Yosef is equal to Zion in gematria 156. Moshiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben David both together equal 1,000. In the aspect of names of people who are like-counters, we can see that Ephraim is equal to Armilus, both equaling 331. It is interesting to note that Serpent and Moshiach are like-counters in 358.
"The name causes. ......Each person must achieve what is concealed in the gematria of his name. ....Knowing this, everyone will realize how he must fulfill his unique mission in this world.....[Isa. 40:26] “He calls each of them by name [by all that is included in the name of the creature].” Happy is the man who achieves, and reaches [that goal] by the might of his hand and his good deeds. All this will be revealed to him in the World of Truth, but it is preferable for one to achieve this knowledge in his lifetime, so that he will be stronger in his special mission in this world, because one who is commanded and fulfills the commandment stands high. A word to the wise is sufficient. The ways to achieve such knowledge, is first of all, by the deeds themselves, etc., and/or like the lot of the Gaon, when revealed in deed and gematria, or in the “silver goblet” [Gen. 44:2]. This is what is meant by the verse: [Isa. 56:5] “I will give them a hand and a name in my house and within my walls.” .....Every man of Israel has a root above with his name according to the root of his soul and the merit of his forefathers. As is known, the name given a child at his birth is not given by chance; rather, the name is placed in the mouth of his father(or mother) by Heaven according to the root of his soul. "
Excerpts taken from Kol-Hator.
