Double
Thursday, October 10th, is Taiwan’s National Day. Because it is the tenth day of the tenth month, it is also known as Double Ten Day. The above logo is the 2024 National Day visual theme approved for this year’s celebrations. (courtesy of TVBS)
I thought it would be interesting to look at the 33 instances that the word ‘double’ occurs in the New International Version of the Bible:
- Josephs brothers took double the money when they travelled to Egypt the second time. (Gen 43)
- Those who have stolen items are required under the Law to pay back double. (Ex 22)
- The curtain in the tabernacle in certain places was a double layer. (Ex 26,28, 39)
- The firstborn son of an unloved wife was to receive a double portion of the inheritance. (Deut 21)
- A double-edged sword is mentioned. (Jud 3; Ps 149; Prov 5; Heb 4; Rev 1; Rev 2 )
- Hannah received a double portion of meat from the sacrifice. (1 Sam 1)
- Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. (2 Kg 2)
- The skin of Leviathan [possibly a crocodile or a sea dragon] is described to be a double coat of armor. (Job 41)
- Ambivalent or half-hearted people are described as being double-minded. (Ps 119; Jam 1; Jam 4)
- The punishment for sins was sometimes described as receiving double from the Lord’s hand. (Is 40; Is 51; Jer 16; Jer 17; Rev 18)
- The blessings received from the Lord at the time of restoration of Israel are described as being double portions. (Is 61)
- The fork for pulling meat from the pot is described as being double-pronged. (Ez 40)
- The Most Holy Place of Ezekiel’s temple had double doors. (Ez 41)
- Hosea described some people as being guilty of double sin. (Hos 10)
- Elders who direct the affairs of the church are worthy of double honor. (1 Tim 5)
As Taiwan celebrates this week, may God bless its people with supernatural peace and with a revelation of Himself.
Special Prayer Request
Please pray for healing for Rev. Silas Yang, President of the Taiwan Alliance Church Union. He is currently receiving ongoing medical treatment after emergency surgery. Pray for peace, comfort, and strength for his wife and daughters. (A family member frequently accompanies a patient to provide personal care during hospital stays in Taiwan.)
Praise and Prayer
- Praise the Lord for His protection over our area of Taiwan during Typhoon Krathon. The southern and eastern regions of the island received the brunt of the storm. It brought fierce winds and torrential rain that resulted in flooded roads and homes, downed trees, landslides, and over 70,000 power outages. Two deaths and 70 injuries were attributed to the storm. Please pray for God to comfort and to help those who were impacted.
- A baptismal class began on October 6 at Baozhong Alliance Church. Please pray for the students who are considering expressing their commitment to Christ in this way.
- Global Gathering: March 1-6, 2025. We are planning to attend. Some friends let us know that they are coming. We’d love for you to write and let us know if you are coming.