Topical Bible: Weights: Shekel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The shekel is an ancient unit of weight and currency frequently mentioned in the Bible. It holds significant historical and religious importance, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East and Israelite society. The term "shekel" is derived from the Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶל" (sheqel), which means "to weigh."

Biblical References and Usage

The shekel is first mentioned in the context of trade and commerce. In Genesis 23:16, Abraham weighs out 400 shekels of silver to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: 400 shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants" . This passage highlights the shekel's role as a standard measure in commercial transactions.

In the construction of the Tabernacle, the shekel is used as a unit of weight for precious metals. Exodus 30:13 specifies the use of the shekel in the census tax: "Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD" . The "sanctuary shekel" indicates a standardized weight used for religious purposes.

The shekel also appears in the context of offerings and sacrifices. In Leviticus 27:25, the value of offerings is determined by the shekel: "Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel" . This underscores the shekel's role in maintaining consistency and fairness in religious practices.

Historical and Cultural Context

The shekel was not only a unit of weight but also a form of currency. It was commonly used in the ancient Near East, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan. The weight of a shekel varied over time and by region, but it was generally understood to be approximately 11.4 grams or 0.4 ounces.

In Israel, the shekel served as both a weight and a coin. During the period of the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, the shekel was a standard measure for trade and taxation. The use of the shekel as currency became more prominent during the divided monarchy and the subsequent periods of exile and return.

Theological Significance

The shekel's frequent mention in the Bible highlights its importance in the daily life and religious practices of the Israelites. It served as a tangible measure of value, integrity, and fairness. The use of the shekel in religious contexts, such as offerings and temple maintenance, underscores the principle of giving to God what is due and maintaining justice in worship.

The shekel also symbolizes the broader biblical theme of stewardship. As a measure of wealth and resources, the shekel reminds believers of their responsibility to use their possessions wisely and in accordance with God's commandments. The consistent use of the shekel in the Bible reflects the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, from commerce to worship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 30:13
This they shall give, every one that passes among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 45:12
And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Eighth Commandment
... Just balances, just weights, a just ephah and a just hin, shall ye have." Are ... that
we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... One girl would be valued at a silver shekel by weight, while another was worth a
mina, another much less;* the handing over of the price was accompanied with a ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... trading, are unsparingly exposed; becoming bankrupt to make money, a species of
robbery, which ought to be punished as felony; double weights, too heavy for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm