When I read the Bible, and come across measurements, I’m always curious about them.
I find it helpful to learn about them, that way when I read the Bible, I can imagine the size of what I’m reading about.
Image via WikipediaFor example, when the Bible tells about the manna the Israelites picked up by the omer-full, if you imagine taking a 2 quart pitcher outside and picking up little seeds, you can get a feel of what they went through. I think it would have taken quite a bit of time to pick up that much manna.
Here are a few of the most commonly used measurements mentioned in the Bible and their approximate equivalents:
shekel – .4 ounces – was also used as money
talent – 3,000 shekels – 75 pounds
handbreadth – 3 inches
span – 3 handbreadths – 9 inches
cubit – 18 inches
omer – 2 quarts
ephah – 10 omers – 20 quarts
hin – 1 gallon –
bath – 1 ephah – about 6 gallons
Here are a few websites if you want to learn more about the measurements in the Bible:
Weights and Measures
Bible Weights and Measures
Online Bible Dictionary Measurements
Hi Linda,
What a useful post! I came across this when you first posted but did not have a chance to comment at that time. I just came back for the link because I came across a blogger in need of the measurements – I left the link on her site – hopefully she will stop by!
Hugs
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com
Ramona left me the link to your post…so helpful! I'm reading the bible in 90 days and hate reading about all the different measurements because I don't understand them. Thanks for this post…it will be a big help!