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NASB | Genesis 23:16 Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 23:16 So Abraham listened to Ephron [and agreed to his terms]; and he weighed out for Ephron the [amount of] silver which he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants. |
Subject: First evidence of currency used? |
Bible Note: 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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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 |