An informational overview of stone weights used for commerce in biblical times.
Biblical Context
The Bible repeatedly condemns dishonest weights and affirms God’s concern for economic justice.
Tools of Fair Commerce
Merchants used stone weights with balance scales to measure grain, silver, and goods. Standardized weights ensured honest transactions in markets and city gates.
Archaeological Evidence
Hundreds of inscribed weights shekel, beka, gerah have been found in Jerusalem, Lachish, and Samaria. Many bear paleo-Hebrew inscriptions confirming biblical units of measurement.
Bible Verses About Measuring Weights: Standards of Honest Trade
Proverbs 11:1 – A false balance is abomination.
Deuteronomy 25:15 – A perfect and just weight.
Micah 6:11 – Shall I count them pure with wicked balances?
Leviticus 19:36 – Just balances, just weights.
Ezekiel 45:10 – Ye shall have just balances.
Other Bible History and Items
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Bronze Mirrors: Reflections of the Ancient Near East Biblical Archaeology Devotional
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Sling Stones: Weapons of Shepherds and Soldiers Fast Devotional