Leviticus 19:36

Context

Leviticus 19 is often referred to as part of the "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), where God instructs the Israelites on what it means to be holy, just as He is holy. This chapter provides a broad range of ethical and social commands, moving from reverence for parents and keeping the Sabbath to specific moral directives like not stealing, lying, or slandering. Verse 36, therefore, places the command for honesty in commercial dealings within this larger framework of daily life and ethical conduct, demonstrating that holiness is not confined to religious rituals but permeates all aspects of existence, including business transactions. The preceding verses (Leviticus 19:33-35) also speak to justice for foreigners and fair judgment, setting the stage for the specific injunctions regarding weights and measures.

Key Themes

• Honesty and Integrity: At its core, this verse is a direct command for absolute honesty in all commercial dealings. God demands that His people use precise and uncorrupted instruments for trade, ensuring fairness for both buyer and seller. This principle of just weights and measures is foundational to a righteous society.
• Social Justice: Dishonest scales and measures were a common way to exploit the vulnerable in ancient societies. By commanding "just balances" and "just weights," the LORD protects the poor and weak from being cheated, ensuring equitable exchange. This reflects God's character as a God of justice who champions the cause of the oppressed.
• God's Character and Redemption: The concluding phrase, "I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt," is a powerful reminder of their covenant relationship. Their ethical obligations are rooted in God's redemptive act. Because God delivered them from slavery, they are now obligated to live in a way that reflects His justice and holiness. This ties their freedom directly to their responsibility to live righteously, as seen in Exodus 20:2.

Linguistic Insights

• "Just" (צֶדֶק - tzedeq): The Hebrew word tzedeq carries the meaning of righteousness, fairness, and equity. It's not merely about mechanical accuracy but about moral uprightness and adherence to God's standards of justice in all dealings.
• "Ephah" (אֵיפָה - 'ephah) and "Hin" (הִין - hin): These were standard units of measurement in ancient Israel. An ephah was a dry measure, commonly used for grain (approximately 0.6 bushels or 22 liters), while a hin was a liquid measure (approximately 0.95 gallons or 3.6 liters). The specific mention of these common measures emphasizes that God's command for honesty applies to everyday transactions.

Practical Application

The principle of Leviticus 19:36 remains profoundly relevant today. While we may no longer use ephahs and hins, the command for integrity in business and daily life is timeless. This verse calls believers to:

• Practice Honesty in Commerce: This includes fair pricing, accurate advertising, transparent dealings, and fulfilling contractual obligations. It applies to all professions and business interactions, whether selling goods, providing services, or managing finances.
• Live with Integrity: Beyond commerce, the spirit of this verse applies to all areas of life. It calls us to be truthful in our words, faithful to our promises, and consistent in our character, ensuring our "yes" means yes and our "no" means no (Matthew 5:37).
• Reflect God's Character: Our commitment to fairness and honesty is a testimony to the God we serve, who is inherently just. Living with integrity honors Him and demonstrates the transformative power of His redemption in our lives.