In the context of the Bible, the number 280,000 is specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the historical accounts of the kings of Judah. This number is associated with the military strength and organization of the kingdom during the reign of certain kings.

Biblical Reference:

· 2 Chronicles 14:8 : "Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing bows. All these were mighty men of valor."

In this passage, the number 280,000 refers to the contingent of soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin who served under King Asa of Judah. Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and militarily. The soldiers from Benjamin were equipped with small shields and bows, indicating their role as archers or light infantry in Asa's army. The mention of "mighty men of valor" underscores their reputation as skilled and courageous warriors.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The division of the army into units from Judah and Benjamin reflects the tribal organization of the Israelite society. The tribe of Benjamin, though smaller in size compared to Judah, was known for its skilled warriors. The use of specific numbers in the biblical text often serves to convey the strength and preparedness of a king's military forces, which was a crucial aspect of a king's ability to defend the nation and maintain peace.

The period of Asa's reign was marked by relative peace and prosperity, partly due to his military capabilities and his reliance on God for victory in battles, as seen in his reliance on divine intervention during conflicts with neighboring nations. Asa's reforms and military organization were aimed at fortifying the kingdom against external threats and ensuring the stability of his reign.

Theological Implications:

The mention of 280,000 soldiers from Benjamin in the context of Asa's reign highlights themes of divine providence, leadership, and the importance of faithfulness to God. Asa's reliance on God for military success is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the belief that true security and victory come from adherence to God's commandments and trust in His power.

The number also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel, as they worked together to defend their land and uphold their covenant with God. The military organization under Asa reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people being called to stand firm in faith and righteousness, trusting in His guidance and protection.280000 (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 17:15
and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand;
(See NAS)

280000 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 280000 (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 17:15 and next to
him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand; (See NAS). ...
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250000 (1 Occurrence)

/num/250000.htm - 6k

300000 (3 Occurrences)

/num/300000.htm - 7k

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