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Leviticus 27:3
And thy estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old even unto sixty years old, even thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

to the shekel.

twenty

Exodus 30:13
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekelis twenty gerahs:) an half shekelshall be the offering of the LORD.

Numbers 3:47
Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou takethem: (the shekelis twenty gerahs:)

Numbers 18:16
And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, whichis twenty gerahs.

will be according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency used in the tabernacle and later the temple. It ensured uniformity and fairness in religious transactions. The use of the sanctuary shekel highlights the centrality of the tabernacle (and later the temple) in the religious life of Israel, serving as the focal point for worship and offerings. This standardization also points to the holiness and orderliness expected in the worship of God, as the sanctuary shekel was considered sacred and set apart for divine purposes.

twenty gerahs to the shekel
A gerah was a smaller unit of weight, and twenty gerahs made up one shekel. This specific measurement provided clarity and precision in the valuation process. The use of gerahs and shekels reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of using weights and measures in commerce and religious activities. This precision in measurement can be seen as a metaphor for the precision and exactness required in following God's laws. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of justice and fairness, as seen in passages likeProverbs 11:1, which emphasizes honest scales and weights.

“Every valuation…” (Leviticus 27:25) reminds us that all the assessments spelled out in this chapter—whether of people, animals, houses, or fields—are part of a sacred process.

•Leviticus 27:2-8 details how vows could be redeemed by paying a set price, showing that God provided an orderly way for His people to fulfill their promises.

• The principle echoes forward in passages likeNumbers 18:14-16, where firstborn redemption prices are fixed, underscoring consistency in dealing with holy matters.

• By including even seemingly minor dedications, the Lord stresses that nothing we pledge to Him is trivial; as1 Corinthians 10:31 teaches, everything is to be done “to the glory of God.”

“…will be according to the sanctuary shekel…” centers all redemptive payments on the standard kept in the tabernacle (and later the temple).

•Exodus 30:13 introduces this shekel when the atonement money is collected: “Each one who crosses over… is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel.”

• Using one official weight guards against inflation, favoritism, or regional variance—much like God’s call for “honest scales” inLeviticus 19:35-36 andProverbs 16:11.

• It also keeps worship God-centered. Every transaction passes through the priesthood, ensuring that devotion, not mere economics, drives the act (2 Chronicles 24:9-10).

“…twenty gerahs to the shekel.” God even supplies the conversion rate.

•Ezekiel 45:12 repeats the ratio, proving its lasting authority: “The shekel shall consist of twenty gerahs.”

• A gerah was the smallest measurable unit in ancient Israel, so stating the exact number prevents debate about worth—echoingDeuteronomy 25:13-15, where diverse weights are condemned.

• By locking in these specifics, the Lord secures fairness for the poorest and richest alike, reflecting His impartial character (Acts 10:34).

Leviticus 27:25 safeguards worship by ensuring every vow-related payment is:

1. Valued—nothing pledged to God is overlooked.

2. Standardized—measured by the sanctuary shekel, rooting all devotion in God’s own house.

3. Precise—twenty gerahs per shekel, eliminating confusion or corruption.

The verse teaches that fidelity in small financial details is integral to wholehearted devotion, inviting us to honor God with both our promises and our purses.