Thus, a look at Genesis 7.2. While boarding the Ark with the animals that were to spared for the coming destruction, a distinction was made between "clean" and "unclean."
- "Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female."
The first reaction to this distinction is that by calling "2" unclean, it seems a direct point is being made that because of "2" (Adam and Even, of course), the world fell into the darkness of sin.
The second thought is that by using the number "7," concerning the animals - they were innocents in the destruction that was coming. While both numbers "2 and 7" are referring to animals particularly, it does seem clear that "2" could be representative of the first "2" humans to inhabit the earth,
Scripture represents Seven as the number of completeness and achievement. It obtains much of its meaning from relation to God's creation of all things. The word 'created' is used 7 times teaching God's creative work. There are 7 days in a week and God's Sabbath is on the 7th day.
The Bible was originally divided into 7 major divisions. The Divisions were 1) the Law; 2) the Prophets; 3) the Writings or Psalms; 4) the Gospels and Acts; 5) the General Epistles; 6) the Epistles of Paul, and 7) the book of Revelation. Initially, the total number of books in the Bible was forty-nine, which is 7 x 7, further illustrating the integration of seven into the Word of God.
Focusing on these thoughts concerning the numbers presented, lets view a few more truth's that would further interpret the number "7."
- The number 7 occurs 463 times in 391 verses
- Everywhere one study's this number, it emphasizes "God's perfect, finished work," as in Creation He "rested on the seventh day." (Gen 2.2)
When thinking on the number "2," the words "two-edged sword" come to mind. Scripture gives three places one can see these words:
- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4.12)
- Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; (Ps 149.6)
- But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. (Pro 5.4)
A "two-edged sword" is the worst kind. It can quite literally "cut both or two ways." This is so of sin from "two" of the first human beings that plunged the world into darkness. There are no "if only" scenarios when it comes to sin. Because the "wages of sin is death..." (Rom 6.23) However, the remainder of the verse ends this way, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The lesson of "7's and 2's" simply stated, is that 7 is MORE than 2. It took MORE grace than we could ever imagine to make free from sin or to "clean up the unclean." Noah also built the first altar of sacrifice. (Gen 8.20) After total destruction of all mankind except those that were in the Ark, an altar was erected to the Lord for sparing those IN the Ark.
The picture, at least in this bloggers mind of the rule of "7's and 2's," is GRACE. MORE clean than unclean animals in the ARK. MORE grace was necessary to the saving of the "two."
The altar erected, as the first act out of the Ark, I believe, is a picture pointing forward in time to the coming of the Lord Jesus. Every word, chapter and story in scripture point to Him. If you can't see Him, you need dig a little deeper and pray a little longer.
Conclusion: 7 and 2 is a lesson in Grace needed for the "unclean" or lost.
Are you one of the 7?
If His grace has not found a lodging place in your heart, you can be "one of them." We would love to tell you more about it and invite you to visit, Grace Baptist Church, Cornelia, GA or another bible believing church in the area, Fairfield Baptist Church, Demorest, GA
