Exodus 30:16 - You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.”
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What does "Exodus 30:16" mean?
This verse, Exodus 30:16, is a key part of the instructions given to Moses regarding the "atonement money," a census tax levied on the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel..." This refers to a specific tax levied on each male Israelite aged 20 years and older. It was not a wealth-based tax; every man paid the same amount, regardless of his income. This equal contribution signified equality before God.
"...and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting..." The money collected wasn't for general use or the personal enrichment of anyone. It was specifically designated for the operations and maintenance of the Tent of Meeting (later the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt). This included purchasing supplies, paying for labor, and maintaining the overall structure and rituals.
"...that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh..." This is a crucial part of the verse. The "atonement money" served as a memorial or reminder. A memorial does not change the past, but remembers it, and makes it relevant to the present. This money served to constantly remind the Israelites of their inclusion into the community of God.
"...to make atonement for your souls." The purpose of the atonement money was to make atonement for the souls of the people. The atonement here doesn't necessarily imply the people committed any specific sin, but rather acknowledges the people's natural state of being separate from God, and thus their need to be atoned to God.
In summary:
The atonement money, collected equally from all eligible Israelite men, was a physical reminder of their redemption and dedication to God. It was a continuous expression of their belonging to God's people, and their commitment to serving Him through the upkeep of the sanctuary. It served to provide atonement for the souls of the people.
Exodus 30:16 - You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.”
What does "Exodus 30:16" mean?
This verse, Exodus 30:16, is a key part of the instructions given to Moses regarding the "atonement money," a census tax levied on the Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel..." This refers to a specific tax levied on each male Israelite aged 20 years and older. It was not a wealth-based tax; every man paid the same amount, regardless of his income. This equal contribution signified equality before God.
"...and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting..." The money collected wasn't for general use or the personal enrichment of anyone. It was specifically designated for the operations and maintenance of the Tent of Meeting (later the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt). This included purchasing supplies, paying for labor, and maintaining the overall structure and rituals.
"...that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh..." This is a crucial part of the verse. The "atonement money" served as a memorial or reminder. A memorial does not change the past, but remembers it, and makes it relevant to the present. This money served to constantly remind the Israelites of their inclusion into the community of God.
"...to make atonement for your souls." The purpose of the atonement money was to make atonement for the souls of the people. The atonement here doesn't necessarily imply the people committed any specific sin, but rather acknowledges the people's natural state of being separate from God, and thus their need to be atoned to God.
In summary:
The atonement money, collected equally from all eligible Israelite men, was a physical reminder of their redemption and dedication to God. It was a continuous expression of their belonging to God's people, and their commitment to serving Him through the upkeep of the sanctuary. It served to provide atonement for the souls of the people.