Topical Bible: Weights: Provisions Were Sold By, in Times of Scarcity

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In biblical times, weights and measures played a crucial role in the trade and distribution of provisions, especially during periods of scarcity. The use of standardized weights ensured fairness and equity in transactions, which was particularly important when resources were limited. The Bible provides several instances where weights are mentioned in the context of selling provisions during times of scarcity.

One notable example is found in the account of Joseph in Egypt. During the seven years of famine, Joseph, who had been appointed as the governor of Egypt, was responsible for selling grain to the people. Genesis 41:56-57 states, "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. For the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. And every nation came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe over all the earth." The use of weights would have been essential in ensuring that the grain was distributed fairly and equitably to those in need.

The Law of Moses also emphasized the importance of honest weights and measures. Leviticus 19:35-36 commands, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This directive underscores the moral and ethical obligation to maintain integrity in trade, especially during times when resources were scarce.

In the prophetic literature, the misuse of weights and measures is condemned as a sign of societal corruption. Amos 8:4-6 highlights the exploitation of the poor through dishonest practices: "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat?—with dishonest scales, with bags of deceitful weights, buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!'"

The New Testament also reflects on the importance of fairness in trade. In Revelation 6:5-6 , during the opening of the third seal, a voice is heard saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine." This passage, often interpreted as a depiction of economic hardship and scarcity, implies the necessity of precise measurement in the distribution of food.

Throughout Scripture, the use of weights in the sale of provisions during times of scarcity serves as a reminder of the need for justice and righteousness in economic dealings. The biblical mandate for honest weights and measures reflects God's concern for the fair treatment of all people, particularly the vulnerable, during times of need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 26:26
And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and you shall eat, and not be satisfied.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 4:10,16
And your meat which you shall eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shall you eat it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... Rusticus, prefect of the city." These weights of Rusticus ... were advised either to
distribute their provisions to the ... as soon as the barbarians were induced to ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... ought to be punished as felony; double weights, too heavy ... vainly with his brothers,
and, as it were, think every godly opportunity seven times as long as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... which a couple of oxen were harnessed.* The scarcity of rain ... strangers to each other
as if they were separated by ... so far in ancient as in modern times, but the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm