Topical Bible: Money was Given for Lands

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the exchange of money for land was a common practice, reflecting the economic and social structures of ancient societies. The Bible provides several instances where money was used to purchase land, highlighting the importance of property ownership and the legal transactions involved.

Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah

One of the earliest recorded transactions involving money for land is found in Genesis 23. Abraham sought to purchase a burial site for his wife, Sarah, from the Hittites. He insisted on paying the full price for the land, despite the Hittites' initial offer to give it to him for free. Abraham's insistence on a formal transaction underscores the significance of legal ownership. Genesis 23:16 states, "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants."

Jeremiah's Redemption of Family Land

In Jeremiah 32, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to purchase a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel. This transaction occurs during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, symbolizing hope and the future restoration of Israel. Jeremiah 32:9 records, "So I bought the field at Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver." This act of redemption was a legal transaction, complete with witnesses and a sealed deed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family inheritance and land rights.

The Field of Blood

In the New Testament, the purchase of the "Field of Blood" is a significant event related to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. After Judas returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, they used the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. Matthew 27:7 states, "So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners." This transaction fulfilled the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah, highlighting the intertwining of divine prophecy and human actions.

Theological Implications

The transactions involving money for land in the Bible often carry deeper theological implications. They reflect themes of covenant, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The purchase of land by Abraham and Jeremiah signifies faith in God's promises and the assurance of future blessings. These transactions also underscore the importance of legal and ethical dealings in the eyes of God, as seen in the insistence on proper payment and documentation.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, land ownership was a crucial aspect of social and economic life. Land was not only a source of sustenance but also a symbol of stability and identity. The use of money in these transactions indicates the presence of a developed economic system where silver and other forms of currency were used as a medium of exchange. The Bible's accounts of land purchases provide valuable insights into the legal practices and societal norms of the time.

Overall, the biblical narratives involving money given for lands reveal the multifaceted nature of property transactions, encompassing legal, social, and spiritual dimensions. These accounts continue to offer lessons on integrity, faith, and the enduring significance of land in God's redemptive plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 23:9
That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a burial plot among you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 4:37
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Teen Boy and Missions
... or yellow people"who can never amount to anything, unless money be given to put ... The
non-christians of other lands, like the non-christians of North America ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvi the teen boy and.htm

The Use of Money
... increase of his lands, and perhaps the lands and houses ... relates to the use of that
great talent, money. ... all the understanding which God has given you; " save ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 50 the use of.htm

Three Great Groups.
... in India and in other foreign lands farthest removed from us, have awakened a like
response in our hearts. Great sums have been given in money and supplies to ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/three great groups.htm

The Revised Missionary Motto.
... Men of long service in far-away lands stood with those of the home ... The number of
men out in various fields, the amount of money being given annually by ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the revised missionary motto.htm

Foreign Exchange.
... But how about some other strange lands to which folks go ... be, and not few in numbers,
who have given of their ... in business pursuits to the making of money, as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/foreign exchange.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Of which lands Joseph gat all the money for selling of ... not from thee our lord that
our money is failed ... the land longing to the priests, which was given to them ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Generosity of the Early Christians
... was in want, for those who owned lands or houses sold them and brought the money
that came from the sale to the apostles. The money was then given to whoever ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the generosity of the early.htm

Index.
... as to Church Goods, 92, 94. " of money once passed, cannot be controverted, except
for fraud, 92. ... Lands, given to the use of the Church, 79, &c. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prideaux/directions to church-wardens/index 2.htm

A Rebuke against Extortion
... which justly belonged to him, but had given liberally to ... this iniquitous work; to
restore the lands of the poor, and also the increase of money which they ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... need was as great in the land of Canaan, where Jacob lived, as in other lands. ... He
called out to his brothers: "See, here is my money given again to me!" And ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm