Topical Bible: Shekel of Different Standards of the King's Weight

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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 fundamental measure in the economic and religious life of the Israelites, appearing frequently in biblical texts. The concept of "different standards of the king's weight" suggests variations in the shekel's weight depending on the context or authority, particularly the royal standard.

Biblical References and Context

The shekel is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, serving as a standard for trade, offerings, and legal transactions. In Genesis 23:16, Abraham weighs out four hundred shekels of silver to purchase the cave of Machpelah. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms, and he 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."

The mention of "the standard of the merchants" indicates that there were recognized standards for weights and measures, which could vary. This is further supported by the existence of a "king's weight," which may have been a standardized measure established by the ruling authority to ensure consistency and fairness in trade and taxation.

The King's Weight

The concept of a "king's weight" is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but it can be inferred from the broader context of ancient Near Eastern practices. Kings often established their own standards for weights and measures to regulate commerce and maintain economic stability. This royal standard would have been authoritative and possibly differed from local or merchant standards.

In 2 Samuel 14:26, the weight of Absalom's hair is described: "When he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because it became too heavy for him—the weight of his hair was two hundred shekels by the royal standard." This passage explicitly mentions a "royal standard," suggesting that the king's weight was a recognized measure distinct from other standards.

Religious and Economic Implications

The use of different standards for the shekel had significant implications for religious practices and economic transactions. In religious contexts, offerings and temple contributions were often measured in shekels. For instance, in Exodus 30:13, the Israelites are instructed to give a half-shekel as an offering to the LORD: "Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD."

The "sanctuary shekel" mentioned here indicates another specific standard, likely used for religious purposes. The existence of multiple standards underscores the importance of accurate and fair measures, as emphasized 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."

Conclusion

The shekel, as a unit of weight and currency, played a crucial role in the daily life of ancient Israel. The existence of different standards, including the king's weight, highlights the complexity and importance of maintaining fairness and consistency in economic and religious practices. The biblical emphasis on honest measures reflects a divine mandate for justice and integrity in all aspects of life.

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2 Samuel 14:26
And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.
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