The shekel, an ancient unit of weight and currency, holds significant importance in biblical texts, particularly in the context of weighing precious metals such as gold. The term "shekel" is derived from the Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶל" (sheqel), which means "weight." In biblical times, the shekel was a standard measure used in trade and commerce, especially for valuable commodities like gold.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 24:22 · In the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac, the servant gives Rebekah a gold ring weighing half a shekel and two bracelets weighing ten shekels of gold. This passage illustrates the use of the shekel as a measure for gold, highlighting its role in significant transactions and gifts: "And after the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold."

2. Exodus 38:24 · The construction of the Tabernacle involved the use of gold measured in shekels. The gold collected from the offerings of the Israelites was quantified using this unit: "All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel."

3. 1 Kings 10:16-17 · King Solomon's wealth and splendor are described, including the shields of gold he made, each weighing a specific number of shekels. This passage underscores the shekel's role in denoting the weight of gold used in royal and ceremonial items: "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield."

4. 2 Samuel 12:30 · The capture of the Ammonite city of Rabbah by King David resulted in the acquisition of a crown weighing a talent of gold, which was set with precious stones. The shekel is implied as the standard for measuring the weight of gold in such royal treasures: "Then he took the crown from the head of their king. It weighed a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David’s head."

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, the shekel was not only a unit of weight but also a form of currency. The "sanctuary shekel" mentioned in the Bible refers to a specific standard used in religious contexts, particularly in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The shekel's use in weighing gold reflects its importance in both religious and economic activities.

Gold, as a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine favor, was often measured in shekels to ensure precise transactions and offerings. The consistent use of the shekel as a measure for gold in the Bible underscores the meticulous nature of trade and the high value placed on gold as a commodity.

Theological Significance:

The use of the shekel to weigh gold in the Bible carries theological implications, reflecting the value and purity associated with gold in the worship and service of God. The precise measurement of gold for sacred purposes, such as the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, signifies the importance of offering the best to God, adhering to His standards of holiness and excellence.

In summary, the shekel as a unit of weight for gold in the Bible highlights the intersection of faith, economy, and culture in ancient Israel, emphasizing the meticulous care taken in matters of worship and the high regard for gold as a symbol of divine blessing and human devotion.Genesis 24:22
And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 7:14,20-86
One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 7:21
When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the middle of my tent, and the silver under it.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 10:16
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target.
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel
... ii.18, 19, and once "heaven" is used, as in ... as equivalent to "a mina (=60 shekels),
a shekel and a ... More probably it simply means "number, weigh, divide""the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... of the spoil for some consisted of cattle, gold, corn, a ... mit, til, ziz; as an ideogram
it was used for a ... One girl would be valued at a silver shekel by weight ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... So, in the venerable translation of the holy oracles, there are some objectionable
expressions, which, although formerly used in the politest company, now ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

What was the sanctuary shekel? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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