Homers
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A "homer" is an ancient Hebrew unit of measurement used primarily for dry goods, such as grain. The term appears in several passages of the Old Testament, providing insight into the economic and agricultural practices of ancient Israel. The homer is equivalent to ten ephahs or ten baths, depending on whether it is used for dry or liquid measures, respectively. This makes it a substantial quantity, as an ephah is approximately 22 liters or about 5.8 gallons.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 27:16 · "If a man consecrates to the LORD a parcel of his land, then your valuation shall be proportionate to the seed required for it: fifty shekels of silver for a homer of barley seed." This passage highlights the use of the homer in the context of land valuation and offerings to the Lord. The measurement is used to determine the value of land based on the amount of seed it can produce, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Israel.

2. Ezekiel 45:11 · "The ephah and the bath shall be the same size: The bath shall contain a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer; their measurement shall be the same throughout." Here, the prophet Ezekiel describes the standardization of measurements, emphasizing fairness and consistency in trade and offerings. The homer serves as a base unit from which other measurements are derived, ensuring equitable transactions.

3. Hosea 3:2 · "So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethek of barley." In this narrative, the prophet Hosea purchases his wife, symbolizing God's redemption of Israel. The use of a homer in this context underscores the significant value and quantity involved in the transaction, illustrating the depth of commitment and sacrifice.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The homer, as a unit of measurement, reflects the agricultural foundation of ancient Israelite society. It was essential for trade, offerings, and daily life, providing a standardized system that facilitated economic stability and fairness. The use of the homer in religious texts also underscores its importance in the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites, as it was often associated with offerings and tithes to the Lord.

The consistency in measurement, as mandated in Ezekiel, points to a divine expectation of justice and integrity in economic dealings. This reflects broader biblical themes of honesty, fairness, and the importance of maintaining covenantal relationships with God and fellow humans.

Theological Significance:

Theologically, the homer can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and abundance. In a land where agriculture was central to survival, the ability to measure and manage resources effectively was crucial. The homer, therefore, represents not only a practical tool but also a reminder of God's sustenance and the blessings bestowed upon His people.

In prophetic literature, such as Hosea, the use of the homer in the context of redemption and restoration further illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It serves as a tangible representation of the cost and value of divine love and mercy, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.
Strong's Hebrew
2563c. chomer -- homer (a dry measure)
... Word Origin from the same as chomer Definition homer (a dry measure) NASB Word Usage
homer (10), homers (1). 2563b, 2563c. chomer. 2564 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2563c.htm - 5k
Thesaurus
Homers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Homers (1 Occurrence). ... He who gathered least gathered ten
homers; and they spread them all abroad for themselves around the camp. ...
/h/homers.htm - 6k

Quail (5 Occurrences)
... And the people rose up all that day, and all the night, and all the next day, and
gathered the quail: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they ...
/q/quail.htm - 13k

Homer (6 Occurrences)

/h/homer.htm - 9k

Homes (43 Occurrences)

/h/homes.htm - 18k

Quails (4 Occurrences)
... He who gathered least gathered ten homers; and they spread them all abroad for
themselves around the camp. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/q/quails.htm - 8k

Smallest (16 Occurrences)
... 11:32 And all that day and all night and the day after, the people were taking up
the birds; the smallest amount which anyone got was ten homers: and they put ...
/s/smallest.htm - 11k

Spent (76 Occurrences)
... quails. He who gathered least gathered ten homers; and they spread them all
abroad for themselves around the camp. (See NAS). Deuteronomy ...
/s/spent.htm - 28k

Amount (66 Occurrences)
... 11:32 And all that day and all night and the day after, the people were taking up
the birds; the smallest amount which anyone got was ten homers: and they put ...
/a/amount.htm - 27k

Least (76 Occurrences)
... He who gathered least gathered ten homers; and they spread them all abroad for
themselves around the camp. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/l/least.htm - 31k

Less (93 Occurrences)
... 11:32 And all that day and all night and the day after, the people were taking up
the birds; the smallest amount which anyone got was ten homers: and they put ...
/l/less.htm - 35k

Resources
What were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Homers (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 11:32
The people rose up all that day, and all the night, and all the next day, and gathered the quails. He who gathered least gathered ten homers; and they spread them all abroad for themselves around the camp.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Homers

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