Two Things Have I Heard (Part 2 – The Hebrew Scriptures)

Welcome to Torah Today Ministries
…and our continuing mini-series called “Two Things Have I Heard.” This falls under the umbrella of our Special Teachings series at Torah Today Ministries. I honestly didn’t know where else to park this—it just seems like this little series belongs here.

I hope you’ve listened to the introductory teaching in Part One, where I introduced the concept based on Psalm 62:11, which says:

“One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard.”

It’s important that you listen to that episode, as I introduced this principle: God speaks all kinds of things into the world, but it seems He often does so in pairs. For example, we have the Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek Scriptures.

In this episode, we’ll focus only on the Hebrew Scriptures—specifically on pairs: pairs of stories, words that appear only in two places, and the insights that emerge when we compare and align both. These are the “two things we hear” that God speaks.

Examples to Set the Stage

Let me give you a few quick examples before we dive deeper:

In Genesis, we find two of the largest man-made structures in the Bible:

• Noah’s Ark – God’s idea, complete with detailed instructions and dimensions.
• Tower of Babel – Man’s idea, a human attempt to reach the heavens.

One represents God’s plan for salvation; the other, man’s attempt at religion. One is made of living material (wood), the other of dead material (brick). One leads to fruitfulness; the other to confusion, disruption, and division.

When you put these two stories side-by-side, you get a deeper, three-dimensional insight—just like looking at something with both eyes gives you depth perception.

Hebrew Key Series Examples

In our series called “The Hebrew Key,” we’ve already addressed some of these pairings. For instance:

1. Tamar’s Coat of Many Colors

The Hebrew term for “coat of many colors” appears in only two stories:

• Joseph, who is betrayed by his brothers.
• Tamar, who is assaulted by her half-brother.

When we place these stories side-by-side, a profound message about betrayal and innocence emerges. This teaching is available in our Hebrew Key series.

2. The Word for “Tongs”

Found in only two places:

• Exodus, in the design of the Menorah.
• Isaiah 6, where an angel touches the prophet’s lips with a coal using tongs.

When you bring these two stories together, a third, richer meaning arises about purification and illumination.

More Examples of Scriptural Pairs

Two Pairs of Twins

Only two pairs of twins are recorded in the Bible:

• Esau and Jacob
• Perez and Zerah (Judah and Tamar’s sons)

Both birth stories are unusual and marked by the color red. Esau is described as “admoni”—reddish and hairy. That word appears only one other time—in reference to David.

David, like Esau, is reddish, but unlike Esau, David has “beautiful eyes”—a reflection of his godly soul. He’s a warrior like Esau but a lover of God like Jacob.

Two Sexually Daring Women

Tamar

Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute to fulfill her right to bear children by Judah.

Ruth

Ruth lies at Boaz’s feet to request redemption. These actions, while bold, are deeply rooted in loyalty and covenant.

Their stories mirror each other. And notably, both women are in the Messianic line.

Two Women of Valor

Only two women are called “Eshet Chayil” (Woman of Valor):

• Ruth – explicitly by Boaz.
• Esther – indirectly. Her father’s name is Avi-Chayil (Father of Valor), implying her identity is rooted in valor, though hidden—much like everything in the Book of Esther.

Moses and Anger – Two Occasions

1. He kills an Egyptian in a fit of anger (Exodus 2).
2. He strikes the rock twice instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20).

Both cost him dearly—the second time preventing him from entering the Promised Land.

Two Times Water Comes from a Rock

1. Exodus 17 – God tells Moses to strike the rock.
2. Numbers 20 – God tells Moses to speak to it, but he strikes it again.

These two moments form a pair—each containing rich lessons about obedience, leadership, and consequences.

Two Dry Crossings on Dry Ground

1. Red Sea Crossing – Exodus 14
2. Jordan River Crossing – Joshua 3

Both involve Israel crossing a body of water on dry land. Compare the differences: one leads out of Egypt; the other leads into the Promised Land.

Also worth noting: Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan on dry land in 2 Kings 2, a third and fourth example of miraculous crossings.

Two National Censuses

Book of Numbers features two:

• Chapter 1 – 603,550 men.
• Chapter 26 – 601,730 men.

A reduction of 1,820.

That number is special. It equals 26 (the numeric value of God’s name, YHVH) × 70 (symbol of completeness). God’s name appears 1,820 times in the Torah. Even in loss, God’s signature is present.

Homework: Discover Your Own Pairs

Here are some challenges for your own study:

1. Moses receives the tablets twice – what’s different between the first and second descent from Sinai?
2. David is anointed king twice – what do the differences reveal?
3. Israel experiences two exiles – Babylonian and Roman. Why both?
4. The Ark of the Covenant causes death twice – both times it’s transported on a cart (contrary to God’s instructions).
5. God speaks from Mount Sinai twice – find both and compare them.

Final Thoughts

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May God bless you, and I look forward to seeing you in the next episode.