Topical Bible: Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Shekel of Silver

◄ Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Shekel of Silver ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The shekel of silver is one of the most frequently mentioned units of currency in the Bible, serving as a standard measure of weight and value in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The term "shekel" is derived from the Hebrew word "שֶׁקֶל" (sheqel), which means "weight." In biblical times, the shekel was not only a unit of currency but also a measure of weight, approximately equivalent to 11.4 grams or 0.4 ounces.

Historical Context

The shekel of silver was used extensively throughout the ancient Near East, including in trade, temple offerings, and legal transactions. It was a common standard in the economies of Israel, Canaan, and neighboring nations. The use of silver as a medium of exchange is well-documented in archaeological findings, with silver pieces often weighed to determine their value.

Biblical References

The shekel of silver is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in both religious and secular life. One of the earliest references is found in Genesis 23:15-16, where Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah: "Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead." Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out the silver for him, as agreed in the hearing of the Hittites—four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchant standard.

In Exodus 30:13, the shekel is used as a standard for the atonement money required from each Israelite: "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."

The shekel also appears in legal contexts, such as in Leviticus 27:3, where it is used to determine the value of a person dedicated to the Lord: "If the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel."

Religious Significance

The shekel of silver held significant religious importance, particularly in the context of offerings and temple service. It was used in the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In 2 Kings 12:4-5, King Jehoash commands the priests to collect all the money brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the LORD—the money collected in the census, the money received from personal vows, and the money brought voluntarily to the temple.

Economic and Social Implications

The shekel of silver was a critical component of the ancient economy, facilitating trade and commerce. It was a measure of wealth and a means of exchange, reflecting the economic practices of the time. The use of silver shekels in transactions underscores the interconnectedness of economic, social, and religious life in biblical times.

Conclusion

The shekel of silver, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a testament to the economic practices and religious observances of ancient Israel. Its frequent mention in Scripture highlights its integral role in the daily life and spiritual practices of the people, providing insight into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 17:10
And Micah said to him, Dwell with me, and be to me a father and a priest, and I will give you ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and your victuals. So the Levite went in.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 15:20
And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... certainty, why one-half was paid in money, and the ... denial of the connection of the
sum mentioned with Exodus ... Zechariah 11:12, where the thirty pieces of silver ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

Eighth Commandment
... mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind ... If you have not got the money
now to pay back ... of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... water, analogous to the streaming vase mentioned above ... of time; even if broken, the
pieces were still ... a trousseau, furniture, slaves, or ready money; the whole ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Badman's fraudulent dealings to get money,. ... of his relations, who must needs be broken
to pieces with such ... him then, some of which I have mentioned already; and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm