Topical Encyclopedia The half shekel, also known as the bekah, is a unit of weight and currency mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of the ancient Israelite economy and religious practices. The term "bekah" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "to divide," indicating its value as half of a shekel. The half shekel played a significant role in the religious and societal life of the Israelites, particularly in the context of the census and the maintenance of the tabernacle.Biblical References: 1. 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." This passage outlines the requirement for every Israelite male, twenty years and older, to contribute a half shekel as a form of atonement money during the census. This offering was used for the service of the tabernacle, ensuring that the community's spiritual center was maintained. 2. Exodus 38:26 : "a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years old or older who had crossed over to be counted, 603,550 men." This verse reiterates the use of the half shekel in the census, emphasizing its role in the communal responsibility of supporting the tabernacle. Historical and Cultural Context: The half shekel was part of the broader shekel system, which was a standard of weight and currency in the ancient Near East. The sanctuary shekel, mentioned in the biblical texts, was a specific standard used for religious purposes, ensuring uniformity and fairness in offerings and transactions related to the tabernacle and later the temple. The bekah's role in the census offering highlights the theological principle of equality before God. Every man, regardless of wealth or status, was required to give the same amount, symbolizing equal participation in the covenant community and shared responsibility for the nation's spiritual life. Religious Significance: The half shekel offering served as a tangible expression of devotion and obedience to God. It was a reminder of the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and their ongoing relationship with the LORD. The bekah was not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act, reinforcing the communal and covenantal aspects of Israelite worship. In the New Testament, the concept of the temple tax, which was based on the half shekel, is referenced in Matthew 17:24-27, where Jesus instructs Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the tax for both of them. This incident underscores the continuity of the half shekel's significance in Jewish religious practice and its fulfillment in the person and work of Christ. Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological findings, including weights and coins from the ancient Near East, provide insight into the use and standardization of the shekel and its subdivisions, such as the bekah. These discoveries corroborate the biblical descriptions and enhance our understanding of the economic and religious life of ancient Israel. In summary, the half shekel or bekah is a significant biblical unit of currency that reflects the theological, societal, and economic dimensions of ancient Israelite life. Its role in the census and temple offerings underscores the principles of equality, responsibility, and devotion within the covenant community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:15The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering to the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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) |