“Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.”
This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Leviticus known as the “Holiness Code.” The Holiness Code contains a collection of laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites, guiding them on how to live a holy and righteous life before Him.
In Leviticus 19:36, God instructs the people of Israel to maintain fairness and integrity in their business dealings. Let’s break down the key elements of this verse:
Just balances: This refers to the scales used for weighing goods during commercial transactions. God commands the Israelites to use accurate and honest scales, ensuring fairness and honesty in their business practices. This instruction emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, discouraging any form of deception or dishonesty in business.
Just weights: Similar to just balances, just weights also pertain to the measurement of goods and commodities. It implies that the weights used should be accurate and in accordance with the standard set by God. The use of just weights ensures fairness and prevents fraud or cheating in commerce.
A just ephah: An “ephah” was a unit of measure for dry goods like grain or flour. God instructs the Israelites to use a fair and consistent measure when buying or selling such goods. This command reinforces the principle of fairness and honesty, urging the people to treat others justly and not to take advantage of them in commercial transactions.
A just hin: A “hin” was a unit of measure for liquid goods such as oil or wine. Similar to the just ephah, God commands the use of a fair and accurate measure for liquid commodities. This command ensures that the Israelites maintain integrity when trading in liquid goods, avoiding any form of manipulation or deceit.
God concludes this verse by reminding the Israelites that He is the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt. This reminder establishes the authority behind these commands and emphasizes that the Israelites should obey these instructions as a way to demonstrate their loyalty and gratitude to God for His deliverance.
While this verse specifically addresses business practices, it carries a broader message about the importance of honesty, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of life. It teaches us the value of treating others justly and respecting their rights, reflecting God’s character and His desire for His people to live in righteousness.
Though the specific regulations outlined in Leviticus were given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, the underlying principles of honesty and integrity remain applicable for believers today. We are called to conduct our business affairs and all areas of our lives with fairness, honesty, and integrity, demonstrating God’s character to the world around us.
