©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Two-riffic Tuesday is here! 2-22-22
It’s not a pandemic nor a prophecy; but it is a palindrome which is a word or number that’s the same backward or forward.
And, since 2-22-22 falls on a Tuesday and it’s a Twos-day that makes it even more fun and catchy!
Interestingly, the longest English palindrome word noted is tattarrattat from James Joyces Ulysses which debuted in 1922! We can easily think of many palindrome words, ranging from the simple “wow” to the beloved “mom,” to recreational watercraft like “kayak,” and to one we think of every day – “noon.”
The palindrome of 2-22-22 is considered an international one in the five-digit sequence since it is read the same backward and forward in different date formats. It’s a global connector of sorts. Wherever someone is and no matter which five-digit date reference is used, we all see it the same – backwards and forward. For something to look forward to, the next global four-digit one will be 3-3-33, followed by others every 11 years.
Plain palindromes of differing numbers will pop up on the calendar at various other times, but an expert says a palindrome date like 2-22-22 will not occur again in this century.
Twelve 2-22 Bible Verses
Given this unusual date, I decided to look at the 2nd chapters of various books of the Bible and read verse 22 in them.
Let’s take a peek at some of those together and see the story they show us:
- When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him (Jesus) to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2:22 NIV (bold/parentheses added)
- “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” – Jesus – Mark 2:22 NIV
- After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22 NIV
- “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.” Acts 2:22 NIV
- “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22 NIV
- And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 NIV
- Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV
- You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. James 2:22 NIV
- Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 1 John 2:22 NIV
- Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,”* and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” 2 Peter 2:22 NIV (*quotes Proverbs 26:11)
- But the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it. Proverbs 2:22 NIV
And, here’s the twelfth one I’ll share on this list, from the first book of the Bible and the creation account.
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:22 NIV
Four 22-22 Bible Verses
Still finding this interesting? How about these fun facts?
Only two of the books of the Bible (1 Kings and Revelation) have exactly 22 chapters; but another 20 of the 66 books have a 22nd chapter.
So, 22 books of the Bible have 22 chapters or more.
When we check out a few of the Scriptures found in the 22nd verses of the 22nd chapters we find some do’s and don’ts!
- I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. Psalm 22:22 NIV
- “The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” – Jesus – Luke 22:22 NIV
- Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court. Psalm 22:22 NIV
- Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. Exodus 22:22 NIV
Did Someone Say “Two?”
Let’s explore one more area. (Oh, how I wanted to make that “two.”)
The number “two” is used more than 600 times in the Bible. Here are six of the more commonly known references.
- God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. Genesis 1:16 NIV
- You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. Genesis 6:19-20 NIV
- When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. Exodus 34:29 NIV
- Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
- “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Jesus – Matthew 6:24 NIV
- For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV
So it is.
There you have it – 22 verses of the Bible on 2-22-22!
How wonderful though that God gives us His Word to enjoy any time of the day, any day of the year!
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 ESV
- What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear “two?”
- Which of the twelve 2-22 verses listed above most caught your attention?
- Of the verses noted that include the word “two,” which one speaks to you the most?
- How will you point others to Jesus on this 2-22-22 day?
One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Psalm 62:11-12 NIV
Happy Twos-day! Enjoy 2-22-22!
May the Wonder God puts in each and every day fill you with delight!
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™