The term "Bekah" refers to an ancient Hebrew unit of weight and currency mentioned in the Old Testament. It is specifically noted in the context of the contributions made for the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle, as well as in the census tax required of the Israelites.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 38:26 : "a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years old or more who had crossed over to the registered group, 603,550 men." This passage describes the census tax that was collected from every Israelite male aged twenty and above. The bekah, being half a shekel, was the amount each person was required to contribute. This tax was used for the service of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the communal responsibility of the Israelites in supporting their place of worship.

2. Exodus 30:13 : "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." Here, the bekah is again identified as half a shekel, underscoring its role as a standard measure in the sanctuary shekel system. The offering was a means of atonement for the people, symbolizing their dedication and obedience to God's commandments.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The bekah, as a unit of weight, was equivalent to approximately 6 grams or 0.21 ounces. It was part of the larger system of weights and measures used in ancient Israel, which included the gerah, shekel, and talent. The sanctuary shekel, which the bekah was a part of, was a standard used in religious contexts, ensuring uniformity in offerings and contributions.

The use of the bekah in the census tax highlights the importance of equal participation among the Israelites in the religious and communal life of the nation. Each individual's contribution, regardless of personal wealth, was the same, symbolizing equality before God and a shared commitment to the covenant community.

Theological Significance:

The bekah, as a half-shekel offering, carries theological implications of atonement and dedication. The requirement for every male to contribute a bekah underscores the principle that each person is accountable to God and has a role in the spiritual and communal life of Israel. This offering served as a reminder of God's provision and the people's dependence on Him.

Furthermore, the bekah's role in the construction and maintenance of the Tabernacle signifies the importance of collective worship and the centrality of God's presence among His people. The Tabernacle was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of God's covenant relationship with Israel, and the bekah was a tangible expression of the people's commitment to that relationship.

In summary, the bekah represents more than just a unit of currency; it embodies the principles of equality, responsibility, and devotion within the covenant community of Israel. Its mention in the Scriptures serves as a reminder of the enduring values of faithfulness and communal worship in the life of God's people.Bekah

half a shekel

Bekah

[WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AND MEASURES]

Bekah

A half-shekel; in weight, five pennyweights; in money, about twenty- five cents. This sum each Israelite over twenty years old was to pay as a poll tax for the temple service, Exodus 30:13.

Both the name and its explanation, "a half shekel," are given in Exodus 38:26. The word properly means a "division," a "part." (R.V., "beka.") (n.) Half a shekel.1235. beqa -- half
... bekah, half a shekel. From baqa'; a section (half) of a shekel, ie A beka (a weight
and a coin) -- bekah, half a shekel. see HEBREW baqa'. 1234, 1235. ...
/hebrew/1235.htm - 6kBekah (1 Occurrence)
... The word properly means a "division," a "part." (RV, "beka."). Noah Webster's
Dictionary. (n.) Half a shekel. Multi-Version Concordance Bekah (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bekah.htm - 7k

Beka (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 24:22 And it cometh to pass when the camels have finished drinking, that
the man taketh a golden ring (whose weight 'is' a bekah), and two bracelets ...
/b/beka.htm - 7k

Bekahs (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 24:22 And it cometh to pass when the camels have finished drinking, that
the man taketh a golden ring (whose weight 'is' a bekah), and two bracelets ...
/b/bekahs.htm - 6k

Weights (14 Occurrences)
... It was the twentieth part of a shekel, and equal to 12 grains. (2.) Bekah (Exodus
38:26), meaning "a half" ie, "half a shekel," equal to 5 pennyweight. ...
/w/weights.htm - 21k

Finished (157 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:22 And it cometh to pass when the camels have finished drinking, that
the man taketh a golden ring (whose weight 'is' a bekah), and two bracelets ...
/f/finished.htm - 36k

Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:22 And it cometh to pass when the camels have finished drinking, that
the man taketh a golden ring (whose weight 'is' a bekah), and two bracelets ...
/t/taketh.htm - 35k

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