Atonement-money, as described in the Bible, refers to a specific offering required by God from the Israelites as a ransom for their lives. This concept is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Exodus. The atonement-money was a mandatory contribution that served both a spiritual and practical purpose within the Israelite community.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural basis for atonement-money is found in Exodus 30:11-16. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states:

"The LORD also said to Moses, 'When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when you number them. 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. Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. The rich shall not pay more, and the poor shall not pay less than a half shekel, when giving the offering to the LORD to make atonement for your lives. Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD, making atonement for your lives.'"

Theological Significance:

The atonement-money was a symbolic act of redemption and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over life. It underscored the belief that life is sacred and ultimately belongs to God. By paying the atonement-money, the Israelites recognized their dependence on God for protection and sustenance. The uniform amount required from both rich and poor emphasized the equality of all individuals before God, highlighting that every life holds equal value in His sight.

Practical Application:

The funds collected from the atonement-money were designated for the service of the Tent of Meeting, the precursor to the Temple, which was the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. This ensured that the community's spiritual needs were met and that the worship of God remained a central focus in their lives. The use of the money for the Tent of Meeting also served as a tangible reminder of God's presence among His people and their covenant relationship with Him.

Historical Context:

The practice of collecting atonement-money was instituted during the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. It was part of the broader Mosaic Law, which governed various aspects of religious, social, and civil life. The census, during which the atonement-money was collected, was a means of organizing the community and preparing for their eventual settlement in the Promised Land.

Symbolic Interpretation:

In a broader theological context, the concept of atonement-money can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate atonement provided through Jesus Christ. Just as the atonement-money served as a ransom for the Israelites, Christians believe that Christ's sacrificial death serves as the ultimate ransom for humanity's sins, offering redemption and reconciliation with God.

In summary, atonement-money was a divinely instituted practice that held deep spiritual significance for the Israelites, serving as a reminder of God's ownership of life and the need for atonement and redemption.Atonement-money (1 Occurrence)

Exodus 30:16
And thou shalt take the atonement-money of the children of Israel, and devote it to the service of the tent of meeting; and it shall be a memorial to the children of Israel before Jehovah, to make atonement for your souls.
(DBY WBS YLT)

Atonement-money (1 Occurrence)
Atonement-money. Atonement, Atonement-money. Atonements .
Multi-Version Concordance Atonement-money (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/atonement-money.htm - 6k

Ransom (46 Occurrences)
... It was to be the same for rich and poor, and it was called "atonementmoney," "to
make atonement for their souls." In the opening words of the law, as given in ...
/r/ransom.htm - 43k

Atonements (6 Occurrences)

/a/atonements.htm - 8k

Devote (36 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:16 And thou shalt take the atonement-money of the children of Israel,
and devote it to the service of the tent of meeting; and it shall be a memorial ...
/d/devote.htm - 18k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... Theocracy; in the Period of the Judges: The only fixed impost under theocracy which
has a semi-civil character was the so-called "atonementmoney" (Exodus 30:11 ...
/t/taxing.htm - 35k

Tax (43 Occurrences)
... Theocracy; in the Period of the Judges: The only fixed impost under theocracy which
has a semi-civil character was the so-called "atonementmoney" (Exodus 30:11 ...
/t/tax.htm - 47k

Memorial (54 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:16 You shall take the atonementmoney from the children of Israel, and
shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a ...
/m/memorial.htm - 28k

Appoint (114 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:16 You shall take the atonementmoney from the children of Israel, and
shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a ...
/a/appoint.htm - 41k

Souls (114 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:16 You shall take the atonementmoney from the children of Israel, and
shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a ...
/s/souls.htm - 37k

Remembrance (74 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:16 You shall take the atonementmoney from the children of Israel, and
shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a ...
/r/remembrance.htm - 33k

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