What is the signifigance of the number 216...

[Mahaloth]

Let me explain the origin of this question. My father and I are reading through the Left Behind series of books. In these novels, the number 216 plays a key role, yet its meaning has not been explained yet. The Anti-Christ seems to have a fascination with the number but it is unclear to the characters why.

So why is it?

I have seen the movie Pi http://us.imdb.com/Title?0138704 and in this movie, I believe there is a Jewish Cult who are looking for the 216 character name for God.

So there it is again. What is the meaning of this number?

[Cabbage]

Looks like a reference to the number of the beast:

6*6*6 = 216.

[JeffB]

I think Cabbage is right about 216 in the LB series. I didn't remember 216 in Pi. (You're the first person I've run into that's mentioned that movie.)

Personally, I think 206 is more significant. (MP reference, anyone?)

[Ike Witt]

I would recommend that you rent the movie Pi. The true name of God that was known by the highest Jewish priests is supposed to be 216 letters long.

[Opus1]

Somebody else asked this a little while ago:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=48487