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 the age of accountability to the measurement of offerings and the duration of certain events.

Age of Accountability and Service

In the Old Testament, the age of twenty is significant as it marks the beginning of a man's eligibility for military service and other responsibilities. In Numbers 1:3 , God commands Moses, "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." This age signifies a transition into adulthood and readiness to take on communal responsibilities.

Offerings and Measurements

The number twenty is also used in the context of offerings and measurements. 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." Here, twenty gerahs make up a shekel, indicating a standard of measurement used in the sanctuary.

Periods of Waiting and Expectation

The number twenty can also represent a period of waiting or expectation. For instance, Jacob waited twenty years to be freed from Laban's service. Genesis 31:38-41 recounts Jacob's words to Laban: "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... I have worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks, and you have changed my wages ten times." This period of twenty years was a time of labor and anticipation for Jacob's eventual freedom and return to his homeland.

Symbolism in Prophecy and Vision

In prophetic and visionary contexts, the number twenty can symbolize completeness or a cycle. In Ezekiel 40:44-49 , the prophet describes the measurements of the temple, including a porch that is twenty cubits wide. Such measurements often carry symbolic meanings, reflecting divine order and completeness in God's design.

Judgment and Redemption

The number twenty also appears in contexts of judgment and redemption. In Judges 4:3 , the Israelites are oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan, for twenty years before God raises Deborah and Barak to deliver them: "Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he had harshly oppressed them for twenty years." This period of oppression followed by deliverance highlights a cycle of judgment and redemption.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the number twenty is woven into narratives and laws, serving as a marker of age, a standard of measurement, and a symbol of waiting and fulfillment. Its presence in various contexts underscores its multifaceted role in the biblical narrative, reflecting themes of responsibility, completeness, and divine order.

'Because of his Importunity'
... And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord:
Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And He said ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

Twenty's (1 Occurrence)
...Twenty's (1 Occurrence). ... What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will
not destroy it for the twenty's sake." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/t/twenty's.htm - 6k

Twenty-one (7 Occurrences)
Twenty-one. Twenty-nine, Twenty-one. Twenty's . Multi-Version Concordance
Twenty-one (7 Occurrences). 2 Kings 24:18 Zedekiah was ...
/t/twenty-one.htm - 8k

Ventured (5 Occurrences)
... speak with the Lord. Perhaps there may be twenty found there. And he said,
I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake. (DBY NAS). ...
/v/ventured.htm - 8k

Twenty-second (2 Occurrences)
Twenty-second. Twenty's, Twenty-second. Twenty-seven . Multi-Version
Concordance Twenty-second (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 24:17 ...
/t/twenty-second.htm - 6k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) One more that nineteen; twice; as, twenty
men. 2. (n.) An indefinite number more or less that twenty. ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Genesis 18:31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon
me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. ...
/p/peradventure.htm - 18k

Suppose (47 Occurrences)
... the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will not destroy
it for the twenty's sake." (See NAS RSV). Genesis 18 ...
/s/suppose.htm - 20k

Perhaps (89 Occurrences)
... with the Lord. Perhaps there may be twenty found there. And he said, I will
not destroy it for the twenty's sake. (DBY). Genesis 18 ...
/p/perhaps.htm - 34k

Destroy (379 Occurrences)
... What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the
twenty's sake." (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/destroy.htm - 37k

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