Ephah

The term "Ephah" in the Bible refers to an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure, primarily used for grains and other dry commodities. The ephah is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, serving as a standard measure in trade and offerings. It is equivalent to approximately 22 liters or about 0.6 bushels. The ephah is one-tenth of a homer, another biblical unit of measure.

In the context of biblical law and worship, the ephah is significant. For instance, in Leviticus 19:36, God commands the Israelites to use honest scales and measures, including the ephah: "You must maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This command underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in economic transactions, reflecting God's concern for justice and righteousness.

The ephah is also mentioned in the context of offerings. In the sacrificial system, specific amounts of flour, measured by the ephah, were required for various offerings. For example, in Numbers 28:5, the daily grain offering is described: "along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with a quarter hin of beaten oil." This precise measurement ensured that the offerings were made according to God's instructions, symbolizing obedience and devotion.

Bath

The "Bath" is a biblical unit of liquid measure, used primarily for oil and wine. It is equivalent to approximately 22 liters or about 5.8 gallons. Like the ephah, the bath is one-tenth of a homer, indicating a standardized system of measurement in ancient Israel.

The bath is mentioned in various contexts, including trade and offerings. In 1 Kings 7:26, the construction of Solomon's Temple includes a description of the "Sea," a large basin used for ceremonial washing: "It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths." This reference highlights the bath as a significant measure in the grandeur and detailed planning of the Temple, reflecting the importance of purity and preparation in worship.

In Ezekiel 45:14, the bath is used in the context of offerings: "The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (which is ten baths or one homer, for ten baths are one homer)." This passage illustrates the precision required in offerings, emphasizing the need for exactness in following God's commands.

Both the ephah and the bath are integral to understanding the daily life, worship, and economic practices of ancient Israel. They reflect a society deeply rooted in the principles of fairness, obedience, and reverence for God's laws.