Anciently, the number 13 was a very sacred and signification number. It represented Christ and his Twelve Apostles, or the 12 Tribes of Israel. Unfortunately, in our modern world it now has such a negative connotation and association with bad luck and evil that few people, including members of the Church, would ever associate it with Christ and the number 12.
One of the early flags, representing the first colonies of the United States, included a big star in the middle surrounded by 12 smaller stars. Our Founding Fathers did this on purpose to honor Jesus Christ (the middle star) and righteous leadership (the 12 stars–apostles).
Satan has probably won the war with regards to the number 13, but for those who are looking for the original meaning of the number need to know that it was an important and significant number pointing to Christ and His witnesses, be it apostles or the tribes of Israel.
In Hebrew the number 13 looks like this:
יג
The first letter is a Yud, י, which numerically represents 10 and symbolically means the Hand of God.
The second letter is a Gimel, ג, which numerically represents 3 and symbolically means covenant or the Holy Ghost which seals all covenants that we make with God
Added together numerically we get 13 and symbolically it means we make covenants with Jesus Christ via the power of the Holy Ghost and of course it is our priesthood leaders (the apostles that represent the highest priesthood office) that assist and help us keep those covenants. From a temple perspective the idea of hands has additional significance.
I love your blog. you are a woman after my own heart! I have been trying to teach myself hebrew. But as a homeschool mom of 8 it is slow going. thank you for this simple post. Your blog is very much like what I would love to do with a blog of my own. Inspiring! Thank you.
Satan may have won the battle, but not the war re: the number 13 and other sacred symbols and emblems. For instance, there are 13 lights in the ceiling in certain sacred rooms, symbolizing, as you said, the Savior and the Twelve. Also, the Star of David is interlaced triangles….the triangle on the bottom pointing heaven-ward signifies man reaching up to God. The triangle on the top pointing earthward signifies God reaching down to man. When they interlace entirely, symbolizing oneness with God, they form the 6 pointed star or Star of David. It is holy and sacred in origin of course.
Thank you for the example of the flag with the large center Star and the 12 smaller stars. Awesome info that i never knew before! Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring Site!