Balances
“A pair of scales or balances”
Summary
A weighing instrument consisting of a beam with two pans, essential for commerce and frequently used as a symbol of divine justice.
☩Commercial Use
Balances were essential in ancient commerce since money was weighed rather than counted. When Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah, he 'weighed to Ephron the silver.' The scales consisted of a beam with pans suspended from each end, the weights in one pan and the item being weighed in the other.
☩Just Balances Required
God commanded that balances must be just, as false weights were an abomination to the Lord. Merchants frequently cheated by using heavier weights when buying and lighter weights when selling.
☩Symbol of Judgment
In the prophetic vision of Revelation, the rider on the black horse carries balances, symbolizing the rationing of food during times of scarcity and judgment. Job asked to be weighed in an even balance so that God might know his integrity.
Related Verses17 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Balances," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Balances," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).