In the context of ancient Israelite society, the terms "homer" and "cor" refer to units of measurement used for both liquids and solids. These measurements are significant in understanding various biblical texts, particularly those related to offerings, trade, and daily life in ancient times.

Homer

The "homer" is a unit of dry measure mentioned in the Old Testament. It is equivalent to ten ephahs or ten baths, depending on whether it is used for dry or liquid substances. The homer is primarily used in agricultural contexts, such as measuring grain or other produce. For example, in Leviticus 27:16 , the value of a field is assessed based on the amount of seed required to sow it, measured in homers: "If a man consecrates to the LORD a parcel of his land, then your valuation shall be proportionate to the seed required for it—fifty shekels of silver for a homer of barley seed."

The homer is also mentioned in the context of offerings and tithes. In Ezekiel 45:13-14 , the prophet outlines the offerings that the people of Israel are to bring: "This is the contribution you are to offer: a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley. The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor, which is ten baths or one homer, for ten baths are one homer."

Cor

The "cor" is another term for the same measure as the homer, often used interchangeably in the Scriptures. It is primarily used in the context of liquid measurements, particularly in relation to oil and wine. The cor is equivalent to ten baths, as noted in the passage from Ezekiel above.

In 1 Kings 5:11 , the cor is used to describe the provisions given by Solomon to Hiram, king of Tyre, as part of their trade agreement: "And year after year Solomon would provide Hiram with twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, as well as twenty thousand baths of pure olive oil."

Cultural and Religious Significance

The use of the homer and cor in biblical texts highlights the importance of standardized measurements in maintaining fairness and order in trade and religious practices. These measures ensured that offerings to the LORD were made according to His commandments and that trade agreements were honored with integrity.

Understanding these units of measurement also provides insight into the daily life and economy of ancient Israel. The reliance on agricultural produce and the need for precise measurements reflect a society deeply connected to the land and its yield, emphasizing the provision and sustenance that God provided for His people.

In summary, the homer and cor are essential units of measurement in the Bible, representing both practical and spiritual aspects of ancient Israelite life. They serve as a reminder of the importance of accuracy, fairness, and devotion in all aspects of life, as ordained by God.Isaiah 5:10
Yes, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 45:14
Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, you shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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