Topical Encyclopedia The term "shekel" in the Bible refers to a unit of weight and currency used in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The shekel was a standard measure for trade and commerce, often mentioned in the context of transactions, offerings, and temple contributions. However, the concept of the shekel also appears in contexts where its integrity is compromised, reflecting broader themes of corruption and moral decay.Biblical References and Context The shekel is first introduced in the context of Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah. In Genesis 23:16 , it is recorded: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants." This passage highlights the shekel as a measure of honest trade. However, the integrity of the shekel is challenged in various biblical narratives. In the prophetic literature, the corruption of weights and measures, including the shekel, is condemned as a symbol of societal injustice and moral failure. Amos 8:5 captures this sentiment: "asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat? We will reduce the ephah, increase the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales.'" Moral and Ethical Implications The corruption of the shekel is emblematic of broader ethical concerns in the biblical text. The prophets frequently denounce the use of dishonest scales and weights as a violation of God’s covenantal standards. In Micah 6:11 , the Lord questions, "Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?" This rhetorical question underscores the divine expectation for honesty and fairness in economic dealings. The corrupted shekel serves as a metaphor for the erosion of justice and righteousness in society. It reflects a departure from the covenantal values that were meant to govern the community of Israel. The prophets' rebuke of such practices is a call to return to integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of life, including commerce. Historical and Cultural Significance In the ancient Near Eastern context, the shekel was not only a unit of currency but also a standard of weight, typically around 11.4 grams. It was used in various forms, including gold, silver, and bronze, and was integral to the economic systems of the time. The corruption of the shekel, therefore, had significant implications for trade and social relations. The biblical emphasis on honest weights and measures reflects a concern for social justice and the protection of the vulnerable. The Law of Moses explicitly commands fair dealings, as seen in Leviticus 19:35-36 : "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." Theological Reflections The corrupted shekel serves as a poignant reminder of the human propensity toward sin and the need for divine intervention. It highlights the tension between human fallibility and the divine call to holiness. The biblical narrative consistently points to the need for repentance and a return to God’s righteous standards. In the New Testament, while the specific term "shekel" is not used, the principles of honesty and integrity in financial matters are reiterated. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) can be seen as a denunciation of corrupt practices, echoing the prophetic calls for justice and righteousness. The corrupted shekel, therefore, is not merely a historical artifact but a symbol of the ongoing struggle between righteousness and corruption, calling believers to uphold the values of the Kingdom of God in all areas of life. Nave's Topical Index Amos 8:5Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? Nave's Topical Index Library Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Samaria. Sychem. The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the ... Book 5 Footnotes The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Resources What was the sanctuary shekel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.org How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org Shekel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shekel of Different Standards of the King's Weight Shekel of Different Standards of the Sanctuary Shekel used to Weigh: Cinnamon Shekel: A Weight, Equal to Twenty Gerahs Shekel: Fractions of, Used in Currency Shekel: Sanctuary Revenues Paid In Related Terms Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) |
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