
Table of Showbread – The Priests were instructed to place 12 cakes of showbread in two separate stakes of 6 on the table. At first glance folks could perceive these were another representation of the 12 tribes of Israel. However, this is not the case, the word Challah is used for many offerings and means “pierced cake”. The piercing of the dough would speed up the baking process much like the same technique used with cooking potatoes. However, the spiritual significance becomes quite obvious; this pierced bread is a representation of Christ and His sacrifice. As we partake of this bread it is then that life becomes blessed. Christ is the bread of life, every heartbeat, every nerve impulse;
every breath is a gift from the Savior, without Christ we take all these blessings for granted. These two stacks of bread become a 6:1 ratio when on each of these stacks was also placed a dish of frankincense. This was a spice or herb used quite extensively for healing and pain. Here again is another perfect symbol of what Christ would accomplish for humanity; Christ the perfect bread sent from heaven is for the healing of the nations. His pain set us at liberty; with His strips we are healed. Also, the bread was replaced every weekly cycle, every seven days, and thus associated with the very first 6:1 ratio marker.
Cities of refuge – Out of the 48 cities that were given to the Levites there would exist in the promised land 6 that were designated as cities of refuge, this was at God’s instruction (Num. 35:6-8). These were established should a person kill someone accidently and relatives of the slain seek revenge. This would mean an entirely new start for the perpetrator. Though these numbers reflect an initial 8:1 ratio, 8 being the designated number for a new start such as with the 8 survivors of the flood, or the new start with the New Jerusalem in the 8th millennium, the 6:1 ratio is also applicable.
A person being allowed to gain a fresh start in one of the cities of refuge could eventually relocate to one of the other cities, 6 possibilities for refuge, one for their final destination.
The feast of unleavened bread – In Deut. 16 there is a review of God’s three main feasts He commanded Israel to observe. The feast of unleavened bread (spring harvest) occurs the day after the Passover celebration and would require 7 days. In this review six of these days they were to eat unleavened bread, with the seventh being a solemn assembly unto the Lord, no work was to be done. (Deut. 16:8), (another example of a 6:1 ratio).
Destruction of Jericho – This is a classic 6:1 example, Joshua is instructed to march around the city for 7 days, the first 6 days he is to march around it just once. It is the seventh day that he is instructed to march around the city seven times. This instruction in procedure is in itself a 6:1 ratio. Each time as they march around the city, 7 priests with 7 trumpets go before the Ark of the Covenant, and blow the trumpets. It is the 7th day, on the 7th trip around the city that the 7 priests blow their trumpets with a certain long blast which is the signal for the people to shout “with a great shout” and the wall of the city falls. The priest are aligned in a 6:1 ratio has they go before the Ark, three pairs of two with a single priest in the lead. Six days they sound the trumpets; it is not until the 7th day that the long blast is used. Every aspect of Jericho’s destruction is reflected with a 6:1 ratio.
Solomon’s throne – Solomon’s ivory throne has 6 steps in order to reach the top, an example of another 6:1 ratio. God’s throne in heaven is also an example of the same ratio, one of the inner circles maintains 24 seats with 24 elders in them (Rev. 4). Near the very center are 4 living beings, 24 divided by 4 is a 6:1 ratio. However, also, like Solomon’s 6 steps to his throne, in heaven there are 6 distinct groups eventually displayed around God’s throne. They are, from the largest to the smallest: The faithful Angels – the great multitude of the redeemed – the 144,000 the living saints translated – a small group described as bran’s plucked from the burning, this small group of individuals who were once the fiercest opponents of the truth – the 24 elders – and lastly 4 living beings, all surrounding God’s throne, the ultimate 6:1 ratio.
Seraphim’s – Just as humanity was once created as giants and quite possibly possessed 6 digits on each hand and foot, seraphim were created with 6 wings, 6 wings on one angel is another example of God’s 6:1 ratio. These examples reveal that this ratio is a Divine signature; it seems to be God’s holy equation, an outgrowth of His perfect number seven.
Gathering of the Manna – “Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And he said unto them, this is that which the LORD hath said; tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none” (Ex. 16:4,23,26). Here is a classic 6:1
ratio illustration, which God is using to teach the children of Israel obedience to His law.
Boaz’s gift to Naomi of 6 measures of barley – This is part of a redemption story; how Naomi instructed her daughter-in-law Ruth to confront Boaz with the possibility of marriage. Boaz is impressed with Ruth and sends a gift of 6 measures of barley to Naomi as a thank you gift. The story is a great read in (Ruth 3-4)
Joash the boy King – Joash was hid in the house of the Lord six years while Athaliah was reigning over the land of Israel and on the 7th year he and the rulers were brought in before the boy king. It was in this 7th year that the rightful king took the throne. Joash was seven when he was anointed king, another 6:1 ratio. The story is found in 2 Kings 11.
But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. (2 Kings 11:2)