TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 25:13–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A law against deceitful weights and measures: they must not only not use them, but they must not have them, not have them in the bag, not have them in the house (Deu 25:13, Deu 25:14); for, if they had them, they would be strongly tempted to use them. They must not have a great weight and measure to buy by and a small one to sell by, for that was to cheat both ways, when either was bad enough; as we read of those that made the ephah small, in which they measured the corn they sold, and the shekel great, by which they weighed the money they received for it, Amo 8:5. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, v. 15. That which is the rule of justice must itself be just; if that be otherwise, it is a constant cheat. This had been taken care of before, Lev 19:35, Lev 19:36. This law is enforced with two very good reasons: - 1. That justice and equity will bring down upon us the blessing of God. The way to have our days lengthened, and to prosper, is to be just and fair in all our dealings Honesty is the best policy. 2. That fraud and injustice will expose us to the curse of God, Deu 25:16. Not only unrighteousness itself, but all that do unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord. And miserable is that man who is abhorred by his Maker. How hateful, particularly, all the arts of deceit are to God, Solomon several times observes, Pro 11:1; Pro 20:10, Pro 20:23; and the apostle tells us that the Lord is the avenger of all such as overreach and defraud in any matter, Th1 4:6.
II.A law for the rooting out of Amalek.
Here is a just weight and a just measure, that, as Amalek had measured to Israel, so it should be measure to Amalek again.
1.The mischief Amalek did to Israel must be here remembered, Deu 25:17, Deu 25:18. When it was first done it was ordered to be recorded (Exo 17:14-16), and here the remembrance of it is ordered to be preserved, not in personal revenge (for that generation which suffered by the Amalekites was gone, so that those who now lived, and their posterity, could not have any personal resentment of the injury), but in a zeal for the glory of God (which was insulted by the Amalekites), that throne of the Lord against which the hand of Amalek was stretched out. The carriage of the Amalekites towards Israel is here represented,
(1.)As very base and disingenuous. They had no occasion at all to quarrel with Israel, nor did they give them any notice, by a manifesto or declaration of war; but took them at an advantage, when they had just come out of the house of bondage, and, for aught that appeared to them, were only going to sacrifice to God in the wilderness.
(2.)As very barbarous and cruel; for they smote those that were more feeble, whom they should have succoured. The greatest cowards are commonly the most cruel; while those that have the courage of a man will have the compassion of a man.
(3.)As very impious and profane: they feared not God. If they had had any reverence for the majesty of the God of Israel, which they saw a token of in the cloud, or any dread of his wrath, which they lately heard of the power of over Pharaoh, they durst not have made this assault upon Israel. Well, here was the ground of the quarrel: and it shows how God takes what is done against his people as done against himself, and that he will particularly reckon with those that discourage and hinder young beginners in religion, that (as Satan's agents) set upon the weak and feeble, either to divert them or to disquiet them, and offend his little ones.
2.This mischief must in due time be revenged, Deu 25:19. When their wars were finished, by which they were to settle their kingdom and enlarge their coast, then they must make war upon Amalek (Deu 25:19), not merely to chase them, but to consume them, to blot out the remembrance of Amalek. It was an instance of God's patience that he deferred the vengeance so long, which should have led the Amalekites to repentance; yet an instance of fearful retribution that the posterity of Amalek, so long after, were destroyed for the mischief done by their ancestors to the Israel of God, that all the world might see, and say, that he who toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye. It was nearly 400 years after this that Saul was ordered to put this sentence in execution (1 Sa. 15), and was rejected of God because he did not do it effectually, but spared some of that devoted nation, in contempt, not only of the particular orders he received from Samuel, but of this general command here given by Moses, which he could not be ignorant of. David afterwards made some destruction of them; and the Simeonites, in Hezekiah's time, smote the rest that remained (Ch1 4:43); for when God judges he will overcome.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 25:13 issues a direct and unequivocal prohibition against the use of fraudulent weights in commercial transactions. This foundational command, delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, underscores God's profound commitment to justice, honesty, and integrity within the covenant community. It serves as a bedrock principle for ethical commerce, reflecting the divine character that abhors deceit and demands equitable dealings among all people, especially safeguarding the vulnerable from exploitation.
Context
Literary Context
This specific command is situated within the broader legal framework of Deuteronomy, a book primarily comprising Moses' final addresses to the new generation of Israelites before their entry into Canaan. Chapter 25, in particular, deals with a diverse collection of civil and moral statutes, ranging from regulations concerning physical punishment and dignity (Deuteronomy 25:1-3) to the law of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) and the treatment of the Amalekites (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). The inclusion of the prohibition against "divers weights" within this varied legal tapestry highlights its fundamental importance to the establishment of a righteous society, emphasizing that justice must permeate all aspects of life, from personal relationships to economic interactions, reflecting God's comprehensive moral order.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern societies, commerce heavily relied on scales and weights, typically stones, to measure goods like grain, precious metals, and spices. The absence of standardized currency meant that transactions were often conducted through bartering or by weighing commodities. A merchant would carry a "bag" containing various weights. The temptation to use different weights—one heavier for buying (to acquire more product for less money) and one lighter for selling (to dispense less product while charging for more)—was a common and insidious form of fraud. This practice disproportionately harmed the poor, the uneducated, and those without means to verify measurements, making this law a crucial safeguard for societal equity and stability in a marketplace where trust was paramount and often easily undermined.
Key Themes
The prohibition against "divers weights" contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully articulates God's demand for honesty and integrity in all human dealings, particularly in economic spheres, as seen also in Leviticus 19:35-36. This command is a direct expression of divine justice and fairness, ensuring that all members of the covenant community are treated equitably, reflecting the character of a righteous God who "loves justice" (Psalm 33:5). Furthermore, it embodies the theme of protection of the vulnerable, as dishonest practices often victimized the poor and marginalized, a concern frequently highlighted in Mosaic law. Ultimately, this law underscores the idea that ethical conduct in the marketplace is not merely a human convention but a divine mandate, an act of obedience and worship that reflects God's own perfect righteousness and abhorrence of all forms of deceit, as emphasized in Proverbs 11:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This refers to the pouch, purse, or container typically carried by merchants, in which they would keep their weights and money. The mention of the "bag" emphasizes the personal possession and responsibility of the individual merchant. It's not just about the weights themselves, but about the possession and intent to use them fraudulently, indicating a heart inclined towards dishonesty and a premeditated plan to deceive.
This word literally means "stone," which was the common material for weights in ancient Near Eastern commerce. The repetition of the word "weights" (implied in "divers weights" or "a stone and a stone") highlights the duality and deceptive nature of having two different standards. It signifies the physical instruments of trade that were to be used with absolute precision and honesty, but which were often corrupted for personal gain.
This describes one of the two fraudulent weights. A "great" or heavy weight would be used by the merchant when buying goods, making it appear that they were receiving more product than they actually were for a given amount of money or trade. This allowed them to unjustly acquire more from the seller.
This describes the other fraudulent weight. A "small" or light weight would be used by the merchant when selling goods, making it appear that they were dispensing more product than they actually were for the price. This allowed them to unjustly charge more for less product delivered to the buyer.
Verse Breakdown
"Thou shalt not have in thy bag"
This opening clause establishes a direct, personal, and absolute prohibition. It's not merely a command against the act of using false weights, but against the possession of them with fraudulent intent. The "bag" signifies the merchant's personal tools of trade, making the command deeply personal and a matter of individual integrity and conscience. It implies forethought and preparation for deceit, which is condemned as a violation of God's righteous standard.
"divers weights"
This specifies the nature of the prohibited items. The phrase "divers weights" (literally "a stone and a stone" in Hebrew) refers to having two different, non-standardized sets of weights for the purpose of cheating. This duality encapsulates the essence of the fraudulent practice: the deliberate manipulation of measures for unjust gain, a systematic intention to deceive and exploit rather than an accidental inaccuracy.
"a great and a small"
This further clarifies and emphasizes the nature of the "divers weights," leaving no ambiguity about the kind of deception being condemned. It describes the two types of fraudulent weights: one that is deceptively heavy (a "great" weight, used when buying to ensure the merchant gets more than paid for) and one that is deceptively light (a "small" weight, used when selling to ensure the merchant gives less than paid for). This specific detail highlights the comprehensive nature of God's demand for precise and honest measurements in all commercial dealings.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Legal Prohibition as its primary literary form, characteristic of the Deuteronomic law code. The direct, imperative "Thou shalt not have" establishes a clear and non-negotiable divine command, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the ethical standard. Furthermore, there is a strong element of Synecdoche or Metonymy at play, where "divers weights" (specifically "a great and a small") serves as a concrete example that stands for all forms of commercial fraud and dishonesty. By focusing on this specific, tangible practice, the law effectively condemns the broader spirit of deceit and exploitation in the marketplace. The specific mention of the "bag" also functions as a Metonymy, representing the merchant's entire practice, intent, and personal responsibility, thereby making the prohibition deeply personal and encompassing the inner disposition as well as the outward act. The repetition implied in "divers weights" (a stone and a stone) also serves as a form of Emphasis, underscoring the deliberate and systematic nature of the fraud.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The prohibition against "divers weights" is not an isolated legal decree but an integral part of God's overarching demand for righteousness and justice within His covenant people. It reflects the very character of Yahweh, who is perfectly just and true, and therefore abhors all forms of deceit and exploitation. This command elevates commercial integrity to a theological imperative, demonstrating that economic transactions are not morally neutral but fall under divine scrutiny. It underscores that true worship and obedience extend beyond ritual and into the practicalities of daily life, including the marketplace. God's concern for fair dealing is rooted in His compassion for the vulnerable and His desire for a society where trust and equity flourish, thereby reflecting His holiness to the surrounding nations.
Reflection and Application
While the specific context of Deuteronomy 25:13 addresses physical weights and measures in an ancient marketplace, its underlying principle of absolute honesty and integrity remains profoundly relevant for believers today. This command challenges us to examine every facet of our lives, particularly our financial and professional dealings, to ensure they are characterized by unimpeachable truthfulness. It calls us to reject any form of deception, manipulation, or unfair advantage, whether in business transactions, academic pursuits, or personal relationships. Living by "just weights" in a modern context means accurate pricing, truthful advertising, honest reporting, fair wages, transparent communication, and fulfilling commitments with integrity. Ultimately, our commitment to integrity is not merely about avoiding legal repercussions or maintaining a good reputation; it is an act of worship, demonstrating our reverence for a God who is Himself perfectly just and true, and whose character we are called to reflect in a world often marked by deceit and compromise.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is God so concerned with seemingly mundane commercial practices like weights and measures?
God's concern for "divers weights" is far from mundane; it is deeply theological and practical. Firstly, it reflects His intrinsic character of justice and righteousness. As a holy God, He abhors all forms of deceit and exploitation, which are antithetical to His nature and violate the trust essential for community. Secondly, it is a matter of social justice. In ancient societies, dishonest weights disproportionately harmed the poor and vulnerable, who often lacked the means to verify measurements or seek redress. By commanding fair weights, God was actively protecting the marginalized and ensuring equity within the covenant community, a theme consistently seen throughout the Law and prophetic literature. Thirdly, it speaks to the holistic nature of faith. God's dominion extends over every aspect of human life, including commerce. Ethical business practices are not separate from spiritual devotion but are an integral part of living out one's covenant relationship with Him, as highlighted in Proverbs 16:11.
How does the principle of "divers weights" apply to modern business and personal ethics, given that we don't use physical weights and scales?
The principle of Deuteronomy 25:13 transcends its ancient context and applies directly to modern ethics, albeit in different forms. In business, it condemns any practice that involves deception or manipulation for unfair gain. This includes, but is not limited to, false advertising, misleading financial statements, deceptive pricing, unethical sales tactics, intellectual property theft, or providing substandard services while charging for premium ones. It calls for transparency and integrity in every transaction, ensuring that what is promised is delivered. In personal ethics, it speaks to integrity in all our dealings: being truthful in our words and promises, avoiding hypocrisy, consistently applying our moral standards, and not presenting one face to some and another to others. It calls for transparency and honesty in all relationships, reflecting the consistent character of God, who is "the Lord, the God of truth" (Psalm 31:5).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 25:13, with its demand for perfect honesty in weights and measures, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of truth and justice, the one in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" (Colossians 2:3). Unlike the deceitful merchant with "divers weights," Christ's character is utterly consistent and without blemish, perfectly reflecting the righteous standard of God the Father. His life and teachings consistently upheld integrity, from His admonition for His followers to let their "yes be yes and their no be no" (Matthew 5:37) to His condemnation of hypocrisy among the religious leaders who "cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Through His atoning work, Christ not only perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands for justice but also empowers believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to live lives marked by the fruit of truthfulness and integrity (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, the call to honest dealings in the marketplace becomes a spiritual act, a tangible expression of our identity as new creations in Christ, who are called to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him" (Colossians 1:10) and to be "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8) in every sphere of life.