Exodus 30:13 - They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs); half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.
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What does "Exodus 30:13" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:13 describes the census tax that every Israelite male over the age of twenty was required to pay. Let's break down the different parts of the verse:
"They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted...": This introduces the obligation. It's a tax levied specifically on those being counted in a census. The phrase "passes over" likely refers to the act of being registered or counted in the census.
"...half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary...": This specifies the amount: half a shekel. Importantly, it emphasizes that this is based on the "shekel of the sanctuary," which was a standardized weight used for religious purposes. This ensured fair and consistent measurement, as weights could vary from region to region. It means the shekel being used was the official, temple-approved standard.
"...(the shekel is twenty gerahs)...": This clarifies the value of the shekel. A shekel was equivalent to twenty gerahs, a smaller unit of weight. This helps to further standardize the currency and provide a baseline for value.
"...half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.": This states the purpose of the tax: it's an "offering to Yahweh." This means the money was not simply a census fee, but a religious offering intended for use in the service of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple).
In essence, the verse describes a mandatory religious tax of half a sanctuary shekel to be paid by every Israelite male over twenty years old during a census. The funds were used for the upkeep and operations of the sanctuary (or later the Temple).
Significance and Interpretation:
Equality: The requirement of half a shekel for everyone, regardless of wealth, highlighted the equal value of each Israelite in the eyes of God. Everyone was equally responsible for supporting the sanctuary.
Atonement and Redemption: Some interpretations suggest the census itself could be dangerous, potentially bringing a plague or divine displeasure. The offering of the half-shekel served as a form of atonement and redemption for the people being counted. By contributing equally, they were symbolically participating in their own purification and seeking God's favor.
Supporting the Sanctuary: The primary purpose was to provide financial support for the operations of the sanctuary, including the purchase of sacrifices, maintenance of the building, and support for the priests.
National Unity: It served as a way to bind the Israelites together as a nation by contributing to a common religious purpose.
This passage is significant because it establishes a precedent for a national religious tax that continued throughout Israelite history, even into the time of Jesus.
Exodus 30:13 - They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs); half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.
What does "Exodus 30:13" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:13 describes the census tax that every Israelite male over the age of twenty was required to pay. Let's break down the different parts of the verse:
"They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted...": This introduces the obligation. It's a tax levied specifically on those being counted in a census. The phrase "passes over" likely refers to the act of being registered or counted in the census.
"...half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary...": This specifies the amount: half a shekel. Importantly, it emphasizes that this is based on the "shekel of the sanctuary," which was a standardized weight used for religious purposes. This ensured fair and consistent measurement, as weights could vary from region to region. It means the shekel being used was the official, temple-approved standard.
"...(the shekel is twenty gerahs)...": This clarifies the value of the shekel. A shekel was equivalent to twenty gerahs, a smaller unit of weight. This helps to further standardize the currency and provide a baseline for value.
"...half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.": This states the purpose of the tax: it's an "offering to Yahweh." This means the money was not simply a census fee, but a religious offering intended for use in the service of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple).
In essence, the verse describes a mandatory religious tax of half a sanctuary shekel to be paid by every Israelite male over twenty years old during a census. The funds were used for the upkeep and operations of the sanctuary (or later the Temple).
Significance and Interpretation:
Equality: The requirement of half a shekel for everyone, regardless of wealth, highlighted the equal value of each Israelite in the eyes of God. Everyone was equally responsible for supporting the sanctuary.
Atonement and Redemption: Some interpretations suggest the census itself could be dangerous, potentially bringing a plague or divine displeasure. The offering of the half-shekel served as a form of atonement and redemption for the people being counted. By contributing equally, they were symbolically participating in their own purification and seeking God's favor.
Supporting the Sanctuary: The primary purpose was to provide financial support for the operations of the sanctuary, including the purchase of sacrifices, maintenance of the building, and support for the priests.
National Unity: It served as a way to bind the Israelites together as a nation by contributing to a common religious purpose.
This passage is significant because it establishes a precedent for a national religious tax that continued throughout Israelite history, even into the time of Jesus.