Exodus 30:15

15 Der Reiche soll nicht mehr geben und der Arme nicht weniger als den halben Silberling, den man dem HERRN zur Hebe gibt für die Versöhnung ihre Seelen.

Exodus 30:15 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 30:15

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give
less than half a shekel
Which shows that the Israelites were alike in the esteem of God, their worldly circumstances making no difference; their souls being alike, the same ransom price was given for them; and that they were all to have an equal share in the service and sanctuary of God, and the price was set so low, that the poorest man might be able to pay it: and even Maimonides F25 says, if he lived on alms, he was to beg it of others, or sell his clothes from off his back to pay it. This shows the equality of the redeemed and ransomed of the Lord; for though some sins and sinners are greater than others, and some are redeemed from more sins than others, yet all sins being infinite, as committed against an infinite God, but one price is paid for all, and that is the precious blood of Christ, the Son of God, an infinite and divine Person; hence all the ransomed ones have the same faith, righteousness, salvation, and eternal life:

when they give an offering unto the Lord, to make atonement for
your souls;
which have sinned, are liable to death for it, are the more excellent part of men, and require a great price for the redemption and ransom of them; and hence it is so great a blessing to be ransomed, because it is the ransom of the soul: and such is the efficacy of Christ's ransom, that it is a full atonement for the souls of men, and their sins, and completely delivers from sin, Satan, the law, death, and hell.


FOOTNOTES:

F25 Hilchot Shekalim, c. 1. sect. 1.

Exodus 30:15 In-Context

13 Es soll aber ein jeglicher, der in der Zahl ist, einen halben Silberling geben nach dem Lot des Heiligtums (ein Lot hat zwanzig Gera). Solcher halber Silberling soll das Hebopfer des HERRN sein.
14 Wer in der Zahl ist von zwanzig Jahren und darüber, der soll solch Hebopfer dem HERRN geben. {~}
15 Der Reiche soll nicht mehr geben und der Arme nicht weniger als den halben Silberling, den man dem HERRN zur Hebe gibt für die Versöhnung ihre Seelen.
16 Und du sollst solch Geld der Versöhnung nehmen von den Kindern Israel und zum Gottesdienst der Hütte des Stifts geben, daß es sei den Kindern Israel ein Gedächtnis vor dem HERRN, daß er sich Über ihre Seelen versöhnen lasse.
17 Und der HERR redete mit Mose und sprach:
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