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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | First evidence of currency used? | Gen 23:16 | Lionstrong | 8852 | ||
Greetings, Nolan: Bible trivia? OK, would it be Gen. 23:16 where Abraham buys a burial place for his wife from Ephron of the sons of Heth? An interesting note is that apparently the use of currency was already well established in Abraham's day. Abraham's payment was according to the "commercial standard." On a weightier side I thinks this has implications on one's philosophy of economics. This is an example of free trade without apparent government intervention, control or interference. |
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2 | First evidence of currency used? | Gen 23:16 | Makarios | 8856 | ||
Greetings, Lionstrong. I for one have done exceptionally well in the realm of Bible trivia, but I had a legitimate question here. It is interesting that Genesis 23:16 is the first known exchange of currency that we have in the Bible, and as Lionstrong pointed out, they used an 'already well established' rule of currency, based on something called a 'commercial standard.' It is interesting to note that Ephron in this passage was constrained by the Hittite feudal policy, which tied ownership of land with service to the ruler. Passing ownership to Abraham would also pass feudal responsibilities, making him liable for all taxes and duties. Ephron was apparently anxious to give the land away, offering it to Abraham. Precious metals were not made into coins for exchange until centuries later. Merchants maintained the shekel as the standard weight of value for business transactions. A shekel weighed less than one half ounce. Abraham could have received the property without cost, but he agreed to pay the agreed upon amount since this would avoid any question of ownership at a later date. Abraham had to purchase not only the field and the cave, but also the trees (and he was also responsible for the maintenance of those trees). The only land Abraham ever really possessed was a burial spot for his wife. The answer to this question is the use of the shekel as the first recorded use of currency in the Bible. I was curious to know if anyone had any further information about the use of currency and the Israelites... Blessings, Nolan |
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3 | First evidence of currency used? | Gen 23:16 | Lionstrong | 8860 | ||
Good day, Nolan, The Bible does not say, as far as I know, that the Canaanite system was feudal. Israel's system wasn't feudal when they had a monarchy, at least. An extra-biblical source may or may not be true. At any rate, from the biblical context of this exchange no feudal system can be deduced. Be that as it may, I don't think that Ephron was anxious to give the land away. I think that by this time Abraham had gained the respect (and fear maybe) of the locals. He was wealthy and productive; maybe known as a prophet of the Almighty (20:7) and able to effectively command and army against the combined armies of five local despots. I think their offer of the land as a gift was out of their genuine high regard for the "friend of God." I don't think they were blowing smoke when they said, "Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves." |
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4 | First evidence of currency used? | Gen 23:16 | Makarios | 8863 | ||
Good day, Lionstrong! No, in the text of Genesis, the Bible does not state that the Canaanite system was feudal. That is based upon archaeological evidence that is now known to us, which explains why the commentary in MacArthur's NKJV Study Bible explains it in that way. :) So if you'd like to argue with MacArthur, then that is fine with me. I do not think that they were 'blowing smoke' either, and I appreciate your views concerning this passage. But tell me: do you have any information on the original question? Good day, Nolan |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Gen 23:16 | Author | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Lionstrong | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Lionstrong | ||
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Makarios |