Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the role of measurers was significant in various aspects of daily life, commerce, and religious practices. The act of measuring was not only a practical necessity but also held spiritual and ethical implications, as it was closely tied to justice, fairness, and integrity.
Biblical References and ContextThe concept of measuring is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of ensuring fairness and honesty. In
Leviticus 19:35-36 , God commands the Israelites: "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." This passage underscores the importance of integrity in measurements, reflecting God's desire for His people to act justly.
In the book of Proverbs, the theme of honest measurements is reiterated.
Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights the moral dimension of measuring, where accuracy and honesty are seen as virtues pleasing to God.
Measuring in Commerce and Daily LifeIn ancient Israel, measurers played a crucial role in commerce. Accurate measurements were essential for trade, ensuring that transactions were fair and equitable. The use of standardized weights and measures helped prevent fraud and exploitation, fostering trust within the community. The prophet Amos condemns those who manipulate measurements for personal gain, saying, "You who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land, saying... 'We will make the ephah small and the shekel large, and cheat with dishonest scales'" (
Amos 8:4-5).
Symbolic and Prophetic Use of MeasuringBeyond its practical applications, measuring also held symbolic significance in the Bible. In prophetic literature, measurements are often used to convey divine order and judgment. For instance, in Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, precise measurements are given to emphasize the perfection and holiness of God's dwelling place (Ezekiel 40-42). Similarly, in
Revelation 11:1 , John is instructed, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there." This act of measuring signifies God's authority and the establishment of His divine order.
Ethical ImplicationsThe biblical emphasis on honest measurements reflects broader ethical principles that are central to the Judeo-Christian worldview. The call for fairness, justice, and integrity in measurements is a reflection of God's character and His expectations for His people. As such, measurers were not merely performing a technical task but were upholding a divine standard of righteousness.
In summary, measurers in the Bible were integral to maintaining justice and fairness in society. Their role extended beyond the physical act of measuring to encompass ethical and spiritual dimensions, aligning with God's commands for honesty and integrity.
Library
Sometimes the Masses have Been Driven to Atheism by Science. ...
... These savans, geometers, physicians, arithmeticians, mathematicians, chemists,
astronomers,measurers of distances, calculators of numbers, have early acquired...
Of the Ark and the Deluge, and that we Cannot Agree with those who...
... Why, then, do thesemeasurers and weighers of the elements contend that earth can
be raised to those aerial altitudes, and that water cannot, while they admit...
To those who had Invited Him, and not Come to Receive Him.
... thing, who in nothing injure the Trinity, neither by preferring One Person above
another, nor by cutting off any: as those bad umpires andmeasurers of the...
Bardesan.
... which kings only can do; nor to steer a ship, which mariners only have the skill
to steer; nor to measure and divide land, which land-measurers only know how...
The Political Constitution of Egypt
... it was necessary to have an infinite variety of special agents and suitable places
to receive it; herdsmen and sheds for the oxen,measurers and granaries for...
Thesaurus
Measurers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Measurers (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 47:13 But your
mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them
...Measurements (20 Occurrences)
Watchers (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
Predictions (8 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
Guides (24 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
Worn (29 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
Befall (25 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
Measures (50 Occurrences)
Stars (64 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
Divide (71 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 47:13 But your mind is troubled by the number of your guides: let them now
come forward for your salvation: themeasurers of the heavens, the watchers...
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