Feeding Of The 5000/4000

[bmb144]

I'm doing Advanced New Testament Exegesis this semester and my first section is on the feeding of the 5000 and 4000. Having torn my own books apart and not being able to find an answer, I'm coming here in the hope that someone can point me towards an answer. Basically the question relates to Mark 8:14-21 in which Jesus is asking the disciples about how many baskets were collected being 12 for the 5000 and 7 for the 4000. I need to answer the question on what the 12 and 7 as numbers would mean to the disciples? Any hints?

[kafka]

[quote name='In His Light' date='01 August 2010 - 08:40 PM' timestamp='1280709629' post='2150649']
I'm doing Advanced New Testament Exegesis this semester and my first section is on the feeding of the 5000 and 4000. Having torn my own books apart and not being able to find an answer, I'm coming here in the hope that someone can point me towards an answer. Basically the question relates to Mark 8:14-21 in which Jesus is asking the disciples about how many baskets were collected being 12 for the 5000 and 7 for the 4000. I need to answer the question on what the 12 and 7 as numbers would mean to the disciples? Any hints?
[/quote]
I think the seven and twelve may have an eschatological meaning for the Church during the actual End Times, but before I explain I am not sure what you are asking here.

Are you asking what the disciples may have thought the two numbers signified at that particular time? Are you asking what Christ intended them to signify since he is the one who wrought the miraculous deed. Are you asking what they might might from a speculative theological point of view?

[tinytherese]

I remember reading fascinating details about this in Jeff Cavins' book "I'm Not Being Fed."

Have you tried any of these commentaries?

http://www.clerus.org/bibliaclerus/index_eng.html

http://haydock1859.tripod.com/

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The question asks what do the two numbers mean to the disciples at that time?

[kafka]

[quote name='In His Light' date='01 August 2010 - 08:57 PM' timestamp='1280710664' post='2150663']
The question asks what do the two numbers mean to the disciples at that time?
[/quote]
that seems impossible to answer. The disciples could have interpreted it differently and it doesnt record anywhere what they thought of it at the time, so I guess the question is a speculative one.

Seven symbolizes perfection. Maybe they thought of something from the Old Testament. I guess you would have to search the Old Testament to find how seven was appears in different ways in events, and liturgical practices.

I'm sure some of disciples may have seen the twelve baskets as symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel.

[bmb144]

Thank you Kafka, that is the answer I needed.