Topical Bible: Money of the Jews Regulated by the Standard of Sanctuary

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Topical Encyclopedia

The regulation of money among the ancient Israelites, particularly as it pertains to the sanctuary, is a topic of significant importance in understanding the economic and religious life of the Jewish people as described in the Old Testament. The "standard of the sanctuary" refers to a specific system of weights and measures that was used for religious and civil purposes, ensuring consistency and fairness in transactions and offerings.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the sanctuary standard is rooted in the Mosaic Law, where God provided specific instructions regarding weights and measures. In Leviticus 27:25 , it is stated, "Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel." This verse establishes the sanctuary shekel as the standard unit of currency and weight, which was to be used in all valuations, particularly those related to vows and offerings.

Similarly, in Exodus 30:13 , the half-shekel offering is described: "Each one who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD." This passage highlights the use of the sanctuary shekel in the census tax, a mandatory contribution for the maintenance of the tabernacle and later the temple.

Purpose and Significance

The regulation of money by the sanctuary standard served several purposes. Primarily, it ensured uniformity and fairness in economic transactions, preventing fraud and exploitation. By having a centralized standard, the Israelites could maintain integrity in their dealings, reflecting the holiness and justice of God in their economic practices.

Moreover, the use of the sanctuary standard in religious offerings underscored the principle that all aspects of life, including economic activities, were to be conducted in accordance with divine commandments. The sanctuary shekel was not merely a unit of currency but a symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding them of their obligations to uphold His laws in every sphere of life.

Historical Context

In the broader historical context, the regulation of money by a central standard was not unique to Israel but was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies. However, for the Israelites, this regulation was imbued with theological significance, as it was directly linked to their worship and covenantal identity.

The sanctuary shekel continued to play a role in Jewish life even after the destruction of the First Temple. During the Second Temple period, the shekel remained a critical element in temple tax and other religious obligations, as evidenced by references in the New Testament, such as the temple tax incident in Matthew 17:24-27.

Conclusion

The regulation of money by the standard of the sanctuary reflects the integration of economic and religious life in ancient Israel. It highlights the importance of justice, integrity, and faithfulness to God's commandments in all areas of life, serving as a constant reminder of the Israelites' covenantal responsibilities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 5:15
If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass to the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with your estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 3:47
You shall even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shall you take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Babylonia and Assyria
... were banked out and the inundation regulated by means of ... The Jews alone had no images
to take; the ... Money-lending naturally occupied a prominent place in the ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... two coats, nor food in their scrip, money in their ... sort of the people who imitated
the Jews in devouring ... the vices of youth and boyhood are regulated by the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of law among the Asiatic Greeks, and it was by them they regulated their relations ...
Commerce brought in to it, in fact, at least as much money as the tribute ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Covenant Duties.
... requires penal sanctions; these penalties also must be regulated by the ... Contributions
of money; devotion of talent, and energy, and time ... Thirdly, to the Jews. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... been, as it were, the signal for a welcome change in the fortunes of the Jews. ... How
long shall I see the standard and hear the sound of the trumpet?" It would ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm