Topical Encyclopedia The "talent of silver" is a significant unit of currency and weight mentioned in the Bible, reflecting the economic and social structures of ancient times. The term "talent" itself is derived from the Greek word "talanton," which originally referred to a balance or a weight. In the context of the Bible, a talent of silver was a substantial amount of money, often used to denote wealth, tribute, or the cost of goods and services.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 38:25-27 · In the construction of the Tabernacle, the Israelites contributed silver as part of their offerings. The passage states: "The silver obtained from those of the congregation who were recorded totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. A beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to the registered group, 603,550 men. The 100 talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the curtain; 100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base." 2. 1 Kings 20:39 · The talent of silver is mentioned in a parable used by a prophet to confront King Ahab. The prophet, disguised as a soldier, tells the king: "As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, 'Your servant went into the thick of the battle, and someone came over and brought me a man, saying, "Guard this man. If he is missing, it will be your life for his life, or you must pay a talent of silver."'" 3. 2 Kings 5:22-23 · Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, deceitfully acquires silver from Naaman, the Aramean commander. The text reads: "And Gehazi said, 'My master has sent me to say, "Just now two young men from the company of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing."' 'By all means, take two talents,' said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi." Cultural and Economic Context: In the ancient Near East, a talent was a large unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms. The value of a talent of silver would have been immense, often representing the wages of a laborer for many years. This substantial value underscores the significance of the transactions and narratives in which talents of silver are mentioned. The use of talents in the Bible often highlights themes of stewardship, responsibility, and the moral implications of wealth. The parable of the talents in the New Testament, though referring to a different context, echoes these themes by emphasizing the importance of using one's resources wisely and faithfully. Theological Implications: The mention of talents of silver in the Bible serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of wealth and the importance of using material resources in a manner that honors God. The narratives involving talents of silver often illustrate the consequences of greed, deceit, and the misuse of wealth, as well as the blessings of generosity and faithful stewardship. In summary, the talent of silver in the Bible is more than a mere unit of currency; it is a symbol of the broader spiritual and ethical teachings regarding wealth and responsibility. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 16:24And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 5:22,23 Library Naaman The Power of Little Things. The Danger of Riches The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. Letter xiv. To Heliodorus, Monk. How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called... The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Book 9 Footnotes The Iranian Conquest Resources Why is the love of money the root of all kinds of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is miracle money, and is it biblical to seek it? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about saving money? | GotQuestions.org Money: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Money Changers: General Scriptures Concerning Money of the Jews Regulated by the Standard of Sanctuary Money of the Romans, Stamped With the Image of Caesar Money was Current With the Merchants Money was Given for Merchandise Money was Given: Custom of Presenting a Piece of Money was Given: Love of, the Root of all Evil Money was Given: Power and Usefulness of Money: Brass Introduced As, by the Romans Money: Gold and Silver Used As Money: Jews Forbidden to Take Usury For Money: Love of, the Root of Evil Money: Originally Stamped With the Image of a Lamb Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Farthing Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Fourth of a Shekel Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Gerah the Twentieth of a Shekel Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Half Shekel or Bekah Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Mite Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Penny Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Pound Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Shekel of Silver Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Talent of Gold Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Talent of Silver Money: Pieces of Mentioned: Third of a Shekel Money: Usually Taken by Weight Money: Value of, Varied Corruptly Related Terms Money-changers (5 Occurrences) Redemption-money (3 Occurrences) |
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