Biblical Significance:

The number 450 holds significance in the Bible primarily in the context of the account of the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal. This number is specifically mentioned in the account of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, as recorded in the Book of 1 Kings.

1 Kings 18:19 :
"Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table."

1 Kings 18:22 :
"Then Elijah said to the people, 'I am the only remaining prophet of the LORD, but Baal has 450 prophets.'"

Context and Interpretation:

In the narrative of 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to demonstrate the power of the true God. Elijah, standing alone as the prophet of Yahweh, faces off against 450 prophets of Baal. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as it addresses the issue of idolatry and the worship of false gods.

The number 450 here emphasizes the overwhelming odds against Elijah, highlighting his faith and the power of God in the face of numerical superiority. The contest involves both parties preparing a bull for sacrifice and calling upon their respective deities to ignite the offering. The prophets of Baal fail despite their numbers, while Elijah's solitary prayer results in divine fire consuming his sacrifice, proving the LORD's supremacy.

Symbolic Meaning:

The number 450, in this context, symbolizes the multitude of false prophets and the widespread idolatry in Israel at the time. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who remain faithful to God amidst a culture of widespread apostasy. The victory of Elijah over the 450 prophets of Baal underscores the theme of divine power and faithfulness, regardless of human odds.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The prophets of Baal were part of the religious system supported by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah in Israel. This period was marked by significant religious conflict, as the worship of Yahweh was being supplanted by Canaanite deities. The number 450, therefore, also reflects the extent of Baal worship's influence in the northern kingdom of Israel during this time.

Related Biblical Themes:

· Faith and Courage: Elijah's confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal is a testament to his faith and courage, serving as an example for believers to stand firm in their convictions.
· Divine Power and Sovereignty: The event demonstrates God's power over false gods and His sovereignty in the affairs of humanity.
· Judgment and Repentance: The subsequent judgment on the prophets of Baal and the people's acknowledgment of the LORD as the true God highlight themes of repentance and divine justice.

Cross-References:

· 1 Kings 18:36-39 : The account of Elijah's prayer and the LORD's response with fire.
· 1 Kings 19:10 : Elijah's lament about being the only prophet left, despite the earlier victory over the 450 prophets of Baal.
· 2 Kings 10:18-28 : Jehu's eradication of Baal worship in Israel, continuing the theme of confronting idolatry.450 (2 Occurrences)

Genesis 6:15
This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship will be three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 18:19
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and four hundred fifty of the prophets of Baal, and four hundred of the prophets of the Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."
(See NAS)

450 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 450 (2 Occurrences). Genesis 6:15 This is how you
shall make it. The length of the ship will be three hundred ...
/num/450.htm - 6k

Towns (450 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Towns (450 Occurrences). Matthew 4:25 And great
crowds followed Him, coming from Galilee, from the Ten ...
/t/towns.htm - 36k

Ethiopia (26 Occurrences)
... After the Council of Chalcedon (450 AD) condemned all as heretics who did not accept
the "double nature" of Christ, both the Egyptian and Abyssinian churches ...
/e/ethiopia.htm - 45k

454 (1 Occurrence)

/num/454.htm - 6k

435 (2 Occurrences)

/num/435.htm - 6k

Judges (117 Occurrences)
... and government of Israel by the men who bore the title of the "judges." The book
of Ruth originally formed part of this book, but about AD 450 it was separated ...
/j/judges.htm - 81k

Tigris (2 Occurrences)
... Kieui, some distance below Diarbekr. Here the stream is 450 ft. wide and
3 or 4 ft. deep. Passing through numerous mountain gorges ...
/t/tigris.htm - 9k

Tikvath (1 Occurrence)
... Kieui, some distance below Diarbekr. Here the stream is 450 ft. wide and
3 or 4 ft. deep. Passing through numerous mountain gorges ...
/t/tikvath.htm - 9k

Tikvah (2 Occurrences)
... Kieui, some distance below Diarbekr. Here the stream is 450 ft. wide and
3 or 4 ft. deep. Passing through numerous mountain gorges ...
/t/tikvah.htm - 10k

Chronicles (45 Occurrences)
... The time of the composition of the Chronicles was, there is every ground to conclude,
subsequent to the Babylonian Exile, probably between 450 and 435 BC The ...
/c/chronicles.htm - 60k

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