After the full course of 7, the 8th became the first of the next series it introduced the new.
The rite of circumcision (judging the flesh by cutting it off) was the only way to bring in the new creation for man's blessing. But He Who was "circumcised" at the cross (Col. 2:1111In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (Colossians 2:11)) was raised again the "first day of the week," or 8th day in its connection with the former, or old, week. And that which is found in Christ will give primary value to the feature of the number 8, whatever it be its character in Him, will show its best color everywhere that the number 8 is found.
So, on the eighth day, the final sacrifices for cleansing and reinstating a leper were offered (Lev. 14:1010And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil. (Leviticus 14:10)). The same for a Nazarite if he were defiled, to hallow him that he may commence again (Num. 6:1010And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: (Numbers 6:10)).
"Begin again" is the general thought of 8. And the character of the new beginning in Christ is a resurrection one, after submission to judgment in death.
The journey of the children of Israel begins with the Passover (1) in Egypt, and its chief stages are (2) Red Sea, (3) Marah, (4) Amalek, (5) Sinai, (6) Jordan, (7) circumcision at Gilgal, and then they start afresh with the Passover on the morrow in Canaan as in resurrection blessing.
In the Old Testament outside the Psalms, there will be found 8 songs written out. The first is the song of redemption (Ex. 15). Second is a song of supply and maintenance (Num. 21:1717Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: (Numbers 21:17)). Third is the song of Moses, witnessing grace and adding warning against unfaithfulness. Fourth, a song of victory over oppressors (Judg. 5). Fifth, a song of the elect one (David) delivered from all foes and specially from man's king. Sixth, the Song of Songs, anticipating the resumption in grace of the relations between Christ and His earthly people. Seventh, Isa. 5, a song of touching reminder and remonstrance meanwhile. Eighth, Isa. 26. The 7 have been sung but the 8th shall be sung after death has been swallowed up in victory (Ch. 25:8 etc.), in resurrection. It has not yet been sung: it is the 8th.
Under number 7, the 7 stoned were enumerated, but the special herald of resurrection grace, life and blessing Paul could not be so put to death. It was once tried upon him only (see 2 Cor. 11:2525Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (2 Corinthians 11:25) and Acts 14:1919And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. (Acts 14:19)) but it could not succeed upon the 8th.
The enjoyment of resurrection blessing, in the clear sense of what that character is, is a rich and unspeakable privilege. It is not only to be past death and judgment, but it is also to be in positive life, active in the delights of God's new creation, filled with energy that works evermore according to the mind of love and blessing in Christ Himself and all its working, contributing happiness to those around, as well as to the worker, multiplying spiritual sensations of untold bliss, which it is the aim of the love of God to make good to its objects, in the kingdom that cannot be moved, that they may re-express them through eternity.