The third, fourth and fifth time 11 is found in the Bible is in Exodus 26:7. These were 11 outer curtains on the Tabernacle of Moses. The outer curtains on the Tabernacle were of 11 goats skins and the inner curtains were 10 of fine linen. With the knowledge that 11 symbolizes transition/transformation, we see that outside the Tabernacle (the dwelling place or abiding presence of the Lord) there 11 goat skins. Goats in the Bible symbolize a stubborn, unyielding, rebellious nature, of which we are trying to change from. The 10 fine linen curtains on the inside are symbolic for practical purity and righteousness (see Rev 19:8). This purity is what we are changing into.
The next times 11 is found is concerning the time of the Tabernacle dedication. The last offerings of the Temple before it was anointed by God was on the 11th day, which is found in Numbers 7:72-77. After the 11th day offerings, the Word mentions that the temple was anointed on the 12th day in Numbers 7:78 and 84...“On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered” and (84) “This was the dedication of the altar, in the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold:”. Notice all the 12s and multiples of 12s that show up on the 12th day of this dedication, which is the day of anointing. Remember, twelve signifies God’s order for things, and of course brings with it His anointing.
11 is also found twice in Duet 1:1-8. This speaks of the Journey from Mt. Horeb (meaning a waste land) to Kadesh-barnea (meaning holy, clean), which was 11 days. Again, this is consistent with the concept of transformation (tranistion). It also mentions that on the frist day of the 11th month the Lord spoke to the Israelites and told them they had stayed too long on Mt. Horeb (the waste land) & they were to now go and possess the promised land He had for them. The question is "What is OUR promised Land?"
Before I mention more on that, lets jump over to Hebrews chapter 10, 11 and 12 to show again the relationship concerning the meanings behind these numbers in the Bible. I have explained that scholars agree we can see in scripture that 10 symbolizes the highest order (state, government) man can attain to naturally, they agree that 12 is symbolic of God’s way (Divine order, Divine government) - which is a higher way than what man can do on his own, and then finally that I believe that 11 is symbolic of the transition from the first state to the second, as mentioned above. We can see this spelled out in Hebrews 10, 11 and 12, just like it was in Genesis 10, 11 and 12.
In Hebrews chapter 10 we see the argument that the Law is not the highest way as it cannot once and for all forgive sins… Heb 10:1 “1For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. And in 10:9 “He takes away the first in order to establish the second.” That we are not to shrink back from this transitioning God is bringing us into. For if we hold on, we will reap the reward. This requires faith. Faith allows us to hold on to what God has promised to bring us into (His highest - His divine will and way of things) and faith allows us to make it through this transition… 35Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
In Hebrews chapter 11, the great Faith chapter, we see how many saints held on to what God had for them through faith. As you read, you begin to see how Faith is so very important to a person being able to make a transition or to be transformed from what they were, to what they are destined to be. In this chapter we see that faith was the key of each of these persons' transition, and because transition involves disorder, confusion and/or judgment, I would like to mention a couple of these examples where this can be easily seen. In verse 7 it reads "By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world (judgment), and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith". In verse 8 it reads "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going"(confusion). There are many, many of these, and you can read about them on your own.
Well, I've come to the most important point that I can make concerning the number 11 and why it stands for transition/transformation in the Bible, but first let me lay a little ground work. When a person begins to study the deeper truths in the Bible he can see that there will be a group of people (who-so-ever will) who will come into the likeness of Christ on this earth. They will have the goods to set the world free! This remnant, this many member man, this bride company, this overcoming company will, by faith, not love their lives to the death (death to self) and instead lay them down and allow God's will to be done. They will not taste of spiritual death and will ultimately rule and reign with Christ on earth in the new millennium. This is OUR Promise Land.
What does it require for them to get there? Faithfulness that keeps them from giving up so they make a complete transformation (transition). We see the mention of Enoch in verse 5, who is a forerunner, or a type, of this remnant... “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.” We also see that the promise God is talking about in Hebrews chapter 11 is, not being rescued from your circumstances but, that God will reestablish His will on the earth through a people. What Adam fell from, and Jesus made available to us WILL be done in a people who allow their transition or transformation. We see the reference to that in 11:39-40... “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” We are only perfect together because then we are a whole body and a bride without spot or blemish.
Lastly, in Hebrews chapter 12, we read how we must look to our example, Jesus, and do as he did (endure the cross) in order to reap the reward. He did it and now we can too! This chapter explains how we can make it also, if we don't faint. How in the end of those trials and tribulations that change us, we cause us to come to that city who’s builder and maker is God and not man. Chapter 12:22 describes the end of this journey and our transformation... “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect”. Perfection! Also, as we read in the last few versus in 12, we read that everything that can be shaken will be shaken, but that this is what it takes to bring us into perfection. Verse 27 reads... “This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” So, we know that which remains in us is perfect because it cannot be shaken.
Can you see how the number 11 is so important to understanding God’s purposes for man on this earth? How the number 11 includes disorder, confusion and judgment, and they are all by products of going through this door of transition? It is interesting to note that even the New Age people believe 11:11 signifies a doorway. They have their own teaching on it, but this is just a counterfeit to the real message God is trying to tell them. But, it is a door to what God has for us...His best. In conclusion, there are three more quick points to think about: 1. Right after the death of Christ, there were 11 apostles. This was a time when our Heavenly Father was in the process of birthing “The first Church”. A time when the followers of Christ lost their earthly leader and they were confused and out of order. But they would transition and eventually learn to be led by the Holy Spirit instead. 2. In the natural, there are 11 miles from the earth’s crust to outer space. This is where our atmosphere transitions to outer space. 3. The most well know 11 is concerning the 11th hour being the last hour before the coming of the Lord. It is upon His arrival after the 11th hour, in the 12th hour (midnight hour), that He establishes His governmental kingdom on the Earth during the millennial reign.
So with all this said, let us run our race as to receive the prize. Don't give up. Don't be like Esau who did not value his birthright. This journey is is worth it, even unto death of self. So let us be full of faith and faithfulness and transition into what God has in store for us in both character and the rewards that go with obedience.
