Topical Encyclopedia The number four hundred appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing a significant period or a substantial quantity. It is a number that can denote completeness or a large, rounded figure, and it is used in both literal and symbolic ways.1. The Israelites in Egypt: One of the most notable references to the number four hundred is found in the context of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt. In Genesis 15:13, God tells Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years." This prophecy highlights the period of affliction that the Israelites would endure before their deliverance. Although Exodus 12:40-41 later specifies the duration as 430 years, the number four hundred is often used to represent the core period of their oppression. 2. Esau's Army: In Genesis 32:6, when Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau after many years, he learns that Esau is coming to meet him with four hundred men. "When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, 'We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.'" This number signifies a formidable force, causing Jacob to fear for his safety and that of his family. The encounter, however, results in reconciliation rather than conflict. 3. David's Followers: The number four hundred also appears in the context of David's early followers. In 1 Samuel 22:2, it is recorded, "And all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him." These men formed the core of David's loyal supporters during his time as a fugitive from King Saul, highlighting the beginnings of his rise to power. 4. The Prophets of Baal: In the dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 18:22, Elijah states, "I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets." Although the number here is four hundred fifty, it is often associated with the four hundred prophets of Asherah mentioned in 1 Kings 18:19, who also ate at Jezebel's table. This event underscores the spiritual battle between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatry promoted by Ahab and Jezebel. 5. The Benjamite Warriors: In the aftermath of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, four hundred young virgins from Jabesh-gilead are given as wives to the surviving Benjamite warriors. Judges 21:12 states, "They found among the people living in Jabesh-gilead four hundred young virgins who had never slept with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in Canaan." This act was part of the effort to preserve the tribe of Benjamin from extinction. 6. Solomon's Chariots: The number four hundred is also associated with King Solomon's military strength. In 1 Kings 10:26, it is recorded that Solomon accumulated chariots and horsemen, including "four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen." This reflects the wealth and power of Solomon's reign, as well as his strategic military capabilities. Throughout the Bible, the number four hundred is used to convey significant periods, formidable forces, and substantial quantities, often marking pivotal moments in the narrative of God's people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Four HundredFOUR HUNDRED See FOUR. Greek 5071. tetrakosioi -- four hundred ... four hundred. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tetrakosioi Phonetic Spelling: (tet-rak-os'-ee-oy,) Short Definition: four hundred Definition: four ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5071.htm - 7k Library Wesley Rides Twenty-Four Hundred Miles in Seven Months Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt ... I Will Address the Master in one of his Own Phrases. Why, after ... That the Figure Synecdoche, in which the Part Stands for the Whole ... After This, Pilate Going into the Temple of the Jews... Synagogues in the City; and Schools. At the Front or the Base "The Kingdom of God is at Hand" Elijah the Great Heart of Israel. Of the Hundred and Forty-four Thousand Sealed, who were virgins ... Resources What are the four spiritual laws? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Four Noble Truths? | GotQuestions.org Why does Amos keep repeating “for three sins . . . even for four” in chapters 1 2? | GotQuestions.org Four: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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