The number 24,000 appears in the context of a significant event in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This number is associated with a plague that struck the Israelites as a result of their sin at Peor.

Context in Scripture:

· Numbers 25:1-9 : The Israelites, while camped at Shittim, began to engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women. These women invited the Israelites to the sacrifices of their gods, leading them to worship Baal of Peor. This idolatry and immorality provoked the LORD's anger, resulting in a deadly plague. The text states, "Those who died in the plague numbered 24,000."

· 1 Corinthians 10:8 : The Apostle Paul references this event in his letter to the Corinthians, warning them against sexual immorality. He writes, "We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell." This slight numerical discrepancy between the accounts in Numbers and 1 Corinthians has been the subject of various interpretations and discussions among scholars.

Interpretations and Discussions:

· Numerical Discrepancy: The difference between the 24,000 mentioned in Numbers and the 23,000 in 1 Corinthians has led to several interpretations. Some suggest that Paul may have been referring to those who died in a single day, while the total number over the course of the plague was 24,000. Others propose textual variations or symbolic interpretations.

· Theological Significance: The event at Peor serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and immorality. It underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the severe consequences of turning away from His commandments.

· Historical and Cultural Context: The incident reflects the challenges faced by the Israelites as they encountered neighboring cultures and religions. The temptation to assimilate and adopt foreign practices was a recurring issue throughout their history.

Related Themes:

· Judgment and Mercy: The plague at Peor is an example of divine judgment, yet it also highlights the role of intercession and leadership. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, played a crucial role in stopping the plague by taking decisive action against the sin, which is commended by God.

· Covenant Faithfulness: The event emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant relationship with God. The Israelites' lapse into idolatry at Peor is contrasted with the call to holiness and obedience.

· Moral and Ethical Lessons: The narrative serves as a moral lesson for both ancient and contemporary audiences, warning against the allure of sin and the importance of upholding God's standards.

In summary, the number 24,000 in the Bible is intricately linked to a pivotal moment of judgment and repentance for the Israelites, offering enduring lessons on the consequences of sin and the necessity of faithfulness to God.24000 (10 Occurrences)

Numbers 25:9
Those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 23:4
Of these, twenty-four thousand were to oversee the work of the house of Yahweh; and six thousand were officers and judges;
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:1
Now the children of Israel after their number, the heads of fathers' houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king, in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year-of every division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:2
Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:8
The fifth captain for this fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:9
The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:10
The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:11
The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:13
The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites: and in his division were Twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 27:15
The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
(See NAS)

24000 (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 24000 (10 Occurrences). Numbers 25:9 Those who
died by the plague were twenty-four thousand. (See NAS). ...
/num/24000.htm - 9k

25000 (11 Occurrences)

/num/25000.htm - 10k

23000 (2 Occurrences)

/num/23000.htm - 7k

Jashobeam (3 Occurrences)
... duty the first month. The army consisted of 12 divisions of 24,000 each,
each division serving a month in turn. In 1 Chronicles ...
/j/jashobeam.htm - 10k

Benaiah (44 Occurrences)
... He was captain over the course of the 11th month numbering 24,000 (1 Chronicles
27:14). (3) A ruler of the house of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:36). ...
/b/benaiah.htm - 26k

Asahel (17 Occurrences)
... practically the same order of seniority. The 24,000 men each month were not
a fighting army mobilized for war. The position of general for ...
/a/asahel.htm - 16k

Tiberias (3 Occurrences)
... Maimonides' tomb is shown near the town, and that of Aqiba on the slope of the mountain,
where it is said 24,000 of his disciples are buried with him. ...
/t/tiberias.htm - 15k

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