Topical Bible: Measure: An Omer, About One Bushel

◄ Measure: An Omer, About One Bushel ►

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In biblical times, the term "omer" was used as a unit of measure, particularly in the context of ancient Israelite society. The omer is most notably mentioned in the context of the manna provided by God to the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. According to Exodus 16:16, the Israelites were instructed to gather an omer for each person in their tent: "This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’" .

The omer is a dry measure, and while its exact modern equivalent is debated, it is generally understood to be approximately one-tenth of an ephah. In contemporary terms, this is roughly equivalent to about two quarts or a little over two liters. However, when considering larger quantities, the omer can be related to the bushel, a more familiar measure in agricultural contexts, though the exact conversion can vary based on historical and regional differences.

The significance of the omer extends beyond its use as a measure of volume. It also plays a role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Israelites. The "Omer" period, for instance, refers to the counting of the omer, a 49-day period between the Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). Leviticus 23:15-16 instructs, "From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, you are to count seven full weeks. You shall count fifty days until the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD." . This period is a time of anticipation and spiritual preparation, culminating in the celebration of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

The omer also serves as a reminder of God's provision and faithfulness. In Exodus 16:32-34, Moses commands the Israelites to keep an omer of manna as a testimony for future generations: "This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Keep an omer of it for the generations to come, so that they may see the bread I gave you to eat in the wilderness when I brought you out of Egypt.’" . This preserved omer of manna was placed before the Testimony, serving as a tangible reminder of God's miraculous sustenance.

In summary, the omer is a multifaceted measure in the biblical narrative, representing both a practical unit of volume and a symbol of divine provision and covenantal faithfulness. Its use in the context of manna and the counting of the omer highlights its importance in the daily and spiritual lives of the Israelites.

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Exodus 16:16,18
This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take you every man for them which are in his tents.
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