The number 200,000 appears in the context of biblical narratives and genealogies, often symbolizing a large multitude or army. In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers were sometimes used symbolically or hyperbolically to convey the magnitude of an event or group. The use of large numbers in the Bible can reflect the importance or the overwhelming nature of the situation being described.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 14:8 : "Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing bows. All these were mighty men of valor." In this passage, the number 200,000 is part of the total count of Asa's army, specifically referring to the men from Benjamin. This highlights the military strength and preparedness of the kingdom under King Asa's rule.

2. 2 Chronicles 17:17 : "From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with two hundred thousand men armed with bows and shields." Here, the number 200,000 again refers to a contingent of warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the significant military resources available to King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

Symbolic and Cultural Context:

In the biblical context, large numbers like 200,000 often serve to underscore the might and power of a king or nation. They can also reflect the perceived threat or challenge faced by the people of Israel or Judah. The use of such numbers can be seen as a literary device to convey the scale of an event or the strength of an army.

Interpretation and Analysis:

The mention of 200,000 in the context of military forces suggests a formidable and well-equipped army, capable of defending the nation or engaging in significant battles. The specific mention of the tribe of Benjamin in both instances highlights the tribe's reputation for producing skilled warriors, as seen in other parts of the biblical narrative.

In biblical literature, numbers can carry symbolic weight, and the repetition of the number 200,000 in military contexts may indicate a standard or idealized size for a powerful army. This reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern practice of using large numbers to convey the grandeur or significance of a king's reign or military campaigns.

Conclusion:

The number 200,000, as used in the Bible, primarily appears in military contexts, signifying a large and powerful force. It serves to illustrate the might of the kingdoms of Judah and their preparedness for warfare, as well as the valor of the men from the tribe of Benjamin. The use of such numbers is consistent with the literary and cultural practices of the time, emphasizing the importance of military strength in the biblical narrative.200000 (2 Occurrences)

2 Chronicles 17:16
and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to Yahweh; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
(See NAS)

2 Chronicles 17:17
Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield;
(See NAS)

200000 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 200000 (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 17:16 and
next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered ...
/num/200000.htm - 6k

Text (5 Occurrences)
... mingled with the true, and must proceed to consider the sources of error or various
readings, as they are called, of which approximately some 200,000 are known ...
/t/text.htm - 73k

Manuscripts
... mingled with the true, and must proceed to consider the sources of error or various
readings, as they are called, of which approximately some 200,000 are known ...
/m/manuscripts.htm - 39k

Malefactor (2 Occurrences)
... mingled with the true, and must proceed to consider the sources of error or various
readings, as they are called, of which approximately some 200,000 are known ...
/m/malefactor.htm - 49k

250000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/250000.htm - 6k

186400 (1 Occurrence)

/num/186400.htm - 6k

Eliada (4 Occurrences)
... which see)). (2) A descendant of Benjamin and a captain in the army of
Jehoshaphat, commander of 200,000 men (2 Chronicles 17:17). (3 ...
/e/eliada.htm - 8k

Eliadah (1 Occurrence)
... which see)). (2) A descendant of Benjamin and a captain in the army of
Jehoshaphat, commander of 200,000 men (2 Chronicles 17:17). (3 ...
/e/eliadah.htm - 7k

Pergamos (1 Occurrence)
... height. Art and literature were encouraged, and in the city was a library
of 200,000 volumes which later Antony gave to Cleopatra. ...
/p/pergamos.htm - 12k

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