The term "Beka" refers to an ancient Hebrew unit of weight and currency mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the tabernacle and temple offerings. The beka is significant in biblical history and religious practice, serving as a standard measure for contributions to sacred purposes.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 38:26 : "a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years old or more who had crossed over to the registered group, 603,550 men." This passage describes the census tax collected from the Israelites for the construction and maintenance of the tabernacle. Each man aged twenty and above was required to contribute a beka, which is defined as half a shekel according to the sanctuary shekel. This offering was a form of atonement and a means to support the communal worship and service of God.

2. Genesis 24:22 : "And after the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels." In this narrative, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold ring weighing a beka as a token of betrothal. This instance highlights the use of the beka as a measure of weight for precious metals, indicating its role in trade and personal transactions.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The beka, as a unit of weight, is approximately equivalent to 6 grams or 0.21 ounces. It is half of a shekel, which was the standard unit of weight in ancient Israel. The sanctuary shekel, mentioned in the biblical texts, was a specific standard used for religious purposes, ensuring uniformity in offerings and contributions.

The use of the beka in the context of the tabernacle underscores the importance of equal participation among the Israelites in the worship and service of God. The half-shekel offering was a symbolic act of unity and commitment to the covenant community, as every eligible member contributed the same amount, regardless of personal wealth.

Theological Significance:

The beka represents more than just a unit of currency; it embodies the principles of equality, responsibility, and devotion within the covenant community. The requirement for each individual to contribute a beka underscores the biblical theme of collective responsibility in supporting the worship and work of God. It also reflects the idea that every person has a role and a stake in the spiritual life of the community.

In the broader biblical narrative, the beka serves as a reminder of the Israelites' journey from slavery to nationhood, where communal worship and adherence to God's commandments were central to their identity. The beka, as part of the sanctuary shekel, symbolizes the Israelites' dedication to maintaining a holy and consecrated space for God's presence among them.

Conclusion:

While the beka may seem like a minor detail in the grand narrative of the Bible, its implications for understanding the communal and religious life of ancient Israel are profound. It highlights the intersection of faith, economy, and community, offering insights into the values and practices that shaped the people of God.BEKA

be'-ka (beqa`, "half"): Half a shekel, the amount contributed by each male of the Israelites for the use of the Sanctuary (Exodus 38:26). Its value varied according to the standard used, but on the ordinary, or Phoenician, standard it would represent about 122 grams.

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

1235. beqa -- half
... 1234, 1235. beqa. 1236 . half. Transliteration: beqa Phonetic Spelling:
(beh'-kah) Short Definition: beka. Word Origin from baqa ...
/hebrew/1235.htm - 6kBeka (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEKA. be'-ka ... grams. See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Multi-Version Concordance Beka (1 Occurrence). Genesis ...
/b/beka.htm - 7k

Bekah (1 Occurrence)
... Both the name and its explanation, "a half shekel," are given in Exodus 38:26.
The word properly means a "division," a "part." (RV, "beka."). ...
/b/bekah.htm - 7k

603550 (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary,
for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty ...
/num/603550.htm - 7k

Upward (74 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary,
for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty ...
/u/upward.htm - 32k

Total (16 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary,
for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty ...
/t/total.htm - 11k

Per (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary,
for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty ...
/p/per.htm - 7k

Baalperazim (2 Occurrences)
... The exact site is unknown, but if the Vale of Rephaim is el Beka`a, the open valley
between Jerusalem and Mar Elias, then Baal-perazim would probably be the ...
/b/baalperazim.htm - 8k

Beirut
Beirut. Beings, Beirut. Beka . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEIRUT.
ba'-root'. See BERYTUS. Beings, Beirut. Beka . Reference Bible.
/b/beirut.htm - 6k

Baal-perazim (2 Occurrences)
... The exact site is unknown, but if the Vale of Rephaim is el Beka`a, the open valley
between Jerusalem and Mar Elias, then Baal-perazim would probably be the ...
/b/baal-perazim.htm - 8k

Baalsamus
... The exact site is unknown, but if the Vale of Rephaim is el Beka`a, the open valley
between Jerusalem and Mar Elias, then Baal-perazim would probably be the ...
/b/baalsamus.htm - 7k

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