Q&A: Is biblical numerology nonsense? Distinction between symbolic numbers and predictive numerological systems

Mike distinguishes valid from invalid use of numerology: numbers like 6 and 7 clearly carry symbolic weight in Scripture (6 = incompleteness/man; 7 = completion/God). Taking a number's generic symbolic meaning is fine at step one. The problem is step two: taking that generic symbol and using it to arrive at highly specific, concrete prophetic predictions or date-calculations. The leap from 'seven symbolizes completion' to 'therefore there are exactly 7,000 years of history' is the unauthorized step.