Topical Bible: Measures: The Jews often Used Unjust

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In biblical times, the use of measures was integral to daily life, encompassing trade, agriculture, and various economic activities. However, the Scriptures frequently address the issue of unjust measures, highlighting a recurring problem among the Israelites and offering divine instruction on maintaining integrity and fairness.

Biblical Condemnation of Unjust Measures

The Bible explicitly condemns the use of dishonest measures, viewing them as an abomination to the Lord. In the book of Proverbs, it is written, "Differing weights and unequal measures—both are detestable to the LORD" (Proverbs 20:10). This verse underscores the moral and spiritual implications of using deceitful practices in commerce and trade.

The prophet Micah also speaks against the use of unjust measures, reflecting the societal corruption of his time: "Can I excuse dishonest scales or bags of false weights?" (Micah 6:11). This rhetorical question implies a clear divine disapproval of such practices, emphasizing that God cannot condone deceit and injustice.

Historical Context and Practices

In ancient Israel, measures were used in various forms, including weights, lengths, and volumes. Common units included the ephah for dry goods and the bath for liquids. The integrity of these measures was crucial for fair trade and economic justice. However, the temptation to manipulate these measures for personal gain was prevalent, leading to widespread corruption.

The Law of Moses provided specific instructions to ensure fairness in measurements. Leviticus 19:35-36 commands, "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This directive not only establishes a standard for ethical behavior but also ties obedience to the identity and deliverance of the Israelites by God.

Prophetic Rebuke and Call to Repentance

The prophets frequently rebuked the Israelites for their unjust practices, calling them to repentance and a return to righteousness. Amos, known for his strong social justice message, declared, "Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? We can reduce the ephah, increase the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales'" (Amos 8:4-5). This passage highlights the exploitation of the vulnerable through deceitful measures, a practice that was rampant and condemned by God.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The use of unjust measures is not merely a matter of economic injustice but also a reflection of one's relationship with God. The consistent biblical message is that integrity in business and daily life is a reflection of one's faithfulness to God. The prophet Isaiah warns, "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them" (Isaiah 1:23). This indictment connects the use of unjust measures with broader societal corruption and a failure to uphold God's standards of justice and righteousness.

In summary, the Bible's treatment of unjust measures serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. The repeated divine injunctions against such practices reflect God's desire for His people to live in a manner that honors Him and promotes justice and equity among all.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 6:10
Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... in mind, since the dry and the fluid measures were precisely ... The materials on which
the Jews wrote were of the most ... that they were not, as so often, written on ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ...
... by avoiding to swear falsely, and to swear often and in ... explain to us the nature
of the measures of this ... Nazarite, but such a one as religious Jews used to make ...
/.../chapter 22 the jews make.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Jews, [485]256; "raising up seed to brother," [486]256; used by St ... New Testament
given to all (the wet floor) except Jews (the dry fleece): often spoken of ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3
... two things resulted: both the rage of those (Jews) was quenched ... the contrary, it
left them to take their measures upon human ... And often he asks for their prayers ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxvii acts xvii 1.htm

Howe -- the Redeemer's Tears Over Lost Souls
... Happy Jews, if they had understood their own happiness! ... We lament often, very heartily,
many a sad case ... they be understood according to human measures, as they ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/howe the redeemers tears.htm

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth (Preached at the Chapel ...
... cosmogonies, their petty systems of doctrine, as measures of the ... of them does it
remind the Jews, but of ... the first hearing, or rather, too often, without any ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon vi the shaking of.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... with men, there do frequently often occur occasions ... imposed anciently even upon the
Jews; much more ... notable integrity, endued with special measures of Divine ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

The Spirit not Striving Always.
... the manner, but the matter; not the measures, but the ... We are often greatly shocked
with the bold and daring ... You may see this developed in the Jews of Stephen's ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvi the spirit not striving.htm

Duty and Superstition
... Jews might not use false weights and measures, or adulterate ... Moses to make a nation
of the Jews; who is ... God's Spirit from their parents; but I often think that ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vii duty and superstition.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... of his Coffer: which shews what false measures we are ... noted piety, and the authority
of his Person often leads them ... Paul tells us that the other Jews, and even ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm