29. For this reason by three in the Word, in its spiritual sense, is understood what is complete and perfect, and thus all inclusive; and because this is the signification of that number it is used in the Word when such a meaning is intended, as in the following places:
Isaiah walked naked and barefoot three years. Isa. xx 3. Jehovah called Samuel three times, and Samuel ran three times to Eli, and Eli understood the third time. 1 Sam. iii 1-8. Jonathan told David to hide himself in the field three days. Jonathan then shot three arrows at the side of the stone, and finally David bowed himself three times before Jonathan. 1 Sam. xx 5, 12-41. Elijah stretched himself three times on the widow's son. 1 Kings xvii 21. Elijah commanded them to pour water on the burnt offering three times. 1 Kings xviii 34. Jesus said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Matt. xiii 33. Jesus said to Peter that he would deny Him thrice. Matt. xxvi 34. Jesus said three times to Peter, Lovest thou me? John xxi 15-17. Jonah was in the whale's belly three days and three nights. Jonah i 17. Jesus said that they should destroy the temple, and that He Himself would build it in three days. Matt. xxvi 61. Jesus prayed three times in Gethsemane. Matt. xxvi 39-44. Jesus rose again on the third day. Matt. xxviii 1.
There are many other passages where the number three is mentioned; and it is used where a work finished and perfect is treated of because this is the meaning of that number.
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