The reference to "24,000 men" in the Bible is primarily associated with the events described in the Book of Numbers, specifically in the context of a plague that struck the Israelites due to their sin at Peor. This entry explores the biblical narrative, context, and significance of this number.

Biblical Narrative

The account of the 24,000 men is found in Numbers 25, where the Israelites, while camped at Shittim, began to engage in idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women. This led them to worship the Moabite god Baal of Peor, provoking the LORD's anger. As a result, a severe plague broke out among the Israelites.

Numbers 25:9 states: "But those who died in the plague numbered 24,000." This verse highlights the severity of the punishment that befell the Israelites due to their disobedience and idolatry.

Context and Background

The incident at Peor occurred during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land. The Moabites, fearing the Israelites, sought to weaken them by leading them into sin. This was orchestrated by Balaam, a prophet who, although unable to curse Israel directly, advised the Moabites on how to entice the Israelites into sin (Numbers 31:16).

The sin at Peor was not merely an act of immorality but a breach of the covenant relationship between Israel and God. The worship of Baal represented a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibited the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3).

Significance

The number 24,000 is significant as it underscores the magnitude of the consequences of Israel's sin. The plague served as a divine judgment and a stark reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. It also demonstrated the need for holiness and obedience among God's people.

The incident at Peor and the resulting plague had lasting implications for Israel. It led to the execution of those who had joined in the idolatry, including a notable act by Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, who zealously intervened to stop the plague by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman engaged in sin (Numbers 25:7-8). This act of zeal was commended by God and resulted in a covenant of peace with Phinehas and his descendants (Numbers 25:12-13).

New Testament Reference

The Apostle Paul references this event in 1 Corinthians 10:8 , where he warns the Corinthian church against sexual immorality: "We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell." The slight numerical difference between Paul's account and the account in Numbers has been the subject of various interpretations, but it serves to emphasize the historical reality and theological lesson of the event.

Theological Themes

The account of the 24,000 men who perished in the plague at Peor highlights several key theological themes:

1. Divine Judgment and Mercy: The swift judgment upon the Israelites illustrates God's intolerance of sin, particularly idolatry, while the cessation of the plague following Phinehas's intervention demonstrates God's mercy and readiness to forgive upon genuine repentance.

2. Covenant Faithfulness: The incident underscores the importance of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the need for faithfulness to His commandments.

3. Zeal for Holiness: Phinehas's actions exemplify a zeal for God's holiness and the necessity of taking decisive action against sin within the community of faith.

4. Warning to Future Generations: The New Testament reference serves as a warning to believers to avoid the pitfalls of immorality and idolatry, reminding them of the consequences of such actions.

The account of the 24,000 men remains a sobering reminder of the cost of disobedience and the call to holiness for all who follow God.