Hearing two consecutive knocks is often interpreted as having symbolic or spiritual meaning, especially in the context of biblical accounts and Christian teachings. The number two carries divine connotations of unity, agreement, and confirmation throughout Scripture. When God seemingly communicates by audibly knocking twice, it can signify his desire to get our attention and impart wisdom, direction, warning, or reassurance. By examining biblical passages describing two knocks, analyzing the significance of numbers in the Bible, and exploring Christian perspectives on this auditory phenomenon, we can better comprehend the deeper meaning ascribed to two knocks.
The Significance of Numbers in the Bible
In the Bible, certain numbers hold special symbolism and spiritual significance beyond their quantitative value. God purposefully used numbers to teach spiritual truths, make his will known, and bring glory to His name. The number two represents unity, corroboration, partnership, and agreement in Scripture. We see this reinforced through various key examples:
- God designed the bond of marriage to make husband and wife “one flesh” – a holy union of two becoming one (Genesis 2:24)
- The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets (Exodus 31:18)
- Jesus sent out his disciples to minister two by two (Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1)
- Deuteronomy 19:15 establishes that “a matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration, affirming Jesus’ authority (Luke 9:28-36)
Based on the symbolic meaning of two in Scripture, we can infer that God may use two consecutive knocks to indicate his desire to establish connection and agreement with us. The doubling represents him confirming and underscoring the importance of the message or prompting.
Two Knocks and the Biblical Concept of Divine Doubling
Biblical scholars point to the phenomenon of “divine doubling” that occurs throughout Scripture as further evidence that two knocks likely carry symbolic meaning. This refers to God repeating words, phrases, events, or sensory experiences twice over to emphasize their significance and establish his sovereign power.
Examples of divine doubling include:
- God calling out Samuel’s name twice as a boy (1 Samuel 3:10)
- Elisha asking Elijah for a “double portion” of his spirit before Elijah was taken to heaven (2 Kings 2:9)
- Jesus healing two blind men at once (Matthew 20:30-34)
- The Holy Spirit appearing as divided tongues of fire at Pentecost (Acts 2:3)
Viewed through the lens of divine doubling, two consecutive knocks or calls represent a way God communicates meaning and grabs our attention. Hearing the doubling of two knocks in succession carries more gravitas than a single knock on its own.
Instances of Two Knocks in Biblical Accounts
There are a few examples in the Bible where God seemingly communicates by making two audible knocks or sounds. These passages provide insight into how Biblical figures interpreted two knocks.
1 Samuel 3: The Lord Calling Samuel
When Samuel was a young boy serving the priest Eli, he heard someone calling his name twice while he was sleeping. Samuel ran to Eli both times, thinking he had called him. Eventually, Eli discerned that it was actually the Lord communing with Samuel, so he instructed Samuel that next time he heard his name to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). When God called Samuel’s name twice more, Samuel invited God to speak to him, and God shared an important prophetic message with him. This story illustrates how God may use two knocks to get our attention because he wants to impart wisdom or instruction.
Revelation 3:20 – Jesus Knocking at the Door
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus declares “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Some theologians interpret Jesus’ description of knocking at the door as symbolic of him pursuing an intimate relationship with us and wanting us to open our hearts to him. The doubling of “knock knock” adds emphasis that Jesus earnestly desires this connection and fellowship with every believer.
Acts 12: Angel Freeing Peter from Prison
When the apostle Peter was imprisoned in Jerusalem by Herod, an angel appeared in his cell, causing his chains to fall off by striking Peter’s side. After telling Peter to get dressed and follow him, the angel led Peter out of the prison undetected. They passed the first and second guard before coming to an iron gate leading into the city, which opened by itself. After walking down one street, the angel abruptly departed. Many Christian scholars believe this account depicts two miraculous knocks from God – one to open Peter’s chains and a second to open the prison gate as an act of divine deliverance.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind Two Knocks
Drawing from biblical symbolism and passages describing two knocks or calls, we can posit several spiritual meanings that may be ascribed when God communicates through two consecutive knocks.
Gaining Our Attention to Impart Guidance
The first and most straightforward meaning of two knocks is that God desires our attention. Similar to the account of Samuel, two knocks signify God making his presence known by “calling our name” in order to offer timely guidance, direction, or wisdom.
God may also use two knocks to spur us to prayer, bible study, or listening for his still, small voice in our conscience. It represents his summons to draw aside from distractions and focus on what he wants to communicate.
Confirming an Inspired Thought or Decision
Since two represents corroboration and reinforcement in Scripture, hearing two knocks after praying for God’s guidance on a matter could indicate his confirmation that a thought, prompting, or decision is divinely inspired. The two knocks act as a witness, underscoring God’s approval and blessing over the right path forward.
This interpretation of two knocks as God’s way of validating his will comes from the Deuteronomic principle of “two or three witnesses” establishing a matter. The doubling of knocks functions as a witness testifying that something is true or righteous in God’s eyes.
Providing Reassurance of God’s Presence
Hearing two knocks may also reassure believers of God’s nearness, comfort, and companionship. Similar to Revelation 3:20’s depiction of Jesus pursuing intimate fellowship with us, two knocks can signify God making his presence known during difficult times to provide peace, hope, and the courage to press on.
Beyond guidance, two knocks remind us we are never alone because God is always at work on our behalf as a faithful, compassionate Father.
Warning Prompt for Self-Reflection and Repentance
However, two knocks may also carry a more solemn meaning – serving as a warning from God to inspect our hearts, motives, and actions in order to make changes and return to righteous living. Much like the presence of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 who prophesied judgment and called for repentance, two knocks after unwise decisions or sinful choices could indicate God cautioning someone to self-reflect, confess, and turn from detrimental behaviors that grieve him.
As such, two knocks should spur careful examination of one’s spiritual state to ensure we are aligned with God’s will and walking in step with the Holy Spirit.
If we believe two consecutive knocks may be spiritually significant, here are some appropriate ways to respond:
- Immediately pray and ask God if the two knocks carry meaning, inviting him to speak truth into the situation.
- Listen closely afterward for God’s whisper through the Holy Spirit’s conviction, bible verses, wise counsel from fellow believers, and other means.
- If facing a specific decision, take the knocks as confirmation to step forward in faith while continuing to seek godly wisdom.
- If confronted about sin, humbly ask God to reveal any areas that need repentance, correction, or deepened obedience.
- Thank God for creative ways he gets our attention, like two knocks, reflecting his personal care to be involved in our daily lives.
- Ask God to give spiritual discernment so you recognize his communication attempts and don’t miss strategic moments of divine interaction.
The next time you hear two unexplained knocks in close sequence, ponder if God could be the source communicating guidance, affirmation, loving warning, or simple awareness of his presence. While not every set of two knocks holds spiritual meaning, it’s wise to open your heart to the possibility by inviting the Holy Spirit in for discernment. His divine doubling in Scripture suggests two knocks often carry deeper significance worth embracing.
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