Topical Encyclopedia Numerical Significance in the Bible:The number twenty holds various significances throughout the Bible, often symbolizing a period of waiting, completeness, or a cycle of expectation. It is a number that appears in different contexts, from ages and measurements to quantities and durations. Biblical References: 1. Age of Service and Responsibility: · In the context of the Israelite community, the age of twenty was significant as it marked the beginning of military service. Numbers 1:3 states, "You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army." 2. Duration of Reign: · The number twenty is also used to describe the length of reigns or periods of rule. For example, in 1 Kings 14:20, it is recorded, "The length of Jeroboam’s reign was twenty-two years, and he rested with his fathers, and his son Nadab reigned in his place." 3. Periods of Waiting or Oppression: · The Israelites experienced periods of oppression that lasted twenty years. Judges 4:3 recounts, "Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he had harshly oppressed them for twenty years." 4. Measurements and Offerings: · The number twenty is used in various measurements and offerings. For instance, in Exodus 30:13, the half-shekel offering is described: "Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs." 5. Symbolic Completeness: · In some instances, the number twenty can symbolize completeness or a full cycle. For example, Jacob waited twenty years before leaving Laban’s household, as noted in Genesis 31:38, "I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock." Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, numbers often carried symbolic meanings, and the number twenty was no exception. It was sometimes associated with a complete set or a full measure, reflecting a sense of fulfillment or the end of a particular phase. Theological Implications: The use of the number twenty in the Bible can reflect themes of maturity, readiness, and the fulfillment of divine plans. It often marks a transition from one stage to another, whether in personal development, communal responsibility, or divine intervention. Conclusion: The number twenty in the Bible is multifaceted, appearing in contexts that range from military service to periods of waiting and oppression. Its occurrences often highlight themes of readiness, completeness, and the unfolding of God's purposes in the lives of individuals and the nation of Israel. Concordance 20 (1 Occurrence)Ezra 8:19 Thesaurus 20 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 20 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 8:19 and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and ... /num/20.htm - 6k Sleeps (20 Occurrences) Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Passage (20 Occurrences) Sawest (20 Occurrences) Reasoned (20 Occurrences) Expect (20 Occurrences) Enjoined (20 Occurrences) Man-slayer (20 Occurrences) Member (20 Occurrences) Resources Should Mark 16:9-20 be in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgTop 20 Most Frequently Asked Bible Questions | GotQuestions.org Top 20 Most Visited Articles on GotQuestions.org | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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