The number 60,000 appears in the context of biblical narratives and genealogies, often representing a large quantity of people or items. In the ancient Near Eastern context, large numbers were sometimes used symbolically or to convey the idea of abundance and strength.

Biblical References:

1. Military and Census Contexts:
· In the context of military strength and census, large numbers such as 60,000 are often used to describe the size of armies or groups of people. For example, in the Old Testament, the enumeration of tribes and their fighting men is a common theme, reflecting the importance of military capability and tribal strength in Israel's history.

2. Symbolic and Hyperbolic Use:
· Numbers like 60,000 can also be understood symbolically or hyperbolically, emphasizing the greatness or vastness of a group or resource. In ancient literature, including the Bible, such numbers are not always meant to be taken literally but rather to convey a sense of magnitude.

3. Genealogical and Tribal Listings:
· In genealogical records, large numbers are sometimes used to describe the descendants of a particular patriarch or the size of a tribe. These records serve to establish the legitimacy and continuity of a lineage, as well as to highlight the fulfillment of divine promises regarding progeny and blessing.

Cultural and Historical Context:

· Ancient Near Eastern Numerology:
· In the ancient Near East, numbers held significant cultural and symbolic meaning. Large numbers were often used in royal inscriptions and records to demonstrate the power and wealth of a king or nation. This cultural practice is reflected in biblical texts, where numbers like 60,000 may serve to underscore the might and prosperity of a people or leader.

· Interpretation in Biblical Scholarship:
· Biblical scholars often debate the literal versus symbolic interpretation of large numbers in the Bible. Some suggest that these numbers should be understood in light of ancient literary conventions, while others argue for a more literal understanding based on archaeological and historical evidence.

Theological Implications:

· Divine Provision and Promise:
· The use of large numbers in the Bible can also be seen as a reflection of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises. For example, the multiplication of descendants or the expansion of a nation's territory can be viewed as evidence of divine blessing and faithfulness.

· Human Limitations and Divine Sovereignty:
· The contrast between human limitations and divine sovereignty is often highlighted through the use of large numbers. While humans may struggle to comprehend or achieve such vastness, the biblical narrative emphasizes that God is capable of accomplishing what seems impossible to human understanding.

Conclusion:

The number 60,000, like other large numbers in the Bible, serves multiple purposes, from illustrating military might and tribal strength to symbolizing divine blessing and fulfillment. Understanding these numbers within their cultural and historical context enriches the interpretation of biblical texts and highlights the theological themes of God's provision and sovereignty.60000 (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 12:3
with twelve hundred chariots, and sixty thousand horsemen. The people were without number who came with him out of Egypt: the Lubim, the Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians.
(See NAS)

60000 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 60000 (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 12:3 with
twelve hundred chariots, and sixty thousand horsemen. The ...
/num/60000.htm - 6k

59300 (2 Occurrences)

/num/59300.htm - 6k

60500 (1 Occurrence)

/num/60500.htm - 6k

Menahem (8 Occurrences)
... As there are 3,000 shekels in a talent of silver, it is obvious that some 60,000
persons, "mighty men of wealth," must have been laid under contribution in ...
/m/menahem.htm - 13k

Palestine (1 Occurrence)
... by the Mediterranean, on the north by the "entrance of Hamath," and on the south
by the "river of Egypt." This extent of territory, about 60,000 square miles ...
/p/palestine.htm - 89k

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)
... At Tello more than 60,000 tablets were found, belonging largely to the administrative
archives of the temple of the third millennium BC At Nippur about 50,000 ...
/b/babylonia.htm - 75k

Chios (1 Occurrence)
... Oranges, lemons, almonds, brandy, anise, mastich and leather are also exported.
The inhabitants, who are almost entirely Greeks, number about 60,000. ...
/c/chios.htm - 11k

Shishak (6 Occurrences)
... 3. Syrian Campaign: So it came to pass that in the 5th year of Rehoboam, Shishak
came up against Jerusalem with 1,200 chariots, and 60,000 horsemen, and people ...
/s/shishak.htm - 13k

Arabia (9 Occurrences)
... Speaking generally, the cities of Arabia of the first magnitude appear to have some
35,000 inhabitants, though Mascat is said to have as many as 60,000. IV. ...
/a/arabia.htm - 43k

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