Connect Exodus 38:26 to New Testament teachings on giving and stewardship. Exodus 38:26 in Context “a beka per man—that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel—from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, 603,550 men.” (Exodus 38:26) A Fixed Contribution, a Shared Responsibility • Every adult male Israelite gave the same amount—no sliding scale based on income or status. • The half-shekel was designated “according to the sanctuary shekel,” underscoring that the standard was set by God, not by personal preference. • Collected silver funded the work of the tabernacle, a tangible reminder that worship involves material faithfulness. Jesus and the Half-Shekel Connection • Matthew 17:24-27 records Jesus paying this very tax: “When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the tax?’ … ‘so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook… take the first fish… you will find a four-drachma coin.’” • Jesus affirms the rightful claim of God’s house on the resources of God’s people, even while hinting at His kingship and freedom. • By miraculously providing the coin, He shows that God Himself supplies what He requires. New Testament Echoes of Giving • 2 Corinthians 8:14-15—Paul cites Exodus 16:18 to argue for proportional equality: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack.” The spirit behind the half-shekel lives on: each contributes so all may share in God’s work. • 2 Corinthians 9:7—“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” The motive shifts from obligation to joy, yet the expectation of participation remains. • Acts 4:32-35—Early believers “were of one heart and soul… there was not a needy person among them.” Collective generosity built the new-covenant community just as shared silver built the tabernacle. Stewardship: Ownership vs. Management • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” We never truly own; we steward. • Luke 16:10-12—Faithfulness with “very little” proves readiness for “much.” The half-shekel was small, yet revealed hearts aligned with God’s program. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—Believers are to “be rich in good works… storing up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.” Investments in God’s work yield eternal dividends. Living the Pattern Today • Set a God-defined standard first, then plan the budget around it, not vice versa. • Contribute regularly to the local church—the NT equivalent of tabernacle service (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Trust God to supply what He calls you to give, just as He provided the coin for Peter. • View giving as partnership: everyone’s portion, great or small, combines to advance the gospel. • Let generosity flow from gratitude for the atoning work of Christ, whose sacrifice far surpasses silver yet invites us to respond with tangible stewardship. |
    |