Definition: The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when [they] give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 30:15. It’s a really important part of understanding how God sees his people and their relationship with Him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that when you give a portion of your money or resources to God, you should give at least half of it to him. Let’s unpack that a bit: “The rich shall not give more…” – This speaks to those who have a lot of wealth and possessions. It's about recognizing that some people are naturally inclined to be greedy or focused on accumulating more. “…and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel.” – This is where it gets really significant. A “shekel” was a very important Jewish tax, roughly equivalent to $10-20 USD today. This verse states that anyone who gives even 1/8th of their money or resources should be offered as a sacrifice to God. It's a minimum requirement. “to make an atonement for your souls.” – "Atonement" means to make things right with God, to forgive sins, and to restore harmony. This verse is about acknowledging that we’re all flawed and need forgiveness. Giving a portion of our resources as a sacrifice shows humility and a willingness to turn away from wrongdoing. What's the bigger picture? This verse is rooted in God’s concern for his people – specifically, the Israelites. It’s a reminder that: God values generosity: He wants to be pleased with us. He expects respect and humility: Giving a portion of our resources shows we recognize His authority and are willing to submit to His will. It's about forgiveness and restoration: This act of giving is a way for us to take responsibility for our sins and seek His mercy. In short, it’s a call for generosity and humility – acknowledging God’s importance in our lives and showing that we are willing to be accountable. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to other biblical teachings about giving or sacrifice?