Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 19:36. It’s a really important and powerful statement about our relationship with God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse is saying: “God wants a perfect, balanced, and well-prepared offering to Him. He’s so proud of how he brought us out of Egypt that he demands that we are completely trustworthy and prepared for him.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Just balances, just weights…” – This refers to the quality of the offering. It means the thing we’re presenting must be perfectly measured and balanced. It’s not about being big or heavy; it’s about having everything in its proper place. “…a just ephah…” – An "ephah" was a large container used for storing grain, usually enough to feed a significant group of people. “Just” here means perfectly filled and balanced. “…and a just hin…” – Similar to an ephah, a “hin” was another large container, often used for storing provisions. Again, it's about perfect measurement and balance. Now, the crucial part – the "I [am] the LORD your God..." This is where the verse gets really significant. It’s proclaiming that God himself is the one who brought us out of Egypt. It's a declaration of divine ownership and authority. In short, this verse emphasizes: Our Dependence on God: We are dependent on God for our existence and salvation. Divine Authority: God is in charge and has the right to establish standards and requirements. Trustworthiness: By fulfilling these requirements (being perfectly balanced and well-prepared), we demonstrate our trust and loyalty to God, and are deemed worthy of His blessings. Why is this important? This verse is a foundational principle in Judaism and has been interpreted throughout Christian history as a reminder of the importance of holiness, obedience, and faithfulness. It’s about recognizing that God's presence and authority are central to our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in a specific context (like the Old Testament)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?