Two
As one might expect, the number two is second only to the number one in usage in the Bible. Perhaps the most significant explanation of two is the prevalence of pairs in Scripture. Sometimes these are complementary pairs (husband and wife) and sometimes these are contrasting or even conflicting pairs (good and evil; darkness and light). But note that the Bible doesn’t make a pair out of God and another being or object. So, for example, God and Satan do not make a contrasting pair as if they are in any way equal in status; nor are Jesus and Satan a duo of opponents. This is important because it stands in contrast to other religions of the world that are built on a dualism between equal forces of good and evil. Christianity has a clear superior—the good and perfect God. Satan is one of the angelic beings created by God, and, along with other fallen angels, he presents a rebellious contrast to the legions of obedient angels at God’s command. He may be God’s sworn enemy, but he is not God’s equal.
Two in Relationship
The basis of two is relationship: two people, one relationship. The Bible is filled with the stories of people who are presented to us in sibling or other paired relationships: Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Leah and Rebekah, Priscilla and Aquila, Mary and Martha—these pairs show the dynamics of relationships, good and bad. Solomon offers a wonderful glimpse of the power in relationships that exceeds what individuals can accomplish: “Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up” (Eccles. 4:9–10).
When Jesus was asked about the single greatest commandment, he responded immediately with an intertwined pair: “The most important is, ‘Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord. So love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these” (Mark 12:29–31).
Marriage is a picture of two people becoming one flesh in a way that reflects the image of God.
Two Choices
The concept of two is also crucial to the possibility of choice. The two options usually symbolize opposites, frequently good and evil or right and wrong. This tension was built into the created order by God himself when he placed Adam in a bountiful garden filled with trees from which he could enjoy many fruits along with one tree from which he was commanded not to eat. The fact and necessity of choice is included throughout Scripture, with life presenting always two or more options that require a decision. In order for obedience to be meaningful, disobedience must be a real possibility. Moses ended his final sermon to the people of Israel with this ringing invitation: “Today I offer you life and prosperity or death and destruction. . . . I call on heaven and earth as witnesses today that I have offered you life or death, blessings or curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants will live” (Deut. 30:15, 19). These contrasting pairs symbolized two life paths. Joshua echoed that great challenge at the end of his life: “But if you don’t want to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Even if you choose the gods your ancestors served on the other side of the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live, my family and I will still serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
Scripture repeatedly offers two paths—the narrow path that leads to life and the broad road that leads to destruction.
Later, Jesus clarified that the choice before us ultimately matters for eternity, not just our experience here on earth. “Enter through the narrow gate because the gate and road that lead to destruction are wide. Many enter through the wide gate. But the narrow gate and the road that lead to life are full of trouble. Only a few people find the narrow gate” (Matt. 7:13–14). Two options are always before us: whether they appear as a pair or as a mind-boggling multitude of routes, they will always come down to a choice between what God wants and anything else. God informs us in his Word about the consequences of our choices and then invites us to make the right ones.
Key Verse
The LORD knows the way of righteous people,
but the way of wicked people will end. (Ps. 1:6)