Topical Bible: Weights: Bekah or Half Shekel

◄ Weights: Bekah or Half Shekel ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "bekah" refers to a specific weight measurement used in ancient Israel, equivalent to a half shekel. The bekah is mentioned in the context of the sanctuary shekel, which was a standard unit of weight and currency in biblical times. The use of the bekah is primarily noted in the context of religious offerings and census requirements.

Biblical References:

The bekah is first mentioned in the context of the census tax in Exodus 30:13: "Each one who crosses over to those counted must give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD." . Here, the bekah serves as a mandatory contribution for every male Israelite over the age of twenty, symbolizing their atonement and participation in the community.

In Genesis 24:22, the bekah is indirectly referenced when Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring weighing a bekah, as part of the gifts to secure her as Isaac's bride. This illustrates the bekah's use as a measure of weight for precious metals, indicating its role in trade and personal adornment.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The bekah, as a half shekel, held significant religious importance. It was used in the tabernacle and later the temple for various offerings and was a part of the sacred economy. The half shekel tax was a means of supporting the tabernacle service and later the temple, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh was maintained and that the community remained in covenant with God.

The bekah's role in the census tax also highlights the concept of equality before God. Every man, regardless of wealth or status, was required to give the same amount, symbolizing that all were equal in their need for atonement and participation in the covenant community.

Historical Context:

The bekah, as a weight, was part of a broader system of weights and measures that included the shekel, mina, and talent. These units were essential for trade, taxation, and religious offerings. The sanctuary shekel, to which the bekah is directly related, was a standard that ensured consistency and fairness in these transactions.

In the ancient Near East, weights and measures were often standardized by religious institutions, which underscores the bekah's dual role in both economic and religious life. The consistency of the sanctuary shekel across different periods and regions reflects the centrality of the temple and its practices in Israelite society.

Archaeological Evidence:

Archaeological findings, such as weights inscribed with the term "bekah" or its equivalent, provide tangible evidence of its use. These artifacts help scholars understand the economic and religious practices of ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near Eastern context.

In summary, the bekah or half shekel was a critical unit of weight and currency in biblical times, deeply intertwined with the religious, economic, and social fabric of ancient Israel. Its use in the census tax and other offerings underscores its importance in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook