The Meaning of Numbers 20-29

Twenty
Biblical meaning: redemption
Hebrew word: kaph (palm, open hand)
Significance: waiting 20 years to be redeemed, waiting for the Age of Tabernacles
Examples:
1. Ex. 26:18-20 – there were 20 boards on each side of Moses’ tabernacle

2. Ex. 27:10-11 – 20 pillars anchor the wall of the outer court of Moses’ tabernacle

3. Ex. 30:13-14 – everyone 20 years old or older was required to give an offering of a half shekel

4. Judges 4:3 – Israel waited 20 years to be freed from Jabin’s oppression

5. 1 Sam 7:1-2 – the Ark of the Covenant waited at Kirjath-jearim for 20 years

6. 1 Kings 9:10-11 – Solomon waited 20 years for his house and the temple to be completed, then gave 20 cities to Hiram, the King of Tyre

Other
- The number 20 appears 288 times in the Bible. David’s army consisted of 288,000 men in 1 Chron. 27:1. This represents The Barley Overcomers.

- Dreams - 20 dreams are recorded in the Bible (several people had two dreams). Gen. 20:3, Gen. 28:12, Gen. 31:10, Gen. 31:24, Gen. 37:5, Gen. 37:9, Gen. 40:5 (2), Gen. 41:1, Gen. 41:5, Judges 7:13, 1 Kings 3:5, Daniel 2:3, Daniel 4:5, Daniel 7:1, Matt. 1:20, Matt. 2:13, Matt. 2:12, Matt. 2:19, Matt. 27:19.

- Ruth - 20 different people are mentioned in the book of Ruth, which is a story about redemption of a captive bride.

Twenty-One
Biblical meaning: distress
Hebrew words: kaph-aleph (open hand and strength)
Significance: having strength during spiritual growth, sin
Examples:
1. Gen. 13:3 – the 21st time Abram’s name is mentioned is when he returned to Bethel after being in distress in Egypt

2. Gen. 24:67 – the 21st time Isaac’s name is mentioned is when he marries Rebekah, which helps him get over his mother’s death

3. Ex. 26:3,7 – Moses’ tabernacle had a total of 21 curtains which symbolizes covering Israel’s sins

4. Deut. 31:3 – the 21st time Joshua’s name is mentioned, Joshua leads Israel to the promise land which ends their distress

5. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 – Paul mentions 21 sins

Twenty-Two
Biblical meaning: sonship, sons of light
Hebrew words: kaph-beth (open hand and giving something to the house)
Examples:
1. Num. 3:39 – there were 22,000 priests of Levi that redeemed the firstborn sons of Israel

2. 1 Sam. 17:34 – the 22nd time David’s name is mentioned is when he tells Saul that he delivered a lamb from both a lion and a bear and therefore is not afraid of Goliath

3. 1 Kings 14:20 – King Jeroboam ruled for 22 years

4. 1 Kings 16:29 – King Ahab ruled for 22 years

5. 2 Chron. 7:5 – Solomon sacrificed 22,000 sheep on the eighth day of Tabernacles

Other
- Creation - God created 22 things in the six days of creation.

- Generations - From Adam to Jacob there are 22 generations.

- Saul – Saul is mentioned 22 times in the New Testament, all in the book of Acts. He is an example of Sonship, because his name changed to Paul.

- Light - The word “light” is used 22 times in the book of John and 264 times in the entire Bible which is 12x22.

Page 1 of 3

< Return to Bible Numerology                            Next Page of Numbers >