The number 800,000 appears in the context of biblical narratives and genealogies, often representing large groups of people, particularly in military contexts. In the ancient Near Eastern context, numbers were sometimes used symbolically or to convey the magnitude of an event or group, rather than as precise counts.

1. Military Census in Israel:

One of the most notable mentions of 800,000 is found in the context of a military census conducted by King David. In 2 Samuel 24:9, Joab, the commander of David's army, reports the results of a census to the king: "Joab reported to the king the number of the fighting men: In Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000." . This census was conducted despite divine disapproval, leading to a plague as a consequence of David's actions. The number 800,000 here signifies the strength and size of Israel's military forces, highlighting the nation's capacity for warfare and defense.

2. Variations in Biblical Accounts:

It is important to note that there are variations in the biblical accounts regarding the number of fighting men. In 1 Chronicles 21:5, the parallel account of the census states: "And Joab reported the number of the troops to David: In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah." . The discrepancy between the numbers in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles has been the subject of much scholarly discussion. Various explanations have been proposed, including textual transmission errors, different methods of counting, or the inclusion/exclusion of certain groups.

3. Symbolic Interpretation:

In biblical literature, large numbers often carry symbolic weight. The number 800,000, like other large numbers, may be intended to convey the idea of completeness or overwhelming strength. In the context of ancient Israel, such numbers would underscore the nation's military might and the seriousness of the census as an act of pride or lack of trust in divine providence.

4. Historical and Cultural Context:

Understanding the use of large numbers like 800,000 in the Bible requires consideration of the historical and cultural context. Ancient Near Eastern societies often used hyperbolic numbers in their records and inscriptions to emphasize the grandeur or significance of events. This practice is reflected in biblical texts, where numbers serve not only as historical data but also as literary devices to communicate theological and moral lessons.

5. Theological Implications:

The account of the census and the resulting divine judgment highlight themes of human pride, divine sovereignty, and repentance. The large number of 800,000 fighting men serves as a backdrop to the narrative's focus on David's reliance on military strength rather than on God. The subsequent plague and David's repentance underscore the biblical theme that true security and success come from obedience to God, not from human might or numbers.800000 (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 13:3
Abijah joined battle with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: and Jeroboam set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, who were mighty men of valor.
(See NAS)

800000 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 800000 (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 13:3 Abijah
joined battle with an army of valiant men of war, even ...
/num/800000.htm - 6k

1000000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/1000000.htm - 6k

675000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/675000.htm - 6k

Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... In its most flourishing period the population numbered from 600,000 to 800,000,
half of whom were perhaps slaves. At the close of the 18th century. ...
/a/alexandria.htm - 31k

Abijah (32 Occurrences)
... deals mainly with a decisive victory which, it says, Abijah gained over northern
Israel (2 Chronicles 13), he having 400,000 men and Jeroboam 800,000, of whom ...
/a/abijah.htm - 25k

Consist (7 Occurrences)
... As to Rome itself, we may picture it at the date of the Epistle as containing, with
its suburbs, a closely massed population of perhaps 800,000 people; a ...
/c/consist.htm - 80k

Romans (8 Occurrences)
... As to Rome itself, we may picture it at the date of the Epistle as containing, with
its suburbs, a closely massed population of perhaps 800,000 people; a ...
/r/romans.htm - 44k

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