The number 100,000 is a significant figure in the Bible, often used to denote large quantities or to emphasize the magnitude of an event or group. While the specific number 100,000 does not frequently appear in the biblical text, its use in various contexts helps to convey the vastness or importance of certain biblical narratives.

Military Contexts

In the context of military strength and battles, large numbers are often used to describe the size of armies or the scale of conflict. For example, in 2 Chronicles 14:9, the Ethiopian king Zerah came against Judah with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, which, while not exactly 100,000, demonstrates the use of large numbers to convey overwhelming force. Such descriptions highlight the formidable challenges faced by the people of Israel and Judah and underscore the miraculous nature of their victories when aided by divine intervention.

Symbolic and Hyperbolic Use

The use of large numbers like 100,000 can also be symbolic or hyperbolic, intended to convey the idea of abundance or completeness. In ancient Near Eastern literature, including the Bible, numbers often carry symbolic weight. While the number 100,000 itself is not directly cited in this manner, its conceptual use aligns with the biblical tradition of employing large numbers to express ideas beyond mere numerical value.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient world, the ability to muster or count large numbers of people, livestock, or resources was a sign of wealth, power, and divine favor. The biblical authors, writing in a context where such figures were impressive and awe-inspiring, used large numbers to communicate the grandeur or significance of God's actions and the events in the history of His people.

Comparative Analysis

When examining the use of large numbers in the Bible, it is important to consider the broader literary and theological context. Numbers like 100,000 serve not only as historical records but also as literary devices that enhance the narrative and theological messages of the biblical text. They invite readers to reflect on the greatness of God, the challenges faced by His people, and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

Conclusion

While the specific number 100,000 is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, its conceptual significance is evident in the use of large numbers throughout the biblical narrative. These numbers serve to highlight the magnitude of events, the power of God, and the faith of His people in the face of overwhelming odds.100000 (3 Occurrences)

2 Kings 3:4
Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder; and he rendered to the king of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 5:21
They took away their livestock; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred fifty thousand, and of donkeys two thousand, and of men one hundred thousand.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 29:7
and they gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand darics, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and of iron a hundred thousand talents.
(See NAS)

100000 (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 100000 (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 3:4 Now Mesha
king of Moab was a sheep breeder; and he rendered to the ...
/num/100000.htm - 7k

Mesha (4 Occurrences)
... He was tributary to Israel, his annual contribution consisting of 100,000 lambs
and 100,000 rams. after the death of Ahab he asserted his independence. ...
/m/mesha.htm - 12k

Stone (290 Occurrences)
... from the inscription, however, that Medeba had already been restored to Mesha, perhaps
in return for the regular payment of his tribute of 100,000 lambs and ...
/s/stone.htm - 54k

Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)
... the IVth Dynasty of Egypt. when Sneferu laid waste the land, capturing
7,000 slaves and 100,000 cattle. In the VIth Dynasty the ...
/e/ethiopia.htm - 45k

Number (2370 Occurrences)
... or ribbo', murias). The Egyptians, on the other hand, had separate words
for 100,000, 1,000,000, 10,000,000. The highest numbers ...
/n/number.htm - 40k

Moabite (13 Occurrences)
... from the inscription, however, that Medeba had already been restored to Mesha, perhaps
in return for the regular payment of his tribute of 100,000 lambs and ...
/m/moabite.htm - 23k

108100 (1 Occurrence)

/num/108100.htm - 6k

80000 (3 Occurrences)

/num/80000.htm - 7k

Puteoli (1 Occurrence)
... mole. At the height of its prosperity under Claudius and Nero, the town is
thought to have contained a population of nearly 100,000. ...
/p/puteoli.htm - 11k

Amaziah (41 Occurrences)
... began his reign by punishing the murderers of his father (5-7; 2 Chronicles
25:3-5). He was the first to employ a mercenary army of 100,000 Israelite soldiers ...
/a/amaziah.htm - 30k

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