Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, weights and measures were essential for trade, commerce, and daily life. The regulation of these weights was of significant importance to ensure fairness and justice in economic transactions. The Bible provides insight into the standards and principles governing weights, particularly emphasizing their regulation by the standard of the sanctuary.The concept of just weights is rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of the Old Testament. The book of Leviticus underscores the importance of honesty in measurements: "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:35-36). This passage highlights the divine mandate for integrity in commerce, linking it to the identity of God as the deliverer of Israel. The standard of the sanctuary served as the ultimate reference point for weights and measures. This standard was likely kept within the tabernacle or temple, ensuring that all measures used by the Israelites conformed to a divinely sanctioned norm. The sanctuary's role in regulating weights is further implied in Ezekiel's vision of the temple, where specific measurements are given for the temple's construction, emphasizing precision and divine order (Ezekiel 40-42). The book of Proverbs also reflects the importance of just weights, associating them with righteousness and divine favor: "Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern" (Proverbs 16:11). This verse suggests that God is intimately involved in the fairness of economic practices, and that just weights are a reflection of His character. In the broader context of Israelite society, the regulation of weights by the sanctuary standard served as a safeguard against exploitation and injustice. The prophets frequently condemned the use of false weights as a symbol of societal corruption and moral decay. For instance, Micah denounces the deceitful practices of the people: "Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales and with a bag of false weights?" (Micah 6:11). This rhetorical question underscores the incompatibility of deceit with the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The New Testament, while not directly addressing the regulation of weights, continues the theme of integrity and fairness in all dealings. Jesus' teachings on honesty and the treatment of others reflect the underlying principles found in the Old Testament laws concerning weights and measures. In summary, the regulation of weights by the standard of the sanctuary in biblical times was a critical aspect of ensuring justice and righteousness in economic transactions. This regulation was not merely a civil ordinance but a reflection of the divine order and moral expectations set forth by God for His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:24And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Babylonia and Assyria Chaldaean Civilization Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the sanctuary shekel? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Weights of the Restraints Put on the Elements Weights were Frequently Used in Scales or Balances Weights: (Heavy) of the Exceeding Glory Reserved for Saints Weights: All Metals Were Given By Weights: Generally Regulated by the Standard of the Sanctuary Weights: Provisions Were Sold By, in Times of Scarcity Weights: Sometimes Regulated by the King's Standard Weights: The Jews: Forbidden to Have Unjust Weights: The Jews: Forbidden to Have Various Weights: The Jews: Frequently Used Unjust Weights: Value of Money Estimated According To Related Terms |
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