Weights(scale)
Summary
The Hebrew system of weights was derived from Babylonia, with the shekel as the basic unit, and Scripture strongly emphasized the requirement for honest and just weights in all transactions.
☩System and Standards
The primitive unit of weight was the shekel, which developed into heavy and light forms—the heavy shekel weighing about 252.5 grains and the light about half that. Additional standards were introduced through Phoenician trade. The heaviest unit was the talent, weighing approximately 50 kilograms, divided into 60 minas, with each mina containing 50 shekels among the Hebrews rather than the Babylonian 60. A shekel was divided into 20 gerahs, and half a shekel was called a beka.
☩Requirement for Honesty
Scripture repeatedly demanded honest weights and condemned false balances. The Law required just balances and weights, and dishonest merchants who used undersized measures when selling and heavy weights when buying were strongly condemned by the prophets. A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. God promised to judge those who practiced such dishonesty in business dealings.
Related Verses17 mentions
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Weights and Measures," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.Don Fleming, "Weights," in Bridgeway Bible Dictionary (Bridgeway Publications, 1990).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Weights," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).