What is the meaning of Leviticus 19:36? You shall maintain honest scales and weights, The Lord commands absolute fairness in every transaction. In everyday language, He is saying, “Don’t rig the system.” • Proverbs 11:1 reminds us, “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight”. • Proverbs 16:11 adds that “Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern”. • Deuteronomy 25:13–16 warns that keeping two different sets of weights invites God’s judgment. Because God cares about justice, any attempt to shave a little extra profit by deceit offends Him. A believer’s business life must be as clean as his worship life; both are acts of service to the same holy God. an honest ephah, An ephah measured dry goods such as grain. God singles it out to prevent subtle cheating that might go unnoticed in bulk sales. • Micah 6:10–11 condemns “the scant measure” that steals from customers. • Ezekiel 45:10–12 stresses, “You are to use honest scales, an honest ephah, and an honest bath”. Integrity is not limited to money; it reaches into pantry staples and pantry-size dealings. Whether a home baker selling flour or a merchant shipping wheat by the ton, the same rule applies: the measure must match the label. and an honest hin. A hin measured liquids like oil or wine. God ensures no corner of commerce is exempt from His standard. • Exodus 30:24 records the hin as part of the Tabernacle’s sacred anointing oil, showing even worship supplies had to be precisely measured. • Deuteronomy 25:14 warns, “Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large and one small”. If our measuring cups and invoices reflect honesty, we mirror God’s exactness and prove we value people over profit. I am the LORD your God, The command’s authority rests on God’s character. He is not merely giving good advice; He is staking His own name on the call to honesty. • Leviticus 11:44 says, “For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy”. • Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof”; every scale belongs to Him. Because He is holy and owns all, He expects His people to reflect His nature in their dealings. When we weigh fairly, we advertise the King we represent. who brought you out of the land of Egypt. God ties ethical behavior to redemption. He rescued Israel from slavery; now they must refuse to enslave others through dishonest trade. • Exodus 20:2 frames the Ten Commandments with the same reminder of deliverance. • Deuteronomy 24:17–18 urges fair treatment of the vulnerable “because you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you”. For believers under the New Covenant, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 echoes the theme: you were bought with a price, so honor God in everything—including business integrity. summary Leviticus 19:36 is God’s comprehensive call to integrity. He demands honest devices (scales and weights), honest dry measures (ephah), and honest liquid measures (hin). His authority (“I am the LORD your God”) and His saving work (“who brought you out of the land of Egypt”) anchor the command. Practical honesty is non-negotiable for people rescued by a holy Redeemer, because fairness in commerce showcases His righteousness to a watching world. |
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