The number 120,000 appears in several contexts within the Bible, often signifying a large multitude or a significant event. This number is used in both historical and symbolic contexts, reflecting the magnitude of certain biblical narratives.

1. The People of Nineveh: One of the most notable references to 120,000 is found in the Book of Jonah. The city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is described as having "more than 120,000 people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well" (Jonah 4:11). This description highlights the vast population of Nineveh and underscores the significance of Jonah's mission to call the city to repentance. The phrase "who cannot tell their right hand from their left" is often interpreted as a reference to the moral and spiritual ignorance of the inhabitants, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and mercy.

2. The Army of the Midianites: In the Book of Judges, the number 120,000 is associated with the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and his 300 men. Judges 8:10 states, "Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about 15,000 men—all that were left of the armies of the eastern peoples; 120,000 swordsmen had fallen." This passage highlights the miraculous victory granted by God to Gideon, as a small force overcame a vastly larger enemy, demonstrating God's power and the importance of faith and obedience.

3. The Offering of Solomon: In 1 Kings 8:63 , during the dedication of the Temple, Solomon offered sacrifices to the Lord, including "22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats." This massive offering was part of the grand celebration marking the completion of the Temple, symbolizing the wealth and devotion of Solomon's reign and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel.

4. The Census of Israel: Although not directly mentioning 120,000, the number is often considered in the context of large populations and armies in the biblical censuses. The frequent use of large numbers in these accounts serves to convey the strength and growth of the nation of Israel under divine blessing.

The number 120,000, therefore, appears in contexts that emphasize divine intervention, the scale of human populations, and the grandeur of worship and sacrifice. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's creation and the significant events in the history of His people.120000 (4 Occurrences)

Judges 8:10
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the children of the east; for there fell one hundred twenty thousand men who drew sword.
(See NAS)

1 Kings 8:63
Solomon offered for the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered to Yahweh, two and twenty thousand head of cattle, and one hundred twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of Yahweh.
(See NAS)

2 Chronicles 7:5
King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand head of cattle, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.
(See NAS)

Jonah 4:11
Shouldn't I be concerned for Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred twenty thousand persons who can't discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much livestock?"
(See RSV)

120000 (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 120000 (4 Occurrences). Judges 8:10 Now Zebah and
Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about ...
/num/120000.htm - 7k

108100 (1 Occurrence)

/num/108100.htm - 6k

144000 (3 Occurrences)

/num/144000.htm - 7k

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... 3. Shemaiah Forbids Civil War: Immediately upon his return to Jerusalem, Rehoboam
collected a large army of 180,000 men (reduced to 120,000 in the Septuagint's ...
/r/rehoboam.htm - 34k

Reuben (73 Occurrences)
... 19). Along with Gad and Manasseh they sent a contingent of 120,000 men
"with all manner of instruments of war for the battle,.... ...
/r/reuben.htm - 46k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... If the statement in Jonah 4:11, that the city contained 120,000 persons who could
not discern between their right hand and their left, be intended to give the ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

Manasseh (140 Occurrences)
... David at Hebron to make him king (1 Chronicles 12:31); while those who came from
the East numbered, along with the men of Reuben and Gad, 120,000 (1 Chronicles ...
/m/manasseh.htm - 68k

Hittites (39 Occurrences)
... Two years later 120,000 Assyrians raided the same region, but the southward advance
was barred by the great Syrian league which came to the aid of Irchulena ...
/h/hittites.htm - 55k

Exodus (2 Occurrences)
... means the total population, the "heroes," or "strong men on foot" would, it is urged,
have been as numerous as the largest Assyrian army (120,000 men) employed ...
/e/exodus.htm - 82k

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