Topical Bible: Shekel used to Weigh Silver

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The shekel, an ancient unit of weight and currency, holds significant importance in biblical texts, particularly in the context of weighing silver. The term "shekel" is derived from the Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶל" (sheqel), which means "weight." In biblical times, the shekel was primarily used as a standard measure for precious metals, especially silver, which was a common medium of exchange and wealth.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 23:16 · The earliest mention of the shekel in the Bible is found in the transaction between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite. Abraham weighed out "four hundred shekels of silver" to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah. This passage highlights the use of the shekel as a weight for silver in commercial transactions: "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."

2. Exodus 30:13 · The shekel is also mentioned in the context of the sanctuary tax, where each Israelite was required to give "half a shekel" as an offering to the LORD. This offering was to be weighed according to the sanctuary shekel, which underscores the shekel's role as a standardized measure: "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."

3. 2 Samuel 24:24 · King David's purchase of the threshing floor from Araunah the Jebusite is another instance where silver shekels are used. David insists on buying the site for "fifty shekels of silver," emphasizing the shekel's role in significant transactions: "But the king replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them."

4. Ezekiel 45:12 · The prophet Ezekiel provides a detailed description of the shekel's weight, indicating its importance in maintaining fair trade and religious offerings. The passage specifies the shekel's division into gerahs, further illustrating its use as a precise measure: "The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will be your mina."

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, the shekel was not only a unit of weight but also evolved into a form of currency. The weight of a shekel varied over time and location, but it was generally understood to be approximately 11.4 grams (0.4 ounces). The use of the shekel as a weight for silver reflects the economic practices of the time, where silver was a primary medium for trade and wealth accumulation.

The shekel's role in religious and civil life is evident in its use for temple offerings, taxes, and significant purchases. The standardization of the shekel, particularly the "sanctuary shekel," ensured fairness and consistency in these transactions. This standardization was crucial in maintaining the integrity of trade and religious practices, as it provided a common reference point for the value of silver.

Theological Significance:

The use of the shekel in biblical narratives often underscores themes of covenant, justice, and worship. Transactions involving shekels of silver frequently occur in contexts that highlight the importance of integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. For instance, Abraham's purchase of the burial site for Sarah not only fulfills a personal need but also signifies his commitment to God's promise of land. Similarly, the sanctuary tax represents the Israelites' collective responsibility to support the worship and service of the LORD.

In summary, the shekel as a unit of weight for silver is deeply embedded in the economic, religious, and social fabric of biblical times. Its consistent presence in Scripture reflects its importance in facilitating fair trade, fulfilling religious obligations, and symbolizing covenantal relationships.

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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.
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Judges 8:26
And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks.
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Judges 17:2,3
And he said to his mother, The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you, about which you cursed, and spoke of also in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. And his mother said, Blessed be you of the LORD, my son.
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Library

The Morning of Good Friday.
... they had valued and sold at thirty shekel Israel's Messiah ... and still does it seem
to weigh on us ... Scriptural repentance is metanoo; that here used is metamlomai ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv the morning of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... syllables hi or hat, mid, mit, til, ziz; as an ideogram it was used for a ... One girl
would be valued at a silver shekel by weight, while another was worth a mina ...
/.../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