In biblical contexts, the number 20,000 appears in various passages, often symbolizing a large quantity or multitude. It is used in both literal and figurative senses, reflecting the vastness or significance of the subject being described.

Old Testament References:

1. Military Contexts:
· In 1 Samuel 29:2, the Philistines are described as having thousands of soldiers, with the specific mention of "20,000" in some translations to emphasize the size of their forces. This highlights the formidable nature of the Philistine army as they prepared for battle against Israel.

2. Census and Population:
· The number 20,000 is sometimes used in the context of counting people or groups, illustrating the size of a population or assembly. While not always explicitly mentioned in every translation, it serves as a benchmark for large gatherings or census figures.

New Testament References:

1. Parables and Teachings of Jesus:
· In Luke 14:31, Jesus uses the number 20,000 in a parable to illustrate the importance of counting the cost before undertaking a significant endeavor. He says, "Or what king, going to war against another king, will not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?" . This teaching underscores the necessity of careful planning and assessment in the face of overwhelming odds.

Symbolic and Figurative Use:

· The number 20,000 can also be seen as a symbol of completeness or a large, indeterminate quantity. In biblical literature, numbers often carry symbolic meanings, and large numbers like 20,000 may represent abundance, strength, or the magnitude of a situation.

Cultural and Historical Context:

· In ancient times, large numbers were often used to convey the idea of a vast multitude, whether in terms of people, livestock, or other resources. The use of 20,000 in biblical texts reflects this cultural practice, where numbers served not only as literal counts but also as rhetorical devices to communicate the scale and impact of events or groups.

Conclusion:

The number 20,000, while not frequently mentioned, plays a role in illustrating the enormity of certain biblical events and teachings. Whether in the context of military might, population counts, or parabolic lessons, it serves to convey the vastness and significance of the narrative or message being presented.20000 (4 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 10:6
When the children of Ammon saw that they were become odious to David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the king of Maacah with one thousand men, and the men of Tob twelve thousand men.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 18:4
David took from him one thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots.
(See NAS)

Nehemiah 7:71
Some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver.
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:72
That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests' garments.
(See NAS NIV)

20000 (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 20000 (4 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 10:6 When the
children of Ammon saw that they were become odious to David ...
/num/20000.htm - 7k

20200 (1 Occurrence)

/num/20200.htm - 6k

18000 (3 Occurrences)

/num/18000.htm - 7k

Nazareth (29 Occurrences)
... Christ.). The population of this city (now about 10, n000) in the time of
Christ probably amounted to 15,000 or 20,000 souls. "The ...
/n/nazareth.htm - 24k

Last (1087 Occurrences)
... in some parts of England, twenty-one quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels,
each containing 100 lbs; of red herrings, twenty cades, or 20,000; of hides ...
/l/last.htm - 18k

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... is 250 miles. The area is thus over 20,000 square miles, or double the
size of the Promised Land East and West of Jordan. On the ...
/w/wanderings.htm - 40k

Writing (194 Occurrences)
... It refers to extensive libraries then existing. That of Ramessium, in
Thebes, eg, built by Rameses II., contained 20,000 books. ...
/w/writing.htm - 70k

Thyatira (4 Occurrences)
... sarcophagi and inscribed stones. The population of 20,000 is largely Greek
and Armenian, yet a few Jews live among them. Before the town ...
/t/thyatira.htm - 12k

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... sent Bacchides and Alcimus into Judea again (1 Maccabees 9:1). Judas arose against
them with an army of 3,000 men, but when these saw that 20,000 opposed them ...
/d/demetrius.htm - 17k

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