You shall not have two differing weights in your bag, one heavy and one light. You shall not haveThis phrase is a direct command, emphasizing the moral imperative. The Hebrew root here is "לא יהיה" (lo yihyeh), which translates to "shall not be." This is a strong prohibition, indicating that the action is not merely discouraged but forbidden. In the context of the ancient Israelite community, this command underscores the importance of integrity and honesty in daily life, reflecting God's character as just and fair. two differing weights
The Hebrew term for "weights" is "אבן" (eben), which literally means "stone." In ancient times, stones were commonly used as weights in trade. The phrase "differing weights" refers to the practice of using one set of weights for buying and another for selling, a deceitful practice that exploits others for personal gain. This commandment is a call to ethical business practices, ensuring fairness and justice in economic transactions. in your bag
The "bag" (Hebrew: "כיס" - kis) refers to the pouch or container where weights were kept. This imagery suggests that the command is not just about public actions but also about private integrity. The bag symbolizes one's personal and professional dealings, highlighting that God’s standards apply both in public and in private life. It is a reminder that God sees all actions, even those hidden from human eyes. one heavy and one light
This phrase illustrates the specific deceit of using a heavier weight for buying and a lighter one for selling. The Hebrew words "גדול" (gadol) for "heavy" and "קטן" (qaton) for "light" emphasize the deliberate manipulation involved in such practices. This commandment reflects the broader biblical principle of honesty and fairness, as seen in Proverbs 11:1, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." It calls believers to reflect God's justice in their interactions, promoting trust and righteousness in the community. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe audience receiving the law, God's chosen people, preparing to enter the Promised Land. 3. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, where the Israelites are heading, a place where they are to establish a society based on God's laws. 4. Merchants and TradersIndividuals who would be directly affected by the commandment against dishonest weights, as they engage in commerce. 5. God's CovenantThe overarching agreement between God and Israel, which includes living by His statutes and commands. Teaching Points Integrity in BusinessGod calls His people to be honest in all their dealings, reflecting His character of truth and justice. Social JusticeFairness in commerce is not just a personal virtue but a societal necessity, ensuring that all members of the community are treated equitably. Reflecting God's CharacterAs God's representatives, Christians are to embody His standards of righteousness, including honesty in financial matters. Trust in God's ProvisionRelying on deceitful practices indicates a lack of trust in God's ability to provide. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's provision through honest work. Witness to the WorldBy maintaining integrity, Christians serve as a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of living according to God's Word. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command against differing weights relate to the broader theme of justice in the Bible? 2. In what ways can modern Christians apply the principle of honest weights in their personal and professional lives? 3. How does maintaining integrity in business dealings serve as a witness to non-believers? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure fairness and honesty in your financial transactions? 5. How do the teachings in Deuteronomy 25:13 connect with Jesus' teachings on treating others as you would like to be treated? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:35-36Reinforces the command against dishonest weights and measures, emphasizing fairness and integrity in business. Proverbs 11:1Highlights that dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but accurate weights are His delight. Micah 6:11Condemns those who use dishonest scales, linking it to broader themes of justice and righteousness. Amos 8:5Criticizes those who exploit the poor through deceitful measures, showing the social impact of such practices. Luke 6:31The Golden Rule, which can be applied to business ethics, encouraging fair treatment of others. People Amalek, Amalekites, Ephah, MosesPlaces Amalek, Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Bag, Different, Differing, Divers, Diverse, Hast, Heavy, Kinds, Large, Stone, WeightsDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 25:13 5634 work, and the fall
6147 deceit, practice Deuteronomy 25:13-16 5242 buying and selling
5253 cheating
5318 fraud
5587 trade
5614 weights and measures, laws
8275 honesty
8354 trustworthiness
8711 covenant breakers
8715 dishonesty, and God
8716 dishonesty, examples Library Therefore at that Time, when the Law Also...
27. Therefore at that time, when the Law also, following upon the days of the Patriarchs, [2010] pronounced accursed, whoso raised not up seed in Israel, even he, who could, put it not forth, but yet possessed it. But from the period that the fullness of time hath come, [2011] that it should be said, "Whoso can receive, let him receive," [2012] from that period even unto this present, and from henceforth even unto the end, whoso hath, worketh: whoso shall be unwilling to work, let him not falsely …
St. Augustine—On the Good of MarriageThe Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
"But the Righteousness which is of Faith speaketh on this wise,--Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into Heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth; and in thine heart:' that is, the word of Faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from …
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation Nor, Because I Called Ruth Blessed, Anna More Blessed...
10. Nor, because I called Ruth blessed, Anna more blessed, in that the former married twice, the latter, being soon widowed of her one husband, so lived long, do you straightway also think that you are better than Ruth. Forsooth different in the times of the Prophets was the dispensation of holy females, whom obedience, not lust, forced to marry, for the propagation of the people of God, [2242] that in them Prophets of Christ might be sent beforehand; whereas the People itself also, by those things …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood. Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Of those who are Able to Profit Others by virtuous Example in Supreme Rule, but Fly from it in Pursuit of their Own Ease.
For there are some who are eminently endowed with virtues, and for the training of others are exalted by great gifts, who are pure in zeal for chastity, strong in the might of abstinence, filled with the feasts of doctrine, humble in the long-suffering of patience, erect in the fortitude of authority, tender in the grace of loving-kindness, strict in the severity of justice. Truly such as these, if when called they refuse to undertake offices of supreme rule, for the most part deprive themselves …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
^A Matt. I. 1-17. ^a 1 The book of the generation [or genealogy] of Jesus Christ, the son of David [the Messiah was promised to David--II. Sam. vii. 16; John vii. 42], the son of Abraham. [Messiah was also promised to Abraham--Gen. xxii. 18; Gal. iii. 16.] 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren [mentioned here because they were the heads of the tribes for whom especially Matthew wrote his Gospel]; 3 and Judah begat Perez and Zerah [these two were twins] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
(Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision B. Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection. ^A Matt. XXII. 23-33; ^B Mark XII. 18-27; ^C Luke XX. 27-39. ^a 23 On that day there came { ^b come} unto him ^c certain of the the Sadducees, they that { ^b who} say there is no resurrection [As to the Sadducees, see p. 71. We may regard their attitude toward Christ as expressed by their leader Caiaphas, see p. 528]; and they asked him, saying, 19 Teacher, Moses wrote unto us [See Deut. xxv. 5, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Preaching (iii. ).
Eternal Fulness, overflow to me Till I, Thy vessel, overflow for Thee; For sure the streams that make Thy garden grow Are never fed but by an overflow: Not till Thy prophets with Thyself run o'er Are Israel's watercourses full once more. Again I treat of the sermon. We have looked, my younger Brother and I, at some main secrets and prescriptions for attractive preaching. What shall I more say on the subject of the pulpit? In the first place I will offer a few miscellaneous suggestions, and then …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 25:13 NIVDeuteronomy 25:13 NLTDeuteronomy 25:13 ESVDeuteronomy 25:13 NASBDeuteronomy 25:13 KJV
Deuteronomy 25:13 Commentaries
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