By Sanctuary Shekel בְּשֶֽׁקֶל־הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ

We are in chapter five of Leviticus with our word for today which is a phrase. בְּשֶֽׁקֶל־הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary, by the shekel of the sanctuary. It is used 25 times in the Old Testament. Our phrase is first used in the context of the census in the sense of explaining what is due as an offering to YWHW. Exodus 30:13 Each one who is numbered in the census shall give this: half a shekel בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs). We also find our phrase used in regards to how the tabernacle worship was originally furnished (Exodus 30:23-24). We find our phrase used in determining the amount given when taking vows. Leviticus 27:2-3 Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, If anyone makes a special vow to the Lord involving the valuation of persons, then the valuation of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver, בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary. We see our phrase used in regard to the year of jubilee. Leviticus 27:24-25 In the year of jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, to whom the land belongs as a possession. Every valuation shall be בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall make a shekel. Our phrase is used in the context of the redemption of the first born. (Numbers 3:46-50; Numbers 18:16). Our phrase is used the most when the temple was consecrated in that each of the twelve tribes are listed with their gift and its valuation. Here is a summary of all the offerings. Numbers 7:84-85 This was the dedication offering for the altar on the day when it was anointed, from the chiefs of Israel: … all the silver of the vessels 2,400 shekels בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary, the twelve golden dishes, full of incense, weighing 10 shekels apiece בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary. This leads us to our chapter today. Notice that in all of our uses our phrase is used as a standard of price. Leviticus 5:14-15 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone commits a breach of faith and sins unintentionally in any of the holy things of the Lord, he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation, a ram without blemish out of the flock, valued in silver shekels, בְּשֶֽׁקֶל־הַקֹּ֖דֶשׁ according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering. This was the cost of the sacrifice that was to be given for the guilt offering. This standard was a specific cost that everyone knew and expected. This reminds us of the true cost of our sin that had to be paid so that we could be free from the consequences of life separated from God. I’ll close with these great reminders of what it cost God to save us. Isaiah 53:5-6, 10, 12 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. … Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt … he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.